Saving Troy: A Year with Firefighters and Paramedics in a Battered City

by William B. Patrick

A powerful account of the hazards, challenges, and dangers faced by America s first-responders.

438 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2005

Reviews

[Robert Ashcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Troy is an emotionally powerful, gripping and exhaustively researched work of nonfiction. Patrick's diligence shows the heroism of these men without unnecessary dramatization and the heartbreak of it without descending into cynicism. Daily tragedies, interdepartmental feuds, firehouse cooking commentary---by the end of the book, I felt like I knew a lot of the characters. I felt like I'd lived alongside them. The unflinching look at their persistence in the face of constant trauma gave me an enormous appreciation for what they do.

Chapter Five, in particular, was tough to get through. I suspect each reader will walk away from this book with their own section that affected them specifically. I was happy, toward the end, that one of the more miraculous cases of saving a man's life got it's full due. Honestly, the world needs more books like this.

[Daniel Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. The author put a tremendous amount of effort into producing a quality account. William Patrick takes you directly into the world of first responders. I highly recommend this book.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book was pulse-pounding and exciting, but things sort of petered out in the second half. I got the impression that Patrick was trying out a bunch of different writing styles in an attempt to keep the book exciting. However, the subject matter is exciting enough! I would still recommend this book to anyone who is interested in life with firefighters and paramedics, or for anyone who would like some insight into Troy, NY.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book by one who spent a year in the trenches. His collection of personalities and how EMS is only just starting to break down the barriers in Fire Services, is captured nicely. Plus, it's autographed.

[Mgp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy is a gritty city. i can say this from experience.
The author and his subjects do a good job and i would recommend this book to anyone who wants to hear some gritty stories and/or who has an interest in knowing what life is like for first responders and the folks they serve.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

More drama than most full evenings of cop shows on TV. In 2015 Jim and I started reading this to one another at bedtime. By May 12 we've reached the part with two barges drifting down the Hudson....Despite all the injuries, danger and violence, it is a great read!

[Lucretia Bailey]

S gave me a signed copy for my b-day. It looks good on the surface.