Thirty years on the line

by Leo D. Stapleton

"Thirty Years On The Line" is the first of eleven books by critically acclaimed author, Leo D. Stapleton, Former Commissioner and Chief of the Boston Fire Department. "Thirty Years On The Line" takes you back to the beginning of a career spanning 39 years, starting as a new private on the department who is learning, discovering, living and breathing the greatest, albeit most dangerous, career. Stapleton shares his tremendous expertise not only with the how-to of practical application but also in the recounting of the actual events that shaped him into one of the most beloved and highly regarded members of the firefighting industry. "Thirty Years On The Line" is a must-have for all firefighters as well as for those who love and admire them. Five Stars!

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[J. Dallas]

A fascinating and often hilarious account of firefighting, in one of America's oldest and most diverse cities, told from the perspective of a fire department officer. From summer's heat to winter's freeze you are riding along with Boston's Jakes.

[Richp]

I certainly enjoyed this. It is a series of anecdotes with thoughts on the life and business of firefighting interspersed. The individual chapters are short and do not require remembering something from a dozen chapters earlier (except for definitions found in the glossary up front), so this makes a good bathroom book. There are many b&w photos, although the limitations of film in recording scenes of a wide range of light level means the technical quality is poor.

It sure was tough back then and there when it came to fire, and a lot of people died in fires compared to where I live now. I will never think of a triple decker the same way again (I lived in one when I was 3 or 4 yo.)

[Lloyd Kerns]

This is a good and fairly quick read for anyone wanting to become or even interested in the life of a firefighter. The prose was clunky at times but the voice was natural. I highlighted many passages for deeper self-study.

Mad respect for firefighters, yo.

[Shawntae]

Amazing

Amazing story worth the read especially if your a fireman. Wish it was that way now. The glory days is lost but books like this remind us

[Jesse Cook]

Deputy Stapleton worked with my grandfather on the BFD. His account of the first 30 years of his career is poignant, honest and funny. An excellent read.

[Dan]

Overall, I really liked this book, but it's important to keep in mind what it is vs. what it isn't.

It is a memoir by a professional firefighter in Boston, detailing a number of short stories of memorable times on the job.

It isn't a professionally written tale of heroism: it's a real tale of what life on the job used to be like (and maybe still is).

So, with that in mind, don't expect the best writing. But do expect some fascinating insights into being a fireman.

Five stars for the content, but I deducted a star because with some editing by a professional editor it would be amazing.

[Charmayne]

Although a bit outdated (and irreverently politically incorrect at times), some things in the fire service remain the same. Leo Stapleton provides anecdotes and advice for the professional and personal side of firefighting. In many ways, _Thirty Years on the Line_ is low-brow literature. However, it is a book by a knowledgeable, experienced firefighter and thus contains lessons that are important to be passed on to future generations of firefighting.

[Jenn Lambert]

A must read for anyone who enjoys fire history. I was not a fan of how the author steps into the stories, but that's ok. Otherwise the good, the bad, and the ugly of ff come through in the authors 30 years of experience in being with the Boston Fire Department. I had been looking to get my hands on this book for a while, and was not disappointed. Mr. Stapleton is a great addition to anyone's library.

[Andrew Niemann]

Well written; very interesting.