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Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY
Rescue Me meets Blue Bloods in this riveting social history of the New York City Fire Department told from the perspective of the Feehan family, who served in the FDNY for four generations and counting.
Seen through the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY. The tale shines the spotlight on the career of William M. Feehan. “Chief” Feehan is the only person to have held every rank in the FDNY including New York City’s 28th Fire Commissioner. He died in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. But Five Floors Up is at root an intimate look at a firefighter clan, the selflessness and bravery of not only those who face the flames, but the family members who stand by their sides. Alternately humorous and harrowing, rich with anecdotes and meticulously researched and reported, Five Floors Up takes us inside a world few truly understand, documenting an era that is quickly passing us by.
Seen through the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY. The tale shines the spotlight on the career of William M. Feehan. “Chief” Feehan is the only person to have held every rank in the FDNY including New York City’s 28th Fire Commissioner. He died in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. But Five Floors Up is at root an intimate look at a firefighter clan, the selflessness and bravery of not only those who face the flames, but the family members who stand by their sides. Alternately humorous and harrowing, rich with anecdotes and meticulously researched and reported, Five Floors Up takes us inside a world few truly understand, documenting an era that is quickly passing us by.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
38 people are currently reading
2135 people want to read
About the author
Brian McDonald
61 books47 followersBrian McDonald contributes frequently to New York City newspapers, including The New York Times. His first book, My Father's Gun, won critical raves and became the subject of a major History Channel documentary series. McDonald is also the author of Last Call at Elaine's, Indian Summer, and Safe Harbor: A Murder in Nantucket. He lives in Manhattan.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 23, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I liked this book! If you have been following my reviews for any amount of time, you have probably noticed that I am a fairly eclectic reader but I tend to stay within the realm of fiction. Every once in a while, I am drawn to a non-fiction title and it is usually books that tell the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things that I choose to pick up. This book features not just one member of the Feehan family but 4. I learned a lot about the history of the New York Fire Department along with some of the experiences this family has had while doing the job.
As a general rule, I don’t cry over books. I have cried while reading but it is not a common occurrence. For the first time in quite a few years, I found a book that made me cry. This novel touches on 9/11 early on and it really transported me back to that day. I vividly remember watching that second plane hit while packing my lunch to go to work, knowing how terrible it was. Only to realize how much worse it could be when those towers fell. This book made that scene come alive and I guess it is safe to say that I am not completely over those feelings from that time.
This book covers a lot of ground going back to the very early days of NYFD to 9/11 and after. There were some events that were touched on that I remember making the national news when they occurred but it was eye opening to get the perspective of someone tasked with dealing with these scenarios. I liked the camaraderie that the members of the fire department shared and how serious they were about their responsibilities. There was some politics in the discussions of how the department has changed over the years which I found interesting.
P.J. Ochlan did a great job with the narration of this book. I believe that this is my first experience in listening to this narrator but I thought that he was a good choice for this particular book. I found his voice to be pleasant and I had no problems listening to this book for hours at a time, except that one time that I stopped to cry for a bit.
I think that a lot of readers will find this book interesting. There are photos in the hardcover which really help to make the members of this family come to life. I am glad that I decided to give this book a try.
I received a review copy of this book from Grand Central publishing and purchased a copy of the audiobook.
Initial Thoughts
This was interesting. Early in the book, I shed a few tears and I almost never cry over books. I think that all of my feelings surrounding 9/11 came flooding back as they talked about a few details from that day. While 9/11 is covered in the book, this book covers so much more and I really felt like I got a nice history lesson about the New York Fire Department. The four generations of the Feehan family chronicled in this book were all very brave men that served their community well. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with this book.
I liked this book! If you have been following my reviews for any amount of time, you have probably noticed that I am a fairly eclectic reader but I tend to stay within the realm of fiction. Every once in a while, I am drawn to a non-fiction title and it is usually books that tell the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things that I choose to pick up. This book features not just one member of the Feehan family but 4. I learned a lot about the history of the New York Fire Department along with some of the experiences this family has had while doing the job.
As a general rule, I don’t cry over books. I have cried while reading but it is not a common occurrence. For the first time in quite a few years, I found a book that made me cry. This novel touches on 9/11 early on and it really transported me back to that day. I vividly remember watching that second plane hit while packing my lunch to go to work, knowing how terrible it was. Only to realize how much worse it could be when those towers fell. This book made that scene come alive and I guess it is safe to say that I am not completely over those feelings from that time.
This book covers a lot of ground going back to the very early days of NYFD to 9/11 and after. There were some events that were touched on that I remember making the national news when they occurred but it was eye opening to get the perspective of someone tasked with dealing with these scenarios. I liked the camaraderie that the members of the fire department shared and how serious they were about their responsibilities. There was some politics in the discussions of how the department has changed over the years which I found interesting.
P.J. Ochlan did a great job with the narration of this book. I believe that this is my first experience in listening to this narrator but I thought that he was a good choice for this particular book. I found his voice to be pleasant and I had no problems listening to this book for hours at a time, except that one time that I stopped to cry for a bit.
I think that a lot of readers will find this book interesting. There are photos in the hardcover which really help to make the members of this family come to life. I am glad that I decided to give this book a try.
I received a review copy of this book from Grand Central publishing and purchased a copy of the audiobook.
Initial Thoughts
This was interesting. Early in the book, I shed a few tears and I almost never cry over books. I think that all of my feelings surrounding 9/11 came flooding back as they talked about a few details from that day. While 9/11 is covered in the book, this book covers so much more and I really felt like I got a nice history lesson about the New York Fire Department. The four generations of the Feehan family chronicled in this book were all very brave men that served their community well. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with this book.
August 12, 2022
How do I put this into words? It’s a read that is heartbreaking, funny, informative, emotional, touching and so much more. Brian McDonald wrote a beautiful story about the Feehan family - who had 4 generations of firefighters in FDNY. The eldest Feehan had been a firefighter in NYC dating back to 19th century.
While I was reading this, it was like the firefighter version of my favorite NYC police drama TV show, ‘Blue Bloods’. The Feehan were an Irish Catholic family. Many Feehan men grew up watching their elder fighting fires then going on to join the FDNY. We learn about the stories of each men, I felt admiration and respect for each of them. We also learn about their wives and children - they stories made me care for them. This was particularly tough when I read the last two chapters. It covered the events of Sept 11th, I felt like I was re-living the experiences of the first responders on that day. Despite the last two chapters being raw and emotional, it was also heartwarming and funny. This was a book where I laughed and cried!
The author did a nice job of including some historical information about New York City and FDNY. I learned a lot that I hadn’t learned before. It was intriguing to read about how some things changed over the years within FDNY/firefighting. Some facts were surprising!
I highly recommend this read - it was one of the best biography books I’ve read. The Feehan family pulled me in from page one, so they will stay with me! I could relate to many aspects as I grew up in an Irish Catholic family and have a brother who is a firefighter. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for a honest feedback.
While I was reading this, it was like the firefighter version of my favorite NYC police drama TV show, ‘Blue Bloods’. The Feehan were an Irish Catholic family. Many Feehan men grew up watching their elder fighting fires then going on to join the FDNY. We learn about the stories of each men, I felt admiration and respect for each of them. We also learn about their wives and children - they stories made me care for them. This was particularly tough when I read the last two chapters. It covered the events of Sept 11th, I felt like I was re-living the experiences of the first responders on that day. Despite the last two chapters being raw and emotional, it was also heartwarming and funny. This was a book where I laughed and cried!
The author did a nice job of including some historical information about New York City and FDNY. I learned a lot that I hadn’t learned before. It was intriguing to read about how some things changed over the years within FDNY/firefighting. Some facts were surprising!
I highly recommend this read - it was one of the best biography books I’ve read. The Feehan family pulled me in from page one, so they will stay with me! I could relate to many aspects as I grew up in an Irish Catholic family and have a brother who is a firefighter. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for a honest feedback.
September 15, 2022
I didn’t really care for this book. I didn’t find it to be what it advertised it was. It was not a book about the Feehan family as much as it was a lame attempt by this author to push ahead a lot of convoluted examples of race relations in the FDNY and in general New York history. Also touted as a 9/11 book, which Bill Feehan the commissioner was killed,
I found 9/11 details to be very general and nothing I haven’t seen in many other well done books. This was frankly amateurish writing. If I was a Feehan I would wonder what I was thinking trusting this author with this story. The author is OBSESSED with race and I find that subject exhausting and frankly am over absolutely everything having to come down to racism. Even 9/11 memories. Yuck.
I found 9/11 details to be very general and nothing I haven’t seen in many other well done books. This was frankly amateurish writing. If I was a Feehan I would wonder what I was thinking trusting this author with this story. The author is OBSESSED with race and I find that subject exhausting and frankly am over absolutely everything having to come down to racism. Even 9/11 memories. Yuck.
February 21, 2023
In the world of the fire service, there is a sacred oath of honor and sacrifice sworn by those who run into danger to save lives when everyone else runs away. This is the calling and heroic duty of the firefighter. It’s a job title unlike any other comprised of a family of brothers and sisters who trust each other with their lives, all live a life of adrenaline, valor, steadfast humility, tragedy and triumph. For more than 150 years, the New York City Fire Department has led from the front and set the standard for departments around the world to follow. One of its most cherished members is William “Bill” M. Feehan, a second-generation firefighter. His father, 32-year veteran William P. Feehan served the FDNY proudly from 1926 to 1958. In 1959, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps. Unlike most professions, the FDNY is an institution whose ranks span generations for more than a century. The FDNY is the world’s second biggest fire department (10,751 firefighters strong) after Tokyo (18,408 firefighters total), FDNY being the busiest in the world. However, little did it know just how significant an impact the passing of the torch from Bill senior to his son would have on history.
Now, acclaimed author Brian McDonald “My Father’s Gun” steps out of the gritty, crime-ridden cloak and dagger world of the NYPD and boldly ventures beyond the headlines and media hype of the firefighter into a humble and courageous FDNY clan. Enter the Feehan family, like Tom Selleck’s police procedural “Blue Bloods,” the patriarch of this venerable alchemy of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins is Bill Feehan. An Army Korean War vet, Bill joined the FDNY in 1959. Over the next forty years, he dealt with thousands of fires and disasters, rising through the ranks becoming the only man to hold virtually every rank within the New York City Fire Department. Bill Feehan’s meteoric rise to fame within the FDNY is chronicled in the biography “Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY.” The title actually comes from the motto of Engine 59, a company Bill served with the longest before promotion to other specialized sectors within the department. “Five Floors Up, Five Rooms In” was the aggressive company’s mantra. With experience, came knowledge, and with knowledge came respect from those in the upper echelon of the FDNY. Bill Feehan possessed an encyclopedic wealth of knowledge and expertise that saw the city and the fire department through the most extreme circumstances. Every call brought new challenges and new dangers.
As 1st Deputy Commissioner, Bill cherished the men and women under his command, watching in awe over their unyielding courage under fire and determination to win whatever battle they were called upon to combat. In a 1992 interview, Bill quoted the spirit of a New York firefighter poignantly:
“When you have a department whose men and women are expected to be ready at any moment to put their life on the line, to go to the aid of a stranger even when it means that you may put yourself in harm’s way, actually in dire peril… I don’t think you can pay people to do that job. There has to be something beyond money that makes them do that.”
Presiding over Academy graduations, Medal ceremonies and far too many funerals eulogizing fallen heroes, Chief Feehan knew the risks associated with an incredibly perilous vocation and held the fragility of life in high regard for those who served on the Thin Red Line. Bill Feehan’s provocative words illustrate just how thin the line between life and death is for New York’s Bravest. Since established as a paid fire department in 1875, the FDNY has lost more than 700 firefighters.
“The thing that sets the firefighter apart is that it’s he or she who when the bell sounds, goes to do whatever is necessary to help the person who called them. No matter what we do, no matter how well we train, no matter how good our equipment is, no matter how hard we try, no matter what, the time will come when we will lose another firefighter.”
Those words would never be more profound than in 2001. On June 17th 2001, a Queens hardware store fire summoned hundreds of New York’s Bravest to the scene, among them was the elite Rescue 4, a specialized all-hazard company tasked with rescuing civilians and firefighters from the most dangerous environments. Little did they know that in the ensuing hours, an explosion would claim the lives of Harry S. Ford and Brian D. Fahey of Rescue 4 including John J. Downing of Ladder 163. Bill Feehan was called to the scene immediately along with Chief of Department Pete Ganci, Chief of Rescue Operations Ray Downey, Chief of Operations Daniel Nigro and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen. The tragedy would widow three wives and leave eight children fatherless, in one of the worst pre-9/11 tragedies to besiege the FDNY. Yet, fate wasn’t done dealing the gallant department a deadly card; less than three months after the Father’s Day Fire, history and the world would be changed forever on a clear blue-sky morning on September 11th 2001. Bill Feehan is in his office at FDNY Headquarters, situated in Brooklyn when the loud scream of a jetliner and thunderous explosion rocks the building; a 767 hijacked by terrorists was transformed into a diabolical Weapon of Mass Destruction slamming into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Looking out his window, Chief Feehan instinctively reacts grabbing his closest aides. Bill Feehan and company rush to Manhattan as a city-wide mobilization deploys more than 750 firefighters from 121 Engine companies, 62 Ladder companies, 100 Ambulances, all five Rescue companies, Hazmat team and hundreds of police from the NYPD’s Patrol division, Emergency Service Unit and the Bomb Squad; all converging on the epicenter of the largest high-rise fire and rescue operation in history.
Sadly, before day’s end, the catastrophic collapse of The World Trade Center would kill 2,977 people, among them 343 firefighters and decimate the FDNY’s command structure: Chief of Department Pete Ganci, Rescue Chief Ray Downey, Fire Department Chaplain Mychal Judge and 1st Deputy Commissioner Bill Feehan were murdered on the 21st century’s Day of Infamy. According to the New York Times, more than one thousand-seven hundred years of FDNY experience was lost in the one hour it took both towers to fall. It was a crushing blow not only to the city of New York but the entire nation as millions rallied behind America’s first responders. In a job that is past down to generations of families, the Feehan family: sons: John (Battalion Chief), Bill, and daughters: Beth, Elizabeth and Tara along with son-in-law Brian Davan, also an FDNY Battalion Chief are staunch advocates of William M. Feehan’s legacy of courage, love, service and sacrifice. Bill’s 42-years with New York’s Bravest complimented by his monumental contributions of innovation and religious drive to ensure a safer New York and premiere fire department shines through in the next generation, including his six grandchildren: one of whom is now a member of the FDNY.
After listening to this book on Audible, Brian McDonald does an exceptional job painting an honest, heartwarming and viscerally engaging portrait of a real-life, blue collar firefighting family. If you’re a fan of McDonald’s book and documentary “My Father’s Gun,” or the Youtube documentary “Chief,” then “Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY” is right up your alley. Well worth the time to read or listen!
Now, acclaimed author Brian McDonald “My Father’s Gun” steps out of the gritty, crime-ridden cloak and dagger world of the NYPD and boldly ventures beyond the headlines and media hype of the firefighter into a humble and courageous FDNY clan. Enter the Feehan family, like Tom Selleck’s police procedural “Blue Bloods,” the patriarch of this venerable alchemy of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins is Bill Feehan. An Army Korean War vet, Bill joined the FDNY in 1959. Over the next forty years, he dealt with thousands of fires and disasters, rising through the ranks becoming the only man to hold virtually every rank within the New York City Fire Department. Bill Feehan’s meteoric rise to fame within the FDNY is chronicled in the biography “Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY.” The title actually comes from the motto of Engine 59, a company Bill served with the longest before promotion to other specialized sectors within the department. “Five Floors Up, Five Rooms In” was the aggressive company’s mantra. With experience, came knowledge, and with knowledge came respect from those in the upper echelon of the FDNY. Bill Feehan possessed an encyclopedic wealth of knowledge and expertise that saw the city and the fire department through the most extreme circumstances. Every call brought new challenges and new dangers.
As 1st Deputy Commissioner, Bill cherished the men and women under his command, watching in awe over their unyielding courage under fire and determination to win whatever battle they were called upon to combat. In a 1992 interview, Bill quoted the spirit of a New York firefighter poignantly:
“When you have a department whose men and women are expected to be ready at any moment to put their life on the line, to go to the aid of a stranger even when it means that you may put yourself in harm’s way, actually in dire peril… I don’t think you can pay people to do that job. There has to be something beyond money that makes them do that.”
Presiding over Academy graduations, Medal ceremonies and far too many funerals eulogizing fallen heroes, Chief Feehan knew the risks associated with an incredibly perilous vocation and held the fragility of life in high regard for those who served on the Thin Red Line. Bill Feehan’s provocative words illustrate just how thin the line between life and death is for New York’s Bravest. Since established as a paid fire department in 1875, the FDNY has lost more than 700 firefighters.
“The thing that sets the firefighter apart is that it’s he or she who when the bell sounds, goes to do whatever is necessary to help the person who called them. No matter what we do, no matter how well we train, no matter how good our equipment is, no matter how hard we try, no matter what, the time will come when we will lose another firefighter.”
Those words would never be more profound than in 2001. On June 17th 2001, a Queens hardware store fire summoned hundreds of New York’s Bravest to the scene, among them was the elite Rescue 4, a specialized all-hazard company tasked with rescuing civilians and firefighters from the most dangerous environments. Little did they know that in the ensuing hours, an explosion would claim the lives of Harry S. Ford and Brian D. Fahey of Rescue 4 including John J. Downing of Ladder 163. Bill Feehan was called to the scene immediately along with Chief of Department Pete Ganci, Chief of Rescue Operations Ray Downey, Chief of Operations Daniel Nigro and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen. The tragedy would widow three wives and leave eight children fatherless, in one of the worst pre-9/11 tragedies to besiege the FDNY. Yet, fate wasn’t done dealing the gallant department a deadly card; less than three months after the Father’s Day Fire, history and the world would be changed forever on a clear blue-sky morning on September 11th 2001. Bill Feehan is in his office at FDNY Headquarters, situated in Brooklyn when the loud scream of a jetliner and thunderous explosion rocks the building; a 767 hijacked by terrorists was transformed into a diabolical Weapon of Mass Destruction slamming into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Looking out his window, Chief Feehan instinctively reacts grabbing his closest aides. Bill Feehan and company rush to Manhattan as a city-wide mobilization deploys more than 750 firefighters from 121 Engine companies, 62 Ladder companies, 100 Ambulances, all five Rescue companies, Hazmat team and hundreds of police from the NYPD’s Patrol division, Emergency Service Unit and the Bomb Squad; all converging on the epicenter of the largest high-rise fire and rescue operation in history.
Sadly, before day’s end, the catastrophic collapse of The World Trade Center would kill 2,977 people, among them 343 firefighters and decimate the FDNY’s command structure: Chief of Department Pete Ganci, Rescue Chief Ray Downey, Fire Department Chaplain Mychal Judge and 1st Deputy Commissioner Bill Feehan were murdered on the 21st century’s Day of Infamy. According to the New York Times, more than one thousand-seven hundred years of FDNY experience was lost in the one hour it took both towers to fall. It was a crushing blow not only to the city of New York but the entire nation as millions rallied behind America’s first responders. In a job that is past down to generations of families, the Feehan family: sons: John (Battalion Chief), Bill, and daughters: Beth, Elizabeth and Tara along with son-in-law Brian Davan, also an FDNY Battalion Chief are staunch advocates of William M. Feehan’s legacy of courage, love, service and sacrifice. Bill’s 42-years with New York’s Bravest complimented by his monumental contributions of innovation and religious drive to ensure a safer New York and premiere fire department shines through in the next generation, including his six grandchildren: one of whom is now a member of the FDNY.
After listening to this book on Audible, Brian McDonald does an exceptional job painting an honest, heartwarming and viscerally engaging portrait of a real-life, blue collar firefighting family. If you’re a fan of McDonald’s book and documentary “My Father’s Gun,” or the Youtube documentary “Chief,” then “Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY” is right up your alley. Well worth the time to read or listen!
October 21, 2022
Five floors up is a very good book. It tells the story of Fire Chief William Feehan and his rise through the ranks in the fire department. It was four generations of a family fighting fires.
January 14, 2023
Fantastic story of an extraordinary man
July 18, 2022
With Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY, Brian McDonald gives us a fantastic history of the FDNY framed by the history of the last 4 generations of the Feehan family. The Feehans have been fighting fires in New York City since the late 1800s and their sacrifice, heroism and courage are a great framing device for the history of the FDNY. The book begins with the family immigrating to the United States from Ireland and discusses the struggles to adapt to the new country faced by immigrants of the time. As it goes forward, Five Floors Up explains reason for so many immigrants being in civil service in NYC as well as why they maintained a monopoly on these positions over the years (so you’ll understand why all of your favorite movies and shows set in NY have Irish-Catholic cops and firemen).
Over the course of Five Floors Up’s 320 (or so) pages, the reader will come to know and care for the Feehan family, and not just the men, but their wives, children, cousins and others. There is a lot of historical information here about the FDNY, but the real story is the Feehan family. There is no doubt that the history is interesting, but the family is where you really find yourself pulled in. It’s always a good sign when a biographical book can grip you in the same way (or more so) than a novel. These people go through some harrowing situations throughout their lives, including September 11, 2001 and the devastation wrought by two airplanes flying into the World Trade Center. By the time you get to the story of 9/11, you’re going to find that you are experiencing (or re-experiencing) those events along with these first responders. You’re going to care about this family by that point and it’s going to hurt.
Overall, this is an amazing read that I had a hard time putting down at times. I never really knew that I was interested in the history of firefighting but I found myself drawn in by way things changed (and stayed the same) over a hundred plus years of fighting fires. Getting to know the Feehan family over the course of the book is the real reward here even if you’re a history buff and only care about that part. McDonald knows that the story he has to tell is a good one and you can feel his passion and reverence coming through the pages. This is the first book from the author that I’ve read, but if he treats other subjects as well as this then they should be great as well. Five Floors Up is heavily researched and lovingly crafted. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an ARC of the book.
Over the course of Five Floors Up’s 320 (or so) pages, the reader will come to know and care for the Feehan family, and not just the men, but their wives, children, cousins and others. There is a lot of historical information here about the FDNY, but the real story is the Feehan family. There is no doubt that the history is interesting, but the family is where you really find yourself pulled in. It’s always a good sign when a biographical book can grip you in the same way (or more so) than a novel. These people go through some harrowing situations throughout their lives, including September 11, 2001 and the devastation wrought by two airplanes flying into the World Trade Center. By the time you get to the story of 9/11, you’re going to find that you are experiencing (or re-experiencing) those events along with these first responders. You’re going to care about this family by that point and it’s going to hurt.
Overall, this is an amazing read that I had a hard time putting down at times. I never really knew that I was interested in the history of firefighting but I found myself drawn in by way things changed (and stayed the same) over a hundred plus years of fighting fires. Getting to know the Feehan family over the course of the book is the real reward here even if you’re a history buff and only care about that part. McDonald knows that the story he has to tell is a good one and you can feel his passion and reverence coming through the pages. This is the first book from the author that I’ve read, but if he treats other subjects as well as this then they should be great as well. Five Floors Up is heavily researched and lovingly crafted. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an ARC of the book.
October 11, 2022
The conceit of this book as a glimpse of the evolution of the FDNY through the lens of one family's involvement drew me in and it was interesting to read about how both the technology and the culture of the fire department changed over time. However, the tone of the book was a little odd. For the most part it is a very celebratory and uncritical tale of heroism, but there are asides regarding discriminatory practices and mismanagement within the department that are brought up but never fully examined. It left the book feeling dissonant to me, like it was caught between being two very different sorts of books without enough to bridge the gap.
March 25, 2024
Generations
This s Brian McDonald’s second book about New York City and it’s public safety agencies, the NYPD and FDNY. The NYPD book, “My Father’s Gun,” follows the author’s grandfather, father, and brother who were NYPD officers through much of the twentieth century. This book follows three generations of an extended firefighting family. Each book is a cultural history of its respective agency told by tracing the life histories of an Irish-American multi-generational police family and a very similar Irish-American multi generational firefighting family.
I recommend both books.
This book is filled with information about the history and of equal interest the culture of FDNY. We see the changes, challenges, and risks inherent in firefighting, the values that drive firefighters, the firehouse life, and of course the FDNY response to a host of fires and disasters, as well as the tumult of the 60’s, the arson wars of the 70’s, the crime epidemic of the eighties, climaxing with 9/1, the worst day in the history of FDNY.
What makes this book a standout, however, is the author’s method of telling a long and fascinating story through very detailed portraits of two firefighting families….and through them the Irish American-New York experience of twentieth century New York City life. We come to know the characters and through them receive a painless, actually enjoyable tutorial. But the same writing style shows us the FDNY culture as well…great and not sogreat. Not a dry recitation of dates and times interspersed with stories of heroism….but history brought to life. One is struck by the almost tribal insularity of the Irish American dominated FDNY, its resistance to “outsiders,” but especially its ethos of uncompromising dedication, loyalty, and absolutely extraordinary, but very matter of fact heroism……culminating in the rescues and losses of 9/11.
This book and Macdonald’s earlier book are really exceptional. I unreservedly recommend either or both.
Full disclosure here….my Mother’s family included two quintessentially Catholic Irish-American Pittsburgh City Firefighters from the 1940’s to the early 1960’s. My Father’s family were early twentieth century, first generation Jewish American New Yorkers. So, obviously, this book literally hit quite close to home for me.
This s Brian McDonald’s second book about New York City and it’s public safety agencies, the NYPD and FDNY. The NYPD book, “My Father’s Gun,” follows the author’s grandfather, father, and brother who were NYPD officers through much of the twentieth century. This book follows three generations of an extended firefighting family. Each book is a cultural history of its respective agency told by tracing the life histories of an Irish-American multi-generational police family and a very similar Irish-American multi generational firefighting family.
I recommend both books.
This book is filled with information about the history and of equal interest the culture of FDNY. We see the changes, challenges, and risks inherent in firefighting, the values that drive firefighters, the firehouse life, and of course the FDNY response to a host of fires and disasters, as well as the tumult of the 60’s, the arson wars of the 70’s, the crime epidemic of the eighties, climaxing with 9/1, the worst day in the history of FDNY.
What makes this book a standout, however, is the author’s method of telling a long and fascinating story through very detailed portraits of two firefighting families….and through them the Irish American-New York experience of twentieth century New York City life. We come to know the characters and through them receive a painless, actually enjoyable tutorial. But the same writing style shows us the FDNY culture as well…great and not sogreat. Not a dry recitation of dates and times interspersed with stories of heroism….but history brought to life. One is struck by the almost tribal insularity of the Irish American dominated FDNY, its resistance to “outsiders,” but especially its ethos of uncompromising dedication, loyalty, and absolutely extraordinary, but very matter of fact heroism……culminating in the rescues and losses of 9/11.
This book and Macdonald’s earlier book are really exceptional. I unreservedly recommend either or both.
Full disclosure here….my Mother’s family included two quintessentially Catholic Irish-American Pittsburgh City Firefighters from the 1940’s to the early 1960’s. My Father’s family were early twentieth century, first generation Jewish American New Yorkers. So, obviously, this book literally hit quite close to home for me.
September 10, 2022
Five Floors Up
The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY
by Brian McDonald
Pub Date 06 Sep 2022
Grand Central Publishing
Biographies & Memoirs
I am reviewing a copy of Five Floors Up through Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley:
If you are a fan of Rescue Me or Blue Bloods, I think you will enjoy this riveting history of the New York City Fire Department as told by from the perspective of the Feehan family, who served in the FDNY for four generations and counting.
Five Floors Ups comes from the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY.
This book shines the spotlight on on the career of William M. Feehan. “Chief” Feehan is the only person to have held every rank in the FDNY including New York City’s 28th Fire Commissioner. William Fehan died in the twin towers on 9’11 but Five Floors Up is at root an intimate look at a firefighter clan, the selflessness and bravery of not only those who face the flames, but the family members who stand by their sides. This book is both humorous and harrowing.
I give Five Floors Up five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY
by Brian McDonald
Pub Date 06 Sep 2022
Grand Central Publishing
Biographies & Memoirs
I am reviewing a copy of Five Floors Up through Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley:
If you are a fan of Rescue Me or Blue Bloods, I think you will enjoy this riveting history of the New York City Fire Department as told by from the perspective of the Feehan family, who served in the FDNY for four generations and counting.
Five Floors Ups comes from the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY.
This book shines the spotlight on on the career of William M. Feehan. “Chief” Feehan is the only person to have held every rank in the FDNY including New York City’s 28th Fire Commissioner. William Fehan died in the twin towers on 9’11 but Five Floors Up is at root an intimate look at a firefighter clan, the selflessness and bravery of not only those who face the flames, but the family members who stand by their sides. This book is both humorous and harrowing.
I give Five Floors Up five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
September 11, 2022
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
Five Floors Up
By Brian McDonald
Powerful. Informative. Emotional.
That is how I would describe this book.
When I saw this book as an option to request, I just knew it was one I needed to read.
As the wife of a Firefighter for the last 16 years, I have had an intimate look at this profession.
Five Floors Up shares the story of one Family in the FDNY for Four Generations. Through this book, you get to witness highs and lows, watch the department evolve into what it now is, and experience the love, loss, and pain of true heroes.
I know from experience, it is tough to be the partner of a Firefighter or First responder. You never know what can happen the minute they walk out that door, and head to shift.
It takes a certain type of person to do this, and also for the ones who support those that do.
It’s more than a profession, it’s an entity.
McDonald does a beautiful job of delivering that in this story of the Feehan/Davan family, not just through the Fire members themselves, but by also diving into the people who love and support them on a daily basis.
This was amazing to see.
Today, of all days, my heart sits heavy. Take a moment and remember. Take a moment and hug your loved ones.
This book is out now. Please pick up a copy and read it You won’t be sorry that you did.
Rating: 🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒/5
Many thanks to @grandcentralpub for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Five Floors Up
By Brian McDonald
Powerful. Informative. Emotional.
That is how I would describe this book.
When I saw this book as an option to request, I just knew it was one I needed to read.
As the wife of a Firefighter for the last 16 years, I have had an intimate look at this profession.
Five Floors Up shares the story of one Family in the FDNY for Four Generations. Through this book, you get to witness highs and lows, watch the department evolve into what it now is, and experience the love, loss, and pain of true heroes.
I know from experience, it is tough to be the partner of a Firefighter or First responder. You never know what can happen the minute they walk out that door, and head to shift.
It takes a certain type of person to do this, and also for the ones who support those that do.
It’s more than a profession, it’s an entity.
McDonald does a beautiful job of delivering that in this story of the Feehan/Davan family, not just through the Fire members themselves, but by also diving into the people who love and support them on a daily basis.
This was amazing to see.
Today, of all days, my heart sits heavy. Take a moment and remember. Take a moment and hug your loved ones.
This book is out now. Please pick up a copy and read it You won’t be sorry that you did.
Rating: 🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒/5
Many thanks to @grandcentralpub for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read
October 3, 2022Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book as an ebook. I also owe a big thank you to Grand Central Publishing, who sent me a hard copy of the book before it's release date as well. THANK YOU!
This book is as non-fiction as it can get when talking about the early years of the American Fire Service and the development of one of the world's most famous, well-known fire departments. Writing a novel that encompasses so much history and detail about the FDNY is a huge accomplishment, so kudos to Brian McDonald for his work. I definitely learned a ton reading this!
I had to break the book up into sections of reading because some of the chapters were very dry and I found it difficult to stay interested for more than 30 minutes at a time. It felt like I was reading a textbook for fire school rather than a book for pleasure, but I wanted to soak in the novel so I spaced it out. This reads almost like an epic retelling of both small and pivotal moments within one family's great tradition and career journey at FDNY, so there is excitement and oomph to parts of the novel as well.
I believe anyone who has some sort of fire service career (like I do) will ultimately respect this book, its purpose and its message. People who do not have much knowledge of the fire service or a passion for first responders may not enjoy this book because of how the nonfiction material comes off a tad dry at times.
Overall, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
This book is as non-fiction as it can get when talking about the early years of the American Fire Service and the development of one of the world's most famous, well-known fire departments. Writing a novel that encompasses so much history and detail about the FDNY is a huge accomplishment, so kudos to Brian McDonald for his work. I definitely learned a ton reading this!
I had to break the book up into sections of reading because some of the chapters were very dry and I found it difficult to stay interested for more than 30 minutes at a time. It felt like I was reading a textbook for fire school rather than a book for pleasure, but I wanted to soak in the novel so I spaced it out. This reads almost like an epic retelling of both small and pivotal moments within one family's great tradition and career journey at FDNY, so there is excitement and oomph to parts of the novel as well.
I believe anyone who has some sort of fire service career (like I do) will ultimately respect this book, its purpose and its message. People who do not have much knowledge of the fire service or a passion for first responders may not enjoy this book because of how the nonfiction material comes off a tad dry at times.
Overall, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
September 9, 2022
Last year, 2021, the ‘big’ 9/11 anniversary book release was Joseph Pfeifer’s “Ordinary Heroes” and many found that book disappointing and lacking depth and honest insight. This year’s ‘big’ 9/11 2022 release is “Five Floors Up” by Brian McDonald and while the writing is far better (despite a number of small errors — John Feehan has an M.S. in Fire Protection Management, not “Protective Management and Kevin Kane died in Ladder 110, not “the engine”), and the subject of the book — Bill Feehan, an All American life long FDNY member who truly loved the department despite its shortcomings, and who was a poster child for the department despite his own shortcomings, is in his complexity the ideal canvas for painting a portrait of the FDNY in all its black and white and most importantly, grey areas. Unfortunately, McDonald works too hard to see the glass as only half full and never half empty and his inclusion of the 9/11 FDNY executive staff as being on par with Bill Feehan and his love of the FDNY is simply untrue and their involvement in the 9/11 uniformed response led to many needless deaths, including perhaps Feehan’s as well. Of course, true history needs time to unpack the grey areas and hopefully we’re moving in the direction of a true reckoning of the FDNY on that day sometime in the near future.
February 8, 2023
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by the fire department. Living through 9/11 at a young age, I looked up to members of the FDNY with admiration. Recently, I made the decision to join my town's volunteer fire department. While I certainly had misgivings about volunteering to run into burning buildings, deep down I knew the skills, experience, training, and comradery of the firehouse would be worth overcoming that fear to do something I always dreamed of.
As with any decision in my life, I had to read about it first. Five Floors Up shares the story of one Family in the FDNY for Four Generations. Through this book, you get to witness highs and lows, watch the department evolve into what it now is, and experience the love, loss, and pain of true heroes.
This book helped put into context the weight and importance of the fire service, and how we can appreciate what they do. I'm excited to be a part of a community of intelligent, brave, and hilarious firefighters who help protect our fellow citizens and property.
Rating: 3.9 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
As with any decision in my life, I had to read about it first. Five Floors Up shares the story of one Family in the FDNY for Four Generations. Through this book, you get to witness highs and lows, watch the department evolve into what it now is, and experience the love, loss, and pain of true heroes.
This book helped put into context the weight and importance of the fire service, and how we can appreciate what they do. I'm excited to be a part of a community of intelligent, brave, and hilarious firefighters who help protect our fellow citizens and property.
Rating: 3.9 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 13, 2024
While, I would not describe this book as riveting, I would say it is an easy read--carefully researched and worthwhile reading. This story--similar in feel to the TV series Blue Bloods--about an Irish Catholic clan and their devotion to the NYC fire department, reveals in human detail how their careers have become a deep and enduring tradition that has morphed into a life choice so dedicated, it resembles a religious calling in itself.
The book details the true history of the Feehan family, with the focus upon William Feehan, who rose through the ranks in every role of the NYC fire department, to the very top. From the outset, you know he will die doing all he can to save firefighters' lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. A highly detailed, full chapter covers minute --by excruciating minute--several vignettes of what happened in the Twin Towers for specific firefighters. An added bonus of this book: in context of the story, many books of firsthand 9/11 accounts, are mentioned throughout the book in passing, for more information and personal stories.
Chief Feehan and his family make their choices and build their lives around the FDNY as the hub of their universe. Through investing the lion's share of their time, energy, and lifeblood in this calling, they display great clarity of purpose, powerful courage, and zest for excellence in their service to the City's citizens.
Understanding a city as populous as NYC--that is both the financial capital of the most powerful country in the world at the time, and a tumultuous melting pot of successive waves of immigrant ancestors throughout U.S. history--should be a priority for U.S. citizens. Along the way, you learn about NYC politics, culture, history, and the character, flavor, and makeup of its five boroughs. A city this size seems to function as a country unto itself, and the relationships, both historical and current, among the organizations of the fire department, the police department, the mayor, the governor, and the voters are laid out clearly by the author.
Funding struggles and their political realities play critical roles determining not only the life and death of the firefighters and police officers, but the very survival of the citizens they serve. The author artfully balances and weaves these critical realities for all concerned into the story line. You learn and feel the issues shaping the lives of this Irish clan, the public services of the fire and police departments, and the citizens reliant upon their successful management. Resources are--and will always be limited--yielding dramatic consequences for everyone.
The author covers in clear detail, how residential and commercial architecture, city ordinances and their enforcement, poverty, arson, and even politics and organizational management determine the frequency and virulence of fires that Chief Feehan fights throughout his career. Even the times, like the Great Depression, affect the incidence of fires--bathtub stills proliferate in the tenements, with 2,500 documented even before that time in that borough. Before 1970, the average annual NYC fire alarms numbered 60,000. By 1975, this number rose to a staggering 450,000.
Five Floors Up, the book's title, refers to how far the firefighters must struggle through the smoke, heat, flames, and fumes in the typical tenement complexes to reach a fire's source--and often its victims--requiring rescue. Besides portraying the humanity of the firefighter's tale, the author teaches the reader all about the different roles each firefighter plays based on their job assignments, the lingo of the trade, and how the functions and future of the job change, yet remain the same. As Chief Feehan foretells, "No matter what we do, no matter how well we train, no matter how good our equipment is, no matter how hard we try--no matter what--the time will come when we will lose another firefighter."
The book details the true history of the Feehan family, with the focus upon William Feehan, who rose through the ranks in every role of the NYC fire department, to the very top. From the outset, you know he will die doing all he can to save firefighters' lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. A highly detailed, full chapter covers minute --by excruciating minute--several vignettes of what happened in the Twin Towers for specific firefighters. An added bonus of this book: in context of the story, many books of firsthand 9/11 accounts, are mentioned throughout the book in passing, for more information and personal stories.
Chief Feehan and his family make their choices and build their lives around the FDNY as the hub of their universe. Through investing the lion's share of their time, energy, and lifeblood in this calling, they display great clarity of purpose, powerful courage, and zest for excellence in their service to the City's citizens.
Understanding a city as populous as NYC--that is both the financial capital of the most powerful country in the world at the time, and a tumultuous melting pot of successive waves of immigrant ancestors throughout U.S. history--should be a priority for U.S. citizens. Along the way, you learn about NYC politics, culture, history, and the character, flavor, and makeup of its five boroughs. A city this size seems to function as a country unto itself, and the relationships, both historical and current, among the organizations of the fire department, the police department, the mayor, the governor, and the voters are laid out clearly by the author.
Funding struggles and their political realities play critical roles determining not only the life and death of the firefighters and police officers, but the very survival of the citizens they serve. The author artfully balances and weaves these critical realities for all concerned into the story line. You learn and feel the issues shaping the lives of this Irish clan, the public services of the fire and police departments, and the citizens reliant upon their successful management. Resources are--and will always be limited--yielding dramatic consequences for everyone.
The author covers in clear detail, how residential and commercial architecture, city ordinances and their enforcement, poverty, arson, and even politics and organizational management determine the frequency and virulence of fires that Chief Feehan fights throughout his career. Even the times, like the Great Depression, affect the incidence of fires--bathtub stills proliferate in the tenements, with 2,500 documented even before that time in that borough. Before 1970, the average annual NYC fire alarms numbered 60,000. By 1975, this number rose to a staggering 450,000.
Five Floors Up, the book's title, refers to how far the firefighters must struggle through the smoke, heat, flames, and fumes in the typical tenement complexes to reach a fire's source--and often its victims--requiring rescue. Besides portraying the humanity of the firefighter's tale, the author teaches the reader all about the different roles each firefighter plays based on their job assignments, the lingo of the trade, and how the functions and future of the job change, yet remain the same. As Chief Feehan foretells, "No matter what we do, no matter how well we train, no matter how good our equipment is, no matter how hard we try--no matter what--the time will come when we will lose another firefighter."
September 6, 2022
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵
This is the story of the Freehans and the four generations of NYC firefighters who have come from within their family. It starts with their immigration from Ireland and ends with 9-11.
There’s a lot to unpack here as you feel like you’re sitting down for coffee with them all… and just like with most large families, there’s loss, pain, friendships and tender moments. It’s a spotlight on one family of civil servants and the veil being pulled back on the heart of NYC firefighting.
I really enjoyed this biography. It had the feelings of a family fiction but with the facts of the firehouse. It showcased the family (and generations) of Freehans but also the family that happens within the firehouse.
If you are hesitant to ever pick up a non-fiction or biography then maybe this is the one for you as it reads more like family fiction with the backdrop of events that many of us remember well (9-11).
This is the story of the Freehans and the four generations of NYC firefighters who have come from within their family. It starts with their immigration from Ireland and ends with 9-11.
There’s a lot to unpack here as you feel like you’re sitting down for coffee with them all… and just like with most large families, there’s loss, pain, friendships and tender moments. It’s a spotlight on one family of civil servants and the veil being pulled back on the heart of NYC firefighting.
I really enjoyed this biography. It had the feelings of a family fiction but with the facts of the firehouse. It showcased the family (and generations) of Freehans but also the family that happens within the firehouse.
If you are hesitant to ever pick up a non-fiction or biography then maybe this is the one for you as it reads more like family fiction with the backdrop of events that many of us remember well (9-11).
October 4, 2022
It has been said that in fire emergencies, you can plan everything to the minute, and a minute before that, everything changes.
Five Floors Up takes readers into the lives of firefighters, four generations in the same family.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy for review!
Obviously one can't review life experiences. However, author Brian McDonald has made the story of the Feehan/Davan family very readable.
It's not only a portrait of their family dynamics and fire careers, it's also a history of firefighting and the current working world itself, with New York City as a backdrop.
William Patrick Feehan took on a new career in firefighting in his mid-30s, in 1926. This was followed by his son Bill, and grandson-in-law Brian and great-grandson Connor.
The book opens with the events of Bill's tragic passing on 9/11, after a 41-year career with the FDNY.
This in-depth read is so interesting on many levels - recommended!
Released on Sept. 6.
Five Floors Up takes readers into the lives of firefighters, four generations in the same family.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy for review!
Obviously one can't review life experiences. However, author Brian McDonald has made the story of the Feehan/Davan family very readable.
It's not only a portrait of their family dynamics and fire careers, it's also a history of firefighting and the current working world itself, with New York City as a backdrop.
William Patrick Feehan took on a new career in firefighting in his mid-30s, in 1926. This was followed by his son Bill, and grandson-in-law Brian and great-grandson Connor.
The book opens with the events of Bill's tragic passing on 9/11, after a 41-year career with the FDNY.
This in-depth read is so interesting on many levels - recommended!
Released on Sept. 6.
November 27, 2024
This is the story of a family with a tradition of serving others through Firefighting. It is both inspiring and sad at the same time. Sad because it is seen at points through the eyes of Deputy Commissioner William M. Feehan, who went by Bill to those he knew, he was lost to his family and his country on sept, 11, 2001. and knowing that one can't help thinking a little bit about the if-only part of things. Yet there is hope of things to be learned from the pages of this book as well. what will be learned will I think be different for each person and personal to them. As for me, I see within this story a man worthy of great respect not only because of the way he died but also because of how he chose to live. I think he is someone who can still be looked up to now. I hope his family is well and that some of them will choose to continue the family tradition if it is right for them.
September 18, 2022
3.5 stars
This one is definitely for the history buffs. It’s the true story of service and bravery from one family who has spent four generations in the Fire Department of New York.
The history of the Feehan family’s involvement in the FDNY is impressive and Five Floors Up tells it in full. From the 1920s to today, four generations of Feehans have been putting out fires all across New York City. I am by no means a history buff, so it sometimes felt like it dragged on a bit, but I think those that enjoy history will likely enjoy it. Plus the 9/11 content is gripping, as expected.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sharing this with me!
This one is definitely for the history buffs. It’s the true story of service and bravery from one family who has spent four generations in the Fire Department of New York.
The history of the Feehan family’s involvement in the FDNY is impressive and Five Floors Up tells it in full. From the 1920s to today, four generations of Feehans have been putting out fires all across New York City. I am by no means a history buff, so it sometimes felt like it dragged on a bit, but I think those that enjoy history will likely enjoy it. Plus the 9/11 content is gripping, as expected.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sharing this with me!
![Profile Image for Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1672255572i%2F4799500._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 26, 2022
I am not sure I will ever get to a day where stories surrounding 9/11 don’t make me cry and transport me back to that day. Five Floors Up by Brian McDonald is no exception, but this is so much more than a 9/11 novel.
Stories within Five Floors Up date back to the early formation of the New York Fire Department (NYFD). McDonald also doesn’t shy away from hard topics such as lack of diversity in the workforce and the politics that often plague public service sectors.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel and was thankful I read it during Nonfiction November.
Thank you to Grand Central Pub for this gifted copy to review.
Stories within Five Floors Up date back to the early formation of the New York Fire Department (NYFD). McDonald also doesn’t shy away from hard topics such as lack of diversity in the workforce and the politics that often plague public service sectors.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel and was thankful I read it during Nonfiction November.
Thank you to Grand Central Pub for this gifted copy to review.
December 22, 2022
This story of the Feehan Family and the NYFD spans two centuries. We need families like the Feehan’s to get us through our worst tragedies. The majority of the book focuses on the life and career of Bill Feehan. Bill Feehan gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9-11 at the age of 71. This book is slow moving with bursts of excitement which I imagine firefighting is like. Thanks to the Feehan family for their service.
January 8, 2023
"Five Floors Up" by Brian McDonald was swift moving and informative about the glorious fire department of New York. Brilliant explanations for the very beginning of the service in its various formations. The fire department began in 1648. I even found out that black men weren't allowed in until 1919. 271 years later, after a lot of mess and battling went down! Amazing facts I never thought about.
August 31, 2023
This was a great look into the history of the FDNY through the eyes of one family. The Feehan/Davan family has essentially been in the Dept. since the foundation, and the legacy told in this book os fascinating. My only real criticism is that, at times dates aren't mentioned and it's hard to keep track of some events. Other times it seems to go back amd forth and occasionally is noticeably sped up. Overall this is a great book for anyone in the Fire Service.
October 16, 2022
I found this book to be very well-written and informative. I learned several small tidbits I did not previously know. To be fair, this is the first book I've read related to September 11th. The book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions, perhaps because working in public safety I could relate to the humor.
September 18, 2022
An excellent read! Chief Feehan was truly an American hero. I would have rated the book 5 stars if the author could have kept his thinly vailed political views to himself.
Read
January 13, 2023Excellent book! A fantastic story of service by one family and their sacrifices. Highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in the fire service.
March 5, 2024
great story inter generational fire family
December 29, 2024
Enjoyable read and listen with the history of NYFD. Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the book to review.
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