What do you think?
Rate this book
Ordinary Heroes: A Memoir of 9/11
From the first FDNY chief to respond to the 9/11 attacks, an intimate memoir and a tribute to those who died that others might live
When Chief Joe Pfeifer led his firefighters to investigate an odor of gas in downtown Manhattan on the morning of 9/11, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever. A few moments later, he watched as the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Pfeifer, the closest FDNY chief to the scene, spearheaded rescue efforts on one of the darkest days in American history.
Ordinary Heroes is the unforgettable and intimate account of what Chief Pfeifer witnessed at Ground Zero, on that day and the days that followed. Through his eyes, we see the horror of the attack and the courage of the firefighters who ran into the burning towers to save others. We see him send his own brother up the stairs of the North Tower, never to return. And we walk with him and his fellow firefighters through weeks of rescue efforts and months of numbing grief, as they wrestle with the real meaning of heroism and leadership.
This gripping narrative gives way to resiliency and a determination that permanently reshapes Pfeifer, his fellow firefighters, NYC, and America. Ordinary Heroes takes us on a journey that turns traumatic memories into hope, so we can make good on our promise to never forget 9/11.
When Chief Joe Pfeifer led his firefighters to investigate an odor of gas in downtown Manhattan on the morning of 9/11, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever. A few moments later, he watched as the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Pfeifer, the closest FDNY chief to the scene, spearheaded rescue efforts on one of the darkest days in American history.
Ordinary Heroes is the unforgettable and intimate account of what Chief Pfeifer witnessed at Ground Zero, on that day and the days that followed. Through his eyes, we see the horror of the attack and the courage of the firefighters who ran into the burning towers to save others. We see him send his own brother up the stairs of the North Tower, never to return. And we walk with him and his fellow firefighters through weeks of rescue efforts and months of numbing grief, as they wrestle with the real meaning of heroism and leadership.
This gripping narrative gives way to resiliency and a determination that permanently reshapes Pfeifer, his fellow firefighters, NYC, and America. Ordinary Heroes takes us on a journey that turns traumatic memories into hope, so we can make good on our promise to never forget 9/11.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
March 7, 2022
I recently watched the Nat Geo docuseries 9/11 One Day in America. It was powerful, gripping and heartbreaking to watch. It took me right back to that day twenty years ago. The experiences shared by Chief Joseph Pfeifer were some of the most intense. When I discovered this remarkable man, the first FDNY Chief at the scene, had recently released a memoir, I immediately had to read it. It didn’t disappoint.
Ordinary Heroes is a great book about terrible events. The first fifty pages throw the reader straight into events on that fateful day, concluding with the Towers collapse. It’s anxiety-inducing to read. Joe Pfeifer accurately transports the reader into those buildings, alongside the brave men and women among first responders.
“We were going to the biggest fire of our lifetime, the biggest fire since the FDNY was founded in 1865.”
Pfeifer draws heavily from the documentary,9/11, (made by French brothers Jules and Gedeon Naudet) as he recounts details from his perspective as one of only four surviving fire chiefs. He doesn’t shy away from the reality of events.
“Within minutes of arrival, bodies of several people landed near the rig, only recognisable as bone, tissue and blood after the fall of over a hundred stories.”
All these years later, it's still hard wrapping one's head around the horrific events of that day.
“We positioned a firefighter outside to watch for falling bodies and warn new arrivals to look up before entering the building.”
Bravery. Comradery. Resilience. These are all key themes of the book, as Pfeifer takes the reader into the life of a firefighter - not just on that tragic day, but in general. I really gained a better understanding of the work firefighters do, and just how close-knit the firefighting communities of New York (and throughout the world) are.
Joe Pfeifer certainly comes across as someone wholeheartedly dedicated to his career, serving others and making the world a better place. I was left in awe at his strength, stamina and leadership shown during the most horrific times.
“By 11pm, I had been working for over twenty-nine hours, and awake for almost forty.”
The book is not only from the perspective of fire chief, but someone who lost a loved one during 9/11. It was this aspect, which I often found the most heartbreaking (along with lengthy descriptions of the recovery effort).
There was a lot to digest in this quick read. I learned a lot about 9/11 that I didn’t previously know, despite watching numerous documentaries, such as:
How NYC had its own version of Dunkirk in wake of the attacks, with up to 150 boats of all kinds coming to help evacuate almost 500,000 people from Manhattan.
The mid-October discovery of scorch marks on a basement door at Ground Zero (that happened to have $200 million behind it).
“It was hard to believe that someone was trying to pull off an Ocean’s Eleven-type heist.”
108,342 truckloads of rubble were removed from Ground Zero.
The sheer magnitude of 9/11-related cancers: “By the time of the twenty-fifth anniversary, we fear that more firefighters will have died from inhaling 9/11 dust than the 343 who died that day.”
Ordinary Heroes is as much a tribute to the those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save others, as it is a memoir about Chief Pfeifer. I was amazed at how he continues to wholeheartedly believe in the good of others, when he has witnessed humanity at its most evil.
“The courage of ordinary heroes is in each one of us.”
Highly recommend this book. Thank you to Joe and all firefighters, and first responders who continue to give so much to others in pursuit of making our communities (and world) a better place.
“Always remember the heroes, who did ordinary things, at extraordinary times, so others may live.”
Ordinary Heroes is a great book about terrible events. The first fifty pages throw the reader straight into events on that fateful day, concluding with the Towers collapse. It’s anxiety-inducing to read. Joe Pfeifer accurately transports the reader into those buildings, alongside the brave men and women among first responders.
“We were going to the biggest fire of our lifetime, the biggest fire since the FDNY was founded in 1865.”
Pfeifer draws heavily from the documentary,9/11, (made by French brothers Jules and Gedeon Naudet) as he recounts details from his perspective as one of only four surviving fire chiefs. He doesn’t shy away from the reality of events.
“Within minutes of arrival, bodies of several people landed near the rig, only recognisable as bone, tissue and blood after the fall of over a hundred stories.”
All these years later, it's still hard wrapping one's head around the horrific events of that day.
“We positioned a firefighter outside to watch for falling bodies and warn new arrivals to look up before entering the building.”
Bravery. Comradery. Resilience. These are all key themes of the book, as Pfeifer takes the reader into the life of a firefighter - not just on that tragic day, but in general. I really gained a better understanding of the work firefighters do, and just how close-knit the firefighting communities of New York (and throughout the world) are.
Joe Pfeifer certainly comes across as someone wholeheartedly dedicated to his career, serving others and making the world a better place. I was left in awe at his strength, stamina and leadership shown during the most horrific times.
“By 11pm, I had been working for over twenty-nine hours, and awake for almost forty.”
The book is not only from the perspective of fire chief, but someone who lost a loved one during 9/11. It was this aspect, which I often found the most heartbreaking (along with lengthy descriptions of the recovery effort).
There was a lot to digest in this quick read. I learned a lot about 9/11 that I didn’t previously know, despite watching numerous documentaries, such as:
How NYC had its own version of Dunkirk in wake of the attacks, with up to 150 boats of all kinds coming to help evacuate almost 500,000 people from Manhattan.
The mid-October discovery of scorch marks on a basement door at Ground Zero (that happened to have $200 million behind it).
“It was hard to believe that someone was trying to pull off an Ocean’s Eleven-type heist.”
108,342 truckloads of rubble were removed from Ground Zero.
The sheer magnitude of 9/11-related cancers: “By the time of the twenty-fifth anniversary, we fear that more firefighters will have died from inhaling 9/11 dust than the 343 who died that day.”
Ordinary Heroes is as much a tribute to the those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save others, as it is a memoir about Chief Pfeifer. I was amazed at how he continues to wholeheartedly believe in the good of others, when he has witnessed humanity at its most evil.
“The courage of ordinary heroes is in each one of us.”
Highly recommend this book. Thank you to Joe and all firefighters, and first responders who continue to give so much to others in pursuit of making our communities (and world) a better place.
“Always remember the heroes, who did ordinary things, at extraordinary times, so others may live.”
September 16, 2021
This is one of those rare books where it was a privilege to have read it and I am thankful that Mr Pfeifer took us into his life through all it's horrors, pains and triumphs.
Having been the first chief to respond to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and taking control there, he takes you into that lobby and into his mind vividly describing what he saw and thought and how he came to make critical decisions in trying times. The descriptions of what unfolded on that day during those fateful 102 minutes and its aftermath is very graphic and really takes you to Ground Zero. The book is also a great tribute to his brother and the other 342 firefighters who lost their lives on that day, as well as all other emergency workers and civilians who were murdered during the attacks.
He also takes you into his personal life and his own personal battles after surviving, and into the firehouses before and after the attacks from the happy days to the heartbreak days and what all the firefighters went through, and how they overcame that tragedy by moving forward along with the rest of the world. He also explains the changes to the FDNY after the 9/11 attacks and how it is now more prepared to face the next crisis along with other establishment not only in New York, but the rest of the United States as well.
This is a great book and reading this you could see all the images of that horrible day again and one still cannot imagine how human beings could have perpetrated such a thing. Let us just all hope and pray that such a thing never occurs again. Highly recommended book, and I would go as far as saying that this is the top book of 2021.
Having been the first chief to respond to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and taking control there, he takes you into that lobby and into his mind vividly describing what he saw and thought and how he came to make critical decisions in trying times. The descriptions of what unfolded on that day during those fateful 102 minutes and its aftermath is very graphic and really takes you to Ground Zero. The book is also a great tribute to his brother and the other 342 firefighters who lost their lives on that day, as well as all other emergency workers and civilians who were murdered during the attacks.
He also takes you into his personal life and his own personal battles after surviving, and into the firehouses before and after the attacks from the happy days to the heartbreak days and what all the firefighters went through, and how they overcame that tragedy by moving forward along with the rest of the world. He also explains the changes to the FDNY after the 9/11 attacks and how it is now more prepared to face the next crisis along with other establishment not only in New York, but the rest of the United States as well.
This is a great book and reading this you could see all the images of that horrible day again and one still cannot imagine how human beings could have perpetrated such a thing. Let us just all hope and pray that such a thing never occurs again. Highly recommended book, and I would go as far as saying that this is the top book of 2021.
April 2, 2022
"Right then and there, I knew this was going to be the worse day of my life as a firefighter. And it gave me a chill right down into my bones. It wasn't that queasy feeling that you get in your stomach - this one went right to my marrow. In that second, I already knew there were a lot of dead people up there - and possibly going to be even more." -- firefighter John O'Neill (FDNY Ladder 1) regarding '9/11', on page 30
Joe Pfeifer was an experienced firefighter - with 20 years on the job at the time - but a relatively young battalion chief in the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) when he and the crews of Engine 7 and Ladder 1 responded to a possible gas leak in Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001. Upon reaching the scene the firefighters unexpectedly witnessed the first aircraft to strike the North Tower of the World Trade Center in a terrorist-related attack. They then raced to that incident to begin rescue operations, and Pfeifer was initially the highest-ranking officer on that chaotic scene to direct / coordinate the FDNY's efforts. Soon after a second aircraft struck the South Tower, and eventually the firefighters were fleeing for their lives as both buildings collapsed around and on them. In addition to the 2,750 occupants killed inside the towers and/or aircraft, 60 police officers (from both the NYPD and Port Authority PD) and a staggering 343 firefighters died at the scene, making it the worst one-day death toll for any first responder agency in U.S. history.
Chief Pfeiffer recounts his first-hand experiences that horrific morning and in the aftermath with his memoir Ordinary Heroes. It is a very straightforward and respectful effort that does not seem whitewashed - and, amazingly, it does not appear he is a bitter or axe-grinding type of guy, even after the trauma of such an incident - and with the author's ground-level viewpoint of those fateful 102 minutes it's almost as if the reader is there alongside him on the arriving fire apparatus. Pfeifer lost a number of 'brothers' (as he warmly refers to fellow FNDY members from various stations who rushed into danger) on that day, but this book is a fitting and sobering tribute to those lost lives.
Joe Pfeifer was an experienced firefighter - with 20 years on the job at the time - but a relatively young battalion chief in the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) when he and the crews of Engine 7 and Ladder 1 responded to a possible gas leak in Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001. Upon reaching the scene the firefighters unexpectedly witnessed the first aircraft to strike the North Tower of the World Trade Center in a terrorist-related attack. They then raced to that incident to begin rescue operations, and Pfeifer was initially the highest-ranking officer on that chaotic scene to direct / coordinate the FDNY's efforts. Soon after a second aircraft struck the South Tower, and eventually the firefighters were fleeing for their lives as both buildings collapsed around and on them. In addition to the 2,750 occupants killed inside the towers and/or aircraft, 60 police officers (from both the NYPD and Port Authority PD) and a staggering 343 firefighters died at the scene, making it the worst one-day death toll for any first responder agency in U.S. history.
Chief Pfeiffer recounts his first-hand experiences that horrific morning and in the aftermath with his memoir Ordinary Heroes. It is a very straightforward and respectful effort that does not seem whitewashed - and, amazingly, it does not appear he is a bitter or axe-grinding type of guy, even after the trauma of such an incident - and with the author's ground-level viewpoint of those fateful 102 minutes it's almost as if the reader is there alongside him on the arriving fire apparatus. Pfeifer lost a number of 'brothers' (as he warmly refers to fellow FNDY members from various stations who rushed into danger) on that day, but this book is a fitting and sobering tribute to those lost lives.
November 27, 2021
That Tuesday morning - September 11, 2001, looked like it would be an ordinary day at the Duane Street firehouse. It was sunny with a beautiful blue September sky. Battalion Chief Joe Pfeifer was on duty there when they received a call about a possible gas leak a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. Together with his crew and filmmaker Jules Naudet, who was making a documentary about the NYFD, they set out to check on the leak.
After arriving and checking the area, they heard a loud roar and saw an airplane flying south over the Hudson River toward lower Manhattan. That was very unusual because planes never fly that close in because of the skyscrapers in the area. But this plane appeared to be heading straight toward the north tower of the World Trade Center. As Jules filmed, and everyone looked up, they saw the plane fly directly into the building. Chief Pfeifer’s crew immediately rushed to the site of the crash. They were the first emergency responders to arrive.
In this unforgettable, poignant and heartbreaking memoir, Joseph Pfeifer details the events surrounding that tragedy and its aftermath. He takes you inside the lobby where he directed emergency personnel to begin evacuating the building. One of the men he sent up the staircase was his own brother. The vivid description makes you feel as if you are there. The sense of urgency is palpable.
The recovery efforts lasted well into 2002. Chief Pfeifer focuses on the events of that day, but he also tells the story of the men and women of the New York Fire Department, about the history of the department, about the FDNY close knit “family” as well as his own family, and his efforts to help prevent another tragedy like that from happening again.
This is a must read book for anyone interested in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Chief Pfeifer’s first person experience will leave you saddened but in awe of the firefighters who risked their own lives so others could live. Yet because of the information and knowledge provided by Chief Pfeifer, the government’s 9/11 investigation has led to changes in preparedness which gives hope for the future.
After arriving and checking the area, they heard a loud roar and saw an airplane flying south over the Hudson River toward lower Manhattan. That was very unusual because planes never fly that close in because of the skyscrapers in the area. But this plane appeared to be heading straight toward the north tower of the World Trade Center. As Jules filmed, and everyone looked up, they saw the plane fly directly into the building. Chief Pfeifer’s crew immediately rushed to the site of the crash. They were the first emergency responders to arrive.
In this unforgettable, poignant and heartbreaking memoir, Joseph Pfeifer details the events surrounding that tragedy and its aftermath. He takes you inside the lobby where he directed emergency personnel to begin evacuating the building. One of the men he sent up the staircase was his own brother. The vivid description makes you feel as if you are there. The sense of urgency is palpable.
The recovery efforts lasted well into 2002. Chief Pfeifer focuses on the events of that day, but he also tells the story of the men and women of the New York Fire Department, about the history of the department, about the FDNY close knit “family” as well as his own family, and his efforts to help prevent another tragedy like that from happening again.
This is a must read book for anyone interested in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Chief Pfeifer’s first person experience will leave you saddened but in awe of the firefighters who risked their own lives so others could live. Yet because of the information and knowledge provided by Chief Pfeifer, the government’s 9/11 investigation has led to changes in preparedness which gives hope for the future.
May 19, 2022
This is an account of the terrorist attack on 9; 11 of 2001. It is written by a fire fighter. He explains the mision, the terror, and the grief in the days following the attack. It is a very well written book which ends with hope.
I recommend this book to all.
I recommend this book to all.
December 29, 2021
I will never forget that terrible day when my sister-in-law called me, screaming "Turn on the television, turn on the television!!" And the horrors of 9/11 unfolded in front of the world's eyes.
The author, a Battalion Chief of the FDNY, was answering a call regarding a gas leak in lower Manhattan when a large commercial plane flew over his head and into the Twin Towers which were only a few blocks from his location. He became the first to reach the scene and shortly the second plane hit the Towers. Who better to describe the unbelievable events of that day, and the days to follow than Chief Pfeiffer.
This book will take you back to those days and gives an insider's look at the impossible task and heroics of the FDNY and other first responders. It is chilling and sometimes very hard to read as we now know that many men knew they were probably going to their death but pushed forward in an attempt to save those trapped in the Towers. (The author's brother, also a fireman, was killed.)
I need not go into the details but must note that more people jumped from the burning buildings than I had realized.......and more rescuers were killed by the jumpers which the author said were falling "like hail".
This is an important book to read of one of the worst days in American history and I highly recommend it.
The author, a Battalion Chief of the FDNY, was answering a call regarding a gas leak in lower Manhattan when a large commercial plane flew over his head and into the Twin Towers which were only a few blocks from his location. He became the first to reach the scene and shortly the second plane hit the Towers. Who better to describe the unbelievable events of that day, and the days to follow than Chief Pfeiffer.
This book will take you back to those days and gives an insider's look at the impossible task and heroics of the FDNY and other first responders. It is chilling and sometimes very hard to read as we now know that many men knew they were probably going to their death but pushed forward in an attempt to save those trapped in the Towers. (The author's brother, also a fireman, was killed.)
I need not go into the details but must note that more people jumped from the burning buildings than I had realized.......and more rescuers were killed by the jumpers which the author said were falling "like hail".
This is an important book to read of one of the worst days in American history and I highly recommend it.
August 26, 2021
Thank you to Portfolio and Penguin Publishing Group for sending me an e-copy of this book to read and review.
What an amazing read. I basically read it in three sittings, including late at night, so I ended up having a nightmare about 9/11. Not fun...and it made me think about those who have nightmares, on a regular basis, because they lived through it.
I can hardly believe that this year is the 20th anniversary. I remember all of it like it was yesterday. I am sure that those directly affected by 9/11 have spent many days/weeks/months and years thinking about this senseless attack.
I am Canadian and did not know anyone in the towers or planes, but, being so close to the anniversary and reading this book, I now have a new understanding of events, thanks to Joseph Pfeifer, someone who was right there for ALL of it. I have always heard that in moments of crisis, "look to the helpers" and nowhere is this more obvious than during 9/11.
I actually remembered Pfeifer's name from seeing him in the documentary - 102 minutes. In his book, Pfeifer actually writes about the filming of this documentary, which, as it turns out, is the only "real time" 9/11 movie in existence. He also does an amazing job of going through all the events of the day. His tone is always calm, reflective and compassionate.
The book basically starts on the morning of (who hasn't seen the clips of Pfeifer, on the streets of NYC, hearing a plane and looking up in time to see it crashing into the tower)? What follows is a harrowing, far from glamorous look, at what happened. What makes this so compelling is the fact that coupled with the description of events, we get to read and feel Pfeifer's thoughts, feelings and actions in real time.
The horror cannot be overstated, but this book, time and time again, brought this reader right back to what matters most - the people who sacrificed, the people who died and the people who lost loved ones.
There is, maybe, one sentence in passing attributed to the terrorists and later in the book, he does speak about Bin Laden and I am amazed that he kept the narration on point - i.e. no terrorist will break the spirit of first responders and the people of New York.
I absolutely loved this book. I just wish this was fiction and not reality.
RIP to all who died on that day and to those who are still dying every day because of exposure to toxic elements.
What an amazing read. I basically read it in three sittings, including late at night, so I ended up having a nightmare about 9/11. Not fun...and it made me think about those who have nightmares, on a regular basis, because they lived through it.
I can hardly believe that this year is the 20th anniversary. I remember all of it like it was yesterday. I am sure that those directly affected by 9/11 have spent many days/weeks/months and years thinking about this senseless attack.
I am Canadian and did not know anyone in the towers or planes, but, being so close to the anniversary and reading this book, I now have a new understanding of events, thanks to Joseph Pfeifer, someone who was right there for ALL of it. I have always heard that in moments of crisis, "look to the helpers" and nowhere is this more obvious than during 9/11.
I actually remembered Pfeifer's name from seeing him in the documentary - 102 minutes. In his book, Pfeifer actually writes about the filming of this documentary, which, as it turns out, is the only "real time" 9/11 movie in existence. He also does an amazing job of going through all the events of the day. His tone is always calm, reflective and compassionate.
The book basically starts on the morning of (who hasn't seen the clips of Pfeifer, on the streets of NYC, hearing a plane and looking up in time to see it crashing into the tower)? What follows is a harrowing, far from glamorous look, at what happened. What makes this so compelling is the fact that coupled with the description of events, we get to read and feel Pfeifer's thoughts, feelings and actions in real time.
The horror cannot be overstated, but this book, time and time again, brought this reader right back to what matters most - the people who sacrificed, the people who died and the people who lost loved ones.
There is, maybe, one sentence in passing attributed to the terrorists and later in the book, he does speak about Bin Laden and I am amazed that he kept the narration on point - i.e. no terrorist will break the spirit of first responders and the people of New York.
I absolutely loved this book. I just wish this was fiction and not reality.
RIP to all who died on that day and to those who are still dying every day because of exposure to toxic elements.
September 9, 2021
I was glad to learn that Chief Joseph Pfeifer had written a book about his life and experience as an FDNY officer on site at the World Trade Centers on 9/11. I've seen several documentaries that featured him and have always been impressed by his humility.
Ordinary Heroes provides a different perspective than other 9/11 books I've read. There is more behind the scenes detail (e.g., Chief Pfeiffer describes the FDNY command and control structure... relevant to understanding the FDNY response on 9/11). Folks who like "Thinking Fast & Slow" would likely enjoy this book as Chief Pfeifer mentions times when one relies on experience to make a quick decision vs other times needing to think through the detail. If you've ever wondered about the firefighters' perspective as they entered the World Trade Center on 9/11, this book answers that question.
This is a fascinating book and I recommend it to anyone interested in 9/11 or FDNY. I listened to the audiobook and it was excellent. Although not narrated by the author, the narrator's voice is similar enough that at times I forgot it wasn't the author speaking.
Ordinary Heroes provides a different perspective than other 9/11 books I've read. There is more behind the scenes detail (e.g., Chief Pfeiffer describes the FDNY command and control structure... relevant to understanding the FDNY response on 9/11). Folks who like "Thinking Fast & Slow" would likely enjoy this book as Chief Pfeifer mentions times when one relies on experience to make a quick decision vs other times needing to think through the detail. If you've ever wondered about the firefighters' perspective as they entered the World Trade Center on 9/11, this book answers that question.
This is a fascinating book and I recommend it to anyone interested in 9/11 or FDNY. I listened to the audiobook and it was excellent. Although not narrated by the author, the narrator's voice is similar enough that at times I forgot it wasn't the author speaking.
September 17, 2021
I have watched the brothers documentary prior to reading the book. From what I take of this book it gives more detail into that day from the documentary. I would suggest watching the documentary as supplement to the book.
November 16, 2021
Wow, what a fascinating firsthand account from the first fire chief on the scene at the WTC 9-11 attacks. He saw the first plane hit while out investigating a gas leak a few blocks away.
I figured it would be a heavy read, and it was all that but I learned so much about the trouble spots of the day - NYPD and FDNY did not communicate well (Fire chief in North tower didn’t know the South tower had even collapsed for 29 minutes, etc) I didn’t realize so many suffered health conditions from post 9-11 cleanup and toxic fumes from working on “the Pile.” 343 firefighters died on 9-11 and almost 250 have died since from disease, cancer, and respiratory illness. 😔
This chief has done so much to improve responses in disasters across all teams of responders, and I was impressed with his teamwork and the leadership lessons I learned through reading this.
*Some language in quotes.
Will have my boys read this as teenagers.
“Recovering from trauma requires turning memories into new dreams by connecting to others, reflecting on the past, envisioning the future, and enhancing the present with a new purpose.”
“Without action there is no hope and without hope there is no leadership.”
“We have the power to make a difference by doing ordinary things in life’s most challenging times.”
“Always remember the heroes, who did ordinary things, at extraordinary times, so others may live.”
I figured it would be a heavy read, and it was all that but I learned so much about the trouble spots of the day - NYPD and FDNY did not communicate well (Fire chief in North tower didn’t know the South tower had even collapsed for 29 minutes, etc) I didn’t realize so many suffered health conditions from post 9-11 cleanup and toxic fumes from working on “the Pile.” 343 firefighters died on 9-11 and almost 250 have died since from disease, cancer, and respiratory illness. 😔
This chief has done so much to improve responses in disasters across all teams of responders, and I was impressed with his teamwork and the leadership lessons I learned through reading this.
*Some language in quotes.
Will have my boys read this as teenagers.
“Recovering from trauma requires turning memories into new dreams by connecting to others, reflecting on the past, envisioning the future, and enhancing the present with a new purpose.”
“Without action there is no hope and without hope there is no leadership.”
“We have the power to make a difference by doing ordinary things in life’s most challenging times.”
“Always remember the heroes, who did ordinary things, at extraordinary times, so others may live.”
October 2, 2021
An Rreally great book on 9/11 by the first FDNY Chief at the World Trade Centers and the bravery of the 1st responders and the people they did manage to save and of the tragic lost of life to firemen, police men and women and civilians, when the towers collapsed. I recommend this book to everyone.
October 22, 2021
As a professional researcher and clinician, I have read hundreds, if not thousands, of accounts and watched the same hours in footage surrounding the events and testimonies of 9/11.
I consider Orio Palmer, Jonathan Ielpi, and other firefighters to be my heroes. For decades, I have really admired Chief Joe Pfeifer. And so I am so surprised and disappointed by this account.
The first part is almost a transcript of the documentary "9/11." Many of us have seen this footage many times, so that was a bit repetitive. He then details the touching relationship with his brother. After this point, In my opinion, this is where the passion and interest ends.
He jumps from 2001 to his adolescence and early adulthood, which can be confusing, going from one point in time to the next.
From this point on, another commenter aptly wrote that the rest of the book "reads like a CV, hoping to land in the hands of the likely next mayor."
Several things the Chief sadly downplayed:
1. The role that Islam played in the events of 9/11. He never refers to the terrorists as radical Islamists, rather he labels them as "extremists" or simply "terrorists." This is a fact that cannot be overlooked. To understand the enemy, the question "why?", and working to prevent further attacks, it is vital to correctly identify ALL components. (For the record, using this information to demean, abuse, or malign ALL Muslims is NOT ok.)
2. It is a fact that many firefighters quickly moved up in rank, largely, due to the absence so many deaths in the FDNY created. There was a necessity for the experienced firefighters to take over. Again, I am not downplaying the work and reputation that the Chief has, I'm merely pointing out the fact that he never acknowledged that as contributing factor for his fast acceleration.
3. Noone denies that this man has had to work tremendously hard and had a wealth of experience. However, reading this account, one would be led to believe that the Chief was the head of ALL leadership committees, that day and for years to come. He consistently reminds the reader the he was the first fire chief on the scene. Is it a fact? Yes. But, to have it mentioned so many times in so many forums at his insistence is a little...uncomfortable. While he acknowledged some involvement from others, he constantly needs to remind the reader that they are "his aides." He again (and again and again), gives the impression that he was sought after as the foremost and sole expert in ALL matters from terrorism to firefighting to diplomatic efforts within the government, NYPD relations, and international affairs. At one point, he makes a strange remark about "Kate's 'ok credentials.'" Likely written as a wink, but fell flat, awkward and really came across as arrogant and demeaning.
This review is critical and maybe harsh. However, as I've stated I have had these guys on somewhat of a pedestal, so to see feet of clay mired in a possibly inflated ego is largely deflating. Most of us are used to seeing firefighters very uncomfortable in being referred to as heroes, leaders, and especially in the parts they played on September 11th. They are dismissive of attention and almost always quietly and bluntly respond, "I was doing my job." Should they be congratulated and celebrated? WITHOUT HESITATION, ALWAYS. But, the SELF congratulation in the profusity displayed here was just odd.
Perhaps, the editor or ghost writer poorly encapsulated the words or embellished the tone. Maybe it was the arduous task of putting 20 years of work, tears and pain on a few pages when nothing could really convey the passion, sweat and grief.
The Chief's sacrifice, the loss of his brother, and the service he has given IS heroic.
All said, I would still unreservedly thank Chief Pfeifer, shake his hand, and buy him a beer.
I'd just also recommend firing the current public relations team.
I consider Orio Palmer, Jonathan Ielpi, and other firefighters to be my heroes. For decades, I have really admired Chief Joe Pfeifer. And so I am so surprised and disappointed by this account.
The first part is almost a transcript of the documentary "9/11." Many of us have seen this footage many times, so that was a bit repetitive. He then details the touching relationship with his brother. After this point, In my opinion, this is where the passion and interest ends.
He jumps from 2001 to his adolescence and early adulthood, which can be confusing, going from one point in time to the next.
From this point on, another commenter aptly wrote that the rest of the book "reads like a CV, hoping to land in the hands of the likely next mayor."
Several things the Chief sadly downplayed:
1. The role that Islam played in the events of 9/11. He never refers to the terrorists as radical Islamists, rather he labels them as "extremists" or simply "terrorists." This is a fact that cannot be overlooked. To understand the enemy, the question "why?", and working to prevent further attacks, it is vital to correctly identify ALL components. (For the record, using this information to demean, abuse, or malign ALL Muslims is NOT ok.)
2. It is a fact that many firefighters quickly moved up in rank, largely, due to the absence so many deaths in the FDNY created. There was a necessity for the experienced firefighters to take over. Again, I am not downplaying the work and reputation that the Chief has, I'm merely pointing out the fact that he never acknowledged that as contributing factor for his fast acceleration.
3. Noone denies that this man has had to work tremendously hard and had a wealth of experience. However, reading this account, one would be led to believe that the Chief was the head of ALL leadership committees, that day and for years to come. He consistently reminds the reader the he was the first fire chief on the scene. Is it a fact? Yes. But, to have it mentioned so many times in so many forums at his insistence is a little...uncomfortable. While he acknowledged some involvement from others, he constantly needs to remind the reader that they are "his aides." He again (and again and again), gives the impression that he was sought after as the foremost and sole expert in ALL matters from terrorism to firefighting to diplomatic efforts within the government, NYPD relations, and international affairs. At one point, he makes a strange remark about "Kate's 'ok credentials.'" Likely written as a wink, but fell flat, awkward and really came across as arrogant and demeaning.
This review is critical and maybe harsh. However, as I've stated I have had these guys on somewhat of a pedestal, so to see feet of clay mired in a possibly inflated ego is largely deflating. Most of us are used to seeing firefighters very uncomfortable in being referred to as heroes, leaders, and especially in the parts they played on September 11th. They are dismissive of attention and almost always quietly and bluntly respond, "I was doing my job." Should they be congratulated and celebrated? WITHOUT HESITATION, ALWAYS. But, the SELF congratulation in the profusity displayed here was just odd.
Perhaps, the editor or ghost writer poorly encapsulated the words or embellished the tone. Maybe it was the arduous task of putting 20 years of work, tears and pain on a few pages when nothing could really convey the passion, sweat and grief.
The Chief's sacrifice, the loss of his brother, and the service he has given IS heroic.
All said, I would still unreservedly thank Chief Pfeifer, shake his hand, and buy him a beer.
I'd just also recommend firing the current public relations team.
February 17, 2022
Great accounts of leadership in adversity, while depicting the heroes who did ordinary things, at extraordinary times, so others may live.
September 15, 2021
This book is probably one of the most deeply meaningful and emotional memoirs that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I actually listened to the audiobook version of this memoir, which I highly recommend. Either reading or listening to this book is something you should do as soon as humanly possible. Joseph Pfeiffer his words, his story, his detailing of what he and so many others went through on 9/11, as well as in the aftermath of 9/11 is unforgettable. He writes a deeply poignant memoir that is full of heroes and loss, grief and heartbreak, healing and hope, and just so much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, and I completely connected into everything that he detailed about his experience through that day and beyond. This book made me cry. It made me think. It made me feel so much. It made me reminisce and question and think about what I would have done in the same situation‘s. It touched so much within me as I listened to these words and to Joseph Pfeiffer’s story. I think that speaks to what he is able to capture in this memoir that I felt and got all of that so much.
I first heard about Joseph Pfeiffer when I watched the 9/11 documentary the year after 9/11. To say that that documentary is one of the most meaningful and unforgettable documentaries I have ever seen is honestly putting it too mildly. So when I saw this book in the bookstore I knew I needed to have it because I wanted to read the story. As hard and heartbreaking and devastating as it was to read and listen to at times, I think it is a story that should be read and listen to by all. It is a story that not only details the events of that day, but the aftermath, the healing process, the next steps, and the fight for change to protect those who help others.
I deeply connected into all of those ideas while I was reading and listening to this book, and it made for a reading experience that I will not soon forget.
This book is all about what it means to be an ordinary hero. What it means to face what feels like insurmountable tragedy, to do what you can to save and help others, and to do those every day things and jobs in order to help and protect others. This book spans decades of time. It touches on some very deeply emotional moments and pieces, but it also celebrates life and healing and people. It was heavy at times, it was meaningful and poignant throughout, and it is definitely One of the best memoirs that I have read.
The way that Joseph Pfeiffer truly allows you to connect into his story, along with the other people that you meet within his story and his life is phenomenal. It truly resonates in every way. I was greatly impacted by reading and listening to this book. I was impacted by its message, by the stories this author told, and the way that he woven it all together was everything.
9/11 was a day and time that I don’t think anybody will ever forget. But getting to see that day and it’s events and everything that happened afterward through the eyes of someone who is there, through the eyes of someone who is a hero, and through the eyes of someone who lost so much that day and saw so much that day is truly unforgettable. That combined with every piece that this author includes in his story as he allows us to be there in those very real and vulnerable moments makes this an absolutely incredible, deeply emotional, and unforgettable memoir to experience.
I will never forget what it was like to read this book and hear this story. It really touched me. It really made me think and feel. It really resonated in a way that I will never forget. And honestly I just want to thank Joseph Pfeiffer for everything he did that day and afterwards, but also for writing his story and for sharing it because it is something that always stay with me.
I truly cannot say enough how much I recommend this memoir. It was exceptionally written. It is deeply real and honest. It is heavy and emotional and meaningful and thoughtful and it will resonate with you in so many ways. It had so many messages and moments that will stay with me for the rest of time, and in the end it left me with a very layered and real story that carried such an important message that I felt in every part of my heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, and I completely connected into everything that he detailed about his experience through that day and beyond. This book made me cry. It made me think. It made me feel so much. It made me reminisce and question and think about what I would have done in the same situation‘s. It touched so much within me as I listened to these words and to Joseph Pfeiffer’s story. I think that speaks to what he is able to capture in this memoir that I felt and got all of that so much.
I first heard about Joseph Pfeiffer when I watched the 9/11 documentary the year after 9/11. To say that that documentary is one of the most meaningful and unforgettable documentaries I have ever seen is honestly putting it too mildly. So when I saw this book in the bookstore I knew I needed to have it because I wanted to read the story. As hard and heartbreaking and devastating as it was to read and listen to at times, I think it is a story that should be read and listen to by all. It is a story that not only details the events of that day, but the aftermath, the healing process, the next steps, and the fight for change to protect those who help others.
I deeply connected into all of those ideas while I was reading and listening to this book, and it made for a reading experience that I will not soon forget.
This book is all about what it means to be an ordinary hero. What it means to face what feels like insurmountable tragedy, to do what you can to save and help others, and to do those every day things and jobs in order to help and protect others. This book spans decades of time. It touches on some very deeply emotional moments and pieces, but it also celebrates life and healing and people. It was heavy at times, it was meaningful and poignant throughout, and it is definitely One of the best memoirs that I have read.
The way that Joseph Pfeiffer truly allows you to connect into his story, along with the other people that you meet within his story and his life is phenomenal. It truly resonates in every way. I was greatly impacted by reading and listening to this book. I was impacted by its message, by the stories this author told, and the way that he woven it all together was everything.
9/11 was a day and time that I don’t think anybody will ever forget. But getting to see that day and it’s events and everything that happened afterward through the eyes of someone who is there, through the eyes of someone who is a hero, and through the eyes of someone who lost so much that day and saw so much that day is truly unforgettable. That combined with every piece that this author includes in his story as he allows us to be there in those very real and vulnerable moments makes this an absolutely incredible, deeply emotional, and unforgettable memoir to experience.
I will never forget what it was like to read this book and hear this story. It really touched me. It really made me think and feel. It really resonated in a way that I will never forget. And honestly I just want to thank Joseph Pfeiffer for everything he did that day and afterwards, but also for writing his story and for sharing it because it is something that always stay with me.
I truly cannot say enough how much I recommend this memoir. It was exceptionally written. It is deeply real and honest. It is heavy and emotional and meaningful and thoughtful and it will resonate with you in so many ways. It had so many messages and moments that will stay with me for the rest of time, and in the end it left me with a very layered and real story that carried such an important message that I felt in every part of my heart.
April 25, 2023
Great lessons on leadership. Especially during a time of crisis or when everything you've learned over decades in a career feels useless in the moment.
One of the biggest threats to the firemen outside of the buildings weren't an actual fire, smoke, or debris (although these were as well), but falling bodies jumping from the top floor. Imagine being the people on the top having to essentially choose which way they'd like to die: burn or be crushed by the building collapsing building or jumping to the concrete below in hopes of a few broken bones. What an absolute nightmare experience.
Many of the first responders were left with survivors guilt. One of the men felt the pressure of feeling he had to earn the right to continue living or he'd be selfishly failing those who lost their lives.
It took 18 days to recover survivors (bodies intact) but it was mostly body parts and not full bodies. Overall, it took nearly a year to recover all human remains and remove the entire collapsed buildings. Although they did not have the full corpses, they treated them respectfully as if they were.
He tiptoed around blaming those who rightfully deserved backlash with their bad decision making. That's about my only problem with the writing. He basically apologetically said "I'm not pointing fingers BUT the people in this or that department are the reason I couldn't do my job and save more lives." If they screwed up then just say that but don't walk around it because it was obvious the entire last part of the book was written in frustration and anger.
I learned a lot more than what the media shared. I am curious why there wasn't as much coverage about the Pentagon being hit. I know there were less lives lost but unless you were old enough to remember what happened, most stories dedicate books, etc. to the twin towers and throw in a sentence or two about the remaining attacks. Even Bush got more face time.
Anyway, still worth a read.
One of the biggest threats to the firemen outside of the buildings weren't an actual fire, smoke, or debris (although these were as well), but falling bodies jumping from the top floor. Imagine being the people on the top having to essentially choose which way they'd like to die: burn or be crushed by the building collapsing building or jumping to the concrete below in hopes of a few broken bones. What an absolute nightmare experience.
Many of the first responders were left with survivors guilt. One of the men felt the pressure of feeling he had to earn the right to continue living or he'd be selfishly failing those who lost their lives.
It took 18 days to recover survivors (bodies intact) but it was mostly body parts and not full bodies. Overall, it took nearly a year to recover all human remains and remove the entire collapsed buildings. Although they did not have the full corpses, they treated them respectfully as if they were.
He tiptoed around blaming those who rightfully deserved backlash with their bad decision making. That's about my only problem with the writing. He basically apologetically said "I'm not pointing fingers BUT the people in this or that department are the reason I couldn't do my job and save more lives." If they screwed up then just say that but don't walk around it because it was obvious the entire last part of the book was written in frustration and anger.
I learned a lot more than what the media shared. I am curious why there wasn't as much coverage about the Pentagon being hit. I know there were less lives lost but unless you were old enough to remember what happened, most stories dedicate books, etc. to the twin towers and throw in a sentence or two about the remaining attacks. Even Bush got more face time.
Anyway, still worth a read.
July 30, 2022
Tiem, kas ir redzējuši brāļu Nodē (Naudet) dokumentālo filmu "9/11", šī grāmata ļauj vēlreiz izdzīvot dramatiskos notikumus, šoreiz ar uzsvaru uz Chief Joseph Pfeifer skatpunktu. Šis gan nav tikai 11. septembra notikumu atstāsts, tā ir arī paša Feifera biogrāfija, tiesa, diezgan vienkāršota, ar uzsvaru uz īpaši svarīgajiem dzīves pagriezienu punktiem un kam pārsvarā ir saistība ar viņa izvēlēto profesiju.
September 9, 2021
If you’re looking for essential reading on 9/11, this isn’t the book. The first third is warm and celebrates the FDNY culture and is personal but the rest of the book reads like a CV hoping to land in the hands of the likely next mayor, Eric Adams. Could Joseph Pfeifer be the next FDNY fire commissioner? Stranger things have happened but it won’t help — or maybe it will — that the current commissioner, Dan Nigro, who was Chief of Operations on 9/11 and replaced his 9/11 lost friend, Pete Ganci, is mentioned just three times and not given his due for his 9/11 command post survival. Also absent from the story are the FDNY radio failures and the perplexing reality that FDNY radio HT communications are captured from South Tower but not the North Tower. Pfeifer tells us he instructed the civilian fire safety director to turn on the repeater but makes no mention of asking to turn up or on the volume. Left unanswered is why Pfeifer did not ensure this task was done right himself. It may have cost the lives of firefighters, including his own brother. Pfeifer also doesn’t discuss the 30-day slow turn from search and rescue to search and recovery and the massive public health crisis that contributed to — today there are 100,000 participants in the federal 9/11 medical monitoring and treatment program and some 80 cancers associated with ground zero. Among those sickened were students at nearby Stuyvesant High School, one of New York’s best. Pfeifer tells us he was the chief of planning at Ground Zero. Pfeifer also downplays the multiple commands that day both within the FDNY and other agencies like the NYPD and PAPD, each with their own communication and tasks at hand. Pfeifer remains in the FDNY long after 9/11 seeking meaning and searching for hope. Some of his chapters end on notes of hope but the biggest take away is that the well meaning chief and all the brave firefighters were victims. Victims of terror and a violent crime and institutional isolation and misconstrued beliefs in themselves and their department and its policies. As endless wars give way to the first post 9/11 peace let’s hope the FDNY can find peace and progressive leadership and come to terms with its darkest chapter — 9/11.
September 16, 2021
Published just prior to the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this is an incredibly powerful memoir. Pfeifer was the first FDNY chief to arrive at the scene, having witnessed the moment the first plane crashed into the North Tower while responding to another call. A moving, utterly gripping testament to the bravery, heroism and perseverance of the first responders to the attacks on the WTC, and their vital work saving as many lives as they could, in many cases at the expense of their own.
September 11, 2021
Read on 20th anniversary, I had to fight to hold back tears. God bless all these men and women who risk their lives for ours. Nothing but extraordinary. Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so sorry for your personal loss.
July 4, 2024
If you're looking for a book about one man's personal experience of 9/11 and how he and his family navigated its aftermath, this is the book for you. A beautiful, heart breaking story that gives a real sense of hope. Truly from tragedy to triumph.
September 7, 2023
9/11 2001 saldırılarında Dünya Ticaret Merkezine ilk ulaşan itfaiye amirinin anıları. Bir itfaiyeci için hazine değerinde bir anı kitabı.
May 12, 2023
Powerful, technical and moving. Forever proud of the legacy I get to carry on each day I work with FDNY- New York City’s BRAVEST.
August 31, 2021
in this memoir, you will be able to read about the first FDNY chief at the WTC and his response to the events. I loved this so much and this is definitely my favorite book of 2021. I am amazed at how Pfiefer portrayed the raw feelings and the after-effects into this book while also reliving it. I think everyone needs to read this book as we come to the 20 year anniversary of 9/11. A tragic event that has shaped all of our lives.
September 16, 2021
May we never forget.
November 4, 2023
BOOK REVIEW: 'Ordinary Heroes - A Memoir of 9/11', Joseph Pfeifer, First FDNY Chief at the World Trade Center'.
This was my first nonfiction read ever, and definitely won't be the last. This book has so much power, emotions, courage and hope. Its ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of heroism, its ordinary people giving hope to humanity amidst the darkest of times.
This memoir documents the valorous forst responders of the 9/11 attacks, including the brave men of FDNY. Couple of times i had to stop reading cause its just so moving. These ordinaty heroes are sons, brothers, friends who lived and sacrificed during those unforgettable moments when the world stood still. I think what really made me tear up were the last few minutes when the Chief sent people towards the higher floors of North Tower, including his very own brother, not knowing that'll be the last he will see those faces. There's also this crushing passage when he discovered his brothers remains under the rubble. Its just so heartbreaking.
Yet, heroism and hope remain as the most gleaming messages of the book. He defined the word hero as a person who does ordinary things in extraordinary times. In extraordinary times in history, people do ordinary things when it counts the most.
There are also so many lessons from this memoir: on leadership, crisis management, family, and finding the best in everyone. I really glad I picked up this book!
Salute to all heroes of 9/11 and all the ordinary heroes all over the world who mark extraordinary times in history by doing ordinary things for others!
This was my first nonfiction read ever, and definitely won't be the last. This book has so much power, emotions, courage and hope. Its ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of heroism, its ordinary people giving hope to humanity amidst the darkest of times.
This memoir documents the valorous forst responders of the 9/11 attacks, including the brave men of FDNY. Couple of times i had to stop reading cause its just so moving. These ordinaty heroes are sons, brothers, friends who lived and sacrificed during those unforgettable moments when the world stood still. I think what really made me tear up were the last few minutes when the Chief sent people towards the higher floors of North Tower, including his very own brother, not knowing that'll be the last he will see those faces. There's also this crushing passage when he discovered his brothers remains under the rubble. Its just so heartbreaking.
Yet, heroism and hope remain as the most gleaming messages of the book. He defined the word hero as a person who does ordinary things in extraordinary times. In extraordinary times in history, people do ordinary things when it counts the most.
There are also so many lessons from this memoir: on leadership, crisis management, family, and finding the best in everyone. I really glad I picked up this book!
Salute to all heroes of 9/11 and all the ordinary heroes all over the world who mark extraordinary times in history by doing ordinary things for others!
October 13, 2021
Just an extraordinary book in every way. I’m stealing from the NY Times Book Review’s review, which has it exactly right — it would’ve been riveting if it was merely the first-person account of the fire chief who was the first to lead the NYFD’s response to 9/11, which Phieffer did (and sent his own brother up the stairs of the North Tower, never to see him alive again). But Phieffer, who had originally set out to be a priest and attended seminary school, has more on his mind. He tackles the issues that led to the tragic death of so many firefighters on 9/11, generously ascribing the in-fighting between the NYFD and NYPD to a psychological response which he carefully researches. Then, he is heavily involved in the effort to alleviate the suffering of the survivors, which he describes with a heartbreaking yet understated style that a lot of novelists could learn from. Without really meaning to, I don’t think, he comes off as precisely the kind of hero that Americans embraced on that awful day, but in such a modest and self-effacing way that you wish he had enough ego to run for office (he clearly does not). My word, what a remarkable book. I was fortunate enough to listen to the audiobook, narrated by the author and he is the perfect voice for this fantastic book. I am a bit of a 9/11 junkie and I’ve seen Phieffer interviewed often — he’s just as extraordinary in those documentaries. What a man. What a real hero.
Grade: A
Grade: A
November 11, 2022
This was a firsthand account of a New York Chief Firefighter that escaped with his life, the day the twin towers were attacked on 9/11. This was actually sad to listen to (it was the audiobook version) and hear from his perspective, his harrowing account. He talked about the aftermath of it, the investigation that was done, as well as shortcomings on first responders part. He discussed the ongoing power struggle that existed between the New York first responders and the lack of communication and situational awareness between them, during the 9/11 attacks and how that played a role during the evacuation of the twin towers & surrounding buildings as well as lives lost. This was deeply moving and I can only pay my respects to those that were there that day. May we never forget.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
As long as people keep writing them, I will keep reading all the books on September 11th. This was another great nonfiction read about what happened the day the Twin Towers were senselessly attacked. It didn't pack the same emotional punch that The Only Plane in the Sky did, but it was still so good. I recognized the names of many of the first responders talked about in that book. This book gets real heavy into the FDNY protocols and procedures and also delves into the personal and professional life of the author, a fire captain who ran the show on the day of the attacks and then dedicated the rest of his career to bettering the fire department. He is definitely a hero and I love how much the first responders were heralded as heroes during that horrible time.
October 9, 2021
A lot of this book was covered in the documentary filmed by Jules Naudet on 9/11. Otherwise a fairly dry recounting of the day and a comprehensive discussion of the lack of formal operating procedures integrating NYFD and NYPD which were put into place after 9/11.
I preferred listening to the actual 9/11 Manhattan Dispatch Recordings released by FDNY IN 2005 that can be heard on Audible for an absorbing, alternative view of the FDNY experience on that horrible day.
I preferred listening to the actual 9/11 Manhattan Dispatch Recordings released by FDNY IN 2005 that can be heard on Audible for an absorbing, alternative view of the FDNY experience on that horrible day.
November 6, 2021
This book was deeply moving and provides the reader with a first person account of one of the worst days in the history of this country. Chief Pfeiffer is a remarkable man and it was an honor to read his heartfelt story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews