Sue Okenyi
  • 60, Female
  • Clovis, CA
  • United States
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CISM

Started this discussion. Last reply by Sue Okenyi Dec 4, 2008. 5 Replies

 

Healing the Hero's Heart

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
In Memory of John Costelloe, hollywood actor and FDNY Retired. Was 47 years old. He took his own live on December 18, 2008. He was a good friend of a good friend. He will be missed.

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Sue Okenyi's Blog

Clarification of Recognition of 9/11's Fallen Heroes at the National September Eleventh Memorial and Museum

Posted on July 6, 2009 at 11:41pm 0 Comments

In some of the developements for the National September Eleventh Museum and Memorial being built near Ground Zero, concerns arose that the fallen members would not be properly recognized, their department and rank not recognized. A little more than a year ago I personally met a representative of the committee for this Memorial. What I learned is there are so many details being addressed to make it a fitting memorial for all and a learning experience for future generations. With the recent… Continue

Prayer

Posted on February 14, 2009 at 1:26am 6 Comments

Hey All,

I have a good friend, FDNY Retired, that is having a lot of health issues. He has bad heart problems among other health issues. More blockages were just discovered and they believe they will need to put in a stint. This would be his fourth. His wife just emailed me for prayer. His name is Tom. He was FDNY Communications division out of Staten Island. He barely survived the last surgery. All prayers would be appreciated.

In remembrance.

Posted on November 1, 2008 at 2:28am 0 Comments

In loving remembrance of Gerald Titmus - Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. He past away yesterday at the age of 45 following a brief illness. I had the awesome opportunity of meeting Gerald when he came to the United States as a member of Fire Fighters For Christ. Our local members asked me to host the Ireland guests at Pelco where I work and give them a tour of our Memorial. Gerald was full of antics pulling a lot of pranks. Firefighters don't pull pranks do they? No. :) Gerald was endearing. He… Continue

9/11 Remembered

Posted on October 24, 2008 at 12:12am 0 Comments

Hello,

A friend of mine did this video. Her name is Barb Lang. Also check out her website: www.heroes-nogreaterlove.com.

https://www.youtube.com/911Remembered

Comment Wall (22 comments)

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At 2:09pm on August 30, 2009, Steve SAFER said…
I am in Southern California. Torrance is in the "South Bay" area (south west of Los Angeles).
At 1:23am on August 25, 2009, Lee Kasten said…
Wow! Small world. I went to Appleton East, graduating in 1987. How long have you been in California? I'm a lifer. I can't see myself living anywhere else. Where in Appleton did you live? I hope all is well. Take care.
At 8:10pm on March 18, 2009, lutan1 said…
Hi Sue- I got the book.

I actually got it a week or two ago, but have been so busy with work, I haven't had time to respond or sit down and look through it.

A cursory look, it looks good.

Stay in touch and stay safe.

Luke
At 8:45pm on February 22, 2009, Jeff Taormina said…
Sue, Thank you. I can feel it trust me.

Here is a story about what I have been through....
http://www.firejock.com/Profiles/JeffTaormina_1.htm
At 11:21pm on February 17, 2009, lutan1 said…
Hi Sue- private messages are up in the top right corner of your page. Look for the "inbox"- I've just sent you one... :-)
At 4:24pm on February 14, 2009, lutan1 said…
Hi Sue,
I just checked out your website and went to purchase your book however the postage according to the site, to Australia is $245.00 !!!!!
Any other suggestions?
At 10:54pm on January 25, 2009, Paul said…
Hey Sue,
Thanks for the add and for all the kind words above. I did not make the trip to Pelco but spoke with some off the guys that did. They told me, it was amazing what Pelco did for them. I know for sure that you did make a positive difference in their lives, and to see that, made a positive change in mine. Thanks
At 11:23pm on January 11, 2009, Wendy Norris said…
I will be there too...so I will stop by and see you!
At 10:53pm on January 8, 2009, Wendy Norris said…
Sue- I am so sorry it has taken so long to get back to you about the book! November & December were so hectic and time just flew by! I did get the book and the other items you sent. Just from scanning the book it looks so wonderful! I can't wait to read them. Thanks so much for sending it to me and I will be putting up a link soon.
At 11:01pm on December 27, 2008, Paul Sabaj said…
now that you have the first book done any plans for a second. Great web site. Have a great new years
 
 
 

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