: I received the book "America's Heroes" for Christmas - a short
: chronicle and testament to the courage of some of the people who
: stepped-in to help in the aftermath of September 11. I only had a chance
: to thumb through it on Christmas day, but it fell open to the page with
: Russ Keat. It contained only a couple pages about Russ' experiences, but
: it was nice to see one of our own recognized for his efforts. Well done,
: Russ.

: Ross

: ps. for those interested, it's ISBN 1-58261-468-7

Russ has always been a hero to me. When I first came on the KBB Russ took an interest in helping and guiding me on this board as all of you have, but also with long email letters that took a lot of his time to write. He would tell me in lengthy detail about what he was doing in his search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. He would craw deep under the wreckage looking for people, bodies and areas for the firemen to come to, and places that should and shouldn't be dug from above. He even came upon stores underground. At one time he was trapped with fire on two sides of him and one above him. He crawled out in smoke so thick he couldn't see his hand in front of him, guided by a life line rope. Even thought he had breathing gear, this is probably where he did damage to his lungs. He couldn't taste food and had other problems. I feel really bad for Russ and his family. I don't know his situation but I would hope he would be compensated for as are the families that had loved ones lost in the WTC.

I have never met Russ but I feel he is a good friend.

John