Book Review by: Joseph Leonard, CMDR, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret)
In Report from Ground Zero, Dennis Smith, a former FDNY firefighter and acclaimed author of Report from Engine Company 82, offers an unflinching and deeply personal account of the September 11, 2001, tragedy and its aftermath. Drawing from his firsthand experience volunteering at Manhattan’s Ladder Co. 16, Smith provides a harrowing yet heartfelt narrative of the rescue efforts following the terrorist attacks that brought down the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Through vivid storytelling and compassionate insight, Smith chronicles the heroism of New York City’s firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel as they confronted a disaster of unprecedented magnitude. As you are reading this review on the YLD Foundation website, you may know many of those interviewed, may have been trained by them, or served alongside them. Smith takes readers to the front lines of Ground Zero, where rescuers faced unimaginable dangers in their desperate search for survivors amid the smoldering ruins. The book paints a sobering picture of loss, bravery, and resilience, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who risked everything to save others. Smith’s writing shines in his ability to humanize the rescuers. Through intimate interviews and personal reflections, he shares the stories of firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming chaos. These profiles are not just tributes to the fallen but also a testament to the enduring strength of their families and colleagues. Smith captures the raw emotions of the men and women who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero—grief, determination, camaraderie, and the heavy burden of survivor’s guilt.
What sets Report from Ground Zero apart is its immediacy and authenticity. Smith’s background as a firefighter gives him unparalleled insight into the culture, values, and sacrifices of first responders. His narrative balances the technical aspects of the rescue efforts with deeply personal anecdotes, making the book both informative and profoundly moving. Smith also places the events of September 11 within a broader historical context, likening the attacks to Pearl Harbor as a defining moment of collective loss and resilience for the nation. He explores the profound impact on the fire and police departments, whose members not only suffered devastating losses but also became symbols of courage and hope in America’s darkest hours.
As much as it is a chronicle of heroism, Report from Ground Zero is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of preparedness. Smith does not shy away from the hard truths about the physical and emotional toll on first responders, nor the long-term challenges of rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of such devastation.
ISBN: 9780670031160