Commander Florian was an exemplary Roman soldier. As the Roman Empire began to urbanize, Florian recognized the need for permanent firefighting forces in the new cities. But the Empire also burned hot with conflict over faiths and cultures, and soon Florian found himself condemned to death by the nation he loyally served. This book introduces the reader to the first and best firefighter, the man who earned the respect of his countrymen in ancient Rome - and remains the ideal to which our modern firefighters yet aspire: Saint Florian.