Be Specific About Books To Report from Engine Co. 82
| Original Title: | Report from Engine Co. 82 |
| ISBN: | 0446675520 (ISBN13: 9780446675529) |
| Edition Language: | English |
Dennis Smith
Paperback | Pages: 240 pages Rating: 4.37 | 934 Users | 71 Reviews
Mention Of Books Report from Engine Co. 82
| Title | : | Report from Engine Co. 82 |
| Author | : | Dennis Smith |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Special Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 240 pages |
| Published | : | April 1st 1999 by Grand Central Publishing (first published January 1st 1972) |
| Categories | : | Nonfiction. Biography. History. Autobiography. Memoir |
Narration 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 Story
Rating Of Books Report from Engine Co. 82
Ratings: 4.37 From 934 Users | 71 ReviewsCommentary Of Books Report from Engine Co. 82
Wow. Ive always wanted to read this and now I have. Being a firefighter who has spent a large part of my career working in a socioeconomically depressed area, even today I can relate. His projection of humanity and humility are very accurate and for me, moving. Brought back many amenities and buried feelings. Thank you Dennis Smith and the courageous men and women of the service.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
Great book about the War Years in the Bronx, great first hand stories of the insanity that the fdny dealt with. My only complaint is I wish it was longer.
A great book. Shows the fire department from the inside. It isn't all fun, playing with the lights and sirens and sliding down the brass pole. The fire house is your home for at least 24 hours, or more if you trade shifts with someone on the day before or after you. There are the daily household chores that have to get done, inspections of all the equipment and of the fire trucks, fire engines, tactical and other units. It wouldn't do to get on a scene and not have a necessary piece of equipment
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.
I am old enough to remember when firefighters wore rubber coats and boots, entered burning buildings without a mask and road on the outside of the trucks. This book will take you back to another time and into the midst of New York City firefighting with the busiest station. Written in a time when alarm boxes were on every corner and the fire department had no idea what they were responding to. It will give you a real appreciation for what we have today.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.