No fire department in the world has
a greater reputation for heroism than the FDNY. No fire department has a
richer, stronger tradition of courage and daring in its members' efforts to
protect the people they serve from the ravages of fire. Paul Hashagen of FDNY's
Rescue 1 brings the exciting history and legendary figures of FDNY's past to
the present for all of us to enjoy in his classic A Distant Fire.
A Distant Fire captures
the spirits of the pioneering men and the thrilling intensity of the events
that served as FDNY's foundation: the fearless ladder work of Battalion Chief
William Nash; the spectacular World Building fire of 1881, fought during a
raging blizzard with gale force winds and watched by 5000 spectators;
phenomenal scaling ladder rescues, astounding rope rescues, and the first
Borough Call in FDNY history; the creation of the FDNY Rescue, the Ritz Tower
explosion in which eight firefighters lost their lives, and the day in 1945
when a B-25 bomber crashed into the side of the Empire State Building. Over 90
rare photos and illustrations enhance the impact of the incredibly powerful
stories of A Distant Fire!
