Notes from the Fireground – Memoir of a New York Firefighter

In a 33-year career with the New York City Fire Department, Tom Dunne fought hundreds of fires, survived near death incidents, crawled down burning hallways, met unforgettable characters, and witnessed the 9/11 terrorist attack. From working in glittering mid-Manhattan high-rises to squalid ghetto tenements, he saw how people in crisis lived and survived and how the firefighters who served them worked and bonded. 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.

Tom’s background provided him with an in-depth perspective of New York City. Growing up in Brooklyn and over the course of a 33 year career with the New York City Fire Department he had the opportunity to work throughout the city. Work experiences ranged from high profile incidents in Mid-Manhattan to major disasters in most of the poorer sections of Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Rising through the ranks from firefighter to, company officer, battalion chief, and eventually deputy chief in the largest and most active fire department in the country, Tom’s extensive firefighting resume has allowed him to become nationally recognized as a leading expert in the emergency services field and provided opportunities for him to lecture throughout the country to both civilian and firefighter audiences.

While there were many memorable incidents in his career a few stand out and are intimately described in the book. He responded to the Happy Lands Social Club fire in the Bronx, a disaster of historical proportions where 87 people died, worked through 24 hours of Hurricane Sandy which flooded and devastated whole sections of New York City and most notably, worked for months supervising rescue and recovery operations following the World Trade Center terrorist attack.

Published by McFarland Books, Notes from the Fireground is priced at $29.99 as a paperback with 213 pages and 24 photographs.

For more information, go to www.mcfarlandbooks.com/product/Notes-from-the-Fireground

Notes from the Fireground has earned Tom plaudits from many of his industry peers

“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

“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 about – helping the citizens whenever is needed.” – Peter Matthews, Editor-in-Chief of Firehouse Magazine

“Firefighters across the world are held in high esteem and respected for their courage and bravery, none more so than FDNY. Tom has captured the uniqueness of a firefighters role and written in a way that everyone can understand. I spent thirty years as a firefighter and the book has underlined that firefighting and firefighters are the same the world over. This book is a must for all firefighters, wannabe firefighters and anyone who has ever stood and stared when a fire engine has raced by with lights flashing and sirens wailing.’ – Duncan J White – Group Editor, International Fire Fighter magazine

“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