FDNY Chief and Highest Ranking Firefighter to Survive the World Trade Center Collapse
Keppler Speakers
Chief Richard Picciotto delivers a gripping, firsthand account of the day that altered history, underscoring the significance of courage, preparation and effective leadership when confronted with enormous adversity.
The FDNY battalion commander in lower Manhattan when it was the target of terrorist attacks on 9/11, Richard and his fellow firefighters selflessly rushed inside the World Trade Center towers to rescue those trapped inside. The highest-ranking firefighter to survive that day, he humbly reflects on his efforts and offers an insider’s knowledge of how courage and training helped save numerous lives. He also chronicles this experience in his best-selling book, Last Man Down.
In captivating narratives that leave audiences on the edge of their seats, Richard recounts his experiences on that day and those following, revealing how he summoned lessons learned throughout his years as an accomplished leader to take on the most difficult tasks. Tactfully incorporating humor with valuable lessons on leadership, preparation and decision-making, Richard puts this defining historical event into perspective, while imparting valuable insights for business leaders to effectively lead teams through significant challenges and in crises.
Wednesday Jun 10
3:45pm - 4:15pm
CIS Security Solutions Theatre
When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9/11, FDNY Battalion Commander Chief Richard Picciotto ran toward the danger as thousands fled. As the highest‑ranking firefighter to survive the collapse, Picciotto has become a powerful voice on courage, preparation, and leadership under the most extreme conditions. In this captivating session, Chief Picciotto will take attendees inside that historic day — sharing the split‑second decisions, disciplined training, and unwavering commitment that helped save countless lives. Through powerful firsthand storytelling, he will reflect on how leaders rise when the stakes are highest, and how the lessons forged in crisis can guide anyone facing pressure, uncertainty, or transformational challenges. Join us as Chief Picciotto unpacks what it truly means to lead teams through chaos, offering LP/AP leaders practical takeaways on readiness, resilience, communication, and decision‑making when every moment counts.
