Description
Book Synopsis In a 33-year career with the New York City Fire Department, Tom Dunne fought hundreds of fires, survived near death incidents, crawled down burning hallways, met unforgettable characters, and witnessed the 9/11 terrorist attack. From working in glittering mid-Manhattan high-rises to squalid ghetto tenements, he saw how people in crisis lived and survived and how the firefighters who served them worked and bonded. Exploring both the positive and controversial aspects of being a firefighter, this no-holds barred memoir provides an honest account of an unusual occupation that outsiders seldom get to see.
Trade ReviewThe stories Tom presents from his years in the FDNY can be applied to many current fireground operations. More importantly, he reminds us what the true spirit of what being 'on the job' is all about—helping the citizens whenever needed." —Peter Matthews, Editor-in-Chief of
Firehouse Magazine"This book should be required reading for anyone who maintains a desire to learn about firefighting, or to put on the fireman's uniform. Tom Dunne rose through the ranks of Fireman, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief. In
Notes from the Fireground you learn what to expect from each. He not only knows how to talk the talk, but he shares the walks with you. You can trust him. He merges the intellectual with the street-smart to convince the reader of the fearlessness and the satisfactions that are found in the firefighter's heart, and in the love of the job. It will become a classic." —Dennis Smith, author of
Report From Engine Company 82"Tom had an exemplary career in the FDNY and is able to tell a story of interest to all. FDNY members as well as non-members will be at times enlightened, amused and touched as he recounts, from his vast personal experience, life within the world's greatest fire department. Our Department has been blessed throughout our history to have attracted men and women like Tom Dunne. I thank him for telling our story in such a personal way." —Dan Nigro, Fire Commissioner, New York City Fire Department
"Exploring both the positive and controversial aspects of being a firefighter, this no-holds barred memoir provides an honest account of an unusual occupation that outsiders seldom get to see." —International Fire Fighter Magazine, September 2020
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Author's Note x
Preface 1
The Smoke House 5
Seeing the Elephant 11
This Guy's Light 15
The 15/16ths Jewel 21
The Scuttle 24
The Wrapper 33
The Guys (and Gals) 41
What's Behind Door Number 2? 49
Celebrity Steam Leaks 54
Going Down 57
Hey Lieu! 63
Buffs 71
What If? 77
A Discourse on Dirt 83
A Brush with Mortality 88
Lost in Translation 94
Letters in the Attic 100
A Jane Doe 105
Commanding Stress 108
Thinking Like an Incident Commander 114
On the Circuit 122
The Lie 129
Zen and the Art of Firefighting 134
The Write Stuff 139
A Midnight Clear 144
And Now, Live on Scene… 150
The Day After 155
We're Only Human 162
The Papers 168
Mentors and Maniacs 175
My Two Worlds 182
Let It Burn 185
Leaving the Tribe 190
Why Me? 195
Final Thoughts 197
Index 199
