Sue Okenyi

60, Female

Clovis, CA

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

N/A

Job Function

Other

Years in Fire/EMS:

Neither - I'm an author

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

None

Years With Department/Agency

0

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.healingtheherosheart.com

About Me:

I'm not a member of a fire department or emergency service or peace officer. I am an author - well a one time author. My book is called "Healing the Hero's Heart."

Prior to the September 11 tragedy, I had absolutely no connection to police or fire in any way nor did I know anyone with such a connection. But through the humanitarian efforts of the company I work for, Pelco, I was introduced. They opened their hearts and hands and gave support to the East Coast in many ways. I was blessed to be able to play a small part in it.

I'm a literature services clerk at Pelco. I handle the mailing list for the company trade magazine. After the 9/11 attacks, we sent a special edition to every fire house and precinct in New York to let them know they were in our thoughts and prayers. They began to call in and email. From the day that edition hit their hands in October of 2001 and for months to follow, all I did personally was go into work and pick up my phone and "listen" as members of every rank from all the departments called in to receive more copies of the magazine and to show their appreciation. Each one shared a little of their very personal story. And so I became a listening ear 3,000 miles away.

The response that came into me personally and in to our executives touched the owners of Pelco deeply and caused them to want to do something more permanent. A memorial was created that stands to this day and a lobby of one of the buildings has become a 9/11 museum.

An awesome connection between the people at Pelco, our community, our own first responders and New York was built and will last forever.

I am just one person that got to participate. But one thing more happened that was special for me and brought me deeper into your world. Some of the guys I heard from, made me a confidant. I was 3,000 miles away and they didn't know me, so they could unload. That made it more personal.

My book documents everything as well as I could document it. My life is forever changed because of it for the better. I hope you will check it out and find it a fitting tribute. You can find it on Amazon and on my website: www.healingtheherosheart.com.

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.healingtheherosheart.com

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