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Tales From The Tiller: TRUE STORIES OF HEROISM, HEARTBREAK, AND HUMOR: THE LUCKIEST GUY ALIVE & HIS JOURNEY IN THE FDNY
Tales from the True Stories of Heroism, Heartbreak, and Humor
The Luckiest Guy Alive & His Journey in the FDNY
By Tony Bonfiglio
“From the firehouses of Upper Manhattan to the aftermath of 9/11, this is the unforgettable true story of an FDNY firefighter who lived it all.”
Tony’s story has resonated far beyond the firehouse—he was even featured as a guest on the popular podcast “This Past Weekend with Theo Von,” where his unforgettable stories captivated millions of listeners.
In this gripping and occasionally scandalous memoir, veteran New York City firefighter Tony Bonfiglio takes readers on a remarkable journey through his 21-year career, offering a raw and unfiltered look at life on the frontlines of one of the world's most dangerous professions.
Chronicling his rise as a probie firefighter to seasoned veteran, Bonfiglio vividly gives readers a no-holds-barred portrait of working on the gritty streets of Upper Manhattan in the 1980s. In a city battered by drugs, violence, and arson, he learns quickly that every day is a battle—not just with flames, but with the dangers and challenges of an unpredictable neighborhood.
But Bonfiglio also shares the lighter side of life in the firehouse, where camaraderie, laughter, and the shared bond of brotherhood are essential to survival. His stories of shopping for the meal, cooking, eating, and practical joking with his fellow firefighters reveal the close-knit, irreverent culture of a brotherhood that thrived against all odds
The memoir builds toward its heartrending conclusion with the events of 9/11. After the dust settles and the city begins to heal, Bonfiglio retires, leaving behind a legacy shaped by courage, sacrifice, and a deep love for the brotherhood of the fire service.
Perfect for readers who love
• True firefighter and first responder memoirs
• Authentic FDNY culture and firehouse stories
• 9/11 hero accounts
• Real stories from New York City history
• Books like Report from Engine Co. 82
Praise for Tales from the Tiller:
“It was freaking intense!! I was riveted!!” – George D’Alessandro, Wrestling Champion (and cousin)
“This could be a bestseller… then a movie. Dream big, my brother!” – Bobby McGuire, FDNY Fireman & Boxing Team President
“Very well written. Makes you feel like you're there.” – Pat M., Manhattan resident
If you want to experience the danger, humor, and brotherhood of the FDNY from the inside, this book delivers it all.
Step into the firehouse.
Ride the rig.
Answer the alarm.
Order Tales from the Tiller today and experience the unforgettable true stories of a New York City firefighter.
The Luckiest Guy Alive & His Journey in the FDNY
By Tony Bonfiglio
“From the firehouses of Upper Manhattan to the aftermath of 9/11, this is the unforgettable true story of an FDNY firefighter who lived it all.”
Tony’s story has resonated far beyond the firehouse—he was even featured as a guest on the popular podcast “This Past Weekend with Theo Von,” where his unforgettable stories captivated millions of listeners.
In this gripping and occasionally scandalous memoir, veteran New York City firefighter Tony Bonfiglio takes readers on a remarkable journey through his 21-year career, offering a raw and unfiltered look at life on the frontlines of one of the world's most dangerous professions.
Chronicling his rise as a probie firefighter to seasoned veteran, Bonfiglio vividly gives readers a no-holds-barred portrait of working on the gritty streets of Upper Manhattan in the 1980s. In a city battered by drugs, violence, and arson, he learns quickly that every day is a battle—not just with flames, but with the dangers and challenges of an unpredictable neighborhood.
But Bonfiglio also shares the lighter side of life in the firehouse, where camaraderie, laughter, and the shared bond of brotherhood are essential to survival. His stories of shopping for the meal, cooking, eating, and practical joking with his fellow firefighters reveal the close-knit, irreverent culture of a brotherhood that thrived against all odds
The memoir builds toward its heartrending conclusion with the events of 9/11. After the dust settles and the city begins to heal, Bonfiglio retires, leaving behind a legacy shaped by courage, sacrifice, and a deep love for the brotherhood of the fire service.
Perfect for readers who love
• True firefighter and first responder memoirs
• Authentic FDNY culture and firehouse stories
• 9/11 hero accounts
• Real stories from New York City history
• Books like Report from Engine Co. 82
Praise for Tales from the Tiller:
“It was freaking intense!! I was riveted!!” – George D’Alessandro, Wrestling Champion (and cousin)
“This could be a bestseller… then a movie. Dream big, my brother!” – Bobby McGuire, FDNY Fireman & Boxing Team President
“Very well written. Makes you feel like you're there.” – Pat M., Manhattan resident
If you want to experience the danger, humor, and brotherhood of the FDNY from the inside, this book delivers it all.
Step into the firehouse.
Ride the rig.
Answer the alarm.
Order Tales from the Tiller today and experience the unforgettable true stories of a New York City firefighter.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
23 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 13, 2025
Tony Bonfiglio brings you right into the firehouse, where you meet a cast of characters, co-workers and friends, and hear the shocking, scary, heartwarming and hilarious tales of fighting fighters with New York's Bravest.
In addition to learning about Tony's journey as a first year probationary to his retirement, Tony includes his experience on 9/11 and peppers in some of his classic firehouse recipes!
In addition to learning about Tony's journey as a first year probationary to his retirement, Tony includes his experience on 9/11 and peppers in some of his classic firehouse recipes!
November 29, 2025
Such a good quick read. Really loved the inside stories of the NYFD. Great job !
February 22, 2026
Lighthearted, funny, and an easy read! Bonfiglio takes you along his journey through the tough times and great times of his career as one of New Yorks Bravest.
March 12, 2026
Very good read
I heard Tony on the Theo Von podcast and had to read his.book. I will certainly be rereading in the future.
I heard Tony on the Theo Von podcast and had to read his.book. I will certainly be rereading in the future.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews