My War Years: A Fire Chief's Memoir Hardcover – January 22, 2026

This second edition of Chief Vincent Dunn's popular memoir is a recollection of people, places, events and fires of his life’s journey. In these short vignettes, Chief Dunn shares some of his experience-based tactics, lessons and even memories that stayed with him far beyond his 42-year FDNY career."I must say writing this memoir was the most fun I ever had writing about anything, and I really did find out something about myself," Chief Dunn said. "I found out I had no big plan, my life’s direction was strictly accidental, and my success was based on lots of luck, good timing and overcompensation for my shortcomings. I have a lot of curiosity and high energy and keep asking why, why, why. One of my editors called it critical thinking."This second edition contains 13 new vignettes, which illuminate the surprising turns Chief Dunn's life has taken after retirement, family heartbreak and successes, the incredible work of fire photographers whose images bring his words to life, and his continuing legacy to the fire service. Read more