Dr. Frederick Mercilliott spent 15 years as a NYC firefighter and fire investigator. After earning his Ph.D, he is now the Director of Fire Science at the very prestigious John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His book, "The Life and Times of a New York City Firefighter," is dedicated to "The firefighters in NYC and everywhere who gave all in the line of duty."

Dr. Mercilliott explains that since he was a teenager "firemen were my heroes." And they still are. His book begins with a harrowing tale of his rookie days in Ladder Company 119, fighting a fire that was so fierce, it seemed impossible for there to be any survivors. But there were. He credits this experience of saving lives with his total committment to fire safety and the technology and common sense that helps firefighters do their jobs.

This wonderful book prompts me to ask all of you an important question: at what point in your life did you decide to become a firefighter? Unless you were comatose, Im sure you understood the danger of this job and the rigorous training you would have to undertake. It would be ridiculous to say that you chose your profession because of the high rate of pay — I have already sounded off on that issue. So what was it? WHEN was it? Have you ever seriously regretted your decision? What makes men and women like you and Dr. Mercilliot choose, and then go the distance, in this job?

If you want to read Dr. Mercilliots book, it is available on Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle formats. Its a great read, but often grim.

"Then we saw it; a body bag being carried to 23rd Street. Another firefighter had been killed in the line of duty. A few minutes later, two more bags passed by."

God bless you all!
Margaret