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

by Thomas Von Essen

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 the purpose demonstrated by all who came and labored in these months. The answer is in the enduring spirits of all assembled here. That, for me, is the miracle in all of having looked horror in the face, we bear the pain without losing heart. –– Thomas Von Essen

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 26, 2003

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Tom Von Essen, was FDNY Fire Commissioner during 9/11. In Strong of Heart he shares the horrific story of 9/11 but also the brotherhood of firefighters. Although the Commissioner is an appointed role usually filled by someone with limited or no fire industry knowledge, Tom brought 30+ years experience with FDNY to the role, thankfully. He chronicles his career as well as an insider's view to 9/11, the finest recovery effort ever made in the U.S. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with him this week. I can't tell you how impressed I was with his big heart and genuine spirit. A real leader when we needed that. His story is a loud reminder to us and our children that we should never forget the valiant rescue and recovery efforts of FDNY nor the victims and their families.

[Daniel Knapke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good for fire firefighters, but that is about it. Von Essen gets a bit political and at times sounds like a Giuliani cheerleader. That was his job though, he was the Mayor’s liaison for the fire department.
The most interesting part, to me, is he description of the aftermath of 9/11. There are things that happened as part of the cleanup and immediate reactions that I have already forgotten and will likely be lost in history.
I would probably read this book again, but it is not for everyone.

[Sean McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt and insightful autobiography from a veteran firefighter who literally worked his way up the ladder to become the Fire Commissioner of the FDNY. The book does well in talking about the tough lessons Van Essen learned as a leader. It also does a great job in discussing the sadness he experienced on 911 and when he lost friends that were close to him.

[Gary Laskowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read for a person who is just getting into reading books on a regular basis. As a first responder it was nice to see how the operations for 9/11 were handled in the days after the attack.

[Susan Krich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most interesting part of this well written and attention grabbing book is the section with pages from the author's notebook.

[Paul S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book that lets you peek a bit behind the scenes at NYFD. The book is written by the Fire Commissioner and largely focuses on 9-11 and the aftermath and the impact it had on the FDNY

[Beckett Kot · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love to learn about history and love first responders then you will love this book.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Von Essen provides unique insight into what it was like to be a firefighter, especially during the "War Years" of the early 1970s in Harlem and the Bronx. He also provides a view into the internal workings of the deparatment and the labor unions and how good/bad decisions are made. His descriptions of both 9/11 and the Father's Day Fire in 1998, are moving and show the real human toll of these disasters.

My one complaint is that the book is rather short. Many parts I would have enjoyed hearing more descriptions and details ie about the department attempted to rebuild after 9/11 and also how it is attempting to prepare. Some parts of the book feel rushed as if they were the result of a single draft.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I just lost a friend who was a Battalion Chief. My friend loved firefighting so much, he collected fire memorabilia and couldn't drive past a fire house without yelling, "Fire truck!!"

This was a hard read. I cried several times. But, OMG, everyone should read this book about the Fire Commissioner of the FDNY during September 11, 2001 and the grueling days afterward. History, autobiography, drama, and lots of love in this book. Wow.

[Earl Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed account of the strength the leadership of the city of new York and the fdny maintained in the face of one of the world's greatest tragedies. Very well done. Von Essen paints a vivid account of many of the men who lost their lives on 9/11. Many passages are emotionally challenging. Very much worth the read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first hand account of the WTC on 9/11. See what Guiliani was doing, and how the rescue was organized from the commissioner at the top of the department, a real fireman who didn't come up through the chief's office to get there.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i would give this a 10 if i could. we have bought over a dozen copies to give to firefighters or military as well as their families. true insight to how someone in EMS thinks. The book tells the story of 9/11 from a totally different perspective.

[Lynell Jansen]

Powerful.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a huge Von Essen fan but the book is fair.

[Stephan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Tales of true heroes.