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From Landfill to Hallowed Ground: The Largest Crime Scene in America
An NYPD sergeant shares his experiences in the tragic aftermath of 9/11 and the tireless search for remains among the debris of the Twin Towers.
The morning of September 11, 2001, began like any other Tuesday for police Sergeant Frank Marra. He woke up early, brewed his coffee, and got his son Anthony ready for kindergarten. Then a shocking image interrupted televised broadcasts the South Tower of the World Trade Center was engulfed in flames and smoke. Sergeant Marra stared in shock at what would become the largest crime scene he would ever investigate.
Marra spent months at the Staten Island Landfill, where the 1.6 million tons of debris was searched for any form of evidence that could help identify the victims, including the remains of those buried beneath. Officers and volunteers worked tirelessly, often at great cost to themselves, to bring closure for so many grieving families. This heartrending story gives readers a rare and intimate glimpse into the days and months following the attack on September 11, and the stories that echo from “The Hill”—the hallowed ground of those who perished on that fateful day.
The morning of September 11, 2001, began like any other Tuesday for police Sergeant Frank Marra. He woke up early, brewed his coffee, and got his son Anthony ready for kindergarten. Then a shocking image interrupted televised broadcasts the South Tower of the World Trade Center was engulfed in flames and smoke. Sergeant Marra stared in shock at what would become the largest crime scene he would ever investigate.
Marra spent months at the Staten Island Landfill, where the 1.6 million tons of debris was searched for any form of evidence that could help identify the victims, including the remains of those buried beneath. Officers and volunteers worked tirelessly, often at great cost to themselves, to bring closure for so many grieving families. This heartrending story gives readers a rare and intimate glimpse into the days and months following the attack on September 11, and the stories that echo from “The Hill”—the hallowed ground of those who perished on that fateful day.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
28 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 19, 2015
The debris from the collapse of the Twin Towers was barged to the Staten Island Landfill, and Det. Marra was one of those assigned to go through it. In this book he chronicles his experiences sifting through the debris and cataloging the vehicles, some crushed and some intact. The subject is fascinating and humbling but the book fell short of my expectations.
There is a lot of general information but not enough anecdotes. It would have been a much better book if Marra had spoken with more people who also worked the Landfill. The book would benefit from more stories like that of the woman who came to Staten Island with her children to sit in her late husband's car. There aren't enough meaningful passages like that one. The photographs are generic and add nothing.
These seem like paltry quibbles in light of Marra's service to NY and the world, but it's an expensive book for what you get. Thank you, sir, for your service, and for giving us a glimpse of what it was like working the Staten Island Landfill. I would have liked to know a lot more.
There is a lot of general information but not enough anecdotes. It would have been a much better book if Marra had spoken with more people who also worked the Landfill. The book would benefit from more stories like that of the woman who came to Staten Island with her children to sit in her late husband's car. There aren't enough meaningful passages like that one. The photographs are generic and add nothing.
These seem like paltry quibbles in light of Marra's service to NY and the world, but it's an expensive book for what you get. Thank you, sir, for your service, and for giving us a glimpse of what it was like working the Staten Island Landfill. I would have liked to know a lot more.
March 16, 2015
A vivid reminder
A well written account of the aftermath and recovery operation following 9/11. Graphic in parts and enlightening on something I was unaware of, it tells the sad personal account of one mans experiences helping search, identify and eventually oversee some of the rubble that remained of the twin towers. I thought this would be a tough emotional read, but it was so factual this for me while very sad was not upsetting. Thank you for sharing your experiences, these memories need to be preserved to remind future generations of the horror of 9/11. I also hope this brought some healing and closure of its own to the authors and will comfort families of the victims.
A well written account of the aftermath and recovery operation following 9/11. Graphic in parts and enlightening on something I was unaware of, it tells the sad personal account of one mans experiences helping search, identify and eventually oversee some of the rubble that remained of the twin towers. I thought this would be a tough emotional read, but it was so factual this for me while very sad was not upsetting. Thank you for sharing your experiences, these memories need to be preserved to remind future generations of the horror of 9/11. I also hope this brought some healing and closure of its own to the authors and will comfort families of the victims.
May 13, 2015
I had no idea about the landfill and all that went on there. Enlightening account of the important and heartbreaking work that went on there post-9/11.
October 20, 2018
I was deeply moved by the information shared in this book. Once the debris was moved from Ground Zero, most people weren't aware of what actually happened to it unless you were in NYC. This book tells you what happened next. My only critique is with the author's intro "Calm Before the Storm". He mixed up the timeline of the towers demise. He said the South tower was hit first and he saw the plane hit the North tower instead of what actually happened. Maybe the editors missed it but I think for historical accuracy, it should be addressed. Other than that, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the people who tried to bring closure to those who lost loved ones. And, I do agree that some type of Memorial should be placed at the sight even if only a plaque of some sort.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2020
Interesting perspective on 9/11 from a police detective at the scene. Learned a lot about what some of the surviving first responders went through.
December 2, 2023
Seems to be poorly edited, duplication of sentences were common.
April 24, 2015
Very short
May 13, 2015
Great book. So sad. I had no idea all that went on after 9/11.
June 4, 2021
Wow
This is an eye opening book. I was wondering how they were trying to recover from 9\11. I hadn't heard how that was done.
This is an eye opening book. I was wondering how they were trying to recover from 9\11. I hadn't heard how that was done.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews