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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
A raw, riveting, and unforgettable firefighter memoir from the frontlines of New York City’s most dangerous decades.
In this gripping debut memoir, FDNY veteran Tony Bonfiglio shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to serve in one of the most dangerous, demanding, and tight-knit professions in the the New York City Fire Department.
Spanning his 21-year career through the streets of Upper Manhattan in the 1980s, through fires, tragedies, wild pranks, brotherhood rituals, and ultimately the events of 9/11, Bonfiglio delivers a powerful collection of true stories—told with honesty, heart, and an unforgettable sense of humor.
This is not your average firefighter story.
From his early days as a wide-eyed probie in Washington Heights to a seasoned fireman navigating chaos, corruption, and community, Tony takes you into the heat of the action—and the soul of the firehouse. Whether he’s rescuing lives, shopping for the firehouse meal, dodging danger, or cracking jokes between calls, every moment is packed with intensity, irreverence, and human connection.
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll never look at firefighters the same way again.
Perfect for readers who
True firefighter stories and first responder memoirs
The grit and heart of FDNY culture
9/11 hero accounts and real NYC history
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
This is the story of a firefighter’s life—told with grit, heart, and laugh-out-loud honesty. If you want a front-row seat to the real FDNY, Tales from the Tiller delivers.
The Luckiest Guy Alive & His Journey in the FDNY
By Tony Bonfiglio
A raw, riveting, and unforgettable firefighter memoir from the frontlines of New York City’s most dangerous decades.
In this gripping debut memoir, FDNY veteran Tony Bonfiglio shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to serve in one of the most dangerous, demanding, and tight-knit professions in the the New York City Fire Department.
Spanning his 21-year career through the streets of Upper Manhattan in the 1980s, through fires, tragedies, wild pranks, brotherhood rituals, and ultimately the events of 9/11, Bonfiglio delivers a powerful collection of true stories—told with honesty, heart, and an unforgettable sense of humor.
This is not your average firefighter story.
From his early days as a wide-eyed probie in Washington Heights to a seasoned fireman navigating chaos, corruption, and community, Tony takes you into the heat of the action—and the soul of the firehouse. Whether he’s rescuing lives, shopping for the firehouse meal, dodging danger, or cracking jokes between calls, every moment is packed with intensity, irreverence, and human connection.
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll never look at firefighters the same way again.
Perfect for readers who
True firefighter stories and first responder memoirs
The grit and heart of FDNY culture
9/11 hero accounts and real NYC history
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
This is the story of a firefighter’s life—told with grit, heart, and laugh-out-loud honesty. If you want a front-row seat to the real FDNY, Tales from the Tiller delivers.
301 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 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!
May 5, 2026
Fantastic inside peak into a firehouse in the city. I love the structure of writing cutting straight from sometimes wild calls to a recipe. I think it reflects the real life experience. Where one moment you’re cooking at the firehouse and the next you thrown into some sort of chaos to try to resolve.
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 - 5 of 5 reviews