Putting Words Down on Paper review

Putting Words Down on Paper
August 31, 2011

A Review of Fire Men
by Susanne Drazic

When I heard about the book, Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I wanted to review it because I have family and friends who either have been firefighters or still are. I know it takes a very special type of person to be a firefighter, because they face danger every time they answer a call. They truly are heroes.

In Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family the author shares stories of going to the fire station as a young boy and learning early on what it means to be a firefighter. There are stories of intense blazes, holiday calls, sirens blaring, car accidents, and rescues happening just in time that span throughout the three generations of this firefighting family. Ryman doesn’t sugarcoat any of the stories. He tells it like it is, sharing the mistakes as well as the triumphs.

I think that anyone who is already a firefighter, anyone interested in becoming a firefighter, or anyone who enjoys reading memoirs will want to read Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family.

Broken Teepee review excerpt

Broken Teepee [excerpt]
August 31, 2011

Blog Tour and Book Review: Fire Men by Gary R. Ryman
(read full review at this link)
by Patty Woodland

My hubby has been a volunteer firefighter or volunteer EMT for over 40 years. He is currently fire chief in our town so I chose this book for both of us - I figured he would enjoy it. My brother is also a volunteer firemen. In fact the hubby responded to a fire on the day of our wedding. Later in the day the whistle blew in the middle of our reception which was being held at the fire hall. Afterward we invited the returning firefighters back to the party. I'm a fireman's wife....

The book is a memoir of the exploits of three generations of fire fighters. We should all be very grateful for the men and woman that volunteer their time for such dangerous but necessary jobs. The training they undertake to respond to a fire or emergency call is quite extensive.

Some of them are very interesting and heart pounding. The writing style is easy to read and very familiar.

It will certainly open the eyes of people not aware of what a firefighter or EMT encounters in the course of doing their jobs.

You can find Fire Men on Facebook

You can purchase Fire Men HERE

Not Deja Vu All Over Again....Luckily

In the aftermath of Irene, thoughts turn to an earlier storm. In June of 1972, Hurricane Agnes wreaked havoc throughout large portions of the northeast, including little old West Corners. Dad and the rest of the department worked for well over twenty four hours straight during and following the storm rescuing trapped people, pumping flooded cellars, and various other incidents.

The department had what looked like a pretty decent-sized boat; at least it looked decent before Agnes came. It was a V-hull with three rows of seats and an outboard motor. There was only one pond of any size in town and, on a normal day, the boat wouldn’t even float in Nanticoke Creek, which flowed through town. The boat was plenty big to serve the community.

When Agnes arrived, Nanticoke Creek didn’t stay small for long. It raged over its banks and flooded a big swath of the surrounding area, including a nearby trailer park, trapping a number of folks who had ignored evacuation orders.

Dad and the crew got the boat ready to launch. There was no problem floating it now; plenty of water was available. Not a strong swimmer, he was nervous, but he had a job to do. They got the boat in the water and started upstream. That’s when the trouble began. The boat and its motor were no match for the now rampaging creek. At full throttle, the boat would do little more than stand still. The boat would go cross stream, if angled properly to handle the current, so they adjusted.

There were no swift water rescue teams or Gumby suits then. Thick hemp ropes, hip boots, and waders were the primary tools to get these people out. Going cross current, they walked in to the stranded folks by holding onto the side of the boat operating cross current. Not a textbook maneuver, but it worked. Nobody died, but there were a whole lot of very tired firemen after that.

The boat? Well, shortly after the floods were over, a “For Sale” sign went up on it.

Reading Between the Lines review

Reading Between the Lines
August 28, 2011

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
by Kathleen Gerard

Hugs and thank yous don't happen often. This is a thankless job. So why do it? Why be a firefighter? The reasons obviously differ for each person. For me, it's the satisfaction of doing something only a small percentage of people can do - entering buildings being consumed by fire and having the skill to save lives. (Excerpt from Fire Men by Gary R. Ryman)

You've heard the sirens. You've seen the bright red engines that barrel through town when the alarm sounds. You tune in each week to TV programs like Rescue Me. But in FIRE MEN: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, Gary H. Ryman has given readers an authentic, firsthand account of what it really means to answer the call (literally and figuratively) to fight flaming battles, day-in and day-out.

FIRE MEN is a well-written, emotion-packed memoir that is rich with description. In twenty concise chapters, Ryman details, with unabashed grit, a personal account of what it's like to serve on the front lines of danger. The book has a linear structure and is told via episodic installments of how and why Ryman became a firefighter; how and where he trained; and his personal firefighting experiences that now make him an expert, veteran consultant on firefighting practices. The stories reflect how firefighting has evolved over the years, now requiring more specific training and certifications, as the role of firefighting becomes more diversified and emergency service oriented (EMS), especially post 9-11 and amid the implications of terrorism.

Long-time fireman Ryman offers a unique perspective of what it's like to be the son, as well as the father, of a firefighter. He writes engaging, dramatically-rendered scenes which shed light into what a firefighter may face with his buddies while on-call; at the firehouse during down-time; and also in serving the public.

Taken as a whole, FIRE MEN is filled with joy and heartbreak and offers harrowing insight into the emotional landscape of those who see the best and worst of what life has to offer.

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family by Gary R. Ryman
Tribute Books, $10.95, Trade Paperback, 978-0982256596, 280 pp.
Publication Date: April 20, 2011
To order this book via INDIEBOUND link HERE

Coroner charged with soliciting arson...another local pol bites the dust.

Scranton Times-Tribune
August 6, 2011

Lackawanna County chief deputy coroner faces arson-for-hire charges
by Steve McConnell

The Lackawanna County chief deputy coroner faces felony arson charges after he tried to pay an undercover trooper $40,000 to set fire to a building so he could collect insurance proceeds, state police at Dunmore said Friday.

Troopers arrested Joseph A. Swoboda, 111 Estate Drive, Waverly Twp., on Friday on charges of arson, solicitation to commit arson, arson for insurance purposes and one misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment.

Mr. Swoboda, who was appointed deputy coroner in 1992 by former Coroner William Sweeny, met with an undercover trooper on Monday at JJ Bridjes restaurant in South Abington Twp., indicating that he "wanted to solicit someone to commit an act of arson on a property that he owned," state police said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon.

Mr. Swoboda offered $40,000 to the undercover trooper, adding that as an "act of good faith," he would pay $1,000 on Friday at another meeting at the restaurant, followed by $5,000 on a separate date, state police said.

Mr. Swoboda allegedly said he wanted the fire to look like an accident and wished to collect the insurance money.

The state police news release did not indicate the address of where the alleged arson was to occur. The release only makes mention of it as a "property" Mr. Swoboda owns, and "that there was no one currently living in the apartments inside the building."

Mr. Swoboda allegedly told the undercover trooper that it was "very important" that the fire was set when he was out of town on vacation later this month, state police said.

The undercover trooper arrested Mr. Swoboda outside the Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel, 135 S. Main Ave., in Scranton, at about 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

Mr. Swoboda was taking the undercover trooper to the funeral home and was attempting to unlock and enter the front door of the building when he was taken into custody by state police.

Efforts to reach state police spokesman Trooper Bill Satkowski, Lackawanna County District Attorney Andy Jarbola and First Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico were unsuccessful Friday.

A criminal complaint in the case could not be obtained Friday.

Coroner Tim Rowland said Mr. Swoboda was suspended without pay Friday after he received notice of the charges from the district attorney's office.

"He's suspended until further notice pending the outcome of the charges," Mr. Rowland said.

Mr. Swoboda was chief deputy coroner under former Coroner Joseph Brennan, who retired from the post early this year

"I'm disappointed for sure, and surprised," said Mr. Brennan, who was appointed chief deputy coroner in 1992 by Mr. Sweeny. "It's just unfortunate."

Mr. Swoboda is listed as president of Davies & Jones Funeral Chapel, Inc., 135 S. Main Ave., in a filing on the state Department of State website. Robert C. Jones was listed as treasurer.

On the funeral home's own website, Mr. Jones is listed as president and supervisor.

Mr. Jones could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Swoboda was arraigned before Lackawanna County Judge Vito P. Geroulo and placed in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, where he remained Friday night.

Courtesy of the Scranton Times Tribune.

A Shaker Makes New Memories

It’s not often the east coast experiences an earthquake, 1897 by some accounts being the last one in the Virginia environs. The DC metro area including sections of Maryland and Virginia are used to major incidents, other than snow, an inch of which cripples the entire area. I waited an hour and a half before trying Mike to see how things were first hand. A fast busy was followed by a connected call, which surprised him as he couldn’t make calls at all, so busy were the circuits.

“Did you feel it?” I opened.

“Oh yeah, you could say that. I was riding the squad and we were on New Hampshire Avenue on an 8 inch high pressure gas main leak. “Montgomery County Squad 15 is a heavy rescue with a 32 ft. walk-in box, not a small rig.

“I was putting my airpack back in the bracket when the squad starting shaking. I thought somebody was screwing around in the back until I stood back and could see the whole thing moving.”

The officer was Fitz, a captain. “He came around the rig and yelled for everyone to get dressed again.” If the gas main ruptured, it could get interesting real fast.

Luckily it stayed quiet after that, Mike told me. I’m sure 5.8 is nothing to get excited about on the west coast, but it’s different back east. This will not rise to the level of where were you when Kennedy was shot or on 9/11, but a lot of people will remember it for a long time.

Photos from Sunday's book signing at the Crystal Hose Co.'s Chicken BBQ, Jermyn, PA

Good Story on Hoarder House Fire

REPORT ON THE RUTHERFORD HOARDER HOUSE FIRE AND SOME GOOD POINTS ON FIRES IN THESE TYPES OF HOUSES

Around 1500 hrs units from Swatara Twp and surrounding jurisdictions were dispatched to Box 45-2 at Somerset St for a structure fire with possible entrapment. Engine 45 (Rutherford) arrived on scene quickly after dispatch and reported smoke showing. E45’s crew (Chief Patterson and FF Patterson) quickly stretched a 1 ¾ line through the front door. Engine 44 (Lawnton) arrived shortly after assisting E45 with establishing a water supply. At this point it was still unknown if the home owner was still inside. Chief 44 Ibberson was given search and rescue with FF Long from Co. 44. Chief 49 and FF Dobyns were also added to the search group. Upon entering the structure crews quickly realized they were entering a collier’s mansion (hoarder house) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collyer_brothers search group immediately advised command of this. With almost zero visibility conditions on division one this hampered both fire attack and search crew’s abilities greatly. The search on division one turned out to be negative. Search crews then were tasked with trying to locate the fire. Crews realized they were dealing with a basement fire but do to the clutter in the house they had a hard time locating the basement door. When crews opened the basement door they were immediately faced with high heat and zero visibility. Crews used a thermal imaging camera to locate the fire. Due to the clutter advancing the hose line too and through the basement was an extreme challenge. Once the fire was located crews were unable to make access without moving piles of derbies out of the way. Due to the extreme heat conditions crews quickly changed their tactics to move as derbies out of the way while holding the fire in check and get out so another crew could have easy access to the fire to get it under control. Crews then had to complete extensive overhaul operations.
This was a very unique fire, crews were encountered with two very dangerous aspects of firefighting one being a basement fire and two being the structure was a hoarder house. Crews also had to deal with a heat index over 100 degrees. There are a number of challenges crews will encounter when entering a hoarder house.
· When entering a hoarder house immediately advise command of the conditions so all units operating are aware of the dangers.
· Search and Rescue can be extremely challenging.
· Hose line advancement is also very challenging due to debris and only small paths to crawl or walk though.
· Crews trying to locate the fire and search a hoarder house may need to lift and move a lot of clutter out of the way to advance through a house. This may cause physical exhaustion quickly. Always remember not to pile things on your hose line or path of exit.
· High fire loads stacked to the ceiling, which cause extreme heat conditions and flash over risk.
· Have a crew clear paths for RIT crews so they will have easy access in a mayday situation.
· Always consider risk vs. benefit. Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing.
· Identify known hoarder houses on maps and computers. It’s hard to know from the exterior which houses are hoarder house, pay attention on medical and other types of calls.
· Sometimes the best thing to do is not to enter at all.

Story by Correspondent Mike Ibberson Fire Chief of the Lawnton (44) Fire Company

Courtesy of Central PA Bravest

Chicken BBQ History!

58Fire.com
August 21, 2011

August 2011 Chicken BBQ History!

On Sunday, August 21^st the CFC held is annual chicken BBQ. The dinner ran from noon till 5:00 PM and we sold roughly 800 dinners. This years dinner had a special event too. Gary Ryman, who is the author of Firemen: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family did a book signing from noon till 2:00 PM. Gary also sold a 11 copies of his book during the dinner and not just to firefighters, but to non-firefighters as well. Also during the BBQ a Scranton Times Newspaper photographer was in attendance taking pictures for the Monday, August 22^nd edition of the newspaper in the Around and About section, so check it for some great pictures.

The officers and members of the fire company would to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us during this fundraiser! We greatly appreciate your parsonage. We would also like to thank our "pit crew" for preparing all the chickens and their hard work. Also a special thank you goes out to:

• President Donald F. Stephens for all his hard work.
• Lamar advertising for all their help with our billboard advertising.
• All the members who sold tickets for the BBQ and to members who helped run the BBQ.
• Also a thank you to Gary Ryman for coming down as our special guest for part of the afternoon. We enjoyed having him.

For more information on Gary's Book, Check out the following sites:

• Fire Men by Gary Ryman: Offical Website
• Fire Men's Facebook
• Keep 200 ft. Back: My View From The Back Step/Gary's Blog

Damn Those Were Good Cookies....

Sometimes the taste of the simplest foods brings memories shooting into my mind. In this case, it was nothing more than a slightly stale chocolate chip cookie.

The screams cut through us like a well honed knife, over and over. Peter and I were waiting for the Rescue and could do nothing but listen. It was early Sunday morning, and where the call placed the accident, I figured a car had gone into the ditch. I almost didn’t go, as it sounded like it would be a minor routine deal, and I had a bunch of plans that morning.

The young lady had definitely gone into the ditch. The car had then rolled and with her not wearing her seat belt, she had been partially ejected. Unfortunately, she had gone through the windshield and was now pinned by the car which was on its roof.

We were able to barely get to her to try to calm her a bit until the rescue got on scene, but that was all. It didn’t stop the screams. When the rescue arrived, we had the crew pull every stitch of cribbing off. The air bags were set up and we started to lift. Greenfield arrived and began to add their cribbing to the pile. We had to build multiple Lincoln Log towers with the 4 x 4 lumber, then lift again and build higher. The pile was decreasing a lot faster than it was increasing. It was taking a lumber yard to get this car up.

Slowly we began to get access. The mud and the proximity of the ditch were complicating factors, greatly adding to the amount of wood we had to use to maintain the stability of the vehicle.

With only a few precious pieces remaining, the car was finally high enough that we could slide her out, and onto a backboard. Her injuries were not severe but it took a while before we could get close enough to verify that. She was a lucky kid.

A couple of weeks later, a thank you note and a tin of home baked cookies arrived at the fire house from her. She was a pretty young girl, going to school and working part time. That she’d taken the time to bake those cookies to say thank you meant a lot to me and others. By the time I got one, they’d been there for a few days and were starting to get stale. Didn’t matter; damn those were good cookies.

Ambulance days...

The other day, I was telling a friend about the “old days” and some of my interesting EMS experiences. One of the most interesting areas we covered was the north side of Endicott which was the Italian section of town. There were fantastic restaurants and the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. Ambulance calls up there could be interesting.

We’d get a call for an elderly male patient. The main complaint could be any one of a hundred ailments, but everything else was the same. We would know immediately it was an Italian household if, as we got close to the scene, we had difficulty finding a place to park the ambulance.

That was because before calling us, they had to call all the family member to discuss sending Nono to the hospital. We’d weave our way through the crowd in the living room up to the second floor bedroom where we’d invariably find him. After dealing with whatever medical issues were presented, we’d get ready to transport. At this point, stage two of the fun began. One of the relatives would be able to ride in the ambulance in front next to the driver. The debate would begin. We already knew the answer and could pick the winner, but there was no sense spoiling the fun. Eventually they would decide and the result was always the same. The most hysterical daughter was selected to go along with us.

The last part was inevitable as well. As we would wheel the old guy toward the door, the four foot nothing, tough as nails little Italian Grandma would wag her finger in your face and begin a lecture, naturally in Italian. We’d not a lot and smile and agree with everything she said, as we got him out the door and into the rig.

Happened to me at least fifty times…….

Reviews by Molly review

Reviews by Molly
August 16, 2011

Tribute Books Blog Tour & Review: Fire Men by Gary R. Ryman
by Molly Edwards

Title:Firemen
Author:Gary R. Ryman
Publisher:Tribute Books
Publication Date:April 20, 2011
Pages:280
Source:publisher for Tribute Books Blog Tour| My FTC Disclaimer
Purchase:Amazon| Barnes And Noble| Google
Rating:5 Books

Synopsis:
Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience. The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the "family business." He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief. He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C. He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania. Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

Author Bio:
Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

My Review:
One thing you will notice about me is this: I don't read a lot of memoirs. But, I love everything to do with firefighters, cops, or military. Something about those heroes that really tug at my heart. So, I jumped on the chance to review this book, and WOW! I was literally blown away by the style of writing, the way the author instantly reached out and grabbed, only to pull me into the heat of the firefighting action and life of a real life hero.

This is far from being a "light" read, though you will become so engrossed in Mr. Ryhman's story that you will be at the end before you know it. You follow him and his father and son on an unforgettable journey of what it takes to be a firefighter. I can't imagine what it would be like, but after reading this, I feel as if, for a time, I was able to experience every laugh, every tear, every happy ending, every heartache, that these brave, brave men endured. It was an incredible feeling.

I highly recommend that you get this book. It's a 5 book rating in my opinion, and I know that if you love stories about or by true life heroes, then I know you will love this book. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, but more importantly, it will make you see just how much these firefighters go through, and what it costs them to put their life on the line in our time of need.

Freelancing Parents review

Freelancing Parents
August 15, 2011

Fire Men
by Carrie Beasley

As the wife of a volunteer firefighter, I've heard more than my fair share of stories and gained first hand knowledge of the ruined plans and sleepless nights that are a big part of being a volunteer. But while reading Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, written by Gary R. Ryman, I gained more insight into the life of a firefighter.

Gary R. Ryam is, in his own words, the creme filling in the middle of an oreo cookie of firefighters. His father started the family tradition and his son followed in his footsteps to make the third generation of firefighters. Mr. Ryman has a way with words, pulling you so far in to the scene of a structure fire that you can almost feel the heat of the flames on your face. The book starts with action on the first page, not leading up in to it like so many authors do. This grabs your attention from the start, and it will keep your attention until you get to the very last page.

While Mr. Ryman does omit any overly gory details, you get the gist of every situation that he writes about as you follow him through life, starting with childhood memories of dreaming of following in his fathers footsteps. The book chronicles calls from his fathers day all the way up to his sons time and it is fascinating to note how procedures and equipment changed over the years.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but if you have a firefighter in your life, it is a must read. Follow Mr. Ryman on Facebook or on his website.

Crazed Mind review

Crazed Mind
August 15, 2011

Filling the Boots
by Lenore Webb

You have heard to be careful of what you ask for. Funny that I asked for a unplugged weekend. And low and behold the Internet where we are house sitting went bonkers. Then we also had a out of town trip to see my Mom-in-law who is in the hospital for heart problems. As happens many different parts of the family all showed up around the same time. So there we sat and talked and laughed with each other. Sharing family time around her hospital bed. I think it did her a world of good to have family gathered around. I know that she had a much better last night than before.

Family is a wonderful thing to have for support. Weather it be to help one get through the day, a home to return to or just the pat on the back for each other in a rough patch. It seems that often families follow in each other footsteps. Weather it be mother to daughter learning how cook the family recipes or father to son tweaking the carburetor on the truck. We learn from our family. And that is were the strongest bonds come from. So it is not at all a surprise when we continue on in the same business as our family. That is how it was for Gary R. Ryman who followed in the footsteps of being a fire fighter. I just finished reading 'Firemen: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family'. I have to say it was as intense as I expected. Stories of unbelievable blazes, rescues just in the nick of time and just how a father leads a son and the pride of seeing who he becomes.

I already had a great respect for the firefighters in our volunteer fire departments around here. Every lil community pulls together any time there is a fire or emergency call. Weather if be from the EMS, to the brush trucks or the 911 operators coordinating. These people train hard to learn how to be the arms of safety while doing this all of their free will and community service. This summer I have seen how efficient they work when the volunteers put out a fire in my father's backyard, making sure to protect the house first and foremost. And just last weekend the EMS responded to our help call when we were trying to help a woman who had fallen from her bed and could not get up. She could not assist us since she could not use her legs and was too large for us to lift on our own. They knew just how to help and preserve her dignity too. And 911 sent out officers to help fill the reports when my brothers storage was broken into just last week. These emergency workers are all around us everyday. Helping in the foreground during an emergency and in the background when all seems calm. My hats off to them.

My thanks once again to Tribute Books for sharing with me. You can follow this blog tour too if you wish. Also there is the facebook pages and twitter that you may join. Along with a place to read an excerpt of this book.

Just Our Thoughts review

Just Our Thoughts
August 15, 2011

A Book Review - Fire Men by Gary Ryman
by LaDonna Harris

Book web site

Book Facebook

Author’s Facebook

Publisher: Tribute Books website and Facebook and Twitter

About the book:

Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience. The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the "family business." He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief. He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C. He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania. Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

Author’s Bio:

Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

My Thoughts:

My husband has been a volunteer fire fighter for 7 or 8 of the last 10 years, on two different fire departments. He also worked oilfield safety as a fire-watch fire fighter. When Tribute Books approached me about doing a review of this book, I couldn’t wait to get my paws on the book!

I have loved every story, felt emotions along with the fire men, felt his mother’s anxiety as she waited to hear word on this or that situation. I found myself coming to a better understanding of what my husband experiences when he goes out on these calls, when he experiences these injuries. My husband is not open about feelings and experiences. Part of this could be to spare me stress and worry, and partly just to cope with the job itself. I understand better his love for the job, his adrenaline rush when the pager tones and the let down of that rush when he arrives home, safe.

This book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand what our fire fighters and their families experience in their day to day lives. It’s not just for fire wives or fire parents. Fire wives already get it a little bit, but for any fire wives (past or present) reading, this book will give you a deeper insight, that your fire fighter may not give you.

I know our department (probably many other departments out there do) has a number of women fire fighters as well. This book is from a man’s perspective (three generations of fire men); I’d love to have input from my own gender on how this job affects them, too, in comparison to the men we know.

Gary's WVIA-FM radio interview on Artscene with Erika Funke

WVIA-FM
August 12, 2011

Artscene
by Erika Funke



Click the play button to listen to Gary's interview on Artscene with Erika Funke.

Gary's RunToTheCurb.com Storytellers web radio interview

RunToTheCurb.com
August 10, 2011

Firefighter Storytellers
by Tiger Schmittendorf



Click the play button to listen to Gary's interview on Firefighter Storytellers.




Here’s Gary’s take on his recent writing success story —

My book Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family was recently released by Tribute Books. The book tells the stories and experiences of three generations of firefighters of which I am the second or the middle of the Oreo. It relates the good, bad, ugly, and funny aspects of firefighting and how those experiences affect us. Being both the son and father of firefighters gives me an unusual perspective.

In stories ranging from the bedroom communities of upstate New York to fast paced suburbs of Washington D.C. and finally the rural hills of northeastern Pennsylvania, the constants of the business remained the same.

Anyone who has more than a couple years in this business has enough stories to fill a book of their own. The challenge was getting it all down on paper and then the revision process to get it to the point where a publisher would like it. The almost five years between first putting pen to paper publication were a fun and challenging journey, but holding the first printed copy made the ride worth while.

Some assembly required

Christmas was always special when I was growing up. We were up before dawn to see what Santa had brought. I was a true believer. One year I had even heard the hooves of the reindeer tapping on the roof of our house while Santa was making his delivery.

One year, one of the presents I was getting was a multiple level gas station, parking garage type structure, in which you could drive and park and pretend to work on, your match box cars. My sister was receiving something called the Imagination doll house. Both were “some assembly required,” and apparently had somewhere in excess of a gazillion pieces.

My sister and I were in bed, sound asleep, which we knew was important, ‘cause Santa wouldn’t come if you were awake. Mom and Dad were getting out the hidden presents and the toys which needed assembly when the Grinch decided to pay a visit in the form of a house fire. The Plectron, the “pager” of those days, went off, and so did Dad into the night, leaving Mom to complete the present distribution, and more importantly, the toy assembly.

Dad did make it back before we woke up to greet Christmas morning, but just barely. As usual we were wide eyed and thrilled with everything Santa had brought. Mom and Dad were not; both a bit blurry eyed from lack of sleep.

Years later, after the Santa years, Mom would regularly retell the story of that Christmas Eve, and have us in stitches as she described the “millions of pieces necessary” to complete the assembly of the toys that year. She stayed up all night, the elf completing Santa’s work.

The Story of a Writer review

The Story of a Writer
August 8, 2011

The Story of a Family of Firemen
by Beverly Stowe McClure

I am delighted to introduce you today to some of our true-life heroes, not the ones in movies and books. Meet Gary R. Ryman, the second of three generations of firefighters in his family.

FIRE MEN, STORIES FROM THREE GENERATIONS OF A FIREFIGHTING FAMILY

By Gary R. Ryman

Book Courtesy of Tribute Books

The sirens blare as the fire truck races down the street. Firefighters on their way to another fire or accident, we think, and are thankful our house is safe or our family or someone we know aren’t injured. But do we ever stop to think what being a fireman is really like. Sure, they visit schools and teach fire safety. They answer alarms for drownings, auto accidents, fires, and other things we can’t even imagine. Well, if you’ve ever wondered about or thought of becoming a firefighter there is a book out that will give you an inside look at what it’s like. You may be surprised.

Author Gary R. Ryman has written a book about three generations of firemen in his family: his father Richard Ryman, himself, and his son Mike. From battling house fires to administering aid at auto accidents, to saving babies’ lives the author takes the reader along with him and his fellow firemen. The scenes are so vivid that sometimes I could almost smell the smoke and feel the heat of a roaring blaze. The author also talks about trust among firefighters. For example, you don’t leave your partner alone in a fire. He mentions, too, that being a firefighter is a “thankless job” at times. So why does he do it? Why do others do it? For Gary Ryman it’s “the satisfaction of doing something only a small percentage of people can do--entering buildings being consumed by fire and having the skill to save lives.” Some of the calls are funny, but I’ll let you enjoy reading about those yourself. Others are sad and make you appreciate the bravery and dedications of the firefighters.

FIRE MEN, STORIES FROM THREE GENERATIONS OF A FIREFIGHTING FAMILY tells a great story about the joys and the sadness of the job. Of course, fire departments in different towns, large and small, would be a bit different. But they all have one thing in common: saving lives and property. As the wife of a retired firefighter, I recommend this book for a close look at the brave men and women who we take for granted, but who we want to be there when duty calls.

Book web site:
http://www.fire-men-book.com

Book Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176#!/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall
Gary Ryman Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman

Tribute Books website:http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Buy links:http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#biography1

Excerpt:http://fire-men-book.blogspot.com/search/label/Read%20an%20Excerpt

Thank you, Gary and your family for all you do.

CMash Loves to Read guest post & ebook giveaway entry link

CMash Loves to Read
August 4, 2011

Guest Author Gary Ryman
by Cheryl Masciarelli

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed each and every day since I have found this wonderful community of book blogging. Every day there is always something new to get excited about, be it, meeting a new blogger, adding more books to the ever growing TBR list, finding a new book, discussing a book just read and the list goes on. Today, I am thrilled about another new and exciting event. Nicole, from Tribute Books, has graciously invited me to be part of her tour group and today is the first time I am hosting!! And what a way to start. With the anniversary of 911 next month, Nicole is introducing us to author and fireman Gary Ryman. So please help me give him a warm welcome to the CMash blog!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

GUEST POST

Slightly more than a month from now we will observe an important anniversary; one significant to firefighter’s nation wide. On September 11, 2001, among the thousands of others who died that day, 343 firefighters perished. Beyond New York City, firefighters from Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland worked for days—the initial responders to tragedy, as always.

The constant news coverage increased the understanding and respect of the important service that firefighters provide throughout the country. Communities small and large recognized that these are the initial troops, not just for a terrorist attack, but in the daily battles fought against emergencies. Firefighters were feted and praised and more importantly, supported in their needs for equipment and training. Time, however, is a great healer, and the lack of successful additional attacks has lessened the importance of fire departments in the mind of many. Fires, as we all know, only happen to other people, not me. Budget problems, financial difficulties, and simply the passage of time have dulled our memories of the sacrifices made on that day and those before and since. The responsibilities of our firefighters, though, continue to increase as they are expected to handle each new hazard which arises in our communities.

Nothing has changed, however. As before 9/11, firefighters continue to be killed and injured. Thankfully not in the numbers of that day, but die they still do. Hopefully this anniversary will remind communities of all sizes of the protection afforded them by their firefighters. We think of two sureties in life: death and taxes. There is, however, one more. Dial 911 and the firefighters will come. On 9/11, and the days which follow, let’s remember that.


You can find Gary Ryman at the following sites:

Book web site: http://www.fire-men-book.com/

Book Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176#!/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall

Gary Ryman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman

Tribute Books website: http://www.tribute-books.com/
Buy links: http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#biography1

ABOUT THE BOOK

Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience. The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the "family business." He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief. He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C. He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania. Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

THANKS TO NICOLE FROM TRIBUTE BOOKS

AND AUTHOR, GARY RYMAN, I HAVE THREE (3)

EBOOK EDITIONS OF THIS TRUE STORY TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.



RunToTheCurb.com web radio interview - Aug. 10 at 9 p.m.

Firefighter Netcast
August 4, 2011

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
by Tiger Schmittendorf

Tiger Schmittendorf welcomes Firefighter and Author Gary Ryman as his guest on this installment (August 10, 9 p.m. Eastern) of his Firefighter Storytellers radio show (Runtothecurb.com) right here on the Fire Rescue Network.

Gary is the author of “Fire-Men” – a newly released autobiography of three generations of firefighters in the Ryman family, a tradition that started with Gary’s father and continues today in Gary’s son Michael. Listen in as Gary and Tiger share their adventures and their stories of life in the fire service.

Tiger also introduces a new and exciting relationship with Fireman’s Fund Insurance and their renowned Heritage Program which has awarded more than $28 million to fire departments for needed equipment, firefighter training and community education programs.

Tiger will be giving away copies of the video DVD titled: “Into the Fire” to selected guests who call into the show to share their story.

Produced by Firemen’s Fund Insurance and just like Tiger’s site Run-to-the-Curb and his Firefighter Storytellers radio show – “Into the Fire” shares the stories of firefighters across America and what brought them to the fire service.

Sit around the firehouse and listen in to this exciting show and don’t forget to visit www.RuntotheCurb.com and tell us your story.

You can buy “Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family” here

The Book Connection interview

The Book Connection
August 2, 2011

Interview with Gary Ryman, Author of Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
by Cheryl Malandrinos

Joining us today is Gary Ryman, author of Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family

Gary is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Gary. It's an honor to have you with us. Where did you grow up?


I grew up in a small burg called West Corners in upstate New York.


What is your fondest childhood memory?


One of my favorite things to do when I was small was go to the fire station with my father. He would work on whatever project he was involved with and I would climb all over the coolest jungle gym in the world, fire trucks.


When did you begin writing?



I’ve been writing in one form or another for most of my life, though most of that was school and then work related. I began writing for publication about five or six years ago.


Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?



I try to write whenever I can sneak some time. I try, but fail, to write even for at least a few minutes every day.

What is this book about?



This book is about the stories and experiences of three generations of firefighters. I am the second of the three or the middle of the Oreo. It relates the good, bad, ugly, and funny aspects of firefighting. I try to relate how those experiences affect us.


What inspired you to write it?



Having told many of these stories around the firehouse and to friends and family for years, and having worn out those audiences, I thought perhaps other people might enjoy them. Being both the son and father of firefighters gave me an unusual perspective.


Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?



My road to publication was bumpier than some and smoother than others. In the end, I was lucky enough to connect with a great publisher, Tribute Books (http://tribute-books.com/index.html), where I have received incredible support.


If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?



The easy answer would be to start where I ended up! Really though, I think the search process, submittals, and rejections all made for a valuable learning experience.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?



The book is available on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com. It is also available in a variety of e-book formats including Kindle, Nook, Google e-book, Borders, and Apple iBooks. It is also available directly from the publisher.


Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?



Readers can visit my website at http://www.fire-men-book.com/.

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?


My book trailer is posted on the website and also at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f77Nwe5rA4

What is up next for you?


I’m working on two rather disparate projects. One is the thesis for my Masters degree in American History that I would love to turn into a short book. I’ve become fascinated by Gifford Pinchot and particularly in the two terms he served as Governor of Pennsylvania. The other project is a novel which is naturally about firefighters. I’m also getting requests from readers for another book of real stories, but I haven’t done anything with that idea yet.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Gary. We wish you great success.

Information from the Publisher:

Book web site: http://www.fire-men-book.com/

Book Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176#!/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall

Gary Ryman Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman

Tribute Books website: http://www.tribute-books.com/

Tribute Books Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Buy links:

http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#biography1

Excerpt:

http://fire-men-book.blogspot.com/search/label/Read%20an%20Excerpt

Average Jake Firefighter Blog review

Average Jake Firefighter Blog
August 1, 2011

Book Review: Fire Men
by Jake

Fire Men is told from the view-point of Gary Ryman, and is about three generations of a firefighting family. The book starts off with Ryman detailing his fathers entry into the volunteer fire service, and the various incidents that shaped his interest into following in his fathers footsteps.

A large portion of the book details Gary’s journey in the fire service as he goes to his first fire, becomes a company officer, is a live in firefighter while attending college, and eventually making it to the chief officer ranks.

Finally the book details the beginning of Gary’s son Mike as he beings to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, and father as a third generation fireman.

My self being a second generation fireman I have definitely felt a lot of the emotions that the author has experienced. My dad has been a fireman for around 30 years in various capacities (industrial, volunteer, and career) and me and my brother have been in the same position as the author on several instances coming up under someone with a lot of knowledge and background, learning from him, getting scolded for doing something dumb, and finally succeeding and getting to a level where he viewed us as equals and not just his sons. So on that level I really enjoyed the book as I could relate to it. I can also relate to being a young fire officer in a volunteer organization, then having kids and having to cut back (or stop all together in my case).

One thing that was both positive and negative was how the book was layed out. The book is a lot like a firehouse BS session, while good it is sometimes hard to follow. The author will tell a detailed account of an incident, and state that was not the only call that would be horrible that day (or some other teaser) then never talk about it or mention it again. I found this a little frustrating as it could have led to more detail of the story. I also wish there would have been a little more on his “live in” experience while attending college. I feel like that alone is another whole book and I hope him or some other author out there visits this topic, I would surely like to read it, and if I could go back and do it over again it I would have chosen that path to pursue my college education.

Overall this is a good read, and shows how the fire service has progressed over three generations. I definitely recommend picking it up and giving it a chance.

You can pick up the book here: http://www.fire-men-book.com

You can also become a fan of the book on face book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall

A special thanks to Tribute Books http://www.tribute-books.com for giving me a copy of the book to review.

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!