Many of you have followed my blog site, “A Cup of Tea with Momma G,” and if you have, you might remember the post “My brother Eric.” https://gstoutimore.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/my-brother-eric/.
The conversation I had with Eric that chilly October evening ignited my curiosity. I wanted to know more about the men and women who have chosen firefighting as a profession and what motivates them to charge into danger while the rest of us run away from it. With Eric’s help, I contacted fire chiefs, mostly from New England, who graciously invited me to visit their fire stations and conduct interviews.
My aim was to write a book exploring the field of firefighting. I expected to hear stories about dousing flames and rescuing people, and I was not disappointed. But I came to realize that the true bravery exhibited by these quiet heroes was in their willingness to bare their souls and share deep introspections, joys, fears, and struggles.
Behind the Maltese Cross is a blend of memoir and investigative storytelling that takes readers into the heart of the firefighting world. Blending my own personal growth with the raw, often untold stories of firefighters on the front lines, the book balances moments of humor, heartbreak, and triumph, offering readers an authentic look at the realities of fire service life.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting more in anticipation of launching Behind the Maltese Cross, which should be available for sale toward the end of summer. If you are so inclined, please repost this blog on social media and share with friends and family by email, snail mail, or carrier pigeon. And feel free to leave a comment.
Best,
Garrie Madison Stoutimore
Author, Behind the Maltese Cross
Behind the Maltese Cross 
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