Fire Stories:

Chief Norman first conceived of this book, Fire Stories, in 1991, shortly after Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics was published. Readers of this textbook suggested that he write "just a book of stories". He began writing down some of the interesting things that he experienced. This book was drafted with a specific mission in mind, to celebrate the lives of a very special group of people, fire fighters. They are stories of some of the finest men to have put on a uniform.

Box 885 Reid Avenue and Halsey Street

It is 8:00 PM on a late fall evening in 1992. Rescue 2 has had a slow evening thus far, no runs. The Company is now out on the road, driving around Crown Heights, looking for an ADV (Abandoned, Derelict Vehicle - a car dumped on the streets either by its owner or the thieves who stole it, usually after stripping it of everything of value) to cut up. We'll use the car to practice vehicle extrication techniques. Just as the tools are unloaded, the radio crackles to life, "Brooklyn to 'The Rescue'. Respond to Box 885, at 262 Reid Avenue near Halsey Street. We're receiving calls for a fire on the second floor of a multiple dwelling with reports of people trapped. Rescue 2, acknowledge." "Rescue 2 on the way, kay!" I hurriedly acknowledge as the Hurst tool is stowed and the rig roars to life. We make a left from Park Place onto Ralph Avenue heading north, then swing hard left onto Fulton Street. As we do, Engine 214 radios an urgent, "214 to Brooklyn. 10-75 on Box 885. Fire in a four-story brick occupied MD." . . . .

Being "Broken In"

I can remember being a little boy of about six watching a gleaming red fire truck, being driven by my father, wailing by enroute to a blaze. An old fireman stood next to me and asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. "I want to be a fireman" I said. He replied, "Sorry son, you can't do both. You can't grow up and be a fireman, it is one or the other."