A very good book. Lt. Hamilton was very interesting to see in operation at a job. While riding with 132 I was fortunate to run in with Rescue 2 with Lt. Hamilton at the helm on several occaisions.
Jim, riding with Rescue 2, along with Lt Hamilton, in the summer of 1968 was my first introduction to the work of the FDNY. For me, it was the beginning of an education that carried through for about 50 years.
When I was first introduced to this website, I thought why not tell my story about my younger buff days, which I must give credit to the late Lt Richard Hamilton and the members of Rescue 2 and Engine 210 back then at that Carlton Ave Firehouse.
One thing led to another. When I started to write "My Younger Buff Years" here in the History section, at the very beginning in reply # 2, I mentioned Lt Hamilton and how I was able to ride with the members of Rescue 2 back then led by Lt Hamilton.
Until I read the book "20,000 Alarms", I never realized how highly decorated Lt Hamilton was. He never mentioned it but the guys would tell me. Of course for me as a young wanna be, "I really couldn't understand the kind of job he had done".
When I started writing that "buff years story" is when I got the chance to meet up with some of my BEST FRIENDS I have today. Members of the FDNY who apparently started reading some of those buff stories. I just wish I knew those guys 30 or 40 years ago.
But it really all began with Lt Hamilton and a guy nicknamed "TAD" of Engine Co 210.
For those who might not be familiar with "My Younger Buff Years", here is the link for that thread.
www.nycfire.net/forums/threads/my-younger-buff-years.3017/
