Detroit Fire Department

Once known as the “Paris of the West,” Motown became synonymous with urban abandonment and arson as job and population decline took hold in the late 20th century. No other fire department has experienced the hardships of the job on such a consistent basis as the Detroit Fire Department (DFD). Detroit firefighters have ridden the waves of unprecedented prosperity and tragic decline. Determined faces mask many layoffs, station closings, and a reduction in workforce. Despite these perils, dedication and the belief in their city remains a constant among Detroit firefighters. The official Detroit motto, “We hope for better things; it shall rise from the ashes” holds as true today as it did when first uttered over 100 years ago.

"Detroit's reputation among fire departments across the country is that of being the arson capital. No city with a population of at least 300,000 has as many suspicious fires or arsons per capita. The city and the fire department have been through a lot. Bankruptcy was declared, firehouse closures, reduction in manpower of the fire department, maintenance issues with fire vehicles trying to keep them running to respond to the fires they are called to are just some of the issues that Detroit Firefighters faced in addition to responding to fire after fire. This book takes you on the fireground on the streets of Detroit and captures behind the scene moments where firefighters respond to fires risking their lives to battle flames in vacant buildings. Photos show the aggressive actin Detroit Firefighters make to combat these fires. The book shows the faces behind the face piece of the breathing apparatus that they wear when responding to fires daily and putting their lives on the line to defend the city from the enemy called fire."--Jacket.

This is the story of one Detroit firefighter. It chronicles the period of Detroit from 1973 through 2007, which was the start of his career. Join us during those tremulous days of unbridled chaos and arson throughout the city. Many journalists and photographers from literally around the world came to witness and photograph this period. The author writes about a dark side of the city’s history—a period of suppressing the truth about the men and women of the DFD who worked with personnel shortages, beat-up equipment, and for a time, inadequate fire protective clothing. The author recognizes that much in Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department has changed for the better.

Decorated firefighter and true-blue Detroiter Bob Dombrowski risked life and limb saving lives for as long as he could remember. Born and raised on the west side of Detroit, Bob narrates an engrossing account of his illustrious firefighting career, from being a trial man to retiring as senior chief. He also gives a vivid description of Motor City in its glory days and the events that led to its recent state. See major historical events such as the 1967 Detroit riot and September 11 attacks throu

The history of the Detroit Fire Department. Includes many fascinating photos.