What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Men Out: Life on the Edge at Rescue 2 Firehouse
The inside story of one of America’s most elite firehouses and the extraordinary brotherhood of men who face extreme danger every day
Firefighting is a world of evil is a red devil that wants destruction and death, good is a charged hose line, full of water to fight the flames. The best and boldest firefighters in the country, the men of Rescue 2 are hand-picked to fight not just the biggest blazes but any other emergency New York can throw at them. The sheer adrenaline of the job is perfectly captured in the dramatic story of their firehouse, a model for others nationwide--dubbed "the cuisinart" because it slices up new recruits.
The story begins in the late 1990s as Phil Ruvolo takes command just a few years after the departure of Captain Ray Downey, a legendary FDNY leader. Ruvolo inherits a stubborn group of vets, many still loyal to Downey. He also steps into a firehouse mourning the recent loss of a brother-- Rescue 2's first fire fatality since the 1950s.
Tom Downey takes us into the fireman’s the smell of their coats after a good fire, the hardened eyes of a veteran after a fellow fireman’s death, the humor and camaraderie. His firemen are not cardboard heroes; they’re a group of gritty, larger-than-life personalities brought together by dedication and a mission to save lives. Rescue 2 doesn’t leave a fire until everybody’s safe. They’re the last men out. Theirs is an inspiring story destined to become a classic.
Firefighting is a world of evil is a red devil that wants destruction and death, good is a charged hose line, full of water to fight the flames. The best and boldest firefighters in the country, the men of Rescue 2 are hand-picked to fight not just the biggest blazes but any other emergency New York can throw at them. The sheer adrenaline of the job is perfectly captured in the dramatic story of their firehouse, a model for others nationwide--dubbed "the cuisinart" because it slices up new recruits.
The story begins in the late 1990s as Phil Ruvolo takes command just a few years after the departure of Captain Ray Downey, a legendary FDNY leader. Ruvolo inherits a stubborn group of vets, many still loyal to Downey. He also steps into a firehouse mourning the recent loss of a brother-- Rescue 2's first fire fatality since the 1950s.
Tom Downey takes us into the fireman’s the smell of their coats after a good fire, the hardened eyes of a veteran after a fellow fireman’s death, the humor and camaraderie. His firemen are not cardboard heroes; they’re a group of gritty, larger-than-life personalities brought together by dedication and a mission to save lives. Rescue 2 doesn’t leave a fire until everybody’s safe. They’re the last men out. Theirs is an inspiring story destined to become a classic.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2004
23 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 1, 2013
Honestly, I don't know exactly what to say about this book except
READ IT!
. This book should be required reading for firefighters and New Yorkers/Americans alike. These are the stories of the men who lived and died for you. These are the men who put it all on the line in the fire-filled days of the 70s and 80s. These are the men that paid the ultimate sacrifice not just on that fateful day in September 2001, but in other fires that the public no longer remembers. These are the men that are charged with rebuilding a decimated FDNY that is faced with even more threats and issues to fight and conquer than ever before. This book is what firefighting is all about. This book exemplifies the brotherhood/sisterhood, the rush, the laughs, and the hard times. All of it. To my fellow firefighters, this book exemplifies some of the legends we strive to emulate, and if this book doesn't get you riled up for that next job you apparently lack a pulse. To the general public, this book will give you a rare honest look at the fire service profession and the men/women who make it their lives. Quite simply, this book is a must read. As such I've not only read it multiple times myself, but have given a copy to several of my colleagues in the Fire and EMS service. It still stands as one of my three favorite books ever.
February 21, 2013
An up close and personal look at the men of FDNY's elite rescue company. These men are the best of the best. The ones other firefighters call when the s*** really hits the fan. This book is also a fitting tribute to those of Rescue Co. 2 who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty on Sept. 11 2001. It doesn't get any more real than this.
October 2, 2022
I am having a hard time writing a review so going to be a short one. Tom Downey did a wonderful job of putting on paper what it feels like to be a firefighter, the good and the bad. The stories are powerful and raw at times. This should be a must read for anyone going into the field of a first responder.
November 19, 2020
Coolest 👏🏻 firehouse 👏🏻 ever 👏🏻
August 15, 2019
In the sacred and gallant fraternity of America’s Bravest, there’s an elite few who live by the creed “Running in when everyone else is trying to get out.” They are members of New York City’s elite Rescue Companies. Tasked with a myriad of dangerous and challenging assignments from rescuing civilians to their brothers and sisters-in-arms, when even the firefighters need to call 9-1-1, that’s when the bravest of the bravest spring into action. With five Tier One rescue companies strategically situated across all five boroughs of New York, members of the Big Apple’s rescue companies have to be well versed in a variety of specialized disciplines for any given situation. Experts in scuba rescue, trench collapses, motor vehicle extrications, urban search and rescue, high-angle rope rescues and hazardous materials response, when the bell rings for a major incident, members of the FDNY’s Delta Force are always ready to roll.
In his gripping 2004 ride-along book “The Last Men Out: Life on the Edge at Rescue 2 Firehouse,” writer and filmmaker Tom Downey gets exclusive rare behind-the-scenes access to Brooklyn’s elite Rescue 2. The Nephew of legendary Chief of Rescue Operations Ray Downey, Tom Downey pays poignant homage to one of New York’s most elite Rescue companies. What follows is a memorable pre-9/11 year spending 24-hours with the men of Rescue 2. From the arrival of a new Captain, to the camaraderie of the firehouse, responding to emergencies big and small, to documenting the tragic Father’s Day Fire where three FDNY firefighters lost their lives in a deadly explosion and building collapse on June 17th 2001. Also given special mention, is a fitting homage to Ray Downey and his diligent efforts to get New York City ready for the big one after heading the solemn search and rescue operation in the wake of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building Bombing in Oklahoma City. Responsible for training and equipping the elite rescue companies, the late Chief Downey was looked up to as not only a modern day father figure of rescue work but ironically went by the nickname “God” amongst New York’s Bravest.
Of course a literary tribute like this wouldn’t be complete without chronicling the FDNY’s darkest and finest hour. The valiant rescue specialists of Rescue 2 along with famed Rescue companies 1, 3, 4 and 5, answered the call of duty on the morning of September 11th 2001. In what would become the 21st Century’s Day of Infamy, and usher in a generational War on Terror, the men and women of New York’s Bravest and Finest ran into harm’s way to evacuate civilians and rescue their own. In the wake of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, New York’s first responder matrix was decimated leaving many specialized units without experienced men to pick up the pieces and carry on. The FDNY’s rescue companies were the hardest hit. On the morning of 9/11, Rescue 2 lost all eight men to the collapse of the twin towers, which claimed the lives of 2,606 people including 343 firefighters and 60 NYPD/Port Authority Police Officers. Tom Downey does his best to document the aftermath of the attack following surviving members to Ground Zero and their brave efforts to fill the void left by such an unspeakable act of terror, as the world’s biggest and busiest fire department dusts itself off and begins the process of rebuilding its rank and file infrastructure.
This is an exceptional homage to the valor and the sacrifice of America’s Bravest! Having seen many documentaries showcasing New York’s elite rescue companies, Tom Downey does an exemplary job putting a human face to the elite few of New York’s Bravest. This book is a must-read for all firefighters past and present as well as civilians who are interested in firefighting. This book would make for a great movie or documentary film!
In his gripping 2004 ride-along book “The Last Men Out: Life on the Edge at Rescue 2 Firehouse,” writer and filmmaker Tom Downey gets exclusive rare behind-the-scenes access to Brooklyn’s elite Rescue 2. The Nephew of legendary Chief of Rescue Operations Ray Downey, Tom Downey pays poignant homage to one of New York’s most elite Rescue companies. What follows is a memorable pre-9/11 year spending 24-hours with the men of Rescue 2. From the arrival of a new Captain, to the camaraderie of the firehouse, responding to emergencies big and small, to documenting the tragic Father’s Day Fire where three FDNY firefighters lost their lives in a deadly explosion and building collapse on June 17th 2001. Also given special mention, is a fitting homage to Ray Downey and his diligent efforts to get New York City ready for the big one after heading the solemn search and rescue operation in the wake of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building Bombing in Oklahoma City. Responsible for training and equipping the elite rescue companies, the late Chief Downey was looked up to as not only a modern day father figure of rescue work but ironically went by the nickname “God” amongst New York’s Bravest.
Of course a literary tribute like this wouldn’t be complete without chronicling the FDNY’s darkest and finest hour. The valiant rescue specialists of Rescue 2 along with famed Rescue companies 1, 3, 4 and 5, answered the call of duty on the morning of September 11th 2001. In what would become the 21st Century’s Day of Infamy, and usher in a generational War on Terror, the men and women of New York’s Bravest and Finest ran into harm’s way to evacuate civilians and rescue their own. In the wake of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, New York’s first responder matrix was decimated leaving many specialized units without experienced men to pick up the pieces and carry on. The FDNY’s rescue companies were the hardest hit. On the morning of 9/11, Rescue 2 lost all eight men to the collapse of the twin towers, which claimed the lives of 2,606 people including 343 firefighters and 60 NYPD/Port Authority Police Officers. Tom Downey does his best to document the aftermath of the attack following surviving members to Ground Zero and their brave efforts to fill the void left by such an unspeakable act of terror, as the world’s biggest and busiest fire department dusts itself off and begins the process of rebuilding its rank and file infrastructure.
This is an exceptional homage to the valor and the sacrifice of America’s Bravest! Having seen many documentaries showcasing New York’s elite rescue companies, Tom Downey does an exemplary job putting a human face to the elite few of New York’s Bravest. This book is a must-read for all firefighters past and present as well as civilians who are interested in firefighting. This book would make for a great movie or documentary film!
September 20, 2022
Sometimes a read a book and it leaves me speechless. This is one of those books. This story is so beyond riveting and interesting that I just encourage you to read for yourself. If you are interested in FDNY stories or 9/11 this book will have you glued to your seat until it’s finished.
January 6, 2023
In 'The Last Men Out', Tom Downey profiles the history of Rescue 2, one of 5 Rescue units that are part of the NYC fire department, once for each borough. Rescue 2 operates out of Brooklyn and their purpose, as their name implies, is to go into fires to rescue those trapped inside, whether they be civilians or fellow firefighters, as opposed to the engine squads that pump the water or the ladder squads who provide access to the scene. Downey reinforces the point many times that being part of a Rescue unit is a position that is earned, with the men having already proven themselves while members of other firefighting units within NYFD, and the guys are tough on newcomers, but once you're 'in', there's no tighter brotherhood.
Downey was embedded with the unit during the late 1990s and early 2000s, though the book begins with the origin of the Rescue Units thanks to insight provided by long-time veterans, including the author's uncle, Ray Downey, former Captain of Rescue 2, who was Battalion Chief of the Special Operations Command Unit of the NYFD at the time. In the early days of Rescue 2, large structural fires were common and Tom Downey chronicles some of the most significant fires they fought. As times changed, fires became less common and the expertise of Rescue 2 broadened to include other sorts of entrapments like building collapses, water rescues, Haz-Mat scenes, etc.
The book spends a lot of time on the backstories of the men who were members of Rescue 2 at the time Tom Downey was an observer, plus significant other firefighters who played a crucial role in the development of Rescue 2. I enjoyed that, because it truly showed the camaraderie and character of the firehouse.
Sadly, this book also covers the times when Rescue 2 lost members, and the profound effect each death in the line of duty had on those who were unable to save them. There was no greater loss than on 9/11, when every member of Rescue 2 who responded to the initial call to action perished when the Twin Towers collapsed, specifically the North Tower. These were men Tom Downey had spent many hours with in the firehouse, and as hard as it hit him, the loss was nothing compared to that felt by the remaining Rescue 2 members, whose motto was 'never leave a fellow firefighter behind', but it was days before the remains of any Rescue 2 member was found. Also lost on 9/11 was Ray Downey, though the author maintained his focus on the firefighters rather than including much of his own personal experience of being a family member desperately seeking to learn the fate of their loved one.
Tom Downey remained with Rescue 2 for a period after 9/11, as they sought to rebuild and balance between honoring their fallen brothers while at the same time needing to replace them in order to return to a functional fully staffed unit. Emotions aside, it proved to be a tough task since many veteran firefighters were killed that day, others injured or suffering side effects that forced them into early retirement, and still more taking advantage of a pension plan that pays out based on earnings from the previous year to retire with the boost earned by putting in lots of overtime in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. The veterans who stayed had a new crop of guys to break in, most of them newer to NYFD than any of them had been when they were Rescue 2 'probies', but Downey knew that with the guidance of the long-timers, plus the usual amount of teasing and initiation rituals to make sure the new guys will fit in and stand tough, Rescue 2 would be in good hands for the years to come.
Downey was embedded with the unit during the late 1990s and early 2000s, though the book begins with the origin of the Rescue Units thanks to insight provided by long-time veterans, including the author's uncle, Ray Downey, former Captain of Rescue 2, who was Battalion Chief of the Special Operations Command Unit of the NYFD at the time. In the early days of Rescue 2, large structural fires were common and Tom Downey chronicles some of the most significant fires they fought. As times changed, fires became less common and the expertise of Rescue 2 broadened to include other sorts of entrapments like building collapses, water rescues, Haz-Mat scenes, etc.
The book spends a lot of time on the backstories of the men who were members of Rescue 2 at the time Tom Downey was an observer, plus significant other firefighters who played a crucial role in the development of Rescue 2. I enjoyed that, because it truly showed the camaraderie and character of the firehouse.
Sadly, this book also covers the times when Rescue 2 lost members, and the profound effect each death in the line of duty had on those who were unable to save them. There was no greater loss than on 9/11, when every member of Rescue 2 who responded to the initial call to action perished when the Twin Towers collapsed, specifically the North Tower. These were men Tom Downey had spent many hours with in the firehouse, and as hard as it hit him, the loss was nothing compared to that felt by the remaining Rescue 2 members, whose motto was 'never leave a fellow firefighter behind', but it was days before the remains of any Rescue 2 member was found. Also lost on 9/11 was Ray Downey, though the author maintained his focus on the firefighters rather than including much of his own personal experience of being a family member desperately seeking to learn the fate of their loved one.
Tom Downey remained with Rescue 2 for a period after 9/11, as they sought to rebuild and balance between honoring their fallen brothers while at the same time needing to replace them in order to return to a functional fully staffed unit. Emotions aside, it proved to be a tough task since many veteran firefighters were killed that day, others injured or suffering side effects that forced them into early retirement, and still more taking advantage of a pension plan that pays out based on earnings from the previous year to retire with the boost earned by putting in lots of overtime in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. The veterans who stayed had a new crop of guys to break in, most of them newer to NYFD than any of them had been when they were Rescue 2 'probies', but Downey knew that with the guidance of the long-timers, plus the usual amount of teasing and initiation rituals to make sure the new guys will fit in and stand tough, Rescue 2 would be in good hands for the years to come.
January 8, 2019
. None seem to ever get the feel, the energy, the smells and tastes of firefighting, especially when the author is an outsider. In Tom Downey's book, he takes us into the heart of Rescue 2, the rescue company which covers Brooklyn. As a frequent traveler to NYC and to work with the FDNY, I have a different view on things than most people, but I believe the non-fire person and fire people (buffs and smoke eaters alike) will enjoy this book. Not only is this a history of R2, but it gives great insight to what it means to join a real brotherhood, the bonds which are made, sacrifices people choose to take so they may serve others and hopefully save lives. Ray Downey, the author's father was a work acquaintance of mine, and I miss him greatly. Turns out I knew little of the man after reading this book. This is an easy read and would be a nice addition to any firefighting library.
April 22, 2025
A very interesting non-fiction book about the firemen at the Rescue 2 firehouse in Brooklyn from the 80's to just after September 11, 2001 and the World Trade disaster. We learn so much about fire hall culture and what makes firemen tick. They like a good fire because it feels like fun to beat it. They hate a bad fire that destroys colleagues and children. They mull it all over at the kitchen table at the fire house but never, never say they are afraid. Understatement rules. The different players were well described by Tom Downey, nephew of Captain Ray Downey, killed at the twin towers, and he not only wrote this book but also made a documentary about the Rescue 2 team. I learned a lot and have enormous respect for firefighters everywhere.
October 3, 2019
I decided to read the book “The Last Men Out” by Tom Downey. The book is about him following around Rescue 2 with the FDNY in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. He followed them around to see what it was like before and after the 9/11 attacks and how much the FDNY changed the way they do things. Before the 9/11 attacks he writes how Rescue 2 went from being only sent to specialized calls and then they got new officers and he transformed them into an elite unit that went to every fire big or small in their area. In my own opinion I think the book was good and it was interesting how 9/11 changed everything in New York and the fire service in the FDNY and the whole country.
June 1, 2017
Ive always had a substantial respect for firemen. Their job is one of upmost importance and absolute necessity. But now after reading this I realize just how incredible these domestic soldiers really are. To put your life on the line day in and day out every single time the radio beckons is something we should all be grateful towards them for. 343 lives were lost in the 9/11 tragedy!!! 343 in one hour!!! And yet the surviving fire fighters went back to work the next day. A fascinating look into the lives of Brooklyn rescue workers and highly suggested to read.
August 8, 2017
Hands down the best firefighter book I've read. I love it because it not only covers history and great fire stories, but it also shows how many aspects of the fire service have changed, especially the attitude and personality of the firefighter.
June 28, 2021
Probably my favorite book about firefighting. I will definatly read this boom again and probably a few times after that. Great stories from the prestigious R2. The book goes from exciting stories from the old days to the gut wrenching unimaginable aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
August 4, 2017
I felt this book was just "OK"....told good fire stories, but didn't feel genuine to me. maybe it's just me.
May 8, 2020
Really good insight to Rescue 2. Shines light on the lifestyle of a FFR, and does a great job show casing the FFR of FDNY and those involved in 9/11.
August 7, 2020
A genuine and honest story of firefighting culture. A well-done testament to many of the firefighters who died and survived 9/11.
October 4, 2021
Well-written account of a Rescue squad from New York
December 19, 2023
This book has some decent fire stories but the way it praises the men of rescue 2 like they're Gods got annoying to me. It did get a little more interesting with the stories from 9/11.
January 31, 2025
I know the places, met some of the fireman when I worked for a private contractor for the FDNY, and I was a fireman. Love the stories
January 6, 2013
Talyson Green
Ms. Brooks
Academic English 10
6 January 2012
The Last Men Out is a non-fiction biography about how everyday firefighters in New York City put their lives on the line to save others. This book talks about the language that firefighters speak when they get called to a fire by the 911 dispatchers. For example, when the firefighters hears the dispatcher say 10-60, that means that there is a major emergency that they needs their attention. After the book mentions some of the codes that the firefighters need to know before they get to the emergency, the author talks about the firehouse and its workers in the Seventies. One man that worked as a firefighter during this time period is Fred Gallagher. Fred never wanted to be a firefighter growing up but his mother-in-law insisted that he would take the firefighter test coming up. He ended up passing the test and worked at an engine company in New York City. Eventually, he worked at one of the busiest rescue companies in the city, Rescue. Finally, there are many little biographies about the firefighters that the author talks about.
Additionally, there is a deadly fire that is called the Atlantic Avenue fire. John Napollo is a new man at Rescue 2. He is a hard worker and listens to whatever Phil Ruvolo tells him as his captain. A few months after John arrives at the firehouse, the firefighters get word that there is a fire on Atlantic Avenue. The rescue engine is the second rig to arrive at the fire. The chief at the fire tells Ruvolo that there are 3 firefighters missing. The firefighters manage to rescue all 3, but people have to read the book to figure out what happened to them. Next, every firefighter is a husband and maybe even a father; Furthermore, they live for Fathers Day. Although, in the Eighties it was the worst Fathers Day of their lives because their is a deadly fire. There were 3 men trapped and they were all burned to death. Also, this has been a couple of bad years for the firefighters because they have lost many brothers in fires, but they do not even know what disaster is coming up. This disaster will be one of the worst terrorist attacks in history.
Next, the author also writes about 911 and the recovery that the firefighters had to go through after this disaster. There were two commercial planes that hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. It is just a quiet morning at Rescue 2 until the firefighters on duty get a call from the dispatcher that says there is a 10-60 at the trade center. When the firefighters arrive there, along all the other fire departments in New York City, they go into the towers to see if they can rescue any people. After a little bit of time the dispatchers call for all firefighters of the New York City area to come and help at the towers. Not long after all the firefighters arrive, the towers collapse. Thousands of people die in this, including firefighters. Also, all of Rescue 2's firefighters that arrived that day died in the collapse and they lost a total of seven of their men. Although, the firefighters of Rescue 2 that were still alive came back to the site to explore the residue of the towers to see if they can find any survivors. They manage to find one lady that survived. After everybody realized that there is basically no more hope to find anybody that lived through it, the borough demanded they go back to their rig. They only found five out of the seven firefighters that they lost.
Finally, I would recommend this book to my peers because it taught me that everyday our firefighters do not know if they are going to survive a fire that day. They hope that they will see their wife and kids again, but they never know for sure. Also, they show a tremendous amount of courage by going into a burning building and searching for people. Next, they have seen many people survive a fire, but they have seen many disturbing sights of people that did not make it out of the fire alive.
Ms. Brooks
Academic English 10
6 January 2012
The Last Men Out is a non-fiction biography about how everyday firefighters in New York City put their lives on the line to save others. This book talks about the language that firefighters speak when they get called to a fire by the 911 dispatchers. For example, when the firefighters hears the dispatcher say 10-60, that means that there is a major emergency that they needs their attention. After the book mentions some of the codes that the firefighters need to know before they get to the emergency, the author talks about the firehouse and its workers in the Seventies. One man that worked as a firefighter during this time period is Fred Gallagher. Fred never wanted to be a firefighter growing up but his mother-in-law insisted that he would take the firefighter test coming up. He ended up passing the test and worked at an engine company in New York City. Eventually, he worked at one of the busiest rescue companies in the city, Rescue. Finally, there are many little biographies about the firefighters that the author talks about.
Additionally, there is a deadly fire that is called the Atlantic Avenue fire. John Napollo is a new man at Rescue 2. He is a hard worker and listens to whatever Phil Ruvolo tells him as his captain. A few months after John arrives at the firehouse, the firefighters get word that there is a fire on Atlantic Avenue. The rescue engine is the second rig to arrive at the fire. The chief at the fire tells Ruvolo that there are 3 firefighters missing. The firefighters manage to rescue all 3, but people have to read the book to figure out what happened to them. Next, every firefighter is a husband and maybe even a father; Furthermore, they live for Fathers Day. Although, in the Eighties it was the worst Fathers Day of their lives because their is a deadly fire. There were 3 men trapped and they were all burned to death. Also, this has been a couple of bad years for the firefighters because they have lost many brothers in fires, but they do not even know what disaster is coming up. This disaster will be one of the worst terrorist attacks in history.
Next, the author also writes about 911 and the recovery that the firefighters had to go through after this disaster. There were two commercial planes that hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. It is just a quiet morning at Rescue 2 until the firefighters on duty get a call from the dispatcher that says there is a 10-60 at the trade center. When the firefighters arrive there, along all the other fire departments in New York City, they go into the towers to see if they can rescue any people. After a little bit of time the dispatchers call for all firefighters of the New York City area to come and help at the towers. Not long after all the firefighters arrive, the towers collapse. Thousands of people die in this, including firefighters. Also, all of Rescue 2's firefighters that arrived that day died in the collapse and they lost a total of seven of their men. Although, the firefighters of Rescue 2 that were still alive came back to the site to explore the residue of the towers to see if they can find any survivors. They manage to find one lady that survived. After everybody realized that there is basically no more hope to find anybody that lived through it, the borough demanded they go back to their rig. They only found five out of the seven firefighters that they lost.
Finally, I would recommend this book to my peers because it taught me that everyday our firefighters do not know if they are going to survive a fire that day. They hope that they will see their wife and kids again, but they never know for sure. Also, they show a tremendous amount of courage by going into a burning building and searching for people. Next, they have seen many people survive a fire, but they have seen many disturbing sights of people that did not make it out of the fire alive.
October 25, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much. I could not pick a favorite person who was featured in the book because I love all Rescue 2 men the same. This book is made up of plenty of different stories from some of the most important jobs to these men including some from 9/11. The theme of the book was heroism. There were so many heroes and so many lives that were saved during the time this book was written. Every firefighter should read this book. The Last Men Out is a book that you will feel plenty of emotion. I felt a range of emotions from elated to sad, I felt as if I were right there with them when Louis Valentino was buried under rubble from a collapsed building. Tom Downey did a great job describing the stories he was told about Rescue 2 and what he witnessed. The Last Men Out is not part of another series or a sequel. Once you read it, you will want another book to come out. The Last Men Out included an excellent account to what being a firefighter really is. Many people do not know what firefighters really go through so this is a fantastic book for people who want to learn more about the profession.
September 2, 2025
Downey has written a spectacular book. He follows a company of Firefighters in Rescue 2 from the 70's to the 00's, capturing the different incidents they attended in this time and the Firefighters who served in Rescue 2. Downey brilliantly brings out what these men had to go through in life-threatening jobs and covers with sensitivity those who lost their lives in action. I found myself shedding a tear when he covers the aftermath of 9/11 and how those that survived coped with the loss of so many brothers. It's not all doom and gloom though; Downey covers every day life at the fire house, with all the strong characters on the watch and fills it with humour and great stories.
As a UK Firefighter it took me a little while to get my head around how the US Fire Department runs (it's very different to us!) but I soon understood which truck did what and how their different roles worked. I'm sure non-Firefighters would get just as much out of this book. It's a great insight into the lives of Firefighters and shows what these men did for the people of New York. I couldn't recommend it enough.
As a UK Firefighter it took me a little while to get my head around how the US Fire Department runs (it's very different to us!) but I soon understood which truck did what and how their different roles worked. I'm sure non-Firefighters would get just as much out of this book. It's a great insight into the lives of Firefighters and shows what these men did for the people of New York. I couldn't recommend it enough.
Read
December 27, 2016I'm not sure if I can rate this book. It took me a long time to read for a few reasons. One, it is too much of a reality check when the love of my life is not only a firefighter, but the book is about the Rescue team that his god father worked on and his father was at many of these fires they tell stories about so it just hit close to home. Second, it was so emotional at times that I just couldn't take a lot at once. And third, it was actually a little difficult to follow with all of the different nick names and some times they called the person by their first name, sometimes last, and sometimes nickname. Plus adding back and forth between different time frames sometimes I didn't actually know who the characters were. But what it boils down to is that they were good stories. They brought tears to my eyes and opened my eyes to the life of a firefighter and the stubborn, ball busting, loyal, dedicated, selfless men that they are. And it certainly makes me appreciate what my boyfriend goes through in his line of work a little more! A must read for wives and girlfriends of FF's!
February 20, 2014
This is a great book about the lives of firefighters. Rescue 2 in New York City has such a rich history and is full of great rescues and rich friendships. This book is a wonderful glimpse into how firefighting is such a great brotherhood with bonds that go beyond just the job. That everyone takes care of each other in and out of the fire station.
It shows how fire fighting has gone just beyond fighting fires, but to car accidents, collapses, water rescues, up to terrorism. As someone who is a volunteer firefighter I understand the call of the job, but I commend not only Rescue 2, but all firefighters. I recommend this book to all firefighters and to firefighter's wives and families.
It shows how fire fighting has gone just beyond fighting fires, but to car accidents, collapses, water rescues, up to terrorism. As someone who is a volunteer firefighter I understand the call of the job, but I commend not only Rescue 2, but all firefighters. I recommend this book to all firefighters and to firefighter's wives and families.
February 20, 2007
While not the best book on the fire service - that would be David Halberstam's Firehouse - this book is a touching look into the world of one of the countries most elite fire houses - Brooklyn's Rescue 2. Rescue 2 (or "The Rescue" as its members call it) responds to any significant fire incident in Brooklyn, as well as larger calls in other boroughs.
The book has a collection of war stories from the three generations of firefighters who have worked there. Very fun to read, if you think burning buildings and the guys who run into them are interesting.
The book has a collection of war stories from the three generations of firefighters who have worked there. Very fun to read, if you think burning buildings and the guys who run into them are interesting.
December 19, 2007
This is by far the best "firefighter" related true life story book I have ever read. A lot of these books were written after 9/11, but none come close to this one. This was book was actually started prior to 9/11. It's a page turner and I finished it in one day. This might not be interesting for someone who isn't in the fire service but it's worth a try.
May 18, 2009
I've read several firefighting books but none come close to this one. The true events of this book were written prior and after 9/11, and the stories are very surreal at some point you fell like your on the back step with res2cue responding to a fire. The book covers some great legends of the FDNY like Downey, Gancy, Pritchard, Stackpole etc.
June 11, 2010
This book is about new york city fire fighting. At rescue 2 a local fire house the firemen go through H3!!. Fighting fires in no day job the firemen stay up all night and have no rest during the day. Whether washing the rig learning new equipment this book will keep the firemen and the reader busy. I would recommend this book to anybody whom is interested in fire fighting.
June 5, 2007
Totally thrilling since my cousin Brian was Captain of Rescue 1 in Manhattan around the same time as many of the events in this book take place. These guys are the elite of the elite and pretty much invented the rescue training and tactics as they are today.
July 18, 2008
Inside the Fire House of Rescue 2 FDNY prior to and post 9/11. Known as ledgends for going decades without a man killed on duty their skills have been used all over the U.S. during rescue efforts, including the Oklahoma City Bombing. Rescue 2 lost alot on 9/11
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews