Sally Regenhard

Sally Regenhard

Sally Regenhard is an American activist who became a prominent advocate for building safety and emergency response reforms following the tragic loss of her son, Christian Regenhard, during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Christian, a 28-year-old probationary firefighter with the New York City Fire Department, was among the 343 firefighters who perished when the World Trade Center collapsed.

In response to this personal tragedy, Sally, along with her family, founded the Skyscraper Safety Campaign (SSC). The SSC is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for improved building and fire codes, ensuring the safety of both occupants and emergency responders in high-rise structures. The organization’s primary goals include:

  • Demanding a federal investigation into the collapse of the World Trade Center, focusing on its design, evacuation procedures, and firefighting techniques.
  • Promoting enhanced compliance with building and fire codes in New York City and nationwide.
  • Educating code groups to involve fire departments in the planning and construction of new skyscrapers.
  • Ensuring that newly revised fire safety codes are enforced in the construction of structures at Ground Zero and beyond.

Beyond her work with the SSC, Sally has been an active member of the Family Steering Committee for the 9/11 Commission, representing the interests and concerns of victims’ families. In honor of her son’s legacy, she and her family established the Christian Regenhard Center for Emergency Response Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. This center is dedicated to advancing research and education in emergency response, aiming to improve the effectiveness and safety of first responders.

Sally’s advocacy has also extended to public testimonies and media appearances. She has testified before the 9/11 Commission, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.

Her efforts have been instrumental in bringing attention to critical issues in building safety and emergency preparedness, ensuring that the lessons from September 11 continue to inform policies and practices.

Through her unwavering dedication, Sally Regenhard has transformed personal loss into a mission for public safety, leaving an indelible mark on building standards and emergency response protocols in the United States.

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