Richard Picciotto

Easton Press Richard Picciotto books

Last Man Down - Signed Limited Edition - 2009

Richard Picciotto biography

Richard "Pitch" Picciotto, born on June 7, 1946, is a retired American firefighter and author best known for his heroic actions during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. As one of the highest-ranking firefighters to survive the collapse of the Twin Towers, Picciotto's bravery and leadership have earned him widespread recognition and admiration. Picciotto's career in the fire service began in the 1960s when he joined the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) as a probationary firefighter. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a steadfast dedication to serving others.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Picciotto was serving as the Deputy Chief of the FDNY's Battalion 11 in Manhattan. When the first hijacked plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was among the first responders to arrive at the scene. Despite the chaos and devastation unfolding around him, Picciotto quickly sprang into action, coordinating rescue efforts and evacuations within the North Tower. As the situation grew increasingly dire, he made the fateful decision to enter the building in an attempt to save lives. Picciotto and his team ascended the stairs of the North Tower, braving smoke, flames, and debris as they made their way toward the upper floors. As they reached the 35th floor, the South Tower collapsed, sending shockwaves through the building and causing it to tremble violently.

Miraculously, Picciotto and his team managed to survive the initial collapse, but they were now trapped in the burning wreckage of the North Tower. With limited visibility and communication, they faced a race against time to find a way out before it was too late. After hours of painstaking effort, Picciotto and his team were finally able to escape the rubble and emerge from the smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center. Their survival was nothing short of miraculous, and their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable danger have inspired countless people around the world.

In the years since September 11th, Picciotto has shared his harrowing story with audiences across the globe, speaking about his experiences as a first responder and the lessons he learned from that fateful day. He has also authored a book titled Last Man Down: A Firefighter's Story of Survival and Escape from the World Trade Center, which chronicles his experiences on September 11th and its aftermath. Richard "Pitch" Picciotto's bravery and selflessness in the face of danger serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by first responders on September 11, 2001, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of crisis. His unwavering dedication to duty and commitment to serving others continue to inspire and uplift people around the world.