Testimonials of Fighting More Than Fires

Chief Phillips does an incredible job of taking us behind the scenes to reveal the innermost issues within the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue department during his career. He displays remarkable courage in not holding back for the sake of political correctness. Chief Phillips’ remarkable story is told in gut-wrenching detail. His life-long journey is a fascinating story by any measure.

Chief Karls Paul-Noel, (Retired MDFR)

Hail to the Chief! He went through so much. Amazing that he held onto his faith through so many trials. He is an inspiration to all. I loved the book. I found myself cheering his accomplishments and I felt the pain of the many obstacles put in his way. Chief Phillips’ only crime was being too trusting and caring for people who did not deserve it. This book should be read by all young people (especially people of color) prior to entering the workplace. It doesn’t matter if you are starting with the military, government jobs or corporate America.

Nancy G. (Los Angeles, CA), November 21, 2015

Fighting More Than Fires is an exciting, exhilarating and educational book. Once you begin reading, it’s impossible to put it down.

Florida Roberts

Fighting More Than Fires is a great educational tool. This book is a great example on how determination and perseverance can push you to the top. This should be required reading especially in our inner city schools. Chief Phillips overcame obstacles and faced the fears before him. This was a great read from start to finish.

Officer Mozell Davis, Miami-Dade County Correction

Wow! This is a real eye opener; the author surgically taps into all kinds of emotions. I feel that I actually walked in his shoes.

Debra Moore

Fighting More than Fires is a must read. As a former firefighter, I can relate to what Chief Phillips’ experienced. Being a woman, I have experienced so many attacks from male firefighters and so many attempts to demote me and take me down through false accusations, and frame-ups. This book describes the struggle to stay in a profession that we love. This book describes Chief Phillips’ passion for the job, and the grief and loss when he was taken down .

Amandah Renaye Jones

I was riveted from the first word to the last! It was reminiscent of the turbulent Civil Rights time of the 1960’s. As I read my mind was split between then and now! I vividly recalled the hatred and racism visited upon decent non-violent people marching and singing for equal rights/opportunities for all people. This happening in the 21st. century and several decades later it seemed worse to me somehow as it was so personal and concentrated to prevent an African American who was so obviously qualified from being appointed to the position of, “Miami-Dade County Fire Chief.” Most devastating to me was to see some of his own peers and most especially other African Americans whom he was trying to help working so tirelessly against him for their own personal gain! Admittedly; I had to stop reading several times to regain my composure in dealing with the various emotions it elicited! I have the most respect and admiration for his family and others who tirelessly supported him during his ordeal! In the end it all came together as his beloved mother and dear wife told him it would. This should be required reading by all; especially Africans/African Americans.

MaCon L. Jones, USAF, Msgt.(E-7) Retired Arizona Department of Corrections
Lieutenant/Shift Commander, Retired

Reader Reviews

“Charles I just found the time to read your book and when I started I could not put it
down….What a great read. I came into the fire service in 1981 and yes I experienced
some racism but it was not to the level you experienced. All Fire Chiefs should be
required to read this book in Fire Chief 101 classes.”

Fire Chief Larry Few, MIFireE, CFO Fulton County Fire Rescue

I just finished reading the book. It kept me spellbound the past 3 days. You are a man of great strength and character. Kudos to you for coming through all of the adversity you faced with such integrity. You are indeed one that we are intensely proud of. The book stirred my intellect as well as my emotions. Great book….

Margaret Williams, January 15, 2014

I know this person and like myself he gave an accurate explanation of events of racism/white supremacy in the work-place that i have experienced almost at the same, and at a lower rank on the exact same job. I encourage the Dr./Chief Phillips to keep writing and learning.

Michael Imani, January 7, 2014

I thought the book was amazing. A true account of what happened to a guy who loved his profession. It was sad and it was funny and well-written. I recommend it highly!!!

Stephanie Bromfield Warnell, August 19, 2013