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About the Book ??Much has been written about firefighters, some of it by people who actually fight fires. Few of the books I have any knowledge of show the mindset of the firefighters with as much insight and candor as this book...? ?from the foreword by Hugh Downs ??Every so often a writer of substantive talent appears through the smokey background to perk up our interest in firefighters and firefighting. George Pickett is just such a man.... In The Brave you will come to know him and a valiant group of men as they speed from alarm to alarm in downtown New York, where the buildings are tall and for the most part old, where bums and drug addicts populate the streets, and where the fire companies hardly ever rest. |
| populate the streets, and where the fire companies hardly
ever rest. You will begin to feel that you too are a member of Engine
33, Ladder 9, and, after George?s promotion to lieutenant, of some
of Brooklyn?s busiest fire companies. It is an empowering feeling,
until you suddenly realize that these are among the very first fire companies
who will arrive one fateful day in their future at the World Trade Center,
providing our city with more courage, determination, and selflessness
that we ever knew we had. You will then thank George Pickett for letting
you into their lives.? ??The Brave is one of the best action stories I have ever read. I could not put it down until I was finished...? ?Vincent Dunn, Deputy Chief, FDNY (Ret.) ??George, I can?t believe that I even know anyone who could write something as incredible as this story. I am overwhelmed and impressed.? ?Mike Brown, Former President and Executive Board Member, International Association of Fire Chiefs ??George, wow! You sure painted a great picture of what it REALLY is like for the Bravest. Your book is excitement from start to finish. After reading your book, you come away with even more respect for firefighters, on so many different levels.? ?Richie Marinucci, Former President and Executive Board Member, International Association of Fire Chiefs ??Pickett unflinchingly peels away the glamour and heroism
associated with New York?s Bravest...Hollywood take note!?
George Pickett served for more than four years in the United States Marine Corps prior to joining New York City?s Fire Department in 1969. He served in some of the busiest units in FDNY?s history, and worked extensively in Manhattan?s lower east side. Assignments included working in the ranks of firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, captain, and acting battalion chief. George worked in Engine 17 for a short period when they responded to almost 10,000 calls in one year. He became the captain of Engine 17, located in the ?Fort Pitt? fire station, an area that saw tremendous structural fire duty. He was decorated five times for life-saving acts, and was injured over a dozen times during performance of his duties ? |