Notes from the Fireground

The stories Tom presents from his years in the FDNY can be applied to many current fireground operations. More importantly, he reminds us what the true spirit of what being 'on the job' is all abouthelping the citizens whenever needed." Peter Matthews, Editor-in-Chief of Firehouse Magazine "This book should be required reading for anyone who maintains a desire to learn about firefighting, or to put on the fireman's uniform. Tom Dunne rose through the ranks of Fireman, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief. In Notes from the Fireground you learn what to expect from each. He not only knows how to talk the talk, but he shares the walks with you. You can trust him. He merges the intellectual with the street-smart to convince the reader of the fearlessness and the satisfactions that are found in the firefighter's heart, and in the love of the job. It will become a classic." Dennis Smith, author of Report From Engine Company 82 "Tom had an exemplary career in the FDNY and is able to tell a story of interest to all. FDNY members as well as non-members will be at times enlightened, amused and touched as he recounts, from his vast personal experience, life within the world's greatest fire department. Our Department has been blessed throughout our history to have attracted men and women like Tom Dunne. I thank him for telling our story in such a personal way." Dan Nigro, Fire Commissioner, New York City Fire Department "Exploring both the positive and controversial aspects of being a firefighter, this no-holds barred memoir provides an honest account of an unusual occupation that outsiders seldom get to see." International Fire Fighter Magazine, September 2020

Thomas Dunne is a retired deputy chief and 33 year veteran of the New York City Fire Department. He has published numerous articles for fire service publications and is currently lecturing about his experiences in the FDNY through his Third Alarm Fire Training presentations. Visit his website at www.chieftomdunne.com.

Acknowledgmentsix Author's Notex Preface1 The Smoke House5 Seeing the Elephant11 This Guy's Light15 The 15/16ths Jewel21 The Scuttle24 The Wrapper33 The Guys (and Gals)41 What's Behind Door Number 2?49 Celebrity Steam Leaks54 Going Down57 Hey Lieu!63 Buffs71 What If?77 A Discourse on Dirt83 A Brush with Mortality88 Lost in Translation94 Letters in the Attic100 A Jane Doe105 Commanding Stress108 Thinking Like an Incident Commander114 On the Circuit122 The Lie129 Zen and the Art of Firefighting134 The Write Stuff139 A Midnight Clear144 And Now, Live on Scene150 The Day After155 We're Only Human162 The Papers168 Mentors and Maniacs175 My Two Worlds182 Let It Burn185 Leaving the Tribe190 Why Me?195 Final Thoughts197 Index199