A Review of Fire Men

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family

Author: Gary R. Ryman

Published: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-9822565-6

Publisher: Tribute Books
                   http://www.tribute-books.com/

Book Website
http://www.fire-men-book.com


SYNOPSIS

Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience.  The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the “family business.”  He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief.  He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C.  He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania.  Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

MY REVIEW

When I heard about the book, Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I wanted to review it because I have family and friends who either have been firefighters or still are.  I know it takes a very special type of person to be a firefighter, because they face danger every time they answer a call.  They truly are heroes.

In Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family the author shares stories of going to the fire station as a young boy and learning early on what it means to be a firefighter.  There are stories of intense blazes, holiday calls, sirens blaring, car accidents, and rescues happening just in time that span throughout the three generations of this firefighting family.  Ryman doesn’t sugarcoat any of the stories.  He tells it like it is, sharing the mistakes as well as the triumphs. 

I think that anyone who is already a firefighter, anyone interested in becoming a firefighter, or anyone who enjoys reading memoirs will want to read Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family.

Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters.  He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years.  He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History.  Ryman is married with two children.  His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman