Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book relates Tom Van Essen's personal experience of the tragic September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and their effect on the fire department that was his life. His career is a remarkable one; after years as a firefighter, he served both as union president representing the fire fighters and as fire commissioner. Commissioners traditionally are political appointees, not firemen. His leap from one "side"--the brotherhood of unionized firemen--to the other "side" was not without controversy and there are many firemen, including some who write below, who criticize him for making the leap. Few seem sensitive to just how difficult this transition was or that it provided an opportunity for the views of ordinary firemen to be represented on the political "side." I find this book to be well-written and touching, though occasionally sounding like an apologia for some of the mishaps that occurred during Van Essen's tenure. It isn't presented as or meant to be objective truth--it's just one man's view of how the events of September 11 affected the NY Fire Department, put into perspective with a personal history of that department. I would read it again.

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.

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 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 mov
ing 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!

Von Essen's book makes no pretenses: it is a discussion of what occured 9/11, how he felt and responded to it in his official
capacity, some observations about other key players in this disaster, and his unabashed admiration for the might men killed in the attack. He offers no excuses for bureaucratic foot-dragging and continues to stress that training, preparation and safety equipment are the first responders' best defense against any future terrorism. This is a carefully written book that deserves attention.

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.

I was so touched by this book by our former Commisioner I could not put it down. Mr Von Essen has given such a tribute to the men of the FDNY and such insight to us as to what He had been thru post 9-11 that I feel I now know this fine man. I found it disheartining to read some of the reviews of some saying bad things about him and his book. The book is a tribute to so many GREAT MEN that I am bewildered by some of this pages reviews.
To say this book is garbage is to say the HEROS LOST and thier stories are the same! SHAME ON YOU!! Laura

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.

I am a veteran of world war two and I also am a New Yorker.
I can relate to this mans early days in the FDNY I thought the City would burn to the ground!I respect his courage and drive.
In a time when men ran to Canada he submerged!In the US Navy!
In a time our city was burning he raced in to put it out!
In a time our firefighters needed protective gear he got it!
In a time our CITY needed a LEADER he stood FAST!
I loved this book because it brings all the GOOD I remember as a kid in New York to bear. A regular kid makes good and pays a Heavy Emotionl price but goes on! Thats a New Yorker!!!!!

I was so moved by this author, everyone should read this. Thomas has been through so much and his story was so interesting. I couldn't put it down until I finished the book!