NYC Symposium | September 8th
September 8th | Professionals
Global Security, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services
New York Marriott Downtown
85 West Street, New York City
VOICES New York City Symposium was held on Tuesday, September 8th, Wednesday, September 9th, and Thursday, September 10th. The Symposium, held in person and broadcast live, was presented in partnership with our 9/11 Community partners, the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA) and the International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM).
In collaboration with LinCT-AA and INVICTM, VOICES brought together professionals from law enforcement, counterterrorism, emergency management, corporate security and victim-support agencies. Presenters shared their expertise, identified challenges, and proposed solutions through public-private partnerships.
September 8th Schedule
Presentation of Colors by the NYPD Ceremonial Unit
VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium begins with the Presentation of Colors performed by the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, and the singing of the National Anthem - honoring the nation and remembering the lives lost. Father George offers the opening prayer, reflecting on the significance of the day and the enduring bonds of remembrance, community and resilience.
Welcome Remarks
The VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium, entitled “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” opens with Frank and Mary Fetchet thanking sponsors and partners and announcing a partnership with StoryCorps to record 250 interviews with victims’ families, survivors and responders. Mary reflects on how 9/11 shaped VOICES mission and notes the continued need for ongoing support for the 9/11 Community 25 years later. Sue O’Sullivan honors the Fetchets’ legacy and calls for partnerships before tragedy strikes. Vicky Evans emphasizes international collaboration, centering victims’ voices, and shaping a more resilient future.
Keynote Remarks
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner reflects on 25 years since 9/11, noting the unity born that day, and urges passing its lessons to the next generation. She cited recent tragedies fueled by polarization, online radicalization, and nihilistic violence, often by young people with no memory of 9/11. FBI Deputy Dir. Christopher Raia describes the FBI’s post-9/11 pivot to prevention and partnership, stresses sharing intelligence at the speed of the threat, and asks that those suffering 9/11-related illness never be forgotten.
Evolution of the Terrorist Threat and US Counterterrorism Response
Three former National Counterterrorism Center directors reflect on 25 years of post-9/11 counterterrorism. They credit intelligence integration with preventing another 9/11, but note the threat has shifted to lone-actor and domestic extremists, Iran and its proxies, ISIS in Africa, cartels, and encrypted platforms. They urge sustained investment in core capabilities, clearer NCTC domestic authorities, and avoiding mission creep. They warn the next major attack may be cyber or AI-enabled, and stress remembering victims and drawing young people into public service.
Former Acting Director of NCTC; Former Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (INR)
Former Assistant Attorney General for US Department of Justice National Security Division; Former Director of NCTC
Lessons Learned from 9/11: Preparing for Large Scale Events
The panel brings together four security leaders with extensive NYPD and private-sector experience to examine how lessons from 9/11 continue to shape preparedness for large-scale events. Panelists share firsthand experiences responding to September 11 and its aftermath, highlighting community support, public-private partnerships, advanced training, intelligence sharing, and layered security. They discuss evolving challenges including drones, social media, protests, and emerging threats, emphasizing collaboration and continuous preparation to keep people safe.
Deputy Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department; Retired Chief of Intelligence and Counterterrorism, NYPD
Disaster Victim Identification: Lessons Learned in the Aftermath of September 11th
A panel of dedicated New York City officials explains how 9/11 exposed the need for a centralized system to account for victims. The magnitude of 9/11 resulted in over 30,000 missing persons reports from over 90 countries, many duplicated or handwritten, requiring an accurate manifest that would take years. The city now uses the Unified Victim Identification System: 311 takes reports, searches hospital records, consolidates duplicates, and grades calls by likelihood of involvement so the NYPD can prioritize. Today, 1,100 families still await the identification of their loved ones remains.
Former Commanding Officer, New York City Police Department Missing Persons Squad
From Information to Action: Technology, Trust and Public Safety After 9/11
A panel of security leaders and technology executives discuss how AI can move public safety from reactive to proactive. Speakers recall 9/11’s communication failures, from fax machines to lost radio antennas. They argue AI connects disjointed systems, eases analysts’ data overload, and flags responder stress. They stress the importance of built-in governance and legal vetting to build public trust. The discussion closes on the warning that autonomous AI agents can now break containment, and adversaries may exploit them.
Sports After 9/11
ESPN's Mike Greenberg and Jeremy Schaap recall their memories on 9/11, and how sports helped heal the nation. Greenberg highlights his experience producing the “Comeback Season: Sports After 9/11” at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, using the example of the camaraderie exhibited at the World Series when President Bush threw out the first pitch. Schaap shares his account of creating a documentary about Michael Cammarata, the youngest firefighter who lost his life on 9/11. Both stress the importance of educating the next generation about how sports can be a unifying force by bringing communities together. If you are interested in watching the video of ESPN E60 “Living On: The Michael Cammarata Story”, click here.
Members of the 9/11 community are invited to participate in a special recording opportunity by sitting down with a family member, friend, colleague, or other meaningful person to share memories of a loved one, reflect on their life and legacy, and preserve their story for generations to come.
This is an exhibit of hope and healing showcasing artwork created by artists of all ages, in response to and in the years following 9/11- a glimpse into 9/11's imprint on society.
Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES)
Founded in the aftermath of 9/11, Voices Center for Resilience, (formerly Voices of September 11th) provides long-term support and access to mental health care and resources for thousands of victims' families, responders and survivors. VOICES collaborates with its partners to assist communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from tragedies, in the United States and abroad. With an emphasis on providing support, education and training, VOICES comprehensive, victim-centered approach underscores a commitment to promote resilience in the lives of those impacted and builds bridges between communities affected by tragedy.
Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA)
Since its inception in 2008, the LinCT-AA has brought together senior police and intelligence leaders from the “Five Eyes” – Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States – to promote personal and professional development, networking, exchange of good practices, and global thinking. LinCT-AA leaders continue to ensure that victims have been included in and considered as essential partners in the discussions and the work of the association.
The International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM)
Created in 2016, INVICTM brings together trusted experts dedicated to improving support for victims of terrorism and mass violence. The strength of INVICTM lies in the ability to share lessons learned, leverage the knowledge and expertise of its members and their networks, to influence change and turn research into action within our own countries and globally. The group of over 30 international members includes NGOs, law enforcement agencies, civil society members and other experts that provide information based upon their background, country and professional perspective.
NYPD Shield
The NYPD Shield program is a public-private partnership, established in 2005 by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Its mission is to strengthen collaboration between the NYPD and private security professionals, as well as serve as a communication platform with private-sector entities on security and counterterrorism-related matters. Through this program, the NYPD shares information and resources with leading security professionals and law enforcement agencies worldwide, creating a force multiplier in the fight against terrorism. By engaging both private and public sector leaders, the NYPD aims to prevent potential terrorist attacks and enhance overall security within New York City and beyond.
ASIS International New York City Chapter
The New York City Chapter of ASIS International, a global community of security practitioners, is among the largest Chapters in ASIS International. Our membership exceeds 1500 members with a mailing list reaching over 15,000 readers. Members of the Chapter represent an entire spectrum of security professionals, security contractors and practitioners from the New York City metropolitan area. We provide a forum that brings together security professionals, government and law enforcement to further their common goals and to share experiences and best practices.
Corporate security professionals, including many Fortune 500 companies and providers of security services, as well as Federal, State and local law enforcement, participate in the NYC Chapter.
StoryCorps
StoryCorps is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Since 2003, StoryCorps has helped hundreds of thousands of people record meaningful conversations about their lives and the people who matter most to them. These conversations are preserved in the StoryCorps Archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, creating a lasting record for families and future generations.
StoryCorps began collecting remembrance recordings for victims of the September 11 attacks in 2005. In partnership with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, more than 1,200 interviews were recorded, honoring approximately 700 people who lost their lives in the attacks. These conversations preserve not only the events of September 11, but also the lives, relationships, memories, and legacies of those who were lost.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
25th Anniversary Commemoration Sponsor
Legacy Sponsor
Remembrance Sponsor
9/11 Family Luncheon Sponsor
Speaker Luncheon Sponsor
Reception Sponsors
