First responder Sergeant Michael Middleton describes crawling through smoke at the Pentagon on 9/11

Sergeant Michael Middleton, identified in the program as a Virginia State Police sergeant and a first responder at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, told the audience he led searches through heavy smoke and collapsing structures while looking for survivors.

“I immediately turned lights and sirens on and headed to that location,” Middleton said as he recalled hearing over the radio that a plane had struck the Pentagon. He described smoke so thick rescuers had to crawl on their stomachs and a wall that caved in on top of his team before they were able to free themselves.

Middleton said he suffered thermal burns and acute respiratory distress; hospital staff at Alexandria Hospital and his pulmonologist provided care that helped him recover. He thanked his wife, Karen, and his two sons for supporting his recovery and service; several family members were present at the ceremony.

The account was presented as a personal testimony during the remembrance program and did not request or propose any policy changes. The event concluded by inviting Middleton and others to ring a ceremonial bell and by announcing a community blood drive at 10 a.m.