Palmetto Publishing Releases 9/11 Firefighter Memoir Engine 26
Event summary
- Palmetto Publishing released Engine 26, a 9/11 firefighter memoir by Mary Farino-Thomas and Robert Trotta, on August 18, 2026.
- The book details the life of Mary Farino-Thomas before, during, and after September 11, 2001, when her husband Tom, a firefighter with Engine Company 26, responded to the World Trade Center and never returned home.
- The memoir reconstructs the timeline of Engine Company 26's movements on September 11 with the assistance of retired FDNY firefighters and family members.
- Engine 26 is available for purchase on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.
The big picture
The release of Engine 26 taps into the enduring demand for personal narratives from the September 11 attacks, particularly those that offer new perspectives or detailed accounts of the day's events. Palmetto Publishing's entry into this niche market positions the company to capitalize on the ongoing interest in historical memoirs, especially among readers seeking deeper, human-centered stories beyond mainstream coverage. The book's focus on the long-term impact of the tragedy on families and first responders aligns with broader trends in publishing that emphasize resilience and healing narratives.
What we're watching
- Memoir Market Demand
- Whether the continued interest in first-person September 11 narratives will sustain sales momentum for Engine 26.
- Author Platform Growth
- How the authors' social media presence will impact the book's reach and engagement.
- Historical Account Accuracy
- The reception of the book's detailed reconstruction of Engine Company 26's movements on September 11.