Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Dennis' mother calls him from his deep sleep. He has to get going, as he needs to be at the station by 5pm. His mother forces a little tea and toast on him. She scolds him for staying in such a dangerous area as the South Bronx. She advises him to get a safe office job downtown. Dennis tries to explain that he likes serving people. The people in the South Bronx needs services as much as anyone else. He takes the subway into the station and arrives a little after five. The firehouse is at first empty. Everyone was out on a "all hands" call—meaning everyone available at the engine house participated. One fireman, Don Butts, saved a little boy's life and will be written up for an award.

As soon as Dennis starts to drink a cup...