Rating: 
Summary: A very moving book
Review: "Report From Engine Co. 82" had a huge impact on my life. I was about 8 years old and was used to reading science fiction, so this book was 'out of my genre,' so to speak. I had been watching a television show called "Emergency." When Mr. Smith came on the "Today" show, I was moved by his down-to-earth qualities and the rave reviews the book received, so I rode my bicycle down to the public library and checked the book out to see if real life firefighters were anything like Gage and DeSoto (my heroes from "Emergency.") I was surprised, and at times, shocked. The book's first-person narrative style had me hooked from the get-go. It was as though I was reading a diary. I hurried home from school each night to read more. I loved the vignettes of New York City. (I grew up in a small town in the west.) There were parts of the book I was too young to comprehend, such as the cruelty of someone pulling a false alarm. Parts of the book were frightening, then a few minutes later I saw the human side of firefighters told through their practical jokes. How else could they keep their sanity? This book was probably exceptionally 'heavy' material for a young boy to be reading, (my teacher exclaimed "what on earth are you reading!") but I developed an enormous respect for firefighters after reading this book, and my feelings of respect still remain strong. I probably wanted to become a firefighter for awhile after reading this book. Easily one of the most moving reading experiences of my life.
Rating:
Summary: I could not put the book down.
Review: After finding out that the book was out of print, I was discouraged. Then finally finding it again on Amazon I could not wait to get the book in the mail. I have already finished the book two days after recieving it. Dennis Smith is a great firefighter who knows exactly how to depict his experiences on paper.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent view of Firefighting in Hell (New York City)
Review: As a firefighter, I read this book with some apprehension.
Other firefighting books have not shown the true realism
of the job. THIS BOOK IS THE EXCEPTION. A fantastic view of one of the busiest firehouses in New York City, from
the firefighter's perspective. What's it like to go to hell
and back? The author has been there and is here to talk
about it.
Rating:
Summary: For those wanting a career in fire, this is step one...
Review: Before anyone decides to dedicate their lives to becoming a firefighter, they would be wise to start their research here. Some 30+ years after it was first published, this book still shows remarkable insight into the lives, struggles, and emotions of a professional firefighter. When I started on the road to becoming a firefighter, being a volunteer and reading Dennis Smith books asserted in my mind that my life would be wasted doing anything else. For others, this may convince you that the job is not for you. It isn't for everyone. Either way, this is a very enjoyable read and worth the time and money for anyone, not just firemen and wannabe's.
Rating:
Summary: Report On Engine Co. 82
Review: By far the best book ever written about fire fighting. Dennis grabs you on the first page. He shows the real life on a big city busy department.
Rating: 
Summary: A great look at firefighting
Review: Dennis Smith gives a great account of what it was like to be a firefighter in a time and place -- the South Bronx in the 1960's -- that most of us can only imagine.The book does an excellent job of showing us life through the eyes of men who risked their lives every single day simply for the love of the job and for the satisfaction that they were helping in a place that in many ways was beyond help. A quick read -- well written and quite thought provoking.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: Dennis Smith has given a vivid first person account of firefighting in a busy, urban setting. He does an excellent job of portraying the personalities and feelings of himself and his collegues. The author depicts the residents of that impoverished area with generosity. This book has given me new respect for firefighters. I only wish his other books on firefighting were in print.
Rating:
Summary: A GREAT FIREIFGHTING BOOK!
Review: Dennis Smith is a truly great author and firefighter. This book tells about it all! With him and his buddies of "The Big House", you will feel like you are really riding on the back of the fire engine. He explains fires the alarms, the false alarms, the firehouse, and his firehouse family with extreme detail explaining that they get about 40 alarms every day and they are truly New York's Bravest. These firefighters are heroic and brave people that risk their lives every day for people. After you read the first 50 pages you will realize why firefighters run into the burning buildings why everybody else is running out. With Smnith you will get into those boots, the coat and the helmet on Intervale Avenue, ride the fire engine to the fire and put the fire out. With him you will see friends die and see friends gain whatit truly means to be a firefighter. So read this book and you'll never put it down becuase I've read it twice and I am going to read it again. This is a classic book and a book that you can't put down!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book! A must have for any fire service enthusiast.
Review: Dennis Smith takes us into a world seldom seen by the average person. His accounts are gripping and have you believe you're on the hoseline backing up the nozzleman. It is a truly captivating book that shows the reader what really is the root of urban decay. As a fellow firefighter, I couldn't put this book down and have re-read it several times. It is a timeless piece that shows what it's like to be a New York City firefighter. I recommend this to everybody.
Rating:
Summary: A true look into the heart and soul of a FireFighter
Review: Dennis Smith unviels the horrors and joys of the worlds' toughest job, that of a FireFighter. He forces us to understand why FireFighters choose this line of work, what motivates them, and what makes them emotional. He highlights the endurance, pain, joy, apathy, and excitement that every FireFighter feels on the job, and forces us to understand the huge role the Fireman plays in the safety of our homes and environment. This is a must read for anyone, not just FireFighters or Paramedics.
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