Terri Tobin — Faith, Service, and Survival on 9/11

Terri Tobin — Faith, Service, and Survival on 9/11In this powerful conversation, Steve Yusko speaks with retired NYPD Chief Dr. Terri Tobin about her 41-year career in law enforcement, her family’s deep roots in policing, and the life-altering events of September 11, 2001. TeWhat this episode coversTerri’s family legacy in law enforcement and what “policing is in my genes” really meantHer path from sociology and social work into the NYPDTerri’s 9/11 survival story and the leadership moment that saved her lifeWhat it was like being buried in rubble at the World Trade CenterThe meaning of her belief that “no one suffers alone”How faith and the Dominican Sisters supported her recoveryThe role of the First Responders Children’s FoundationWhy remembrance, service, and healing still matter 25 years later Timestamps00:00 - Terri describes the Dominican Sisters as signs of joy and hope in her life01:50 - Family roots in policing and the example set by her father04:17 - Competitive NYPD entrance exam bet and the path from social work to policing05:14 - Using her social work license to support officers through peer assistance06:33 - How the NYPD co-response team pairs officers and clinicians08:18 - Joe Dunn’s life-saving instruction on 9/1110:15 - The South Tower collapse, darkness, and survival in the rubble12:25 - Injuries, adrenaline, and the instinct to help another victim13:42 - “No one suffers by themselves” and shared humanity after 9/1116:16 - How the NYPD supported officers after George Floyd and public backlash18:14 - Why the ocean and beach are healing for Terry19:44 - The origin and mission of the First Responders Children Foundation22:51 - The story of Officer Moira Smith and the letter from a survivor27:08 - Patricia Smith’s life and how Moira’s legacy lives on29:08 - Coincidences, faith, and the role of providence in survival30:38 - How the Dominican Sisters supported Terry’s recovery32:17 - Memorials at Shanksville, Arlington, and lower Manhattan34:12 - Why 9/11 was also the greatest rescue effort ever35:38 - Terri’s closing thanks to the first responder communityThe Dominican Sisters of Amityville9/11 Painting by Maureen Carey https://www.maureencareyartist.com/The First Responders Children’s FoundationNYPD peer assistance and wellness resourcesTo learn more about our ministries, history, and how you can join the Dominican Family:Website: www.sistersofstdominic.org We Move Forward Together: info@wmft.org Dominican Associates: associates@amityop.org"Preach the Truth as if you had a million voices. It is silence that kills the world." - St. Catherine of SienaSisters of St. Dominic of Amityville: Called to be Signs of Joy and Hope We are an active contemplative community. Our mission, which began when four Sisters traveled from Germany to the US in 1853 and settled in Amityville by the 1870s, is to bring the reign of God to fulfillment. As daughters of St. Dominic, we strive to be signs of joy and hope by living out the four pillars of Dominican life: Prayer, Study, Community, and Mission.What You Will Find Here:This channel showcases our dedication to promoting human dignity and alleviating social ills across our ministries. You will see how we are actively responding to the needs of the time, both locally and globally.• Social Justice & Empowerment: • Ecology & Sustainability:• Community & Spirituality: Seek Out More Information and Join Our Mission:We invite you to follow our stories and subscribe as we continue to journey forward together. You can become partners in our mission through several avenues:• Dominican Associates: Women and men, single or married, who are companions to the Sisters in the journey of "Holy Preaching".• Dominican Young Adults: Those aged 18-35 captured by the spirit of St. Dominic to "preach with their lives".• Volunteers: Opportunities are available at the Motherhouse in Amityville or within our ministries.