A Firefighter's Journal: Thirty-Seven Years on the Firegrounds and in the Firehouses of Philadelphia
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!
Reviews (241)
A Great Read
A great insight into the life of a firefighter around the firehouse and the many entertaining and/or tragic events that many Emergency Responders face throughout their careers. A great read for anyone in the Fire Service, Emergency Services or the general public. Thanks for sharing glimpses of your journal with everyone Chief Marchisello.
Chief Marchisello tells us the good and the bad along with the funny and the ...
In "A Firefighter's Journal," retired Philadelphia Fire Department Deputy Chief Robert Marchisello presents a series of anecdotes, taking us on a journey of his career as a firefighter. He begins as a young boy, telling us of his first exposure to red lights and sirens, his appointment to the department, and ends with his retirement after thirty-seven years on the job. In between he presents one story after another describing the many events that occur in a distinguished career. Chief Marchisello tells us the good and the bad along with the funny and the tragic as he describes his advancement through the ranks. One thing that caught my attention was his liberal use of distinctly Philadelphia terminology with explanations as needed. Every fire department has its own jargon and his use of it helps to bring his stories to life. His descriptions of the stations and their locales add all the more flavor. This book is a real page turner, difficult to put down once you've started into it. A reader with long familiarity with or someone who has never been to Philadelphia, even someone with no connection to the fire service will be instantly captivated with "A Firefighter's Journal." As one who has read many books on the fire service, I can say that this one ranks up there at the top. SVY
IF YOU LIKE STORIES ABOUT THE BRAVEST PROFESSION..THIS IS MUST EDITION TO YOUR LIBRARY.
This book is without a doubt a MUST READ for anyone who is either a fan of the Fire Service, Active Or Retired Firefighter, or anyone who loves reading how firefighters do their job. When reading this novel it will make you feel like you are in the firehouse or sitting in the fire engine while they are responding to many alarms of service. The book itself will show the humorous side of firefighters and also the sad times when dealing with their profession. You will not be disappointed. A book that took 37 years of keeping a journal will show the details that this author bought to life again.
What an outstanding book written by an outstanding Chief officer ...
What an outstanding book written by an outstanding Chief officer. Thank you chief for all the time you put into writing in detail the life of a firefighter in a busy city department. After being stationed in Haz Mat 2 I can relate to all the different jobs that the Haz Mat companies respond to. I had planned to read the book over a couple of weeks, but I could not put it down. I finished it in three days. This book is a must read for any firefighter paid or volunteer. Thank You Chief.
A Must Read... ENJOY!
Agreed!! A Great Purchase and a Must Read for anyone in the Fire Service, Carrier or Volunteer. Deputy Chief Marchisello highlights and shares his thoughts, wisdom and memories with his readers. Chief Marchisello tells his story from his early childhood and adulthood, entry into the Philadelphia Fire Department as a cadet, and throughout his fire service carrier until his retirement in his thirty- seven years with the City of Philadelphia. Stories that will take you through some fun and enjoyable memories, bad memories, and even some emotional and challenging times as well. This autobiography is well written with awesome journal entries which does make it difficult to put down. Highly recommend!!! Thank You Chief for sharing!!
I totally enjoyed this page turner
Bobby will take you from a wide eyed child to a 37 year professional firefighter retired and everything in between. What a ride! If you ever had an interest into what firefighters do.....this is the book for you. No heroics, just hard work, dedication and humor. I totally enjoyed this page turner. I finished your 400+ page book in less then a week. I wish it was 800 pages. In full disclosure I am also a Philadelphia Firefighter. Bob and I knew each other and I am proud to call him friend. Bobby, congratulations on your book and career. Enjoy your retirement. I am looking forward to the next book.
WHAT A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF A FIREFIGHTER'S LIFE
As a firemen who almost mirrored Chief Marchisello's career, I can attest to the validity of the content in his book. I always said that I should have kept a journal and always told my "new kids" in the job to do the same. Well, Robert, you did it and congratulations. What a job! As others have stated, I could have replaced the author in most of the stories. I feel that everyone contemplating a career in firefighting and any younger firefighter should should put this book on a must read list. However, I do believe that today's climate of "political correctness" would never allow today's firefighters to experience the same culture and atmosphere that firefighters enjoyed back then. Also, the firefighting experience of the 70's and 80's can never be replicated with the reduced amount of fire calls today. But every new generation will enjoy the thrill and satisfaction that this career affords, along with all the good and all the bad. Thank you to all of our First Responders. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, may God keep you safe and above all ENJOY. "Chief Capt. Bob"
The BEST Firefighter Book
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very rare to read such an articulate, well written, Firefighter Autobiography I have read any decent FF book since The Report of Engine Company 82 by Dennis Smith. This is far , far better and this truly is the nest FF book I have read. The author started out as anyone else , from the bottom. The ONLY thing he didn’t love about the Fire Service was EMS. He ended up a Deputy Chief with a Masters of Science , and his education pared with his love of the Fire Service resonates.
First Responder Must Read
If you are a first responder you must buy this book. If you know one, buy it for them. Feel the heat, taste the damp insulation, touch the wet plaster, and smell the burnt remains of someones home. The real story of the modern, big city, fire service. This book will put you right there.
however anyone would enjoy Chief Marchisello's writings no matter where they are from
An absolute page-turner and a must have for the library of any City of Philadelphia Firefighter or PFD Buff; however anyone would enjoy Chief Marchisello's writings no matter where they are from. I was pleased to see Aberdeen Proving Ground so prominently mentioned! Well done Chief, an outstanding job!!! -Randy Yardumian, Civilian Firefighter Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Dept 1997-2005
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