Strong of Heart: Life and Death in the Fire Department of New York

By Thomas Von Essen

Book Overview

The Site May 30, 2002 "How will we ever get through this?" is the question I asked on the night of September 11. "How?" Maybe the answer is here, all around me. Not just in the cleanup, not just in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006050949X
• ISBN13: 9780060509491
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: ReganBooks
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Great Story!

This book is a great story. It grabs you right from the beginning with the events of 9/11 and then continues with the story of a firefighter's life in New York. It is full of heart and makes you feel proud of our firefighters and law enforcement personnel.

A Vital Chapter in American History

A man of this caliber, who,we easily see from his book, cared deeply for all of the men in his department has given us a moving picture of American history which should be read by all. Congratulations and thanks to Regan Books for putting this important volume out there for Americans. The details and pictures included here should never be forgotten. Kudos to Thomas Von Essen!

NY's Bravest

This book shows me just how much it takes a strong man to do an impossible job. I found Von Essen's story to be one of inspiration and leadership. You must own this book.

A Wonderful Book

Following the conclusion of Thomas Von Essen's (the former New York City Fire Commissioner) book, I was deeply touched in the way Commissioner Von Essen honors the men he was worked with, the New York City Firemen. His recollection of his own experiences on September 11th identified the great challenge New York City faced, as well as the entire country. I have always been impressed by the unique characteristics of our countries leaders, Strong of Heart gives us a clear view of what it took to lead New York City back to where it was before 9/11. I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy learning about the sacrifice and dedication each NYC Firemen practices through their job.

An Unsung hero

Strong of Heart gives a sense of just exactly what the FDNY and the city of New York were up against on that tragic day in September. So many incredibly brave people were taken from the fire department that day. It is our duty to honor the legacy that these great people left behind. Strong of Heart gives you a glimpse of how the FDNY has evolved over the years and why it is always important to learn from one's experience. Men like Ray Downey and Pete Ganci fought more fires in one year than most firefighters will face in 20 years. Commissioner Von Essen tells how he drew strength and courage from firemen like Hatton and Stackpole and believed he led the greatest department on earth. One can't begin to imagine losing your closet friends and struggling to decide which funeral to attend because some funerals were being held on the same day. This book brings me comfort knowing that the Commissioner and FDNY did everything possible to try to save the lives of so many innocent people as possible. Von Essen's account of September 11, 2002 as depicted in Strong of Heart is both moving and very emotional.