Last Man Down: A Firefighter's Story of Survival and Escape from the World Trade Center

A first responder’s harrowing account of 9/11—the inspirational true story of an American hero who gave nearly everything for others during one of New York City’s darkest hours. On September 11, 2001, FDNY Battalion Chief Richard “Pitch” Picciotto answered the call heard around the world. In minutes, he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center began to burn—and then to buckle. A veteran of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was eerily familiar with the inside of the North Tower. And it was there that he concentrated his rescue efforts. It was in its smoky stairwells where he heard and felt the South Tower collapse. He made the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, while he stayed behind with a skeleton team of men to help evacuate a group of disabled and infirm civilians. And it was in the rubble of the North Tower where Picciotto found himself buried—for more than four hours after the building’s collapse.

About the Author :
Battalion Commander Richard Picciotto is the highest-ranking firefighter to have survived the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11. He is a veteran of the New York City Fire Department, presiding over FDNY’s Battalion 11, which covers Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Review :
Praise for Last Man Down “Picciotto's account is one survivor's remarkable story...Its strength is its tone: conversational, free of literary pretense...The book is both grim and inspiring.”—USA Today “A gritty and moving firsthand account by the highest ranking firefighter to survive the collapse of the twin towers...Picciotto’s honesty—and honor—shine through every page of this page-turner.”—Associated Press “Incredible...[Richard Picciotto] has a remarkable story to tell.”—The Washington Post “Gripping...the first book written by a firefighter inside the towers.”—New York Daily News   “Unforgettable...There is no substitute for hearing him tell his story in his own voice...So gut-wrenching is the telling, one is tempted to hope that the rumble of American B-52s over Afghanistan sounds as terrifying to the enemy as the ‘sick, black noise’ that enveloped Chief Picciotto and his men that day...This is a stirring tribute to the men we now know deservedly as ‘heroes.’”—The Washington Times “Will shake and inspire readers to the core...It’s Picciotto and his comrades’ courage and willingness to sacrifice that every reader will remember, and honor, upon closing this gritty, heartfelt remembrance of a day of infamy and profound humanity.”—Publishers Weekly “[A] gripping first-person account...An invaluable eyewitness to history as well as a professional just doing his job...this inspirational account serves as a tribute to all the firefighters and rescue personnel who unquestioningly put their lives on the line that day.”—Booklist