This memoir is a riveting account of what it's like to be a professional firefighter, from rookie to chief officer, over the course of a 31-year career. The anecdotes are funny, sad, and grim: all serve to educate readers about a profession that many dreamed about when they were children but would never pursue or truly understand. Chief Howes provides a better understanding of the profession and respect for the men and women who protect our communities by relating his own experiences as well as those of other firefighters in some of the busiest stations in the country.

The author is donating 10% of royalties to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the nonprofit group dedicated to the development and expansion of programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers.