Fire Chief:The Story of a Volunteer Firefighter

by Ed Daniels

Retired Fire Chief pens reflections on his life as a volunteer firefighter. “Fire Chief” by Ed Daniels shares experiences and sacrifices until now known only to the volunteers themselves. In his first novel, “Fire Chief; The Story of a Volunteer Firefighter,” author Ed Daniels recalls his life as a volunteer firefighter in the mountains of Colorado. Based on actual events, the book takes readers into the heat which countless volunteer firefighters face every day throughout the world. Most people don’t realize that the majority of the firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics who respond to fires and accidents in rural areas are volunteers. These First Responders sacrifice time with their families and their careers, responding at a moment’s notice to protect the lives and property of those who need them. While he fictionalizes his characters and locations, “Fire Chief” describes Daniels’ actual experiences and encounters in frightening detail. He relates stories of house fires, wildfires, car accidents and back country rescues as they really happened. We gain insight into what was going through his mind, his emotions and his reactions as he responded to horrific incidents sometimes involving family and friends. Woven throughout his emergency encounters, Daniels describes what it is like for a volunteer fire chief trying to balance the load of raising a family, handling a career, and leading a team of sometimes unruly volunteers. Readers go along for the journey as he grows into an expert leader who eventually retires, and reflects on his lifetime of bravery and public service. Daniels said. “I want others to be inspired to volunteer and to see for themselves what life is like as a First Responder. People should have a better understanding of what their neighbors and friends are experiencing as volunteer firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics.”

310 pages

First published June 5, 2011

About the author

Edward Daniels spent more than 14 years with Colorado’s Foothills Fire and Rescue as a firefighter, officer, board member and chief before he retired. Daniels is a business consultant and has been an executive with several technology and healthcare corporations for almost three decades. The author holds degrees in industrial engineering and psychology. He serves on the board of directors of the Highland Rescue Team Ambulance District in Colorado.

Reviews

[Luckngrace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir of 25 years with fire and emergency is raw, sometimes upsetting and educational. I learned that a person can die from a heavy bucket of water falling on them. Who would have thought it? I wish I had limited myself to a chapter a day because it's one of those books that need to be pondered to get the best from it. Guess I'll need to reread it once I whittle down my TBR pile.

[Teri Pre · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself was ok, obviously by a first-time writer. I just have to say that Mrs. Daniels and her children must be saints. Leaving your wife in the middle of a chemotherapy session and calling your 17 year old son to drive 30 minutes through sleet and snow to come and get her just so you can go and play with your fire toys is one of the most arrogant, self-centered things I've heard in a long time. It made it hard to give an unbiased opinion of the book.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I can find the right words to describe this book. Awesome, wonderful, exciting ... these don't even begin to describe the contents. If it were possible to give a higher rating, I would do so. I've never read a book about firefighting, but the description drew me to this one. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. Mr. Daniels did a superb job of writing a work of fiction and incorporating the real life details of his volunteer service. You won't find any "fluff" and the descriptions of the scenes and action will allow the reader to visualize everything as it happens. "Fire Chief" is an emotional roller-coaster that will keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this novel.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am a wife and mother of a volunteer and very active at the fire department myself. This book takes you thru the career of a Fire Chief with a volunteer fire department. I felt like I was reading the story of some of our own firefighters. The author did a great job with this book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I spent my life growing up around firemen and I have found myself still surrounded as I am now living with one. This is definitely a good book for those who are new to the life of a fireman, especially a volunteer fireman. Fireman always have the most interesting stories.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written story of a volunteer fire fighter and the stories and emergencies he and his crew responded on from the beginning of his career, until his retirement as the volunteer fire chief.

[Alison]

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