Synopses & Reviews
Review
"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. 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."
-Dennis Smith, New York Times' bestselling author
Review
"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.)
Review
"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
Review
"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
Review
"Pickett unflinchingly peels away the glamour and heroism associated with New York's Bravest...Hollywood take note!"
-Karen Thompson, Editor for the International Association of Emergency Managers
Review
"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
About the Author
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.