Read Stories from the Book on the Special Feature Page at:

(Hardcover, Autographed Copy Only $18.95 for limited time only!)

Order Discount Autographed Author's Copy in our Bookstore!

Also Available Now at Borders, Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com

About
THE HEART BEHIND THE HERO

Curt Yoder, a twenty-five year veteran firefighter with the Costa Mesa Fire Department in Costa Mesa, California, and his wife, Karen, bring you this heartwarming and inspirational collection of true stories, essays and poems from firefighters and paramedics across America.

     These touching and beautifully written stories, from the hearts and souls of the firefighters and paramedics who wrote them, reveal the emotions, feelings and spirit of today's American firefighters and rescue workers.

     Experience, through their own words, the emotional trauma of holding a dying child ... and the fear and adrenaline rush of battling a wild fire.  Relive the drama as they recount their responses to America's most recent heartbreaking tragedies--the bombing of the Alfred E. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.  Laugh with them as they tell stories from their rookie years ... and share their sorrow and pain as they pay tributes to their own ... their brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives doing the job they loved.

     The Heart Behind the Hero offers an in-depth insight to the lifestyles and daily thoughts of these brave men and women who, while waiting to serve those in need, develop lifetime bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

     This book is sure to warm the hearts and souls of all firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical professionals and citizens who wish to catch a glimpse of The Heart Behind the Hero.

Excerpts from
THE HEART BEHIND THE HERO

"... I knew the woman's voice would haunt me forever if I didn't at least try ... As I went toward the rear door, black smoke was being pushed by the wall of fire that began to spread across the kitchen ceiling.  I knew that I could make it to the bedrooms, but I wouldn't return the same way.  I'd have to go out the bedroom window.   Hopefully, with a child in my arms ... "

from "A Life Saved"
by Doug Faulisi, Firefighter, Schenectady, New York

"... A shadowy figure, emerging from a police cruiser caught my attention.   The young man started toward the door of the Emergency Room, then saw me and turned toward my truck.  In the faint lights of the bay, I saw he was one of the victim's friends.  He stopped ten feet away and looked up.  Tears rolled down his cheeks ..."

from "Weight of the Badge"
by Michael R. Chase, Firefighter/EMT, Nantucket, Massachusetts

"...If you don't mind, I'd like to just sit here and listen to you dream about your future expectations of glory and honor in this service, this fire service; for it is you rookie that keeps my own thoughts of past glory and honor alive.  It's you rookie that allows me to find my second wind when I think I am too tired ..."

from "The Rookie"
by Barry "Skip" Wilson, Captain, Littleton, Colorado

©2000 Curt & Karen Yoder

Reviews

"No long drawn out stories here. The narratives in The Heart Behind the Hero are to the point and directly from the source. By opening their hearts, these American heroes help others to understand them while nurturing their own well-being. Hopefully, this book will be the first of many volumes that can only enhance our culture."

 Ernie Di Maria
 Lieutenant (Ret.) New York City Fire Department
 author of FIRE: A War That Never Ends

"I found The Heart Behind the Hero to be not just an interesting compilation of stories from firefighters and paramedics, but also a release of emotional energy from each of the contributors. This book offers tips to rookies and veterans, alike.  But it also pays homage to those who have died in the line of duty ... This book will be a priceless memento for their families and friends."

A.J. Heightman
Editor, JEMS
Journal of Emergency Medical Services

"The Heart Behind the Hero offers thoughtful and genuine insight into the compassion, feelings and emotional experiences of today's American fire and rescue heroes. This book promises enjoyable and entertaining reading for all."

Fire Chief Lester Tyra
Houston Fire Department
Houston, Texas

"The Heart Behind the Hero proves beyond any doubt that caring and courage are a double dose of belief that makes the firefighter unique in our society--someone who is tough enough to face tragedy, and tender enough to never let the tragedy be treated as trivial.   As I read the pages of this book, I smiled in recognition of people that I have worked with and felt the emotion of those that I have never met, but understand.  Curt and Karen should be commended for preparing this for all to enjoy."

Ronny J. Coleman
President, FETN
Fire & Emergency Television Network
California State Fire Marshal (Ret.)

Return to Top of Page