The Legendary Story of Shakey

The Oldest Known Firefighter to Work on a Front-Line Engine Company on a Paid Department in the United States

By: clif clifton

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 5 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

“People sometimes forget that firefighters are regular people. This book really shows the everyday side of Shakey and all firefighters.” — Retired Fire Chief Bob Watson of Borger, TX

This is the story of Billy Gene “Shakey” Holder who was born of humble means during the Great Depression, fighting his entire life to have one of the most successful and impactful lives a man could have. He fought his way out of poverty in Cartwright, Oklahoma, becoming an Irving, Texas, firefighter, working fifty-six years on a front-line engine in south Irving until retiring at the age of 77. His third day on the department he acquired the nickname, Shakey. He fought his way to the rank of Captain with undiagnosed dyslexia.

He was a certified swift water rescue team leader and passed our physical agility test his last year with the department in just over six minutes. At the age of 70 he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

The last six years of his career, he fought Stage 4 cancer, taking very few sick days. His doctor told him he could expect to live 5-7 years, but now 18 years later at the age of 89 he is still driving, working constantly around his house, and impacting many more lives. As you read this truly legendary man’s career and life, you may find yourself asking, why would a man work that many years in the dangerous job as a firefighter?

Incredible life!

"The Legendary Story of Shakey" by Clif Clifton is an inspiring tribute to an extraordinary man who dedicated 56 years of his life to the fire department while balancing multiple other roles and responsibilities. Shakey wasn't just a firefighter but a devoted family man and serial entrepreneur who touched countless lives over his long career. This book is a powerful revelation of what it means to truly live life to the fullest.

One of the fascinating aspects of Shakey’s story is how his personal life intertwined with his professional one. After a divorce, Shakey's decision to continue working for so long may have been partly motivated by a desire to ensure his ex-wife wouldn't receive half his pension—a testament to his tenacity and perhaps a touch of stubbornness. But his longevity is also illustrated by the fact that he’s kept his pickup truck running with over 450,000 miles on it.

Clifton's narrative style is both engaging and sincere, making you feel as if you're sitting in on his conversations with Shakey and the important people in his life, getting to know them personally. The lessons and values that emerge from his story are universal, encouraging readers to make the most of every opportunity and to leave a positive impact on those around them. Highly recommended!