E996 Andrew Serra | Retired FDNY Captain & Historical Novelist

Inside the mind of a firefighter-turned-author who survived 9/11 and now writes to heal, remember, and educate.   We're honored to welcome Andrew Serra, retired FDNY captain and the powerful voice behind Hell's Hundred Acres and Finding John, to the Tactical Living Podcast.   After 25 years on the front lines of New York City's Fire Department—including his time as a responder and recovery worker during 9/11—Andrew turned to the written word as a means of processing pain, honoring the past, and shedding light on forgotten chapters of American history.   📚 In this episode, we explore:   How writing became his outlet for coping with the weight of traumatic service The untold stories behind Hell's Hundred Acres—his novel on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire What Finding John, his 9/11 memoir, taught him about grief, memory, and identity How studying languages and cultures became an unexpected part of his healing Why storytelling—fiction or nonfiction—can be one of the most transformative forms of service   This isn't just a story about firefighting or history. It's about finding meaning after the sirens fade, and choosing purpose even when your identity has been shaken to its core.   🎙️ Whether you love history, want to understand the unseen weight of frontline service, or are simply looking for inspiration on how to turn pain into purpose—this is an episode you won't forget.   📘 Hell's Hundred Acres is available now. Don't just hear the story—live it through his words.   Get in touch with Andrew here: https://www.andrewserra.com/   Check out all of Andrew's books here: https://geni.us/8bBvVQJ (Amazon Affiliate).   💥 GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO OUR FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBERS ONLY 💥 Request access below!   💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What's one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram!   Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie's Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement