Ordinary Heroes

A Memoir of 9/11

By: Joseph Pfeifer

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

New York Times best seller

From the first FDNY chief to respond to the 9/11 attacks, an intimate memoir and a tribute to those who died that others might live

When Chief Joe Pfeifer led his firefighters to investigate an odor of gas in downtown Manhattan on the morning of 9/11, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever. A few moments later, he watched as the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Pfeifer, the closest FDNY chief to the scene, spearheaded rescue efforts on one of the darkest days in American history.

Ordinary Heroes is the unforgettable and intimate account of what Chief Pfeifer witnessed at Ground Zero, on that day and the days that followed. Through his eyes, we see the horror of the attack and the courage of the firefighters who ran into the burning towers to save others. We see him send his own brother up the stairs of the North Tower, never to return. And we walk with him and his fellow firefighters through weeks of rescue efforts and months of numbing grief, as they wrestle with the real meaning of heroism and leadership.

This gripping narrative gives way to resiliency and a determination that permanently reshapes Pfeifer, his fellow firefighters, NYC, and America. Ordinary Heroes takes us on a journey that turns traumatic memories into hope, so we can make good on our promise to never forget 9/11.

©2021 Joseph Pfeifer (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

Ordinary Heroes is clear-eyed, spellbinding, extraordinary.” (Vanity Fair)

"Pfeifer’s record of that day and its aftermath surely enters the canon as one of the necessary documents of 9/11. But it’s his inclusive sense of public service, one that values the heroism of those who do ordinary things in extraordinary times, that makes Ordinary Heroes a book for today. (The New York Times)

"With great humility, Chief Pfeifer has crafted a moving story of how the FDNY was anything but ordinary in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack this country has ever seen. An incredible picture of the resilience, humor, and heart of New York’s bravest." (Jon Stewart)

I couldn’t put the book down.

Very well written, I felt like I was one there with Chief! Such a great yet sad story!

Great book

Really brings the reality of 911 and being a firefighter to life. Recommend for all alive during 911 and after.

great boom

This brought back so many memories of working the pile but at the same time really showed all of the behind the scenes things that went on and how the work kept going on after the clean up.

Heart tugging

Loved it gut wrenching saw the movie by Jules and now kno saw the story behind the story

Mesmerizing

This book takes you step by step through the ordinary firehouse life to the aftermath of 9/11.

Unbelievably Powerful

This story is one of so many ups and downs and is truly remarkable. It’s overall message is that of pure hope and inspiration for a better future. I am deeply moved by this book and would like to appreciate Chief Pfeifer for writing his story. My heart also goes out to the 343 ordinary heroes of the FDNY that died on 9/11.

Reliving the event through another

Very sobering and humbling perspective on a place in time while 22 years later feels like yesterday. I come back to this and re-listen every September.

Well written and well narrated.

Incredible & inspiring.

chief Pfiefer's account here is an immaculately remarkably astounding story of Courage, Devotion, Hope, Love, & Recovery. Chief Pfeifer devotes himself entirely to tell the story of the courageous souls all around him who without question went up the stairwells, elevators, and secured the plaza and blocks around the world trade center so people from the WTC could get to safety and other rescue personnel could get in safely and do they're duty to the fullest. So many people made it out of the WTC safely due to Chief Pfeifer's quick response time.
Chief Pfeifer also endlessly helped in the aftermath and recovery efforts in the days and weeks after 9/11. And incredibly he devoted himself to the improving of the FDNY, Paramedics, police, and all first responders in the event of responce to high rise fires, counter terrorism, & biological terroism and he improved first responders communications. He is an incredible American, and for all of his efforts in the rescue & safety and future of those two things, they make Chief Pfeifer an incredible Hero to our country. He devoted himself entirely to improving the FDNY and first responders in the event of a terrorist attack.
I personally liked how Chief Pfeifer improved the FDNY'S marine units, equipping them with higher pressured hoses and units. For instance during the infamous "Landing on the Hudson", the responce time of FDNY marine units was incredible. they were able to rescue everyone within minutes of the plane landing in the Hudson. 200 stars this book gets. it was an amazing story. Please do yourself a favor and read or listen to it!

insight on an "Ordinary Hero" and his incidental journey to history

Since seeing the Naudet brother's documentary, 9/11, I have been fascinated by Joseph Pfeifers' viewpoint through September 11, 2001. This book gives that and more, his incredible experience during 9/11 and the losses he endured.

Fastest I’ve ever gone though an audiobook.

This is the first book I have ever left a review on. I can’t begin to tell you all the emotions felt during this book. My father was an FDNY firefighter who thankfully made it out alive that day. One his best friends unfortunately did not. There’s a point in the book where Chief Pfeifer tells President Bush, “We can’t find my brother sir.” It really hit hard. Although the Chief was talking about his actual brother, I’m sure every surviving firefighter felt that way about all their brothers lost. The chief did an amazing job of telling this story. The narrator was the perfect person to read it aloud. You won’t regret listening. 343, 23, 37. RIP.