More Information
The
Heart
Behind
the
Hero
edited
by
Curt
and
Karen
Yoder
Inspirational
collection
of
true
firefighter/paramedic
stories
from
across
America
About the editors
Curt and Karen Yoder reside in Orange County, California, with their four children.
Curt has been a firefighter with the Costa Mesa Fire Department for the past 25 years. Since 1998, he has traveled with the Costa Mesa Fire Department Color Guard to the Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he assists in escorting families of our fallen brothers and sisters.
Curt comes from a family of firefighters. His father, John A. Yoder, was a battalion chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department for 29 years before he died in 1983 in the line of duty. His name rests on the National Fallen Firefighter's Memorial. Curt's brother, Craig Yoder, is celebrating his 26th year with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, where he is currently a battalion chief.
Karen is an alumna of California State University, Fullerton. After receiving her B.S. in child development and psychology in 1986, she worked for KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc. for 13 years in the capacity of regional operations and facilities assistant. Karen enjoys writing and has contributed stories to The Orange County Register as a member of the Parent Panel.
Comments by the publisher
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.
