Book Review for

Last Men Out -- Life on the Edge at Rescue 2 Firehouse
by Tom Downey

The true story of New York City's Rescue 2 Firehouse, dedicated to
pulling other firefighters as well as civilians from burning buildings.
It was written by the nephew of one of its long-time captains.
The book reads like a WW II story, packed with drama, danger,
and the camaraderie of firefighting brothers, whose sense of humor
is as brutal as they are courageous in a fire. The reader actually feels
like part of the firehouse as the story unfolds, with roundtable
kitchen discussions and stories, newcomers being shunned until
they earn respect from the veterans, and the searing heat and
blinding smoke of fighting a blazing fire. Sadly, like many other stations,
Rescue 2 lost many of its fine firefighters to the terrorist attack of 9/11.
The book ends with the effort to restore Rescue 2 to its sense of history
and tradition before 9/11. It's a great book to read.


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