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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Smith's mother hide the television under a bedspread?
(a) She did not want her children watching TV.
(b) The TV was broken.
(c) She was afraid the TV would be stolen.
(d) Welfare recipients were not allowed to have TVs or phones.

2. After years of "carrying death in my hands," what did Smith see firefighting as lacking?
(a) High pay.
(b) Glamor.
(c) Stability.
(d) Security.

3. How many shots did the police officer fire at the fleeing youth in front of the fire station in Chapter 6?
(a) Five.
(b) One.
(c) Two.
(d) Three.

4. What is the name of the national magazine started by Smith after writing the memoir?
(a) The Station.
(b) Firehouse.
(c) Firefighting Today.
(d) American Firefighter.

5. What was wrong with the furnace room where the firefighters retreated for warmth during the Charlotte Street fire?
(a) The roof had caved in.
(b) It was filled with cockroaches.
(c) It was filled with mice.
(d) The furnace was not working.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did the Fire Department persist in holding parties for children who regularly harassed firefighters?

2. What did Smith consider the most admirable characteristic of firefighters?

3. What caused the fire at Union Avenue, the first call Smith responded to after his return to work?

4. What is the primary problem with New York City, in Smith's eyes?

5. How did Smith view the firefighters he wrote about in the book compared to firefighters across the country?

(see the answer key)

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