FROM THE PUBLISHER

Thoughts on Fire takes us inside of the closed and secret society of the volunteer fire department. It tells the story of one person's journey into this world. In this story are lessons for all of us about how to make a difference in this world and make every day count. This is a work that will touch your heart and change the way you see the world. From the AuthorAs a professor of philosophy, I would have never guessed about all of the wisdom I found inside the world of the volunteer firefighter. They live everyday with courage and compassion. They give of themselves when there is nothing left to give. This book is the record of my journey into the world of firefighting. But it is not just a story of fires and courage. It can show us all how to live the kind of life that matters. If you ever thought you were alone think again. Angels walk among us. This is their story. About the Author"Dr. Frank" McCluskey leads a double life. By day he is a Professor of Philosophy at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. At night Dr. Frank is a volunteer firefighter and ambulance driver. He took his Ph.D. from the New School in New York City. He was awarded the prize for best dissertation in Philosophy. Dr. Frank was a National Endowment of the Humanities Post Doctoral Fellow at Yale University. In 1988, he joined the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Since that time he has won a number of awards including "Firefighter of the Year". His double life as a firefighting philosopher has been the subject of many stories including those in The New York Times, The Canadian Broadcasting Company and Broadcast New York. Dr. McCluskey has appeared on PBS Business Channel with Joan Lundon and Dave Barry.

FROM THE CRITICS

The New York Times

As a professor and a firefighter, Dr. McCluskey shifts gears easily between the metaphysical and the macho, pontificating in a pin striped suit by day and plunging into a smoky, flaming house by night.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Michael Brannagan

A wonderful journey and homecoming that cuts through the arcane and the obscure and joins together meditation and action. — Director, Center for Ethics, LaRoche College

John Briggs

THOUGHTS ON FIRE proves that firefighting is really a form of philosophical meditation. — author of THE LOOKING GLASS UNIVERSE, THE TURBULANT MIRROR and SEVEN LIFE LESSONS OF CHAOS

Dr. Robert Schachat

It is a book that you will want to read again and again. It is a remarkable story that you will want to share with those you love. — author of The Seven Conditions of Trust

Dr. John Briggs