From Early Dreams to Real-Life Heroics: The Inspiring Journey of Children’s Author Tim Hoppey

Tim Hoppey, a retired New York City firefighter with 27 years of service in East Harlem, has transitioned into a successful career as a children’s author. His latest book, Firefighter Phoebe, continues his tradition of blending humor with meaningful life lessons, drawing from his extensive experience as a firefighter and his deep love for his family. Hoppey’s journey into the world of writing began unexpectedly, with an event from his childhood that sparked his lifelong passion for storytelling.

In third grade, during a field trip to Fire Island, Hoppey’s class was assigned to write a haiku about the beach. While his classmates were diligently writing their poems, Hoppey was more interested in mischief, collecting crab claws to scare the girls. When it was time to board the bus, he quickly jotted down the following haiku:

Sandbug! Sandbug!
Always digging,
Never caught.

To his surprise, this hastily written poem was selected for publication in his school newsletter, making him a published author at just eight years old. “I didn’t know I was a poet. I didn’t know I had any talent,” Hoppey recalls. “But these six words started me on a lifetime of writing.” This pivotal moment ignited a passion for writing that continued throughout his life.

As an adult, Hoppey pursued writing children’s books while working as a firefighter. His first published book, Tito, the Firefighter, was inspired by his experiences in Spanish Harlem, where he interacted with a young boy named Luis who often visited the firehouse. The story, which later became a Scholastic Book Fairs selection, was the beginning of Hoppey’s career as an author. “I write what I know,” he says, explaining his choice to write about firefighting and the people and communities he knows so well. “That’s the advice given to all young writers. Write what you know about.”

Through the years, Hoppey has written numerous books, including Pedro, the Pirate, Baseball on Mars, and The Red Car, which reflect his personal experiences growing up on Long Island, his time as a firefighter, and his life as a father. Baseball on Mars, in particular, is a nod to his childhood memories of backyard sports with his father. “I was the big kid on the block when my two boys were young,” Hoppey recalls. “But rather than baseball, lacrosse is our bonding sport. Going out to have a catch means a lacrosse stick instead of a mitt.”

In 2004, Hoppey’s breakthrough came when Raven Tree Press published Tito, the Firefighter. This marked a new chapter in his life, as he refined his storytelling craft and began focusing on the art of writing picture books. Hoppey’s stories are known for conveying important lessons of courage, kindness, and family, often inspired by his own experiences.

His son Patrick, who had become an FDNY EMT, tragically passed away in 2017 after a long battle with cancer. “He is the bravest boy I’ve ever known,” Hoppey says, speaking of Patrick’s courage and determination. This loss has deeply influenced Hoppey’s writing, and his latest book, Firefighter Phoebe, marks a shift towards humor and joy in his stories. “There’s been enough sadness: it’s time to laugh,” Hoppey reflects, noting that he often imagines reading his stories to Patrick. “In my mind’s eye I see him, the red hair and freckles, the happy-go-lucky leprechaun looks, and a smile brighter than a pot of gold. I think he’d like such stories.”

Now published by Doodle and Peck Publishing, Firefighter Phoebe is available on Amazon, Ingram, and other online platforms. Hoppey’s books continue to touch the hearts of children and parents alike, teaching them the value of humor, courage, and the importance of family bonds.

Tim Hoppey’s writing journey, which began with a simple poem about sandbugs, is a testament to the healing power of storytelling. As he continues to create books that inspire and entertain, Hoppey reminds readers that no matter the challenges in life, there’s always room for laughter and love.