"I felt like I was there with Mickey Farley, going to hot smoky fires and riding on a horse drawn fire apparatus. There, in the era of iron men and wooden ladders. There, with officers and firemen in their firehouses, at their fires, in their lives.

I loved this book and highly recommend it."

-Paul Hashagen, firefighter F.D.N.Y. Rescue 1 (retired), author, historian

An excerpt from A Fireman in the Making:

"You are proud of your family's firefighting history, and rightly so," I said, impressed.

"And what about you, Mickey?" Casey asked.

"Well, I came to New York from Mamaroneck less than a year ago seeking an education and a job. A number of events have led me to discover the excitement of firefighting."

"Just how long have you wanted to be a fireman?" Casey asked, startled.

"Well, uh, four months, I guess."

Casey's mouth was agape. "Who ever heard of such a thing? How can you just decide to become a fireman?"