Manatee Schools Safety Chiefs Reflect on 9/11 Anniversaries

Bradenton, FL – While Oct. 2, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the significance runs deeper for some in the School District of Manatee County. Several individuals who now ensure student safety served as New York City police officers and experienced the events firsthand.

District Chief of Safety and Security Bob Gwin, a 22-year veteran of the NYPD, was on his way to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. He saw the smoke and knew instantly a plane had struck. He now contrasts those memories with the calm of Anna Maria Island.

Joe Pownall, the district's security manager and a former NYPD officer, received a neighbor's call informing him of the attacks while off duty. Both Gwin and Pownall lost police academy classmates and friends in the attacks, and both still have friends suffering from illnesses related to the event.

The Sept. 11 attacks involved hijacked planes striking the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and crashing in Pennsylvania. More than 2,900 people died and thousands more were injured.

Gwin stressed the importance of remembrance for students, staff and the community. "It's a day that will never be forgotten," he said.

The guardians apply their experiences to their current roles. Gwin noted significant improvements in school security procedures and emergency preparedness since 9/11. The district has enhanced security cameras, increased the number of security guards and implemented new measures, making schools better prepared today.