Oklahoma Rescue

By Jon Hansen

"We felt the spirit of America in there--in that building with us. It's one of the things that kept us going." --Jon Hansen Assistant Fire Chief, Oklahoma City The devastating explosion that tore through the Federal Building in Oklahoma City on the morning of April 19, 1995, brought thousands of people rushing to help, hold, and heal. At the forefront of the gallant rescue effort was Assistant Fire Chief Jon Hansen, a career firefighter with twenty-two years' service. Now Hansen tells us the intimate story from the front lines, paying tribute to the men and women who became heroes in the days following the most violent act of terrorism in America's history. In this ultimate behind-the-headlines account, Hansen describes his first-hand experiences, from organizing the massive rescue effort on day one, through the valiant work performed in the harrowing area known as "the pit," to the heroic acts of courage he witnessed in the face of unfathomable loss. Candid, compelling, and inspirational, OKLAHOMA RESCUE is a true testament to bravery. "Chief Hansen has become the face of Oklahoma City, emerging as a symbol of this city's competence and compassion in the aftermath of the nation's worst terrorist attack." --The Dallas Morning News With 8 pages of photos

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345402529
• ISBN13: 9780345402523
• Release Date: June 1995
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

A first hand look at the response to this disaster

A true insider's view of the rescue and recovery efforts in Oklahoma City back in 1995. I knew a few people from the Fairfax County (Virginia) Urban Search & Rescue team that was deployed to assist this effort, but none of them could provide the kind of detailed account presented here. In many ways the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building was a dress rehearsal for the even more devastating attacks that would occur less than seven years later. The strength of the American people is our ability to set aside our differences and band together in times of grief and danger. For all our diagreements, we genuinely care for each other and will go to amazing lengths to help complete strangers. This trait is noted again and again in this book, which serves more as a reminder of the depth of compassion in this country than of the evil of the attack itself.

Extrordinary...Riveting and True to Life...

As a volunteer fire/rescue provider I empathized with Chief Hanson. I could not put the book down except when I wept so hard I could not continue. The rescuers were certainly on my mind the entire time of the rescue efforts and I prayed for each and every one of them, knowing what they were to encounter. There were both career and volunteer working shoulder to shoulder. After reading the book I had a profound respect and admiration for Chief Hanson. The photos of his daughter and how he spoke of his family made me realize that he was going to be OK. His experience is one that no professional {firefighter/rescuer) wants to encounter, but we must be ready with the appropriate training and skills. I wanted to write to Chief Hanson but never did for one reason or another. The book is worth reading and I'm sorry it is out of print. A must read for all in the emergency services. If the eyes don't glisten there's something wrong... I was proud of the team that went from my home state of Maryland. The Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team out of Siver Spring gave an overview of their experience at the annual convention of the Maryland State Firemen's Assn. in 1995 - Indeed a story through pictures... I continue to pray for all those involved to this day. I worry that it could happen again, close by. Therefore, I pray we'll be as prepared as the Oklahome Fire Department. I am a great beleiver that we are placed in situations by a higher power, so we can do the most good. I somehow beleive that God placed Chief Hanson in the appropriate position certainly because a strong leader was needed. Is there an update on the men and women of the Oklahoma City Fire Department? It would be interesting to see how many maintained their careers within the emergency services. Thanks for allowing me this opportunity. Patricia Bowser, FO I, Garrett County, Md.