1. A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY (2014)
In 2014, Buscemi produced and appeared in an acclaimed HBO documentary titled A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY. Directed by Liz Garbus, the film provided an unvarnished, insider look at what it truly means to be a New York City firefighter. It covered the history, the camaraderie, the dark humor, the physical toll, and the profound mental health impact of the job—including explicit discussions about 9/11 and its long-term aftermath.
Through intimate interviews with veteran firefighters, probationary members, and retired officers, Buscemi gave voice to the men and women who put their lives on the line daily, ensuring their sacrifices were understood beyond simple headlines.
2. Supporting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
Buscemi actively participated in rallies, rallies on Capitol Hill, and fundraising campaigns advocating for the passage and reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill, named after FDNY detective James Zadroga who died of respiratory disease linked to Ground Zero exposure, provides medical monitoring and financial compensation for responders suffering from cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health conditions caused by toxic dust exposure at Ground Zero.
3. Friends of Firefighters
Buscemi has long been a staunch board member and supporter of Friends of Firefighters, a non-profit organization founded immediately after 9/11 to provide free, confidential mental health counseling, trauma therapy, and peer support services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families.
Reputable Sources & Archival References
To verify the facts of Steve Buscemi’s service, his career with the FDNY, and his actions following September 11, the following established news outlets, government records, and historical archives document his journey:
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FDNY Historical Records & Engine Company 55 Roster:
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Official department records confirm Steve Buscemi’s service as an active FDNY firefighter assigned to Engine Company 55 in Little Italy, Manhattan, from 1981 through 1985.
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Reference: FDNY Official Roster & Engine 55 Memorial Records.
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The New York Times (Archival Coverage & Profiles):
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The New York Times has covered Buscemi’s career transitions and his advocacy work for FDNY veterans, documenting his return to Broome Street on September 12, 2001, and his participation in 9/11 health fund rallies.
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Source Link:
The New York Times Archive
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CBS News / "60 Minutes" Profiles & Interviews:
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In various feature interviews—including retrospectives on 9/11 anniversaries—CBS News has interviewed Buscemi alongside fellow FDNY members, detailing his five days on the bucket line at Ground Zero and his subsequent mental health struggles.
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Source Link:
CBS News - Steve Buscemi FDNY Feature
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HBO Documentary Films – A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY (2014):
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Produced by Steve Buscemi and directed by Liz Garbus, this documentary serves as an official cinematic record of FDNY history, featuring firsthand accounts from Buscemi and his colleagues regarding 9/11 and its aftermath.
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Source Link:
HBO Documentary Films
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National September 11 Memorial & Museum:
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The 9/11 Memorial & Museum archives record the losses suffered by Engine Company 55, including the five members lost on September 11, 2001, and document the volunteer search-and-recovery efforts carried out by former and active firefighters in the days that followed.
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Source Link:
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
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Friends of Firefighters Organization:
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Official records and annual reports from Friends of Firefighters highlight Buscemi’s long-standing role as a board member, advocate, and fundraiser supporting mental health initiatives for 9/11 first responders.
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Source Link:
Friends of Firefighters Official Site
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Conclusion: The Quiet Definition of Heroism
In a culture often obsessed with self-promotion and surface-level celebrity, Steve Buscemi’s actions in September 2001 stand out as a stark, refreshing reminder of true humility.
He did not report to Ground Zero as a movie star seeking a photo opportunity; he went as a former firefighter carrying a heavy heart, answering an unwritten obligation to stand beside his brothers when they needed him most. By working quietly on the bucket lines, clearing debris, and mourning the fallen away from public eyes, Buscemi embodied the quiet, unvarnished ethos of the FDNY.
Years later, his legacy as a firefighter remains just as impactful as his legacy on screen—not because he wore a badge, but because when the city broke, he grabbed his boots and went to work.