(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 21, 2018 ) Over the last 20-plus years, Michael Ford Jr. rose through the ranks from raw firefighter recruit to assistant fire chief. His new book explores the inspiring, tragic, shocking, best and worst of humanity from his years of experiences. 24: What Can Happen in A Day looks into the face of tragedy, the complacency of family and friend relationships, and the schizophrenia and imbalance of the emotion called love through the lens of the most thrilling and treasured profession in the world—firefighting.

Most people know that firefighting is an incredibly dangerous profession. The popular perception of firefighters is that they are fearless heroes who put their lives on the line to rescue people from burning buildings. That perception is mostly true. But there is so much more about firefighters and their community labor that is rarely revealed.

In 24—What Can Happen in a Day readers will ride along with Chief Michael Ford as he unveils the most interesting, disturbing, and adventurous firefighter escapades. Laugh and wince in sympathy as Ford offers a behind-the-scenes view into a world of secrets, failures, misfortune, exhilaration and triumph. Firefighters often play the tough guy, hiding the fact that they are stressed, hurt, traumatized, overwhelmed, and/or emotionally compromised—and this tell-all book encourages readers to transcend perceived limitations to advance in life despite shocking and tragic events. Equal parts hilarious, profound, and deeply moving…this is an unforgettable thrill ride.

“I realized that being a fireman was more than just putting water on a fire,” Ford explains, “that the reason people move out of the way when we are coming through is not because of the brightness of the lights nor the loudness of the siren, but because of the respect the people in the community have for what the firefighters do every day. The respect from all of those who have experienced an emergency in their lives. Those lights and sirens represent help, support, and comfort to a person in immediate need and distress.”

At 244 pages, 24: What Can Happen in a Day is available online through the author’s website: www.michaelfordjr.com. It is also sold through Amazon and Barnes and Noble for a maximum trade discount in quantities of 10 or more and is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the non-fiction category.

ISBN: 978-0-578-20552-6 Format: 6 x 9 paperback Retail: $19.95 eBook $5.00

Genre: SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational

About the Author: Michael E. Ford Jr. has served as a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician for 23 years. He has earned multiple promotions, ascending to the rank of lieutenant colonel and holding the position of assistant chief. Chief Ford has served his community for over 25 years, founding and directing numerous local programs and organizations, including the nationally recognized youth education program C.A.N. (Children Against Negativity) and the professional development and entrepreneurial organization Master Builders Academy. He is an international speaker of organizational leadership, community building, and youth empowerment. He has been married for 21 years to Andrea Ford, his high school sweetheart. They have five children: Michael III, Sarah, Josiah, Judah, and Matthew.