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9/11 books: First responders share their stories

Books about the catastrophic 9/11 attacks and the long return to normalcy are crucial to the historical record of those we lost and how we moved forward

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How well do you remember the events of 9/11? Are your memories a result of the TV coverage you watched that day and the many days that followed? Perhaps your memories have been shaped by movies, documentaries and conference presentations about the heroic actions of firefighters, police officers, paramedics and citizens who responded to the Twin Towers, Pentagon and field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Maybe you have visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City or countless other museum exhibits and memorials across our great country.

Many books have been written about the events leading up to September 11, 2001, the tragic events of the day and the transition from rescue and recovery into a decades-long global war on terror. But only a few of those books were written by, or primarily about, the firefighters, police officers and paramedics who ran toward the danger. These books will reinforce your memories of heroism and replenish your faith in the willingness of first responders to go above and beyond, even in the face of unprecedented catastrophe.

As you review this list, including several New York Times best sellers, please let us know why one of these books is your favorite or worth rereading. Also, please recommend titles we might have missed.

Remembering 9/11

Greg Friese, MS, NRP, is the Lexipol Editorial Director, leading the efforts of the editorial team on Police1, FireRescue1, Corrections1, EMS1 and Gov1. Greg has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from the University of Idaho. He is an educator, author, paramedic and runner. Greg is a three-time Jesse H. Neal award winner, the most prestigious award in specialized journalism, and 2018 and 2020 Eddie Award winner for best Column/Blog. Ask questions or submit article ideas to Greg by emailing him at gfriese@lexipol.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.