20,000 Alarms: The Memoirs of New York's Most Decorated Fireman

by Richard R. Hamilton

A retired lieutenant describes his twenty-four years of distinguished and dedicated service with the New York City Fire Department

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[May Ling]

I knew nothing about this book when it came across my way. I don't know that it's Shakespeare or literarily great. However, it is an excellent story and for that reason I feel strongly it should receive all 5 stars for it's particular niche within autobiography.

The book is about the career of one of NY's finest, most highly decorated fire fighters. Aside from providing solid advice that I would expect any young firefighter would want to know from a seasoned veteran of the craft, it also gives a very real depiction of a man throughout the various stages of his career, his hopes, his fears, his uncertainties, etc. Despite all of the heroic deeds, you get the sense this is a very relate-able person. That is pretty amazing to accomplish given the nature of the work.

So many other books of American heroes read as a resume of all the positive. There is a truthful, humility to this piece as the author points out where he made mistakes, miscalculations, had questions of his own judgment, and even realized he was being stubborn against the evidence. That really take a lot of character.

I recommend to everyone

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding memoir of life in a FDNY firehouse.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was appropriate that I read this book, as my best friend just became a fireman. It’s fifty years old but feels just as relevant to our day.I knew it was dangerous work but I can see even more so now. I’m a little more concerned about my friend but this was still among the best books I’ve read this year.

[Lloyd Kerns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone please reprint this! I found a pdf and am so glad I did, but I’d love to have a paperback copy to share. The storyline, the writing, the action, drama, humor made this a quick and engaging read. I can’t imagine any fireman reading this and not loving it.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modest, leisurely-paced autobiography (currently out of print) of a veteran Brooklyn firefighter who served with distinction during the 50's and 60's.

[Karl H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best free book. I ever found. Richard wrote. Reality of FDNY experience.