The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 shocked the entire world and will forever be etched in our memories. No matter where you were, or what you were doing, you can remember exactly what was happening when you heard, saw or felt the events of 9/11.

As we continue to look back on the tragic events of September 11, there any many stories we remember but also many stories that haven’t been told. One story that many people have not heard about resurfaces every year.

It is a story involving actor Steve Buscemi. You probably recognize him for his voiceovers in “Monster’s Inc” in addition to prominent roles on film and T.V. What many don’t know about the actor is that Buscemi used to be a New York Firefighter. From 1980 to 1984, he fought flames with Engine Company No. 55, in the Little Italy section of New York.

When news of the World Trade Center attacks broke, Buscemi rushed down to ground zero to rejoin his fire crew and help search for survivors and save lives, two decades after he first started firefighting.

Following his heroic actions, the actor refused interviews and stayed out of the limelight. He didn’t want credit for his actions. He just knew he was doing the right thing, a humble gesture from a prominent Hollywood figure.

The incredible story was recalled by Jonathan Lusk, Captain of Fresno Fire, CA, in a post on the “Brotherhood of Fire” Facebook page

“Do you recognize this man? Do you know his name? Lots of people know he’s an actor, and that his name is Steve Buscemi.”

What very few people realize is that he was once one of New York’s Bravest. In 1976 Steve Buscemi took the FDNY civil service test when he was just 18 years old. In 1980 Steve Buscemi became a New York City Firefighter. For four years, Buscemi served on one of FDNY’s busiest, Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan’s Little Italy. He later left the fire service to become a successful actor, writer and director.

After 9/11/2001… Brother Buscemi returned to FDNY Engine 55. On September 12, 2001 and for several days following Brother Steve worked 12-hour shifts alongside other firefighters digging and sifting through the rubble from the World Trade Center looking for survivors.

Very few photographs and no interviews exist because he declined them. He wasn’t there for the publicity. In 2003 he also gave a speech at a union rally supporting higher wages for firefighters and to stop fire houses from closing. He got arrested along with other firefighters.

Also not very well known is that in 2012 Brother Buscemi showed up in Breezy Point, NY and quietly assisted in the clean-up efforts of the damage and mass destruction left by Super Storm Sandy.

Once a brother, always a brother! Just so we’re clear… this guy is a Badass !!! Tip of the helmet Brother Steve!”

Buscemi said it was nothing short of a “privilege” to serve alongside heroes, a huge testemant to his character.

It was great to connect with the firehouse I used to work with and with some guys I worked alongside, he said according to UniLad.

“And it was enormously helpful for me because while I was working, I didn’t really think about it as much, feel it as much,” Buscemi said.

Take a look at the above video where Buscemi talks about his prior career as a fire fighter.