OKLAHOMA CITY: AFTER THE BOMB : Voices from Home

“I wasn’t the least bit doubtful that our department would be able to handle this. Of course, we’ve known all our lives they were pretty special.”

BETTY MARRS. Mother of Oklahoma City Fire Chief Gary Marrs

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“Now the whole world can see the true character of us Okies, that we’re not the people Steinbeck wrote about, but the ones who stayed behind--a proud family that still cares about helping its neighbors.”

GUS SHANNON. Known for his photographs of Oklahoma City Fire Department

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“We joke and kid a lot, but it’s to hide the sorrow.”

TERRY HARVEY. Firefighter at Oklahoma City Station No. 18

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“We’re sort of on a pedestal right now that we don’t really feel we deserve. Most of us are just average-type guys with a little compassion.”

TROY RAWLS. Firefighter

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“Many people do not realize the enormity of the injuries of the people who survived. We tend to look at a death count and then we say 300 injured. But some of these people’s injuries are of such a serious nature that their lives will never be the same.”

DR. J. ANDY SULLIVAN. St. Anthony’s Hospital

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“I don’t feel sorry for myself. I don’t know what I feel. I’m mad I’m here, but I’m glad I’m alive.”

STAN ROMBAUN. Patient at St. Anthony Hospital, injured in bombing

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“It suddenly popped into my mind that while God was having one his worst weeks, Trudy was up there reorganizing heaven.”

LEE RIGNEY. Father of woman known for her well-organized life.

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“We don’t have any emotional regrets. Dad may not have been able to leave Mom financially prepared, but he left us well off in every other way.”

THOMAS HAWTHORNE JR.