Terror blanketed the United States 20 years ago. Fear resonated in people’s minds as two planes struck the Twin Towers, another hit the Pentagon, and a final plane crashed into a field. Sorrow for lost ones left families broken. 

Law enforcement teacher Michael Tatum has a military background and he said that the attack on September 11, 2001 made him realize America was not as safe anymore. 

“This being the 20 year anniversary makes me look back and appreciate things,” Tatum said. “Really look back at things.” 

Tatum was at a DPS training academy on the day of the attack. 

“We have military reserves that left the academy to help with the aftermath of 9/11,” Tatum said. “They were the only ones that got to leave because the academy wanted us to stay focused on learning.”

Attendance clerk Dick Parker was working at the high school in 2001. 

He said he was buying coffee and donuts in town when he saw on the news that planes were intentionally crashed into the twin towers by a group of terrorists. 

“We are very isolated and protected in a way,” Parker said. “I was somber that many people lost their lives to a terrorist. It jars you to the reality of the world.”