Michael Stefano was born in the borough of Brooklyn in the spring of 1958. He joined the FDNY in 1982, advancing to the rank of captain before his retirement in 2005. Michael Stefano is the author of The Firefighter's Workout Book: The 30 Minute a Day Train-for-Life Program for Men and Women.

According to the book description of The Firefighter's Workout Book: The 30 Minute a Day Train-for-Life Program for Men and Women, “The demands of being a firefighter can be quite high. Firefighters are called upon to perform at peak capacity under the most arduous conditions. Being physically fit can mean the difference between life and death for them or the victims they race to save. New York City fire captain and personal trainer Michael Stefano has come to the rescue with The Firefighter's Workout Book, the thirty-minute-a-day, train-for-life program that's worked for New York City firefighters and will work for you.

The Firefighter's Workout Book covers all aspects of health and fitness, including strength, cardiovascular, and flexibility training. Captain Michael Stefano shows how spending long hours at the gym is unnecessary or even counterproductive. Step-by-step instruction, interspersed with motivational stories based on Stefano's experience as a firefighter, will leave you burning for more.

The workout routines can be tailored to fit individual needs. The illustrated exercise guide features photos of New York City firefighters. You will learn how to stay motivated, set reasonable, attainable goals, and chart your own progress to ensure results. A simple, easy-to-follow nutrition plan is also offered.

The firefighter's workout is a real-life approach to a very common problem: staying in good physical condition with a minimal amount of time and available equipment. With the tools and knowledge provided by The Firefighter's Workout Book, you'll be able to rise above these obstacles to get in the best condition of your life.”

The Firefighter's Workout Book: The 30 Minute a Day Train-for-Life Program for Men and Women Michael Stefano  More Info

About the New York City Fire DepartmentFollowing the Revolutionary War, the Department was reorganized and incorporated as the Fire Department of the City of New York. The volunteer Fire Department continued to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the city until after the close of the Civil War when, in 1865, they were superseded by the paid Metropolitan Fire Department. The change created resentment and bitter actions were taken by some who opposed the elimination of the volunteers. This resulted in rough and tumble battles fought on both personal and political levels.

The introduction of the steam engine spelled the final doom of the volunteer department in New York. The steam apparatus eliminated the need for men to pump the water, and the horses ended the problem of hauling engines by hand.

First Company of paid Fire Department to go "in service" was Engine Co. 1, located in lower Manhattan at 4 Centre Street. Apparatus was horse-drawn Amoskeag steam-powered pumper which was same type issued to later companies. Wheels were steel rimmed.  At the beginning, the paid fire service extended only to certain parts of New York City (Manhattan). The Act of 1865 united Brooklyn and New York (cities) to form a Metropolitan District. By the end of 1865 the department consisted of 13 Chief Officers and 552 Company Officers and firemen. They worked a continuous tour of duty, with 3 hours a day for meals and one day off a month. They were paid salaries according to their rank or grade. The first regulations were also formulated and they were fairly strict and straight laced.