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Original Title:	Report from Engine Co. 82
ISBN:	0446675520 (ISBN13: 9780446675529)
Edition Language:	English

Report from Engine Co. 82 Paperback | Pages: 240 pages

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Title	:	Report from Engine Co. 82
Author	:	Dennis Smith
Book Format	:	Paperback
Book Edition	:	Anniversary Edition
Pages	:	Pages: 240 pages
Published	:	April 1st 1999 by Grand Central Publishing (first published January 1st 1972)
Categories	:	Nonfiction. Biography. History. Autobiography. Memoir

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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

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Ratings: 4.37 From 934 Users | 71 Reviews

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An unvarnished and personal look at work in the busiest fire house in New York City, immediately prior to the bottom falling out of the City's finances and the Bronx burning.

ExcellentFinished this book in two days. Couldn't put it down! A fantastic account of fire fighting in the South Bronx of the 1970s.

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.

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.

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.

This was one my favorite books when I was a kid, by a long shot. Top 5, easily. Probably read it for the first time when I was 10 or 11 (I remember the tape-reenforced paperback from the Hunterdon County Library) (and yes, 10 or 11 was prob too young to be reading this; story of my life; likely why I'm a freak now) and reread it easily 10 times after that over the next few years. So...having just reread again for first time in thirty years, how did it stand up? Yeah...pretty brilliantly. Besides

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