Tales from the Tiller

Tales from the Tiller: True Stories of Heroism, Heartbreak, and Humor

The Luckiest Guy Alive & His Journey in the FDNY By Tony Bonfiglio

“From the firehouses of Upper Manhattan to the aftermath of 9/11, this is the unforgettable true story of an FDNY firefighter who lived it all.”

Tony’s story has resonated far beyond the firehouse—he was even featured as a guest on the popular podcast “This Past Weekend with Theo Von,” where his unforgettable stories captivated millions of listeners.

In this gripping and occasionally scandalous memoir, veteran New York City firefighter Tony Bonfiglio takes listeners on a remarkable journey through his 21-year career, offering a raw and unfiltered look at life on the frontlines of one of the world's most dangerous professions.

Chronicling his rise as a probie firefighter to seasoned veteran, Bonfiglio vividly gives listeners a no-holds-barred portrait of working on the gritty streets of Upper Manhattan in the 1980s. In a city battered by drugs, violence, and arson, he learns quickly that every day is a battle—not just with flames, but with the dangers and challenges of an unpredictable neighborhood.

But Bonfiglio also shares the lighter side of life in the firehouse, where camaraderie, laughter, and the shared bond of brotherhood are essential to survival. His stories of shopping for the meal, cooking, eating, and practical joking with his fellow firefighters reveal the close-knit, irreverent culture of a brotherhood that thrived against all odds.

The memoir builds toward its heartrending conclusion with the events of 9/11. After the dust settles and the city begins to heal, Bonfiglio retires, leaving behind a legacy shaped by courage, sacrifice, and a deep love for the brotherhood of the fire service.