This 124-page hardcover edition brings to life five decades of firefighting through powerful photographs and compelling stories. Now you can purchase your own copy for $29.99 USD.
This book was made possible through the generous support of the City of Quincy, Mayor Thomas Koch, and Quincy Fire Chief Joseph Jackson, whose commitment to preserving the city’s firefighting legacy helped bring this project to life.
In the summers of 1975 and 1976, young photojournalist Robert H. Miller embedded with the Quincy, Massachusetts, Fire Department, riding the rigs, racing into burning buildings, and documenting the courage, grit, and unspoken brotherhood of first responders.
Half a century later, Miller returned to those same firehouses, cameras in hand, to witness a transformed profession. Through vivid color photography, intimate portraits, and gripping first-hand accounts, Trial by FIRE juxtaposes the raw, color images with film of the past with today’s high-definition visuals, capturing both the timeless spirit of service and the stark realities of modern firefighting.
More than a photography collection, this visual narrative honors the men and women who run toward danger, revealing the emotional weight of the job, the evolution of fire service culture, and the human stories that bind generations together. Trial by FIRE is a powerful tribute to resilience, public service, and the enduring courage behind the sirens.
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