Many first responders from the 9/11 attacks didn't make it home that day. Some who did are still dealing with medical issues and injuries from the destruction.
Daryl Hughes has a ton a memories from the 20 years he served with the New York City Police Department.
"My whole life changed, it really did," Hughes said.
Hughes remembers getting the call from his supervisor to come in. He says it was complete chaos.
"It's a smell you'll never forget because it's the smell of the building materials and the human flesh," Hughes said.
He still has the gas masks he used as a detective that day along with a pair of boots. There's something else he brought home from that horrific day that's not seen that concerned him.
"I was suffering from PTSD. I immersed myself in work and didn't really think about it, but then I got sick and they told me I got cancer -- it just all came back," said Hughes.
Firefighters, police officers, and family died. At least 12 of those people Hughes knew.
Now, he says not all first responders who lived are getting the care and medical support they need from the World Trade Center Health Program.
"In a timely manner. That's the thing, it has to be timely because if you let some illnesses prolong, it gets worse over time," said Hughes.
Hughes says working out and staying active help him cope, but his biggest thank you goes out to his family.
"They kept me grounded and kept me from totally losing my mind and going out of control," said Hughes.
Hughes says each day is a work in progress and he's grateful to still be alive. The World Trade Center Health Program also claims to provide medical monitoring and treatment to cleanup workers and volunteers who helped after the attacks on 9/11.