The highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse and the last fireman to escape the devastation, Richard “Pitch” Picciotto, was on a stairwell between the sixth and seventh floors of the North Tower when it collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Picciotto is coming to Phoenix to speak at Valley Forward Association’s 42nd Annual Lunch on Dec. 9, 2011, and will provide an outspoken account of that indelible day.

His inspirational presentation to some 500 business and community leaders in attendance will address how to lead effectively and achieve optimal teamwork to help organizations achieve their goals; the training, preparedness, risk management and decision-making know-how necessary to tackle any problem; and how hope and positivity can emerge out of tragedy and adversity.

An FDNY battalion commander, his is the harrowing true story of an American hero, a man who thought nothing of himself and gave nearly everything for others during one of our nation’s darkest hours. Picciotto will share the positives that can emanate from a major disaster.

Picciotto’s book, Last Man Down, is a tribute to the 343 firefighters and 2,400 civilians who lay dead in the rubble that surrounded him on that day. Moreover, it is a heartfelt remembrance of a day of infamy and profound humanity. The book was an immediate New York Times bestseller upon its release in May 2002. He will personally autograph copies of his book for luncheon attendees.

Sept. 11 demonstrated the power of the human spirit, revealing a nation united and tenacious, saddened but resilient. Life has carried on even in the face of unthinkable loss. We may never understand the whys of what happened, but we can use our collective energy to create a stronger America.

For more information about Picciotto and the Valley Forward’s 42nd Annual Lunch, visit www.valleyforward.org.