Paramedic Penned Memoir on 1993 Branch Davidian Raid
Former first responder Larry Johnson documented his experience treating the wounded at the 1993 siege.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Emergency Response
Larry Johnson released a memoir in August 2026 detailing his work as a flight paramedic during the 1993 Branch Davidian raid. The 65-year-old first responder is visiting Waco to discuss his account of the 51-day siege.
Why it matters
The memoir provides a unique first-responder perspective on the tragedy while highlighting the long-term mental health impact of high-stress emergency work. Johnson wrote the book to document his struggle with PTSD and fill a gap in the existing historical literature.
The 1993 event resulted in 4 ATF agent deaths and 6 Davidian deaths, with a final fire claiming approximately 76 lives. An estimated 900 first responders were present at the scene over the 51-day siege.
The players
Larry Johnson
He is an emergency medical services commander for the Albuquerque Ambulance Service and a former flight paramedic who served during the 1993 siege.
The details
Johnson, now an EMS commander in Albuquerque, maintained a personal journal for years to process his experiences. He transported injured individuals from the site to hospitals in Dallas and surrounding areas.
Timeline
1993: The Branch Davidian raid and siege occurred.
2017: Johnson began journaling his experiences.
August 2026: The memoir, Into the Fire, was released.
October 17, 2026: Book signing event at Fabled Bookshop & Cafe.
Seasonal Patterns
This account provides a rare, decades-long reflection on the medical response to the 1993 Branch Davidian siege, which remains one of the most significant domestic emergency incidents in the region's history.
Residents interested in hearing about the medical logistics of the 1993 response can attend the book signing on October 17, 2026. The event at Fabled Bookshop & Cafe runs from 3 to 5 p.m.
The takeaway
Johnson's account underscores the importance of mental health support for emergency personnel who operate in high-fatality environments. Implementing structured emotional processing techniques can be a vital tool for long-term recovery after major disasters.
Further reading
For more information on local emergency history, visit the Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EMS1.
