A View From the Backstep Part 1: : The Harlem Shuffle

by J.M. Kearney

This book ISN'T about me. Instead, it’s a chronicle of an earlier era in the FDNY, an era when the protection of civilian life and property came first, and firefighter safety maybe third, or fourth. That era is gone now, and soon human firefighters will almost certainly be replaced by AI/Robotic firefighting machines, like the Colossus (the 1,100 pound robot that put out the fire in the Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019), but more advanced.This is a tribute to those who worked during that era, specifically in Harlem and the South Bronx of that time. The areas I knew and worked in. I was fortunate to have worked many exceptional people, which was a very humbling experience. These are accounts of those very memorable times and of those “ordinary guys” who routinely did extraordinary things.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2020

Reviews

[Steven Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author goes in to detail on being a probationary firefighter in the FDNY when he arrives to his Engine Company. He goes in to great detail about the firefighters and fire officers he worked with to ensure that their names and stories are told. An easy quick read. Very very very good book. This book is part 1 of three books (third is still being published) of A View From the Backstep

[Thomas B. McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brotherhood Personified

Not a firefighter but you don’t have to be to enjoy this book. It opens the door to the house and lets us in to enjoy the brotherhood, bonds, and the dangers of being a firefighter. A special breed.

[James Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired PO I always wondered what the fire department was like. Reading this book gave me that insight. Although they are not the same, in some ways they are very alike…. Thanks to the author for a candid and informative book.

[Chuck Mankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Some great fire stories and some wonderful insights into the job and into life in general. Can't wait for the next in the series.

[frank devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! As a fan of the FDNY,I learned a lot of the inerworkins s,of what it takes to be a firefighter. I can't wait to read book two.

[Steve Holyfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a nice job with some great stories about the early part of his career. I enjoyed the short story format as they were easy to read and put down when call volumes got busy at work,

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!

I don’t often endive with books having to do with my career but this was a captivating book full of great tales of the “old days” as they say that I couldn’t put down

[ED Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read...will follow by reading with "View from the Backstep Part 2. Fire men are superb folks..