Remembering 9/11 by honoring the living heroes

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Edgar Rodriguez saw the second plane smash into the South Tower with his own eyes, but Monday he chose to speak about the heroism of today's first responders.

"They always rush to where most try to get away," Rodriguez asserted. "My words wouldn't be enough to to thank everyone."

Wake Technical Community College hosted Rodriguez on Monday to address students at the Public Safety Education Campus, which include those training to be police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. Rodriguez personally thanked first responders whom he credits for saving his 17-year-old son's life after a hit-and-run crash near the Brier Creek Shopping Center.

"This accident made him stronger," Rodriguez said of his son, Jonathan, who continues to recover from his injuries. "It made him realize how short life is and nothing is guaranteed. Tomorrow is definitely not guaranteed."

The 9/11 memorial also featured a family whose daughter was killed in the line of duty while she worked as a corrections officer, as well as families from Princeville still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Matthew.

Rodriguez joined them at the conclusion of the event to lay a wreath at the campus' Hall of Rememberance, which honors the fallen members of law enforcement, fire and rescue, corrections and armed services.