Massachusetts and Boston Fire Chief Reading Lists Released

Massachusetts Civil Service has released the reading lists for the Municipal District, Deputy and Fire Chief and the Boston District and Deputy Fire Chief promotional exams on March 17, 2012.

The Massachusetts Municipal reading list is:

• Building Construction for the Fire Service, 4th ed
• Safety & Survival On The Fireground
• Managing Fire & Rescue Services, 3rd ed
• Fire Detection & Suppression Systems, 4th ed
• Hazardous Materials for First Responders 4th ed
• Introduction To Fire Origin & Cause, 3rd ed
• National Incident Management System FEMA 501, 2008 ed
• Strategic & Tactical Considerations on the Fireground 3/e
• The Human Challenge, 7th ed

The Boston reading list is:

• Building Construction for the Fire Service, 4th ed
• Safety & Survival On The Fireground
• Managing Fire & Rescue Services, 3rd ed
• Fire Detection & Suppression Systems, 4th ed
• Hazardous Materials for First Responders 4th ed
• Introduction To Fire Origin & Cause, 3rd ed
• Strategic & Tactical Considerations on the Fireground 3/e
• The Human Challenge, 7th ed

We have discounted promotional packages available. You can order by calling us at 800.522.8528 or online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

Also, just a reminder that on October 22 from 1-4 PM we'll be having our annual open house and book signing! A number of great authors will be in store, we'll have a ton of items on sale and some special surprises. Keep an eye on this blog, our website, Facebook and Twitter for more details coming soon!

Patriotism and Ripped Flags

I suspect that everyone who displays an American flag does it to show their patriotism.

The problem is that unlike years ago, when the flag was removed at dusk, after a while it blends in with the surrounding. It almost becomes invisible.

It also shows the effect of the weather. What starts out as a brilliant symbol of our nation becomes a tattered and torn object.

If you display the flag, please look at it today. If it is torn it should be destroyed in a dignified manner. Contact your local VFW, Elks Lodge, American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. They will give your flag a proper burial.

For information about flag etiquette please click here

If you purchase an American flag, you may want to check to see that it is “made in America”.

And if you want to join the 2,840,219 (and counting) people who have viewed a wonderful display of patriotism, go to Youtube and enter: “stop and shop flash mob”.

Ira Hoffman

Owner, FSP Books and Videos

CFN321 - NY City Fire Dept. 9/11 Memorial Series 10th Anniversary Edition Collector Cards

CFN321 - NY City Fire Dept. 9/11 Memorial Series 10th Anniversary Edition Collector Cards

The 10th Anniversary Edition 9/11 Memorial Series is unlike any set ever produced.

This 32 card set is encased in its own custom embossed and foil stamped keepsake box. Slated to be released on 9/11/11 this limited edition series is assured to sell out quickly.

BV0991 - Vehicle Extrication Levels I & II: Principles and Practice

BV0991 - Vehicle Extrication Levels I & II: Principles and Practice

The Complete Vehicle Extrication Technical Rescuer Level I and II Training Solution!

Technical rescuers need to know how to safely and effectively operate at small and large vehicle and machinery extrication incidents.

Vehicle Extrication Levels I & II: Principles and Practice provides all the critical knowledge and skills necessary for technical rescue teams to perform in these environments. It meets and exceeds all the job performance requirements as outlined in chapters 4, 5, and 10 from the 2008 Edition of NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications to achieve the competencies as a Level I and II Vehicle and Machinery technical rescuer.

In addition, this text covers all the objectives outlined in NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, 2009 Edition from chapters 4, 8, and 12 so that rescue organizations have the capabilities to deliver vehicle and machinery rescue successfully in their jurisdictions.

Vehicle Extrication Levels I & II: Principles and Practice combines current content with dynamic features and interactive technology to better support instructors and organizations to help prepare future high performing technical rescuers. Modern technologies including alternative powered vehicles and all electric vehicles are covered. Stand-alone chapters on Commercial Vehicles and Agricultural Extrication ensure Level II skills are comprehensively addressed.

This text is packaged with an access code which provides free admission to www.Fire.jbpub.com/VehicleExtrication, the companion website to complement Vehicle Extrication Levels I & II Principles and Practice.

To order call 800.522.8528 or visit www.Fire-Police-EMS.com

BF3839 - Signal 99: The Fire Apparatus of the Syracuse Fire Department

BF3839 - Signal 99: The Fire Apparatus of the Syracuse Fire Department

Follow the history of the apparatus used by one of the most innovative fire departments in the country – the Syracuse Fire Department.

From the earliest days of the paid department in 1877, through the 40’s, 50’s, the “war years” of the turbulent 1960’s and on to the modern ISO Class 1 fire department they are today . . . all the rigs are here, and the stories behind them.

From horse-drawn to motorized, from Ahrens-Foxes to Mini-Pumpers and Sutphen Aerial Towers, it’s all here – authoritatively told and profusely illustrated.

Co-authors Tom Shand and 37-year veteran SFD District Chief Dave Reeves have unearthed a treasure-trove of photographs and all the background history to go with them.

This long-awaited and often-requested book is THE source for factual data, fascinating historical information, and fabulous photographs of the apparatus of the Syracuse Fire Department. A must-have addition to your library.

Contents:
The Early Years of the Paid Department 1877-1914
The Motorized Era 1915-1930
The Great Depression and World War II 1931-1949
The Department Rebuilds 1950-1959
The War Years 1960-1969
Chief Thomas Hanlon - Change and Reorganization 1970-1985
The Rescue Company
The Squad Company
The Tradition Continues
Syracuse Airport Fire Protection
Innovations
Apparatus Assignments

Thsi book is in stock and ready to ship. Order online or call 800.522.8528!

BA0795 - A Decade of Hope

BA0795 - A Decade of Hope

On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, a portrait of tragedy, survival, and healing from the author of The New York Times bestseller Report from Ground Zero.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, an occasion that is sure to be observed around the world. But among the memorials, political speeches, and news editorials, the most pressing consideration- and often the most overlooked-is the lives and well-being of the 9/11 first responders, their families, and the victims' families over the past decade.

Dennis Smith, a former firefighter and bestselling author, addresses this important topic in a series of interviews with the heroes and families of those most affected by the tragedy either through feats of bravery in the rescue efforts or heroic bearing up in the face of unimaginable loss.

Smith provides an intimate look at a terrible moment in history and its challenging and difficult aftermath, allowing these survivors to share their stories of loss, endurance, and resilience in their own words. A Decade of Hope is an honest and vitally important look at a decade in the lives of those for whom a national tragedy was a devastatingly personal ordeal.

BF6171 - Fireground Operational Guides - Fire Engineering

BF6171 - Fireground Operational Guides - Fire Engineering

This important new book is designed to serve many purposes in the fire service, ranging from being a starting point and refresher guide for firefighters seeking promotions at any level, to being a field operational guide for on-scene Incident Commanders and Company Officers.

It offers an easy-to-follow, step-by-step action plan for firefighters working in Acting Capacities, and can be used when developing SOP’s, and when organizing and planning training evolutions.

It’s definitely a book every firefighter, officer, and aspiring officer will want to own!

Contents:

• Foreword by Bobby Halton
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction – How to use this book
• Operational guides and tactical worksheets
• Structure fires
• Electrical emergencies
• Natural gas emergencies
• Carbon monoxide
• Water emergencies
• Confined fires
• Outdoor fires
• Vehicle fires and accidents
• Non-fire emergencies
• Oil burner emergencies
• General operations
• Administrative
• Afterword

2011 Massachusetts Fire Lieutenant & Captain Promotional Lists

Civil Service has released the promotional reading list for Massachusetts Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain. New editions include a new IFSTA HazMat for First Responders, 4th ed. and Collapse of Burning Buildings 2nd ed.

The complete list for Lt:

• Fire & Emergency Services Company Officer, 4th ed
• Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
• First Responder 8th ed
• Hazardous Materials for First Responders 4th ed
• National Incident Management System FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
• Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 2nd ed.
• Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 3rd ed.
  
• Engine Company Fireground Operations, 3rd ed.
  
• Ladder Company Fireground Operations, 3rd ed.
  

The complete list for Capt:

• Fire & Emergency Services Company Officer, 4th ed
• Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
• First Responder 8th ed
• Hazardous Materials for First Responders 4th ed
• National Incident Management System FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
• Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 2nd ed.
• Collapse of Burning Buildings 2nd ed.
• Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground, 2nd ed
• Supervision Today, 6th ed.

There are also many study guide and software options for most of the books on the lists. Discounted set pricing is available for both reading lists. Visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or call 800.522.8528 for details or to place an order.

If you'd like to register your promotional exam with FSP please call or email us at support@fire-police-ems.com. We will check editions before you release the list and put together discounted sets specifically for your department.

Also, trying to maximize your budget as the fiscal year comes to a close? We can customize a DVD library to meet your budget and your department's needs. Examples of previouslibraries we've done for fire departments can be found at http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fire-dvd-library.shtml. Also a breakdown of training DVDs by subject can be found at http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/training-programs.shtml. As always, please call or email with any questions or to set up an account.

2011 Mass Police Promotional List

Civil Service has released the 2011 Massachusetts Police Sergeant / Lieutenant / Captain promotional reading list. The 4 main "management" texts are:

• Community Policing: A Contemporary Perspective 5th ed.
• Criminal Investigation, 10th ed.
• Police Administration 7th ed
• Supervision Of Police Personnel, 7th ed

Also, to help explain Massachusetts General and Constitutional Law the following sources are available from Law Enforcement Dimensions:

• Criminal Law 2011 Massachusetts Police Manual
• Criminal Procedure 2011 Massachusetts Police Manual
• Juvenile Law 2011 Massachusetts Police Manual
• Motor Vehicle 2011 Massachusetts Police Manual

There are also a number of other resources available to help the Massachusetts police officer prepare. These include:

• Criminal Law and Procedure 2011 Audio Master Classes
• Juvenile & Motor Vehicle Law 2011 Audio Master Classes (due in May)
• Criminal Law 2011 Q Book
• Criminal Procedure 2011 Q Book
• Drug Enforcement 2011 Massachusetts Police Manual
• Juvenile Law 2011 Q Book
• Motor Vehicle Law 2011 Q Book

I wanted answer a few frequently asked questions as well.

Are all the books required? The management books are required. Candidates are also required to know Massachusetts General and Constitutional Law. The Law Enforcement Dimensions books are not required, but people find them very helpful in breaking down and explaining the laws.

How should I study? Whether you buy all the books at once, or one at a time, don't psych yourself out. There is a lot of reading but focus on tackling one book at a time you should be fine. Also study groups are recommended. Choose people you won't be competing against and have strict rules for meeting, reading and discussing.

Anything else I need? Once you've taken the exam we have a number of books to prepare for the interview and assessment centers. Don't get ahead of yourself. Focus on passing the exam first, the interview books will still be here when you're done.

Discounted pricing is available if buying all the books as a set. And as always, if you have any questions please give us a call at (800) 522-8528 or email us at support@fire-police-ems.com.

Safety In Emergency Services

Safety is one of the most important issues facing the emergency services. In the last few months there have been a number of products released on the subject. These should be must have items for any department library.

A valuable learning tool or a handy reference manual, Delmar's Highway Scene Safety focuses on operational guidelines necessary for conducting safe and efficient scene management during a highway incident. This book covers pre-planning, the national incident command system, governing laws, interagency communications, personal protective clothing, roadway considerations and other topics required for a safe response.

IFSTA's Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness 3rd edition provides information for three groups: fire and emergency service administrators, supervisors, and emergency responders. It is intended to provide an overview of programs, policies, procedures, and actions that will establish and maintain a culture of safety within the fire and emergency services.

The subject of solid fuel appliances is covered with the new 2 DVD set Firefighter Knowledge. It covers The different types of solid fuel appliances, gas combustion appliances and clothes dryer vents and the issues they present regarding structure fires, the truth about masonry and pre-fabricated fireplaces and common fireplace installation errors, safe fireplace operating guidelines, proper use of manufactured "wax" logs and chimney cleaning logs, common myths regarding fireplaces, chimney fires and the best types of wood to burn, and much more!

Finally, The Idea Bank has released Before You Go Up, featuring former state fire marshals, Ronny Coleman and Jim McMullen . Taking a "tough love" approach, it shows how to prepare for and survive a fire in a multi-story building.

As always we'd love for these to end up in your library. Feel free to email me with any questions or give us a call at (800) 522-8528.

We've also received a lot of requests recently for help in putting together top notch DVD libraries. We've put together a worksheet with many different options that we can send to any department that is interested. Or, tell us your needs and we'll customize something for you! All of our training DVDs can be found at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

On a final note, FSP turns 25 this year (I know, we still act like teenagers). Anyway, we're celebrating with contests, trivia, games and much more! Head over to our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/FSPBooks and "like" us so you can get in on the fun!