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New York Times BestsellerFrom the first FDNY chief to respond to the 9/11 attacks, an intimate memoir and a tribute to those who died that others might liveWhen Chief Joe Pfeifer led his firefighters to investigate an odor of gas in downtown Manhattan on the morning of 9/11, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever. A few moments later, he watched as the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Pfeifer, the closest FDNY chief to the scene, spearheaded rescue efforts on one of the darkest days in American history.Ordinary Heroes is the unforgettable and intimate account of what Chief Pfeifer witnessed at Ground Zero, on that day and the days that followed. Through his eyes, we see the horror of the attack and the courage of the firefighters who ran into the burning towers to save others. We see him send his own brother up the stairs of the North Tower, never to return. And we walk with him and his fellow firefighters through weeks of rescue efforts and months of numbing grief, as they wrestle with the real meaning of heroism and leadership.This gripping narrative gives way to resiliency and a determination that permanently reshapes Pfeifer, his fellow firefighters, NYC, and America. Ordinary Heroes takes us on a journey that turns traumatic memories into hope, so we can make good on our promise to never forget 9/11.

In the aftermath of the devastating events of September 11, 2001, Joseph Pfeifer, a dedicated New York City firefighter, found himself at the heart of the tragedy, responding to the World Trade Center collapse. In his gripping memoir, "Ordinary Heroes: A Memoir of 9/11," Pfeifer recounts his firsthand experiences and the extraordinary acts of heroism and resilience he witnessed amidst the chaos and destruction.

Pfeifer vividly describes the harrowing scenes he encountered as he worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and search for the missing. He pays tribute to the unwavering bravery of his fellow firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders who risked their lives to save others. Through his compelling narrative, Pfeifer captures the profound impact of 9/11 on the lives of those directly affected, as well as on the nation as a whole.

More than just a chronicle of events, "Ordinary Heroes" delves into the emotional and psychological toll that the tragedy took on Pfeifer and his colleagues. He candidly shares his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the challenges he faced in coming to terms with the trauma he witnessed. His account offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and the enduring consequences they often face.

Pfeifer's memoir is a powerful testament to the resilience and unity that emerged from the ashes of 9/11. It honors the ordinary individuals who performed extraordinary acts of courage and pays tribute to the lives lost in the attacks. Through his firsthand account, Pfeifer sheds light on the profound impact of this historic event and its lasting legacy.