The following article was submitted by Therese Horstketter, an Adult Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Manitowoc Public Library is fortunate to have scheduled an appearance by retired firefighter and author, Gregory Lee Renz. His book, Beneath the Flames, vividly shows us what life as a firefighter is like—and what it’s like to face life-and-death situations on a regular basis.
Greg is known for his heroic work as a Milwaukee Firefighter over the course of his 28-year career. In 2006, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Fire and Police Hall of Fame for his dramatic rescue of two boys from their burning basement bedroom. The boys were not breathing when he located them, but they were resuscitated on-scene by paramedics and miraculously recovered with no lasting effects.
After hearing the many emotional responses that occurred when audiences took-in his stories at awards banquets, he decided to write a book about his experiences. Entering retirement, Greg took advantage of writing courses and workshops, and after numerous drafts over the course of ten years, he finally typed “The End” onto his manuscript.
Beneath the Flames follows the progression of the main character, Mitch Garner, beginning when he applies to become a firefighter in Milwaukee. Following the recent fire of a neighboring farmhouse and the tragedy that ensued, Mitch leaves the family farm, a brother, and his father behind. His decision also involves leaving behind his beloved girlfriend of several years, whom he promises to return home to visit often.
Renz explains: “The book is about a guilt-ridden firefighter and a courageous 12-year-old girl who join forces in the fight for their lives.”
Mitch is assigned to the busiest firehouse in the heart of one of the most blighted areas of Milwaukee—The Core. He is hazed by senior firefighters, feels he can’t do anything right at fires he is called to, and is ready to give up and quit. His salvation comes in the form of Jasmine, a tough adolescent girl. Mitch is assigned to tutor her younger sister in a mentoring program. Their neighborhood is frequented by a local gang and, due to crushing poverty, is a zone of hopelessness. Jasmine’s courage inspires Mitch to dedicate himself to helping her and the other neighborhood children.
The novel is overflowing with drama, despair, hope, rural Wisconsin and inner-city Wisconsin settings, love and lust, family, failure, and redemption. As I read Beneath the Flames for a second time, it’s brought me to tears of sorrow AND filled me with happiness—which also brought me to tears! It’s a compelling, interesting, first-hand account of firefighting, family drama, existing in unknown territory, and always striving to do your best, even while being pushed down for all you attempt to do or manage to accomplish.
It’s a “full” book. The characters are so real, that even if no description was given, just their language and attitude gives you a great picture of them. And the action brings you right into the heart of the scenes as they are happening.
I would recommend picking-up this book to any reader. Pick it up, read it, and then share it with someone else. We have a few copies at Manitowoc Public Library still available to check out!
And if you don’t get a chance to read it before the presentation by Greg Renz, I have absolutely no doubt that you will want to read it after.
Greg grew up in Madison, worked as a firefighter in Milwaukee, and has retired in Wisconsin. He will be speaking, signing books brought by those in attendance, and will also have copies of his book for sale. He’ll be appearing in the Balkansky Community Room on MPL’s Second Floor on Thursday, September 9, at 6 PM.
I hope you will join us to hear Greg Renz share his work—both as a firefighter and as an author.