A Firefighter's Journal

Thirty-Seven Years on the Firegrounds and in the Firehouses of Philadelphia

A blood-curdling scream pierces the thick black smoke. Somewhere in the darkness, a man is burning to death. Then the screams suddenly stop. Did he jump out of a window? Or did he succumb to the heat and smoke?

Those screams haunt Firefighter Robert Marchisello to this day. It’s just one of the many revealing stories about battling blazes and numerous other dangers in America’s fifth-largest city—home of the nation’s first fire company—in this autobiography of his thirty-seven-year career with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

During his entire career Marchisello kept a journal detailing his experiences as well as his personal and professional challenges. His work offers rare insights into the unimaginable types of emergencies to which these men and women respond—from decomposing bodies to hazardous chemicals to deadly shootouts. Between calls sit in the firehouse and enjoy the pranks, banter, humor, and camaraderie firefighters share.

His vibrant writing lets you experience the adrenalin, the danger and yes, even the laughs of nearly four decades on the firegrounds, in the firehouses and everywhere in between. You’ll never look at a passing fire engine the same way!

This was written so well. Loved it

I am a 55 year old Lt in the fire service and I enjoyed Robert’s story from beginning to end. BUT. I hate these virtual AI readers very much. It takes away from the story. Especially a story with as much emotions involved as this one. Great book though.

Voice AI isn’t there yet.

The narration was poor. In a book with acronyms and numbers the voice always messed up. If I didn’t enjoy the topic I probably would have stopped listening.

Great story, terrible narration.

This is a great book, but voice AI narration just doesn’t get it. All the acronyms and names are constantly messed up which gets very annoying. It certainly doesn’t do justice to such a good book.