F.D.N.Y.: Engine 313 and Ladder 164

FDNY, Engine 313 and Hook and Ladder 164 chronicles a firehouse in the proudest fire department in America. This book weaves together stories of heroic firefighters and fires and how the FDNY operated in the 1950’s.The calls, fires and fireman are all real. The book explores the firemen's world, from firehouse life to heroism and tragedy. It shows the love of their work, their family-like camaraderie, amusing stories, their helping people in peril and saving lives. This book is as moving as it is informative.The determined firefighters never hesitated to battle the flames and rescue the victims often using the most rudimentary equipment and barely protected from the flames, without masks and wearing rubber coats.Chapters include establishing the firehouse, the officers and men, the apparatus and equipment, firehouse life, early FDNY cartoons, firefighter deaths, runs and workers and firefighting today. There are many wonderful black and white vintage photographs and moving stories from firefighters themselves, which captures the spirit of this historic firehouse. It is written in a down-to-earth style, and that makes for a good easy read. They are called "the Bravest" the men who put themselves on the line every day to save lives, and this is a great story of their history. This book is a gem, a must read for anyone interested in the fire service.

Robert C. Bingham, a 31 year veteran of the fire service, served as Deputy Chief in the District of Columbia Fire Department, where he was a command officer for 15 years. Chief Bingham is the author of “Street Smart Firefighting." He is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College, at College Park, Maryland. He lives in Vienna, Virginia with his wife Joann.