CHIEF

With affection, warmth, and deep pride, the youngest son of the highest-ranking member of the New York City Fire Department to die on 9/11 has written the story of his father’s life and unswerving devotion to his job. The style is conversational and often inspirational as Ganci briefly traces his father’s childhood, beginning as a firefighter and rising through the ranks, where he combined leadership with a sense of humor. Relying on accounts of survivors, Ganci then tells of his father’s last moments, helping to direct rescue efforts and rushing into the North Tower just moments before it fell. His concluding words are a tribute to all those who died and an elegy to a father whom he obviously loved dearly. The many color photographs are credited on the acknowledgment page and a brief glossary explains terminology used. Even though the mood can be somber, young readers will find that Pete Ganci was a lively and energetic man, husband, father, and proud chief. (Biography. 8-11)