Sam Ruggeri

Sam Ruggeri, executive vice president of True Digital Security, also benefited from a twist of fate on 9/11.

“I was supposed to be in the city that day but decided to work from the Long Island office. Why I made that decision I’ll never know. I saw the smoking pile and to this day, I visit the memorial and still shake my head.”

“On that day, I lost several friends that I will truly “Never Forget.” I know how fragile life is without a doubt and truly understand the adage about never taking life for granted. The outpouring of people wanting to help showed the good in humanity when it truly is needed.”

As a deeply rooted New Yorker — born and raised — 9/11 had a tremendous effect on me. Even when everyone is going about their day-to-day business, I don’t believe anyone takes their mind off what happened that day. The sadness and bitterness still remain. I take great pride on how we all came together to help, heal and mourn. That’s what got us through it and why we are “New York Strong.”