Firefighters

By Joellen L. Kelly

Since Benjamin Franklin organised the first fire department, the Union Fire Company of Philadelphia, in 1736, firefighters have braved the hazards of smoke and fire to bring everyone out, no matter what the risk. Now the spirit and essence of the firefighting community is celebrated for the first time in a definitive, magnificently illustrated, large-format book, published with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Written by an outstanding team, including historians, authors, and experts associated with the firefighting community, as well as several distinguished active and retired Chiefs and officers, the book has over 350 pages of riveting and informative text and stories of the firefighting experience. Essays on urban, volunteer, wildland, even military firefighting; history; training; trucks and apparatus; emergency medical services; search and rescue; and terrorism bring to life these courageous people and their stories. The thoughtful incorporation of full-colour and vintage photography and painting complements the text while adding the excitement that only spectacular illustrations can bring to a book.The book enables the history of America's bravest profession to be cherished permanently in a handsome package that all firefighters will be proud to own and -- with its unique medallion-inlaid cover -- to display. This book will be read again and again by past and present firefighters, their family and friends, and the countless others that have been inspired by the exploits of those who run towards danger.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0883631067
• ISBN13: 9780883631065
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Hugh Lauter Levin Associates
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 5.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 10.6" x 14.6"

Customer Reviews

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! GOES BEYOND AN EXTENDING LADDER!

at first i was not impressed with the overly ornate, plushy cover. i'd already seen the similar books on the military service branches...and figured THESE were just more books (aimed at pumped up seekers of pseudo-heroism) that were cashing in on the post-911 tragedy (nothing more transparent or disgusting than reactionary, one-dimensional flag-waving 'patriotism'...>) <br /> <br />BUT this is a totally honorable, excellent volume. it is correctly focused on the breadth and depths of this profession. from fires to rescues, this book paints as good a picture as can be had! <br /> <br />my grandfather, a wilmington DE firefighter, would've loved this book. <br /> <br />HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Firefighters for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

A great book about a great calling by a group of great authors and photographers. You're sure to enjoy it for years.

Gene Shalit's review on The Today Show 12/22

For everyone who has ever heard the siren's song of being a fireman, Firefighters from Hugh Lauter Levin, is a cavalcade of every facet, faucet, fact and artifact of firefighting; from the horse-drawn to the horse-power; the total picture of a valiant profession.

Firefighters...An Exceptional Effort

"Firefighters" is by far the most interesting narrative and visual accounting of fire service history that I have ever seen. It is perfect for anyone with an interest in the fire service. Each author does a great job with their chapter...including just the right amount of text complemented by many visuals that bring their words to life. Considering the quality of the book, and that every sale benefits the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty, I couldn't have made a better choice than to buy "Firefighters" as addition to my living room coffee table. You should buy the book...I'm glad I did...and you will be too.

My contribution

I had no idea of the scope of this book when I was ask to make my contribution on the History of Black Fire Fighters. This is a great book. The photographs are sharp and clear and the text very informative. I am amazed.