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First Online With FranAuthor: Frances McGarry
Featuring Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary things in The Arts Language: en Genres: Arts, Government, Performing Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Jessica DuLong: All Hands On Deck
Wednesday, 26 August, 2026
"Many people have the misunderstanding that the boat lift was initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard—that boats only started the evacuation after the Coast Guard called for all available boats. Instead, that call went out nearly two hours after mariners had independently made the choice to help. Rather than coming in to take charge of the evacuation that was already operating successfully, the highest-ranking USCG officer, then-Lt. Michael Day, made the tremendous decision to FACILITATE and support the boat lift that had begun spontaneously. He worked with the Sandy Hook pilots to share knowledge about the harbor, offer information about available resources, and grant mariners permission to keep doing what they were doing. After interviewing both Mike Day and his higher ups, I came to understand why he felt empowered to take that approach. It stemmed from the trust his leaders placed in him to make decisions on the fly. That day, Coast Guard officers showed REAL leadership—the kind of TRUE leadership that is so lacking right now, in this dire moment.” ~Jessica DuLongJessica DuLong is a Brooklyn-based author, independent historian, journalist, editor, and NYT-bestselling book collaborator/writing coach. She lectures internationally on the craft of narrative and has appeared on/in HBO, THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE NEW YORKER, the TODAY show, and CBS Sunday Morning. DuLong recently joined the board of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation. For more information about the boat lift, visit: https://jessicadulong.com/boatlift/
