From a pro firefighter, "Men should read this book!"
592833
As a male and professional firefighter working in a hyper masculine and sexist environment I found this book to be incredibly enlightening and encouraging as I work to embrace a healthier definition of masculinity and to fight the negative influences associated with my workplace and in broader culture as I build a better me.  This book sparked immense interest in and better understanding of gender and violence issues to which I was mostly blind before.  It led me to purchase and read Men Speak Out by Tarrant, A Call To Action by Jimmy Carter, and so much more material as I aimed to educate myself and realign my perspectives and behaviors. I gained valuable insight and perspective into the world of the women in my life. I have now embarked on a mission to do my part through self evaluation and peer education to fight sexism and be sure I am no longer part of the problems of our culture. I think especially for guys who align themselves with stereotypical definitions of masculinity, who are interested in being real men and creating a stronger and healthier self, and who want to work to build a better world for the women (mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, etc.) and men (fathers, brothers, sons, husbands) they love, this book is a must read. I purchased the book on kindle, liked it so much and felt it was so important to my own transformation and endeavors I bought a hard copy so that I can loan it to the important men in my life.
4436577
I am a career Captain with 25 years in the fire service on the West Coast (south of Seattle).  I have read several books on strategy and tactics including John Norman's book (another 5-star book), Vincent Dunn's, Brunicinni's, etc.  As such, when I first looked at this, I wondered if I would benefit much from another book of this type.  Well, the answer is a resounding "Yes"!  Chief Avillo's book deals extensively with tactical problems from the single family home to large buildings such as high rises, ware houses, haz mat, and rescue situations.  He also isn't afraid to ask the difficult questions, "How is it that our passport accountability systems have not had an impact in the frequency of firefighter deaths since being enacted?"  (paraphrased).  This is a very large book (600 pages), but definitely a worth while read.  The scenarios presented by the Chief throughout the book are OUTSTANDING!  They help us to apply the principles being taught in each chapter.  I was so impressed the the scenarios that I later purchased the scenario workbook to further enhance my skills.  This will impact positively the way the reader does business on the fireground.
943038
This book is outstanding.  The author writes so that you can picture the scene unfolding right before your eyes.  I swear I laughed so hard a few times that the tears were running down my face and my face actually hurt!  Even if you don't know a firefighter or ever hope to, it's so worth a read.  This book is great!  Highly recommend it.  Now going to see if there are any more books by this author.
841621
Had this been an ultra-macho book about firemen pounding out chili and laughing at the after-effects, or about going to a 3-alarm fire unfazed, unafraid, and swaggering around bragging about their exploits afterwards, I would have hated it and probably not read past the first chapter. Luckily this was not that book. Instead it was a quiet, introspective book that let you see the humanity of the people who choose to serve us in some of our most dangerous life situations, fire and medical emergencies.

I bought the book initially because my family suffered a devastating house fire when I was seven. My mother and sister were forced to jump off a 14-foot roof into the arms of an heroic local passerby. My mother's pregnancy came to an abrupt halt and my dog died. I've remained haunted and embittered by some of the things that transpired that day, and I end up questioning every firefighter I meet in an effort to get some peace about one of those things. That hasn't yet happened and may never be, but I'm glad to have come across a book that left me full of respect for the firefighters in it.

Mr McCourt, in discussing the book with me, told me that writing it was one of the hardest things he's ever done and that he wouldn't have written it had he realized that in advance. I think it's obvious that he gave this book his all, and it's a pity that we will probably not see a second effort from him. The writing is touching and comes across as natural and sincere. I couldn't find anything to dislike about it, and if he were to change his mind and write a second book, I would buy it immediately.
4199427
Dennis Smith gives a great account of what it was like to be a firefighter in a time and place -- the South Bronx in the 1960's -- that most of us can only imagine.
The book does an excellent job of showing us life through the eyes of men who risked their lives every single day simply for the love of the job and for the satisfaction that they were helping in a place that in many ways was beyond help.
A quick read -- well written and quite thought provoking.
2247117
This book chronicles Mr. Unger's experiences in his first year or so as a firefighter in Oakland, CA.  It is very well written, and rather than attempt to portray himself as a superhero like so many other books do, includes many of his mistakes, learning experiences, and the drudgery and routine that so much of firefighting truly is.  Surprisingly, many of his stories closely mirror some of my own from the relatively short time that I have spent as a volunteer in a rural department.  A very good read that I highly recommend to anyone considering a firefighting career or just starting out, whether paid or volunteer.
3998751
Great Book !!! When My Dad Was A Young Man He Was A Fireman On The Number Nine Locomotive !!  There Is A Pitchure Of Him In This Book !!!
964730
Anybody who purchases this book, and I hope you do, will have a good page turning read. I give it 5 stars and a really good pat on the back for a job well done. Chief really contributed to the betterment of the department.
I have followed the Philadelphia Fire Department since the late 1960's. The book covered all phases of a firefighters life from his childhood to retirement. Stories of fires he worked at, that I remember reading about. It delved into the thoughts of his years on the job, retirement and how much he would miss the firehouse. Being a former firefighter I agreed with his thoughts and personally have had a time getting it out of my system but still turn when I hear a siren.
Would love to see a second book.
1309022
I have served in the fire service for over 30 years. While The fire department I was part of the metro area of New Orleans, Louisiana, I found that the author was indeed knowledgeable and seem to have worked in the Fire and EMS Services.... The book and events written about made me feel as though I was part of the department written about. While some of the events had to do not only with Emergency Events but also Real Life issues which many Fire and EMS personnel deal with and experience ,,, for Firefighters and EMS personnel are just like everybody else, have bills to pay, mortgages, etc..., so, as the strong Adult issues spoken about while it seems very private and personnel, is real to life in all areas of life.... I look forward to the next book to be written by Michael Erving and see where the First Responders go and deal with both in their Proffessional lives and personnel lives.... This book kept the reader going on to the end... Very Good.... Mike z.
4412695
John Salka's book is an extension of his tremendous success as a fire officer. As his former Captain in FDNY on Manhattan's Lower East Side I spotted Salka as a bright, agressive, well liked Lieutenant that was always trying to make his organization better. John not only went through the ranks leading his troops honorably, he had the expertise to teach management techniques that were way ahead of his time in America's fire service. His book First in and Last Out is a tribute to this fine officers knowledge and a must read for fire service personnel or managers.
1915762
I am about 3/4 of the way through reading the book, Wall of Flame, by Erich Krauss. This is one the best action fire books I have ever read. It is awesome. This comes from a firefighter who has fought the Masked Red Devil for 50 years and has been an incident commander on the largest fire in California history (2003 San Diego Cedar Fire).

I highly recommend this book to any firefighter and, particularly, to fire command officers. The book is so intense with detail that it creates many learning points for the fire officer. I will be recommending to all current and future fire command officers that they read the book, feel the action by the firefighters and think what they would do in the same circumstances.

Thank you for the learning that I am enjoying and benefitted from this read. As I frequently tell our firefighters, take care, be safe, have fun and live the FF dream.

John R. Hawkins, Fire Chief
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department
1296966
First off I received the book before the expected date which was great. The book is awesome. Its well written and organized. I have previous firefighting experience but this book is definitely designed to help out anyone at any level of knowledge or experience. Not only is the Firefighter Rule Book full of priceless knowledge and tips but it forces you to work on discovering YOUR perfect answers and how to ace your interview from start to finish!
3924300
I've been a firefighter's wife for 15 years.  It wasn't until after our department suffered a tragic loss that I found myself struggling with what never used to bother me.  I purchased this book with the intention of "previewing" it so that I could recommend it to the rookies' spouses.  I am so glad that I did!  It is well written and in every day language that ensures you can relate to the situations that are covered.  Anyone with a firefighter in their family should read this book.
4475979
Awesome writing,  experienced the life of a firefighter and paramedic as he served us, the community.  Wow! Hearing and seeing an emergency vehicle siren NOW has new meaning and greater respect!  Someone's life has changed!  Thank you G Stone Johnson for your service!
Recommend reading for anyone seeking to be a Fire fighter, Paramedic.  Requires commitment and dedication and constant updating in the field.
The same character, commitment, and constant study of the King James Bible; will change your life in service for the Lord Jesus Christ!
To be "On Fire" for the LORD!  Life of service and not selfishness!
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
4275447
Without trying to be biased since I have worked with this fireman at the station this book is a must read.

Being a part of the DFD I can relate to his every detail of training, paramedic school, Spam recipes, as well as individual 911 calls, both good and bad. This is one of those books you can't easily put down,  where you can glean the humor of everyday life at the station and how he, we, may deal with the stress of the job. There are traumatic as well as silly 911 calls that all go answered and quite often a chuckle on most every page. Having worked with him on occasion  over the years I can attest to his honesty and quick wit. The Spam recipes brought back memories of many stories told of his prowess in the culinary arts.

Highly recommended  and it will give you an insight into the daily life of fire fighting rarely seen unless you been there.
2524223
I always had an overwhelming interest in firefighters including their job and their fitness. This book has helped me understand more of that physical aspect and has made me respect the job of being a firefighter more!
3201845
I work in the Wildland Fire Suppression/Management profession. Working in a male dominated profession for over a decade has taught me a few things but this book confirmed them and also added to my perspective. I think this is really good book for any woman that is a professional role in any profession. I don't agree with all of the advise in the book, however most of it is very good advise and I plan to apply some of it to my work life. Great read!