Excellent story of one man’s personal experiences before and after living through 9/11.
The author, Gerald (Jerry) Sanford made his way through NY civil service, first in the NYPD then FDNY. He moved up the ranks in the fire department and eventually became a press secretary. After putting in 29 years, he retired and moved to Florida where he soon became bored and joined the fire department in Naples. Through his associations there, in early 2001 he came into possession of an antique fire helmet originating from a fire station in NY and made arrangements to return it for their museum. This story is mainly about that journey, which started on September 10, 2001.
It Started With A Helmet, while short enough to read in one sitting (or through the night as in my case) will bring you through a wide range of feelings. It is funny in places, sarcastic and irreverent in others. It will bring you to tears. It is about selfless service, love and loss. And it will bring back the emotions of a time when our country was attacked by terrorists and Jerry’s personal and first hand knowledge of the scene in the aftermath.
Never forget.
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We will never forget! A personal tribute to the brotherhood of firemen
I've personally known Jerry Sanford for more than ten years, and although I "knew" his story, or thought I knew his story, this book blew me away. Jerry is the most genuine, kind and humble gentleman you could know, so when I read this book and his personal accounting of his life and of September 11, 2001, I couldn't help but realize how lucky he was not to have been a victim of one of the terrorist attacks. The book was written with honesty, candor and above all else, respect for his "brothers & sisters" and for "his" city. The author, Chris Griffith, wrote with complete objectivity and clarity. The book was concise and easy to read. My heart is full as think back to that day. One of my favorite stories was the story about Jerry walking into a "rough" bar in the meatpacking district of New York and making the bartender change all of the television channels so that he could watch one of the firemen receive an award from the President of the United States. This book was about honor, integrity and faith in our wonderful country. A wonderful reading experience. Thank you.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
We will never forget! A personal tribute to the brotherhood of firemen
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
I've personally known Jerry Sanford for more than ten years, and although I "knew" his story, or thought I knew his story, this book blew me away. Jerry is the most genuine, kind and humble gentleman you could know, so when I read this book and his personal accounting of his life and of September 11, 2001, I couldn't help but realize how lucky he was not to have been a victim of one of the terrorist attacks. The book was written with honesty, candor and above all else, respect for his "brothers & sisters" and for "his" city. The author, Chris Griffith, wrote with complete objectivity and clarity. The book was concise and easy to read. My heart is full as think back to that day. One of my favorite stories was the story about Jerry walking into a "rough" bar in the meatpacking district of New York and making the bartender change all of the television channels so that he could watch one of the firemen receive an award from the President of the United States. This book was about honor, integrity and faith in our wonderful country. A wonderful reading experience. Thank you.
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
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Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021
Wow! This book is pretty unique to say the least.
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021
So, scrolling through Tiktik one night. “It started with a helmet”. I decided to purchase this book because of the unique back stories from his fire service career and I was super interested in finding more information about this 1900s antique helmet that he stumbled across. The story behind it is just amazing especially being able to return the helmet back to the department that it originated from. Returned the day before September 11th at that! It blows my mind on how much life is in this book for such a short read. Hands down very inspirational, full of life and most certainly a lot of meaning is in this book. I mean you know how you enjoy war stories sitting around the fire house and that feeling you get just listening to them? This book will have you thinking as if the man himself is sitting in front of you telling you the story.
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021
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Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
Two words come to mind after reading this book - Honor and Duty
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
This short book has packed a lifetime of service and dedication of Gerald (I know him as Jerry) Sanford. Chris Griffith tells his story in an easy to read way that leads us from his early days in New York City as he begins his path on a life of public service. From his early struggles to find his way as a New York police officer to transitioning to New York Fire Department and ultimately Public Relations, you could tell he was on a pre-destined path in life. Nobody will ever completely know the loss he felt after so many of his friends and colleagues perished in 9/11 but his character gives us all a feeling of what a great person he is and more importantly every one of them were. Everyone in life makes a difference somehow. Jerry Sanford is someone that has and continues to set the bar higher every day.
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
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Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2021
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P.A.
Good, easy read of a harrowing subject.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2021