About this item
Highlights
- "People sometimes forget that firefighters are regular people.
- Author(s): Clif Clifton
- 196 Pages
- Biography + Autobiography, Fire & Emergency Services
Description
Book Synopsis
"People sometimes forget that firefighters are regular people. This book really shows the everyday side of Shakey and all firefighters."- Retired Fire Chief Bob Watson of Borger, TXThis is the story of Billy Gene "Shakey" Holder who was born of humble means during the Great Depression, fighting his entire life to have one of the most successful and impactful lives a man could have. He fought his way out of poverty in Cartwright, Oklahoma, becoming an Irving, Texas, firefighter, working fifty-six years on a front-line engine in south Irving until retiring at the age of 77. His third day on the department he acquired the nickname, Shakey. He fought his way to the rank of Captain with undiagnosed dyslexia.
He was a certified swift water rescue team leader and passed our physical agility test his last year with the department in just over six minutes. At the age of 70 he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
The last six years of his career, he fought Stage 4 cancer, taking very few sick days. His doctor told him he could expect to live 5-7 years, but now 18 years later at the age of 89 he is still driving, working constantly around his house, and impacting many more lives. As you read this truly legendary man's career and life, you may find yourself asking, why would a man work that many years in the dangerous job as a firefighter?
Review Quotes
"When I came on the Department in 1986 everyone soon heard the story of the Captain at One's. What I like about this book is the reader will see the personal side of Shakey that made him this legendary firefighter. It's good stuff." - Chief Victor Conoley, Chief of Irving, Texas; Fire Chief of the Year 2013 by TFCA; Safety Award 2018 by TFCA for Blocker Program
"Captain Shakey Holder, as one who worked with him, he is the real thing. This book captures the personal side of Shakey, of all his amazing life experiences that formed him into the father, friend and firefighter he came to be. I'm glad I got to work with him and thoroughly enjoyed reading his story." - Chief "Rusty" Wilson, Fire Chief of Mesquite, Texas; Texas Fire Chief of the year 1997
"Billy Gene Holder, better know as Shakey is my best friend and greatest firefighter to ever put on a set of bunker pants. I'm glad he has his own book about his life. It would do well for everyone to know about this great man." - Retired Irving Firefighter Travis Eden and author of Firefighter ll In Angels Hands