Product Description

This is a true story of one woman's journey to attend to the well-being of firemen devastated by the loss of four members of their Company and 339 of their brethren on September 11, 2001. It is about the ultimate rescue, for in a startling reversal of roles the firefighters help to heal the author's own traumatic past. In a tone both poignant and thoughtful, Ms. Locke provides an authentic, historical account of life in a New York City firehouse. Her acceptance past the "big red doors" and a line of battle-hardened firefighters is a heartwarming tribute to how giving to others can become the ultimate experience of receiving. (A portion of the proceeds will be used to assist firefighters affected by 9/11 and the Jessica Locke Firefighters Fund.)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1221253 in Books
• Published on: 2007
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Customer Reviews

WHAT AN INSPIRATION - THANKS JESSICA
Rescue at Engine 32 is one of the most inspiring books I have read in years. Jessica Locke's search to find a way to help Engine 32 firefighters in New York after 9/11 brings about many emotions, ups and downs. My husband and dad are retired Captains from the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), my brothers are both Captains of the NOFD, and several cousins as well. I thought that this impacted my emotions brought about when reading it but now that several friends with no connection to any firefighters have read the book, I know different. All were truly inspired and were also very emotional when discussing Rescue at Engine 32. Jessica Locke is truly an amazing woman. I thank her for sharing her life and being such an inspiration. It is hard to believe that we can do just about anything we set our minds to if we just give it a shot. She proved this to be true. I believe she still has more to come. Again, thanks.

Must read for those interested in true stories of 9/11...
This is the story of Jessica Locke's journey to New York City's Ground Zero, where she felt drawn to following the Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. She responded the only way she knew how to - as a person who had suffered a great deal of pain in her own life. She could sense the collective pain of the victims that called from the smoky pile at Ground Zero. She knew about pain and suffering from her own past. True, there was little she could do for those murdered except to pay her respects. But there were "other" victims. There were the rescue and recovery workers who had been through a terrible tragedy, yet they would not acknowledge it. They could not. They were in "rescue" mode. Day in and day out. They were in denial. Jessica knew how this event would eventually affect these workers if they were left untreated.

Jessica would rely on her abilities as a practitioner of the Alexander Technique to try to help those that would accept her help. It would be difficult to "help" such strong and capable figures. But she approached them with a great grace, and surprisingly, she would be welcomed into a New York City firehouse during one of the most defining moments in the history of firefighting.

This is a story of unprecedented access given to a special woman who was able to gain the trust of a firehouse recovering from the loss of 343 colleagues, four of who were members of their own firehouse. From shopping with the Company for meals, to eating with them; from going on "runs", to sitting in the kitchen observing the interaction of firehouse culture, Jessica has immortalized what it was like to be inside an FDNY firehouse following the events of 9/11. Jessica has become a part of that big family that is known as "The New York City Fire Department".

Read the book. Enjoy it. Marvel at this "true" story of joys that made her feel like a little girl again, and moments of sorrow that reminded her of what brought her to New York City in the first place.

And how do I know that this is a "true" story? Well, I used to work in the very firehouse in which this story takes place....

Lt. Joseph T. McMahon
FDNY (Ret)

IN HELPING OTHERS, THIS AUTHOR SAVED HERSELF
I live in New York and needless to say, I along with my family were profoundly effected by the tragic events of Sept. 11th.

I have a one year-old daughter at home, and started reading this book in the morning over breakfast. Throughout the day I found myself reading more and more and by bedtime the book was finished.

I found this book to be an easy page-turner. The author gracefully goes back and forth between her childhood and the present. As I was reading along, I would find myself in tears one moment and laughing out loud the next. Through her words, I felt the admiration she had and still has for the members of Engine 32. She also has great courage to let us (the reader) into her own personal and intimate past.

This book is so beautifully written that I (as a reader) know for a fact that it came straight from the heart!