Thursday, May 21, 2009

New 2009 Fire Department Promotional Reading List

Much like we did with the police list, we just wanted to make a quick mention that the 2009 Massachusetts Statewide Fire Lieutenant and Captain Promotional Reading List has been released.

Books on the Massachusetts Fire Lieutenant Exam are:
Company Officer 4th ed. (IFSTA)
Inspection & Code Enforcement 7th ed. (IFSTA)
First Responder 8th ed. (Brady)
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed. (IFSTA)
National Incident Management System (FEMA 501)
Pumping Apparatus Driver / Operator Handbook 2nd ed. (IFSTA)
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 2nd ed. (IFSTA)
Engine Company Fireground Operations 3rd ed. (NFPA / Jones & Bartlett)
Ladder Company Fireground Operations 3rd ed. (NFPA / Jones & Bartlett)

A full listing of the books and all available study resources can be found here.

Books on the Massachusetts Fire Captain Exam are:
Company Officer 4th ed. (IFSTA)
Inspection & Code Enforcement 7th ed. (IFSTA)
First Responder 8th ed. (Brady)
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed. (IFSTA)
National Incident Management System (FEMA 501)
Pumping Apparatus Driver / Operator Handbook 2nd ed. (IFSTA)
Collapse of Burning Buildings (Fire Engineering)
Strategic & Tactical Considerations on the Fireground 2nd ed. (Brady)
Supervision Today 6th ed. (Prentice Hall)

A full listing of all the captain's books plus study resources can be found here.

The Boston Fire Dept. has pulled their reading list. There will be no test in 2009. Instead they expect to have a promotional test in 2010.

Discounted prices are available if the books are purchased as a set. Also, until the end of May we are offering free shipping on all orders over $50.

If you are planning on having a promotional exam and want to register your reading list with us for special discounts please email support@fire-police-ems.com. Also if you are planning a promotional exam but have questions about book availability or recommended reading, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to help you out. Visit us online at www.fire-police-ems.com.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Must Read Fire Books

There are so many books out there and on our website, people often ask us for suggestions. One thing we want to do with this blog is to occasionally give recommendations, especially for a specific subject. Today's subject, must read fire books. We're going to stay away from the technical books, as thats a post for another day. Today we'll focus on story books. These are in no particular order.

First, one of our most popular titles recently, B-Shifter. The book is Nick Brunacini's first hand account of life in the fire service, and what its like growing up a second generation firefighter. At a very wallet friendly $10, this one should be a must read for anyone interested in life as a firefighter.

Another current best seller is George Kreuscher's Fireman. George wanted to write something that would convey what it was like to be a firefighter in FDNY and what it was like when they were called firemen. He succeeds with this tribute to all firefighters.

The late David Halberstam gained critical acclaim with many of his books. The Pulitzer prize winner's take on firefighting, Firehouse, is no exception. Firehouse follows the lives of Engine 40 and Ladder 35, offering a view of courageous men who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and daily life in the firehouse.

When it was first published, Dennis Smith's Report from Engine Co. 82 did what no other book had done before: show what firefighters are truly like, what the job is really like, and the extreme dangers they face. The first book of its kind, it is still considered on of th best.

Larry Ferazani's Rescue Squad takes a look at an unusual firefighting unit working in the shadow of Harvard. The Cambridge Rescue Unit not only packs firefighting gear, but also sophisticated medical equipment. Its a gripping account of of saving lives as firefighters and paramedics.

After joining a fire crew in Northern Arizona as a young man, Matthew Desmond relates his experiences in On The Fireline. Desmond examines the everyday life of these firefighters including their jokes, their fights and the bonds that form as they wait for the next alarm to sound.

Finally, there is no way we could choose just one Leo Stapleton book, so we're just going to recommend anything by him. Stapleton relays real world experiences from his years on the Boston Fire Dept. His works are a compelling tribute to his department and all firefighters.

Now its your turn. if you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments section. You can purchase these, and many other titles from us at www.fire-police-ems.com. Be sure to check out our Twitter feed where we announce new arrivals, news bits, and the occasional special offer or coupon.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

New 2009 Massachusetts Police Exam

Just a quick heads up that the new Massachusetts Police Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain promotional list has been posted by state Civil Service. The list is...

Community Policing: A Contemporary Perspective, 5th ed.


Criminal Investigation, 10th ed

Police Administration, 7th ed.

Supervision Of Police Personnel, 7th ed.

Also, Law Enforcement Dimensions offers a number of books to help explain Massachusetts general Law and Constitutional Law, along with many resources for the Massachusetts police officer. The entire list, with all additional resources, can be found on our website.

We expect the Massachusetts Fire Department Lieutenant and Captain list to be released any day now. To be notified via email when the list is released, please send an email to support@fire-police-ems.com with fire promo exam in the subject. We will send you a link to the list as soon as we get it posted. Also, we will announce it on our Twitter page at http://twitter.com/FSPbooks. For the time being we have possible reading lists posted at www.fire-police-ems.com.

If you are planning on having a promotional exam, register it with FSP by emailing support@fire-police-ems.com for discounted package pricing. We already have a number of lists posted, including Dallas Fire Dept., New Jersey Fire Depts. and Duxbury Fire Dept.