We were there: gay and lesbian New York City police and a firefighter unite for these photos--and to share their September 11 stories. (Gay Heroes).

From left: Spike Cutolo, detective, New York Police Department Whereabouts on September 11: Home. She began working at ground zero at 4 A.M. on September 12. Her story: "They had us searching nearby buildings for body parts and plane parts. People could have been in there.... I was a steelworker before I became a cop, so I was familiar with structures. Looking at the buildings, I could imagine what kind of force it would take to blow a beam across the West Side Highway like a kite--the beams of the towers were impaled in other buildings. I'd need a crane to move metal like that."

Grace Telesco, lieutenant, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: At the city morgue, counseling family members

Francis S. Coppola, detective, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: At the World Trade Center when the first tower collapsed His story: "My boyfriend's a firefighter. I watched him go into [the south tower], and he never came out. Out of all the craziness, I was grateful I was able to say `I love you' one last time.... We always teased each other, so when he saw me down there he said, `You son of a bitch. I thought you promised to always wear your vest.' I was only in a T-shirt. I said, `Bite me. I was in court today.' He smiled. I smiled, and while we were exchanging smiles a lady grabbed my arm and asked me to take her outside. She was afraid to go by herself. He used sign language to say `I love you.' I did the same. I went outside, he went up, and then the tower came down."

Andrew Lavenski, officer, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: At ground zero by 10 A.M.

Carol Paukner, officer, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: In the first World Trade Center tower when it was hit; she was the second officer to respond to the situation. She helped evacuate people from the lower half of the building.

Edgar Rodriguez, former sergeant, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: In Los Angeles for a convention for gay police officers when he learned the first plane had hit. He worked at ground zero the following week. His story: "I feel there's less prejudice now. People recognize there were gay cops and gay firefighters lost in the buildings. And gay and lesbian officers who survived realized how short life is and how petty their fears are. People are coming out in larger numbers. I see captains coming out as a result of the World Trade Center. They don't want to die in secret and have their lovers suffer in silence."

Tom Ryan, firefighter, Fire Department of New York Whereabouts on September 11: At ground zero beginning at 11 A.M. His story: "For the first week, we were very isolated, 24 hours a day. Then the funerals started, and that was the first time I saw the article with Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. I was just livid. I did a little screaming and yelling in the kitchen at the firehouse.... When people say things like that, I want to stand up and show them what a gay man is."

Ann Cregan, officer, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: The family assistance center on Pier 94 Her story: "I was helping break bad news to families. It was awful, absolutely awful. As much as people had hope and thought that people would be found alive, the families knew. I don't know a nicer way to say it."

Thomas Verni, officer, NYPD Whereabouts on September 11: Directing recruits in keeping streets clear for ambulances