Working With Giants

John Norman, author of the best-selling Fire Officer’s Handbook of Tactics, brings his own remarkable story to life in this new highly anticipated memoir.

But this is a story about all firefighters―the men and women who are absolutely the salt of the earth, whose sole mission is to protect the lives and property of their neighbors. This book celebrates the lives of firefighters―a truly special group of people―and reintroduces them to the American public.

What is a hero?

A hero is a role model. To be a hero means protecting others at great personal risk because it’s the right thing to do. “Since September 11, 2001,” Norman writes, “people have been speaking about firefighters as ‘America’s Heroes.’ I truly believe they are heroes in the classical sense of the word.”

Renowned for combining compelling storytelling with industry-standard tactical training, Norman offers an unparalleled look into the modern history of America’s fire service from a front-row seat. This is a celebration of the best in public service, its sacrifices and triumphs, and the people who were there, who will insist with uncommon humility, “I was just doing my job.”

Chief John Norman is a veteran of more than 35 years in the fire service. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Norman became the chief of rescue operations with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Until that date, he was assigned to the 16th battalion in Harlem as battalion chief. In the days after the collapse of the Twin Towers, Norman was designated as the search-and-rescue manager for the World Trade Center site as well as assuming his full-time assignment as the chief in charge of the Special Operations Command. He is the best-selling author of the Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics, now in its fifth edition, also from Fire Engineering Books & Videos.