Since the earliest years of Waterville's history, Waterville Firefighters have put their lives on the line to protect its citizens and visitors from many unforeseen disasters. Written by (Ret) Captain Scott A. Holst on the fire department history, this book documents the evolution of the village, town, and city firefighting from the earliest bucket brigades through the post 911 department. Along the way, it documents the organizational improvements and political changes that have made city firefighting significantly more effective.

This book tells the tale of the department's growth through its many modern evolutions. It also includes a large autobiography section of the men and women who would become officers or be hired as career firefighters. Illustrated throughout by photographs of firefighting equipment and memorabilia, gives a look into the department's past on its way to a modern future. Many stories would come from the company's logbooks, local newspapers, and private collectors.