I was fortunate in 1980 to meet Shaker Heights, Ohio Fire Chief William Pickford, who allowed me to interview firefighters for a nonfiction book I planned to write about the fire service. But I quickly learned that I was an "outsider" at a time when women were not welcome in the firehouse. I had to earn the trust of each firefighter and when I finally became part of their "firehouse family," I felt as if I'd received a very high honor. Through my novels, I try to show some of the stresses common to all firefighters, no matter where they live or the time period in which they live. These are very special people and I'm proud to be one of them and to be able to tell their stories. 

State of Ohio certified fire safety inspector, B.S. Degree from University of Cincinnati in Fire and Safety Engineering, Breeder of national champion Appaloosa horses, NFPA 150 Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities Technical Committee Member.

In addition to writing the fourth book in my Firehouse Family series and creating a new website for my novels, I also have a website focused on Fire Safety in Barns (www.firesafetyinbarns.com). If what I write can save the life of a single animal, or prevent one fire in a barn, I will feel I have "earned my keep."

Laurie Loveman's Firehouse Family Series
Novels set in the 1930s that feature arson and ethical problems we still face today. Also, some of my magazine articles and my bio.

Fire Safety in Barns
The latest information, products, and contributor news for keeping your barn safe from fire. Questions and comments are always welcome.