In new NFPA Journal, an insider's look at the emergency response in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing

Aside from the sadness and anger, the one thing I remember most about living in Boston during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings was the unshakable disbelief. I can’t tell you how many times I thought, or muttered, or heard someone say to no one in particular, “I can’t believe this is happening right now.” In seconds, Patriots Day, a long-awaited celebration of spring and community, was marred in the most evil way. In hours, media from all over the world converged on our city, and soldiers with guns popped up everywhere. Days later, a Hollywood-style shootout happened on the street,...