In the Line of Duty: A Tribute to New York's Finest and Bravest

by Bernard B. Kerik, Thomas Von Essen

On September 11, 2001, with the terrorist attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City, the United States entered one of the greatest trials in its history. There were thousands of deaths in the wake of that tragedy -- and thousands of heroes. Led by Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York Fire Department (FDNY) banded together in courage and hope during the rescue and recovery effort. In the Line of Duty salutes the brave men and women of those two departments, who proved to the nation and the world the strength and heroism of the American people. Through over 100 pages of black and white photographs (and 16 pages of full colour), this memorial volume documents the heroism of New York's Finest and Bravest in the hours and days following the disaster. With a Foreword in tribute to the search and rescue teams -- and their fallen comrades -- by Commissioner Kerik, and filled with the inspirational words of national and spiritual leaders, In the Line of Duty bears witness to the indomitable spirit of the American people.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Photography

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Bernard Bailey Kerik was an American consultant and police officer who was the 40th Commissioner of the New York Police Department from 2000 to 2001.
Kerik joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1986. He served from 1998 to 2000 as commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction and 2000–2001 as New York City Police Commissioner, during which he oversaw the police response to the September 11 attacks. Kerik conducted two extramarital affairs simultaneously, using a Battery Park City apartment that had been set aside for first responders at Ground Zero.
After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, President George W. Bush appointed Kerik as the interior minister of the Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority. In 2004, Bush nominated Kerik to lead the Department of Homeland Security. However, Kerik soon withdrew his candidacy, explaining that he had employed an undocumented immigrant as a nanny. His admission sparked state and federal investigations. In 2006, Kerik pleaded guilty in Bronx Supreme Court to two unrelated misdemeanor ethics violations and was ordered to pay $221,000 in fines.
In 2009, Kerik pleaded guilty in the Southern District of New York to eight federal felony charges for tax fraud and making false statements. In February 2010, he was sentenced to four years in federal prison, of which he served three years. In 2020, he obtained a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump for his federal convictions for tax fraud, ethics violations, and criminal false statements. After the 2020 United States presidential election, Kerik supported Trump's false claims of voter fraud and attempted to help overturn the election results.

Reviews

[Jo Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up on visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Visitors Centre.
More a photographic story of the aftermath of the event and includes some quote from prominent Americans which are thought provoking.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving tribute to the heroes who put their own lives on the line to help others in the aftermath of September 11th. Quotes from local and state leaders, as well as world leaders and prominent figures in history, accompany the photographs.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great FDNY book.

[Mauoijenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book of photographs of chaos and tragedy.
Filled with quotes and poems.