Did you know leading actor and former firefighter Steve Buscemi returned to NYC immediately after 9/11 to help the survivors?

The nation and the world changed forever 19 years ago on September 11, 2001.

After the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City fell, firefighters and other security officials were forced to scour through the wreckage to search for survivors.

Among Those Rescue Workers Was Actor Steve Buscemi

We all know Steve Buscemi as an iconic actor in some of the biggest blockbusters on the Silver Screen.

Did you also know he is a former firefighter?

Well, Buscemi was a part of FDNY Engine 55 in the Little Italy area of Manhattan from 1980-1984, before he left to become a full-time actor.

However, after the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001, he found himself back at Engine Company 55.

Buscemi Returned To His Former Job to Help Out His Fellow New Yorkers

He worked 12 hours shifts trying to dig victims out of the rubble because that's what he felt he needed to do.

No one called him and said they needed help; he just did it on his own. True bravery. Real-life hero!

At the time, he said of his work during the rescue:

"It was a privilege to be able to do it. It was great to connect with the firehouse I used to work with, and with some of the guys I worked alongside."

"And it was enormously helpful for me because while I was working, I didn't really think about it as much."

Buscemi is a hero in every way, shape and form, despite how humble he tries to be.

He Did Almost Zero Press About His 'Selfless Acts'

On the Brotherhood of Fire Facebook page, Jonathan Lusk, a fire captain in Fresno, California, brought Buscemi's good deeds to light.

Sharing a photo of Buscemi, they said:

"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."

After outlining his previous career as a firefighter, they detailed what he did to help at Ground Zero.

They said:

"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."

Ever Since the Attacks, Buscemi Has Done So Much for His Fellow Firefighters

For example, he recently produced an HBO documentary, A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY, where he explores the daily lives of New York City firefighters.

Today, He Serves on the Advisory Board for the Nonprofit Friends of Firefighters.

This organization is dedicated to providing 'free, confidential mental health and wellness services to New York City's active and retired firefighters and their families.'