I would like to thank you for embarking on this journey with me through this book. The tragic events of 9/11 are extremely sensitive, however if we ignore the pain surrounding the event, we also ignore the incredible people who had the courage to confront them. My mission is to comfort the loved ones left behind, and simply recognize the selfless acts, which were repeated throughout that day.  

I struggled with the decision whether to make public my personal diary, which included many of the events and people surrounding September 11. The enormous respect I have for all the heroes that emerged that day would be difficult for me to put into words. So many different people acted with dignity and honor, it concerned me that it might exceed my ability to capture the day’s reverence.

 I am a paramedic/firefighter as well as a hospital supervisor who was at Ground Zero. I have never been prouder to call myself an American or to be a member of the public safety community. The negative image or stereotype that people sometimes harbor, especially regarding police officers, is often very unfair.

Twenty years as a public servant has given me the opportunity to witness many benevolent and compassionate acts performed by the very same people who are sometimes vilified by the public. On September 11, the world witnessed the true character and the level of dedication that is at the core of the emergency services personnel in the United States. Sadly the role models often admired today are emulated for the wrong reasons. My hope is that after reading this book, if just one person applies the values demonstrated that day the world will become a much better place.

Through a series of coincidences I survived that catastrophic day and would like to share my experiences and observations with you to keep the heroic actions by so many alive. Unfortunately, approximately 3,000 other good people were not as fortunate. The people who answered the call for help, revealed to the world the inherent strength and beauty that Americans’ possess. It was not only the emergency personnel that responded but also ordinary everyday Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Asians. They came from all walks of life and combined their strengths and talents to create a mosaic of hope and comfort for the people suffering.