Raised in The Bronx, Steven Scher began chasing fire engines at the age of twelve. After graduating from American International College with a degree in sociology, he has held numerous jobs in city government and the media. He has been a photographer to a mayor; a television cameraman covering Washington, D.C.; a fire alarm dispatcher, and a fire department press secretary. He still lives in The Bronx, along with his pet albatross Collyer.