Patricia Del Rio

Never Forget: 24 Years Later

Today marks 24 years since September 11, 2001, a day I covered as a journalist and one I will never forget.

I saw what words can scarcely describe—the sheer horror of people jumping from the burning towers, choosing a final act of desperation over certain death inside. I interviewed men and women who clutched photographs of loved ones, begging for help in finding them. Their faces etched with grief, fear, and disbelief are images I will never erase.

For me, the tragedy was also deeply personal. I lost my dear friend Eric Lehrfeld that day. He was brilliant, hysterically funny and had a full of life ahead of him with a wife and baby daughter. To this day, I feel the ache of that loss for them and for all the families who lost loved ones.

Today, I am reminded of the days and weeks that followed 9/11. I saw something remarkable happen. America came together. Strangers helped strangers. Lines stretched around city blocks to donate blood. Flags hung from windows and bridges. Politics didn’t matter. We were bound together by grief, yes, but also by compassion, resilience, and resolve.

Today, I reflect not only on what was lost that day, but on what has been lost since: our sense of unity. Nearly a quarter century later, our country feels more divided, more tribal, than ever. We have forgotten what 9/11 briefly reminded us…that we are stronger together.

That is why remembrance matters. For young people who were not born then, 9/11 is just a chapter in a history book. But for those of us who bore witness, it remains a living memory. Teaching it in schools is essential. Learning about not just the horror, but the humanity, the courage, and the way we rose together in the face of tragedy.

“Never Forget” cannot be just a slogan. It must be a promise: to honor those who died, to remember the lessons, and to ensure future generations understand the weight of that day.

Twenty-four years later, I still carry the images, the voices, and the heartbreak of 9/11. Sharing them is my small way of keeping that promise. Never forget.

Saint Patrick’s Day Rainbow at our house! 🌈

Nicole is officially a high schooler! I can’t believe it! It seems like yesterday she started kindergarten. Here’s to 9th grade and a great school year ahead! 📕

Some personal news… that’s a wrap on 8 1/2 years at WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News

Just a quick note to let you all know I have decided to resign from Channel 3. I feel like this is the right decision for me and for my family.

I want you to know it has been my absolute pleasure working with the people there these past 8 1/2 years.

WFSB is a special place with dedicated and hardworking people and I have deep admiration for my colleagues.

When I arrived there in 2016, it was after a six year Mommy hiatus. I had left my job at WPIX in NY as an anchor and reporter to come to Connecticut and start the life of a stay at home Mommy.

When my daughter started kindergarten, it was time to
re-enter the workforce and the people at WFSB created a lovely and welcoming home for me. It felt like family.

I'm proud of the stories I was able to tell over these years and the Emmy, Murrow, CT Society of Professional Journalists , CT Press Club and National Press Club awards that came with some of them...but I could not have done that without the help of all of the news team. This business is, was and always will be about teamwork.

One particular thing I have come to enjoy the most during my time at Channel 3 is the role of "mentor." I never set out to be one, but after Denise D'Ascenzo's death, I kind of tried to pick up her mantle. She was always so encouraging and believed in helping the next generation grow and hone their journalistic skills. I have loved helping many of the younger people there and watching them grow...including the ones who have since moved on from Channel 3 and are on their career trajectories in other markets.

When I started at Channel 3, my daughter Nicole was starting kindergarten. She's now starting high school in the fall. I'm keenly aware these next 4 years are the most time she will be with us for probably the rest of our lives. Once she goes off to college, has a job, spouse, kids of her own...it all changes.
I'm focused now on really being there for her and pursuing a career that offers a good
work/home life balance.

As for me, and what's next...I'm not really sure. It's been 28 years this month since I first went on the air. Is TV news still in my future? I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. I've always loved mentoring and coaching. Maybe public speaking coaching? I've been asked a lot over the years about voice over work. Maybe that. Maybe teaching. Maybe PR? I'm excited about the future and new beginnings.

To you the viewers, I am so appreciative of the kindness you have shown me all these years. Some of you have followed my trajectory all the way back to my days in Los Angeles, then to NY and then to CT. You mean the world to me. I hope you’ll continue to keep in touch on my page. I’ll be giving updates on my journey for what’s next in chapter two of my life. As we say in TV, stay tuned…

I love you all,

Patricia