The city of New York released the September 11th emergency tapes Friday, stirring up painful memories for many New Jersey residents.

Thousands of people, including hundreds from New Jersey, were trapped in the World Trade Center. Many victims phoned 911 dispatchers pleading for help. They described people hanging out of windows from the towers, thick smoke and fire. Dispatchers are heard telling victims to ?sit tight,? and to remain calm while they scrambled to access the situation. Safety advocates say the tapes show a lack of training and coordination on the part of emergency personnel.

The city has released edited tapes containing only dispatchers? voices to the public, and is fighting a court ruling that requires victims to receive the unedited versions. The city says the unedited tapes are just too painful.

Related articles: