Collection of fifteen stories of heroism.

A day in the life of the firefighters at the Busy Town firehall.

Describes the work of a firefighter, and discusses the education and training needed to become a firefighter.

A first responder’s harrowing account of 9/11—the inspirational true story of an American hero who gave nearly everything for others during one of New York City’s darkest hours. On September 11, 2001, FDNY Battalion Chief Richard “Pitch” Picciotto answered the call heard around the world. In minutes, he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center began to burn—and then to buckle. A veteran of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, Picciotto was eerily familiar with the inside of the North Tower. And it was there that he concentrated his rescue efforts. It was in its smoky stairwells where he heard and felt the South Tower collapse. He made the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, while he stayed behind with a skeleton team of men to help evacuate a group of disabled and infirm civilians. And it was in the rubble of the North Tower where Picciotto found himself buried—for more than four hours after the building’s collapse.

John Norman, author of the best-selling Fire Officer’s Handbook of Tactics, brings his own remarkable story to life in this new highly anticipated memoir. But this is a story about all firefighters—the men and women who are absolutely the salt of the earth, whose sole mission is to protect the lives and property of their neighbors. This book celebrates the lives of firefighters—a truly special group of people—and reintroduces them to the American public. What is a hero? A hero is a role model. To be a hero means protecting others at great personal risk because it’s the right thing to do. “Since September 11, 2001,” Norman writes, “people have been speaking about firefighters as ‘America’s Heroes.’ I truly believe they are heroes in the classical sense of the word.” Renowned for combining compelling storytelling with industry-standard tactical training, Norman offers an unparalleled look into the modern history of America’s fire service from a front-row seat. This is a celebration of the best in public service, its sacrifices and triumphs, and the people who were there, who will insist with uncommon humility, “I was just doing my job.”

Chief Ray Downey has developed city and national rescue teams, and has been involved in numerous rescue operations, including the bombing of the World Trade Center, the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, and various natural disasters. He offers guidelines and recommendations on how to start a rescue company, the equipment needed, and the operational planning that is necessary for company development. Specific rescue company response incidents are also discussed.

From A to Z, volunteer firefighter and fine artist Demarest presents a day in the life of firefighters whose job it is to answer the call to put out fires and save property and lives. Full color.