Posted by Jennifer Biller (165.247.13.205) on September 19, 2001 at 12:12:46:
Two Jan-Care workers return after helping
in New York City
by Jennifer Biller
STAFF WRITER
CLARKSBURG -- Two members of the Harrison County division
of Jan-Care Ambulance Service Inc. returned to Clarksburg
Friday afternoon, after lending their efforts at Ground Zero in
Manhattan.
Clint Tichnell, 24, and Ivan George, 27, went to the remains of
the World Trade Center Wednesday morning to offer their
help. Joining them were six other staff members from the
Raleigh and Fayette County Jan-Care divisions.
The group took supplies and four ambulances to aid victims
of the tragedy.
When they arrived at the scene, they couldn't believe their
eyes.
"There were piles of rubble higher than any building in this
city," said Tichnell. "When you walked through the streets,
there were papers everywhere, like someone dumped out
filing cabinets."
The workers waded ash four inches deep and went without
sleep for 48 hours. They were part of a bucket assembly line
that was being used to clear debris.
The crew did not recover any bodies intact, George said.
"It's a dangerous and graphic environment," George said.
"I've been in the Army eight years, and I've never seen
anything like this."
For George, the most poignant moment was when he saw a
mangled baby stroller and a firefighter's helmet among the
debris.
Tichnell's most vivid recollection is of the written messages
on ash-covered vehicles lining the streets.
"It was a way for people to express themselves," he said.
"They wrote the names of missing loved ones, and I
remember one that said, 'I've seen war today.'"
The smoke was a constant nuisance. As was the feeling of
helplessness, while they waited to get to the scene, they
said.
Although many buildings surrounding the site are badly
damaged and could collapse, the workers said they didn't
think about the danger.
"In this business, you're focused on helping people," George
said. "Your work ethic is to help, regardless of the chaos."
Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1449 or by
e-mail at jbiller@exponent-telegram.com.