A Firefighter's Journal: Thirty-Seven Years on the Firegrounds and in the Firehouses of Philadelphia

by Robert Marchisello

A blood-curdling scream pierces the thick black smoke. Somewhere in the darkness, a man is burning to death. Then the screams suddenly stop. Did he jump out of a window? Or did he succumb to the heat and smoke?

Those screams haunt Firefighter Robert Marchisello to this day. It’s just one of the many revealing stories about battling blazes and numerous other dangers in America’s fifth-largest city—home of the nation’s first fire company—in this autobiography of his thirty-seven-year career with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

During his entire career Marchisello kept a journal detailing his experiences as well as his personal and professional challenges. His work offers rare insights into the unimaginable types of emergencies to which these men and women respond—from decomposing bodies to hazardous chemicals to deadly shootouts. Between calls sit in the firehouse and enjoy the pranks, banter, humor, and camaraderie firefighters share.

His vibrant writing lets you experience the adrenalin, the danger and yes, even the laughs of nearly four decades on the firegrounds, in the firehouses and everywhere in between. You’ll never look at a passing fire engine the same way!

449 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2017

Reviews

[Steven Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hands down has been my favorite firefighter book I have read in my life. Very long read, but every time I opened that book the suspense was real. DC Marchisello shows and describes the cold hard reality that Philadelphia firefighters and firefighters across the country face and have to deal with. I hope to one day meet the author. Maybe even talk about his experiences I read in the book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been working for the Philadelphia OEM for the last 8 years. Our office is in basement of the Fire Admin Building next to FCC. I spend most of my days with the PFD. They are an amazing bunch of folks. This book helped me gain more insight into how the busiest fire department per capita in the country keeps going.
In terms of firefighters memoirs, this is a really good one. Well written, honest and funny. There are many memoirs out there that just focus on telling 'war stories', this one gives real insight into a fireground.

[Walter J DeSoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Bob's writing style was smooth, easy to follow. As one of his former firefighters, it put me right back on the "back step" with him, crawling down the hallways. And right back in the firehouse kitchen, the center of the firehouse, laughing, eating, drinking coffee, and breaking chops.

[Mickenzie Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, insightful, informative, and sometimes heartbreaking

I really liked this book. I feel like it gave me a much better idea of what firefighters experience and endure. I have always respected the brave men and women who run into danger while most folks are fleeing, but I've really gained a whole new appreciation for them now.

[Adam Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

This book is now one of my all time favorites. There is so much that he says, that make you feel like you were not only there, but that you were thinking what he was thinking. Absolutely recommend!

[Dominick Patricelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best in person book in recent time

This book makes you feel like you are riding to the runs with the firefighters, the way he describes the different runs you are there with him.

[Ken Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it incredible Chief Marchisello kept a diary of his honorable career with the Philadelphia Fire Department. A great read of the inside stories of his daily calls, interactions with his fellow firefighters and feelings of his moments in time. Well done, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Kurt Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily my favorite book of the year. Splendidly written, easy to read, and segmented fantastically, I tore through this book. Bravo.

[Ron Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for every firefighter young and old

I recently retired from my FD after 33.5 years of service. I really enjoyed reading this book and reliving some of my own memories.

[Carys Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so insightful and interesting! A great memoir!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

Extremely well written. A good read for any firefighter. Great story telling. I wish I had the forethought to do the same. From my humble beginnings to 27.5 year veteran Captain.