Dennis Smith
Paperback | Pages: 240 pages Rating: 4.37 | 934 Users | 71 Reviews
Point Appertaining To Books Report from Engine Co. 82
| Title | : | Report from Engine Co. 82 |
| Author | : | Dennis Smith |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Anniversary Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 240 pages |
| Published | : | April 1st 1999 by Grand Central Publishing (first published January 1st 1972) |
| Categories | : | Nonfiction. Biography. History. Autobiography. Memoir |
Commentary Supposing Books Report from Engine Co. 82
I have to thank my Goodreads friend, "Brother Skip" for getting me interested in this book after reading his review of it. Do you realize, that unlike incidents with the police, whenever there is a fire there is a great deal of focus on the fire, with little or no mention of the firemen fighting it. (a gender neutral word for this profession is firefighters, though women make up less than 20% of the force in western countries). This lack of focus is a shame. We hardly hear of these heroes. For better or worse, we hear of cops, and we are aware of soldiers in combat, but rarely think of fire fighters, who fight fires, not people, and who are known to risk their lives to save others. They deserve to be admired. This book is an account of what it was like to be in a fire company in one of the worst neighborhoods in the US, so it is doubly educational. I learned quite a few things, most of them unpleasant. Here are some: Fire fighting is the most hazardous profession in the world. An average of 8 firemen each year die in the line of duty in New York City alone Fire fighters are called for a variety of emergencies, not just fires: car accidents, drug overdoses and other medical emergencies, even shootings. The number of malicious false alarms is just incredible, averaging over 100,000 per year in the US. While this book was an eye-opening account of the experiences of a fire fighter, it was somewhat tainted with parts reflecting on poverty and behavior of people in the ghetto, which while sympathetic, at times seemed stilted and insincere. Also, I did not appreciate a few snide remarks concerning protests against the Vietnam war (I admit, I'm overly sensitive on that issue). Notwithstanding these minor points, the book was a great way to gain insight into what it takes to work in this noble profession. I might try some other accounts, such as Gutter Medicine: Twenty-six Years as a Firefighter Paramedic, and 38 Years a Detroit Firefighter's StoryDescribe Books In Pursuance Of Report from Engine Co. 82
| Original Title: | Report from Engine Co. 82 |
| ISBN: | 0446675520 (ISBN13: 9780446675529) |
| Edition Language: | English |
Rating Appertaining To Books Report from Engine Co. 82
Ratings: 4.37 From 934 Users | 71 ReviewsCrit Appertaining To Books Report from Engine Co. 82
This is a very interesting true story about the work-life of a fireman in New York in the 1960s. It covers the equipment, the fires, the people in the Bronx that start the fires and pull the fire alarm for just for fun. It reads like a novel, which makes it all the more interesting - nothing stilted. It always seemed like dangerous work, but I wasn't aware of how often firemen are hurt - falling thru ceilings and floors, getting firebrands down their boots or back of their jackets. The authorThis is an ALL time classic and a must read for ALL firefighters !!!
Who doesn't like a great fire story or stories. I can read this over and over and recommend it to all the young guys around my firehouses.
The definitive book on firefighting in an urban environment. A must read for any serious firefighter.I read it as a teen, then served as a firefighter in the U.S.A.F.This book is a real "blast from the past", covering the 1960's and the 1970's. Boy has New York City ever changed. I just wonder what those houses go for now in those same neighborhoods, the houses the kids didn't burn down.
Smith is a master of imagery. As a fireman myself, I can imagine the conditions that Smith and his fellow firemen faced as they fought fire after fire. I almost felt exhausted after reading his description of each job. I simply couldnt put the book down.
4.5 Stars. Brilliant insight as to what FDNY went through in the late 60's & early 70's. A true must for firefighters, family members and fire buffs.
In the wake of 9/11 I read Smith's 'Report From Ground Zero' as suggested by my mother, who had read this book when it was first released. I found 'Ground Zero' to be very well-written, as Smith got to the heart of the experience from the perspective of a first responder that day. I may read that book again soon, as the details are not fresh enough in my mind to compare the names and companies with those mentioned in this book.As with 'Ground Zero', Smith takes readers in-depth and holds nothing
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