The Proving Grounds: A Catholic on Ladder 17

In this moving and insightful memoir, a veteran firefighter recounts his struggle to navigate the difficulties of his dangerous job while standing firm in his Catholic faith. Here is not only a thrilling window into life as an emergency worker, but also a gripping tale of one’s man’s struggle to withstand the spiritual challenges of a secular workplace--a battle that will resonate with Catholics across the board. How is one to preserve one’s faith, and share it with others, in a society that has abandoned God? More concretely, what about vaccine mandates and rainbow flags?

With grace and humility, Benjamin O’Brien recounts how he navigated these questions and many more. Touching on mental health, bullying, self-control, courage, maturity, and conflict resolution, his story of daily life in the fire station and in the field, with all its graces and crosses, is a moving account of one’s man’s quest to be faithful in the midst of pain, fear, confusion, and sometimes intolerance. The reader is placed in the shoes of an ordinary man striving to make sense of life’s traumas and beauties, and to serve God in his daily work.

The Proving Grounds reveals how grace is always at work behind the scenes, purifying our understanding and motives and honing our character to greater maturity--sometimes in very surprising ways.

Benjamin O’Brien studied liberal arts at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College and obtained a B.A. in Humanities and Philosophy from Redeemer University, earning his Fire Service credentials from Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology. He began firefighting in 2008 and has served in various communities as a fireman. He is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife, Katelyn, live in Wisconsin with their four children.