Lessons Learned During 42 Years with FDNY from Vincent Dunn, Deputy Chief, retired

We know, the FSP Blog was a little neglected in 2013. We're trying to fix that for the new year but need your input. What would you like to see here from us? Book recommendations? Opinions and advice? A little bit of everything? Let us know!

As I was trying to come up with ideas I happened upon Ira's FDNY Tales blog (fdnytales.wordpress.com) and realized I never posted this gem here. Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn discusses what he learned from 40+ years on the job. Definitely worth a read

1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured. To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety.

2. Heart attacks are the number-one killer of firefighters. Remain in good physical and mental condition. A lifelong commitment to exercise and good living can save your life and make you a better firefighter.

3. The military, police and fire service - we are all in dangerous professions where members risk their lives. But fire fighting is different. We have the best of the death professions. For example, in the military to be a good soldier you may have to shoot people. In law enforcement, to be a good police officer you may have to arrest people. In the fire service, to be a good firefighter we have to save lives. After your career is over, your memories will be good ones.

4. The job makes the man or woman; the man or woman does not make the job. What does this mean? It means look at your supervisor or chief. You will most likely assume some of the personality traits of that person during work. We rarely change the job. The job changes us. When you set your sights on a position or rank, look closely at the person who has that job, because you may become like him or her.

5. Support your boss. The top job is the toughest assignment in your department. If you get an opportunity to work with the chief, take it. You will see close-up the pressures and stresses of the position. So, if later you achieve the position, you will know what to expect.

6. Work for labor-management cooperation. You may have to work with a union official without compromising your management responsibilities. This is tough to do but it's the only way. If you become involved in an explosive labor-management situation, remember after the crisis is over we all have to work together again.

7. Balance your work in the fire service and your family. After you accomplish all your life goals and ambitions at work, you will then understand, like I did, you could not have accomplished it without their love and support.

8. A firefighter is a social worker with muscles. The fire service is physical social work. You help people by stretching hose lines and raising ladders. (Vincent Dunn, Deputy Chief, retired)

In November I had a chance to attend one of Chief Dunn's seminars. Great teacher and great storyteller. 

- See more at: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fdny-tales-stories-lessons.shtml#sthash.MEAo709H.dpuf

1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured. To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety. - See more at: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fdny-tales-stories-lessons.shtml#sthash.MEAo709H.dpuf

1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured. To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety. - See more at: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fdny-tales-stories-lessons.shtml#sthash.MEAo709H.dpuf

New Ward LaFrance of NYC Fire Dept book!

Fire Apparatus Journal Publications has released their newest photo history book, Ward LaFrance Fire Apparatus of the New York City Fire Department.

This softcover book is presented in the same format as previous Hose Wagons, Squad Apparatus and American LaFrance 900 Series books. It has 64 pages of wonderful color photos.

It includes photos of each type of apparatus with registration number and assignments.

As with all FAJ publications the book is incredibly well done! We'd consider it another must have for any fire apparatus enthusiast or FNY fan!

you can order from FSP through the link above or by calling 800.522.8528.

Great new books for First Responders!

First off, Richard Yokley has written another wonderful book. The author of Emergency! Behind the Scene and TV Firefighters has just published The First Responders of Television. From the first live telecast of an actual fire in 1938, to such weekly television series as Rescue 8, Emergency!, Saved and Rescue Me in the US and International favorites of England's London's Burning, Germany's Medicopter 117, and Japan's Burning Flame trilogy, this book offers detailed coverage of the many First Responders of Television. Richard's previous two books have been amongst our best sellers and we expect this on will be as well!

For history buffs we have a number of new titles. First and foremost, Fire Dept City of New York: The Dreyfous Collection has been reprinted. This incredible look at FDNY from 1-12-1947 is a must have for any fan of FDNY or fire history.

Also from MT Publishing comes Chesterfield Fire Department: The Original Thirteen Departments. This softcover book is chock full of black and white photos including stations, apparatus, incidents and much more!

That's not all. MT has also published a number of other department histories including North Hudson Fire & Rescue, Omaha Fire Department, and the Tulsa Fire Department.

For a full list of new books visit http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/2000.shtml. And feel free to email us with any questions at support@fire-police-ems.com.

Got an idea for a blog you'd like to see? Let us know!

Code 3 FDNY Models are here!

Code 3 Collectibles are known for their high quality, realistic, detailed, limited edition diecast firefighting and emergency service collectibles. FSP is proud to be carrying some of them, with more (hopefully) on the way! In stock models include:

FDNY Chief Cassano Engine 31 Commemorative Edition: A 1962 Mack C95F Pumper, it remained at Engine 31 until they were dibanded on November 25, 1972 and was then used as a spare for a few years before assignment to the Division of Training. It was relinquished on September 13, 1976.

FDNY Engine 75 Seagrave Pumper: Engine 75 is a Seagrave model JB30 1000 gpm Pumper with a 500 gallon booster tank. It came into service at Engine Company 75 on February 25, 2004 and carries FDNY registration number SP03037.

FDNY Engine 92 Mack CF Pumper: The 1986 Mack model CF 1000 gpm pumper, with FDNY registration number MP8611, was assigned to Engine 92 on March 16, 1987. An unusual situation on this particular piece was that it was originally marked for Engine Company 238, however it never actually served in that company.

FDNY Foam Carrier 84: (pictured) The Mack Carrier has been retooled to include features that distinguish this rig from others in service to include the multiple canisters for foam on the dies and in the bed of the truck. The silver railings have been added as well as the rear panel both to contain and secure the canisters in transport. The original Foam 84 was a former 1978 Mack CF 1000 gpm pumper, originally assigned to Engine 324 with FDNY registration number MP7816.

FDNY Ladder 10 Seagrave (Diamond Plate Series): Ladder Company 10, a unit of the 1st Battalion, of the 1st Division, of the FDNY, was originally organized in the former firehouse of volunteer Southwark Engine 38, located at 28 Ann Street, in lower Manhattan, on October 20, 1865. On 9/11/01, their 1994 Seagrave 100 foot rear-mount aerial was destroyed. When the company re-entered service on February 19, 2002, they were equipped with a second-hand 1989 Seagrave 100 foot rearmount (SL8905), that had originally been assigned to Ladder Company 61.

As always, if you have any questions please email support@fire-police-ems.com or call us at 800.522.8528. You can also visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

New FDNY Book by Paul Hashagen

Wes Causey returns in Paul Hashagen's newest novel, Fire Of God. Much like in The Twelfth Hour, Hashagen uses his unique appreciation of New York City's history and attention to actual fireground detail to create a fast paced and compelling novel.

Paul Hashagen knows a thing or two about FDNY's history. In the newly reprinted A Distant Fire he captures the spirits of the pioneering men and the thrilling intensity of the events that served as FDNY's foundation. Over 90 rare photos and illustrations enhance the impact of these incredibly powerful stories.

He is also the author of the beautiful, and highly collectible, FDNY: The Bravest. This nearly 300 page coffee table book chronicles 137 years of the New York Fire Department's dedicated history from 1865 - 2002. Not only does it cover the history of the department, but it also includes all fire fighters who have been killed in the line of duty.

Any of these books are highly recommended and can be ordered through FSP Books & Videos at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling (800) 522-8528. A complete listing of all of our FDNY books can be found on our website.

New FDNY History Book, Fire Dept NYC Dreyfous Collection

Since it was just released figured I'd give a write up to MT Publishing's new Fire Department City of New York: The Dreyfous Collection; A History in Photographs 1912-1947. This must have coffee table book was put together by the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society and is a must have for any FDNY fan or fire history buff.

From before World War I through the Great Depression until after World War II Albert Dreyfous was the official photographer for the FDNY in a non-paid capacity. He had all access permission, meaning he not only got to cross the fire lines, but also enter the fray with the firefighters. He also documented Medal Days, new apparatus deliveries, parades and other formal occasions. Dreyfous also photographed many chiefs for their personal portraits.

The photos used for this book came from Dreyfous' personal albums.

MT has also recently released HazMat Teams Across America. This contains the history of selected hazardous materials incidents over the past 100 years and features Hazmat teams from across the country. This full color book is another great additon to any library.

We currently have 3 of our most popular coffee table books on sale for 25% off. State Trooper and Badges of the Bravest are $33.75 each. FDNY: The Bravest is now $29.95!

WNYF index - the official FDNY training publication

WNYF is the the official training publication of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). It commenced publication in 1940 and, with few exceptions, has been published four times a year since then. It is full of both technical and non-technical articles of interest to anyone involved in the fire service. Its a great read, and a valuable resource for training. Contact WNYF directly, and be sure to let them know that FSP sent you.

WNYF is more than just a training resource though. It is also a valuable resource for FDNY history and firefighting history in general. Since it has been around for 60+ years it may be one of the best resources out there for fire department history. That where our online WNYF index comes in. If you're doing research on or with WNYF our search engine may be able to help determine which issues have the information you are looking for. its been a long process but we have finally indexed every issue of WNYF. You can search by a single search word, a date, address or location, or fire alarm. For search engine help, click here. Its basically like the Dewey Decimal System of WNYF issues.

We have many back issues for sale. the more recent ones can be ordered online, or call or email with requests for older issues.

We also are currently buying WNYF and book collections. Send us a list of what you are looking to sell to support@fire-police-ems.com. Please include title, author, condition, price and contact information and we will get back to you. Shipping is easy since we pay for shipping, or have UPS pick up the books.

As always, if you have any questions or comments let us know. You can visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

Hot Summer Reading

Finally the sun has come out in Massachusetts, which reminded us that its actually summer. Looking for good books to read while lounging in the hammock or on the beach? We've got a few suggestions to go along with our previously mentioned must read fire books and our favorites listed on our website.

First off, DMC Books has released two new recommended books. Lights & Sirens follows Pat Burns' career on the Chicago Fire Department. Flames and arsonists, life and death, humor and tragedy were all parts of Pat's career chronicled in this book.

Also from DMC comes Phil Burns' second book of stories from his career on FDNY, Bringing Everybody Home. This is the followup to Laughter, Tears and Muffled Drums and once again Phil demonstrates his gift for capturing the moments in his fellow firefighter's lives.

Public Enemies is sure to be one of the biggest movies of the summer. But can you watch it while lounging in the back yard? The book is an astonishing true-life account of America's first, and greatest, war on crime. teh author puts to rest many of the myths to tell the true story of J. Edgar Hoover, the beginnings of the FBI, and America's emerging underworld.

Rescue Men covers three generations, over sixty years, of service on the Boston Fire Department. Rescue Men captures the sense of belonging that came with being a firefighter and captures what its really like.

EMT Kelly Grayson tells stories from his profession and the people he encounters everyday in his book En Route. Morgan Larence's The Streets Ran Red is an account of deputy sheriff paramedics and the cast of medical experts who help them save lives. My Ambulance Education looks at life as a New York City EMT.

Finally, if you're going to be visiting Boston you may want to check out Returning To Quarters. this reference to all Boston Firehouses can help you create your own firehouse tour! If your visiting New York, bring along the Firefighting Buff's Guide To NYC to help guide you.

Fianlly, a little off subject, we recently got in stock the highly recommended Hybrid Vehicle High Voltage / SRS Shutdown. If your first responders aren't fully prepared to deal with hybrid vehicles it could lead to serious injury. This guide contains step by step instructions to quickly shut down hybrid vehicles. Lets keep everyone safe, so they can spend the summer lounging in the hammock.

We're always open to suggestions, either via email or left as comments to the blog. Be sure to follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FSPbooks. We anounce new books, special deals, and whatever else is on our minds there.

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Firehouses

Firehouses become landmarks in a community. they help tell the history of their community and become a part of the culture.

This is true in many cities and towns, including Boston. And on this subject we recommend the new book Returning To Quarters: A History Of Boston Firehouses. This book is a complete history of Boston firehouses including every firehouse in every district of the city. The book includes over 185 photos by suck photographers as Bill Noonan and Frank Fitzgerald. Its a must have for any history buff or fan of The Boston Fire Dept.

Through the years many books have been released about firehouses, with another one on the way. Currently we carry two more.

The Frontline covers over 400 firehouses from across the United States. the firehouses range from major cities to rural volunteer departments and everything in between. Its 192 pages with hundreds of full color and black and white photos.

Also from MT is A Guide To Cincinnati's Historic Firehouses. With proceeds benefitting the Cincinnati Fire Museum, this book is a comprehensive guide to the historic firehouses of Cincinatti Ohio.

Also keep an eye out for the upcoming Photographic Journey Through The Firehouses of FDNY due out this fall.

Many of the department histories also cover the firehouses. These include the Chicago Fire Dept. 1858 - 2008, Oakland Fire Dept. 1869 - 2004 and Time Served Is Not In Vain. As always you can find a complete listing of our history books, and all the books we carry at www.fire-police-ems.com.

And to kick off the 4th of July a little bit early, we're offering free shipping on all orders over $50 from now until July 5. Details are on our website.

It wasn't that long ago...

A few new DVD sets have been released recently showing fires in the late 1980s and 1990s. While it wasn't that long ago (although I was about 30 pounds lighter and without the gray hairs then), these DVDs are another great addition to any video library.

First, Fire Line Video has re-released two titles as 3 DVD sets for $29.95 each. These have both previously been released in VHS format.

The Boro's Burning series was first released in 1997 by Fire Floor Productions. Fire Line reissued it in VHS a few years ago. Each DVD is approximately 60 minutes and contains heavy FDNY action form the mid 1990s. Not only does it include action footage, but also good rig shots and interviews. It contains 24 incidents in all, spread out over the 3 hours.

Another Fire Line re-release is the Firegraphics Series. This series by Vic Nicastro was originally released in 1994. Fire line re-released it in VHS format a few years ago and are now releasing it as a 3 DVD set for $29.95. Firegraphics includes FDNY footage from the early 1990s, including many All Hands fires. Each DVD is approximately an hour long, featuring 25 fire all together, and has natural sound.

Also recently released is Archived Lawrence & Lowell Fires from Matt Gregoire at Providence Fire Films. Matt always does great work, and this is no exception. This DVD covers some of the most spectacular fires in the Lowell and Lawrence are spread out over 3 decades. With a running time of 45 minutes its another great value at $24.95. Matt has also released Greater Providence Area Fires vol. 21 with 8 more fires from earlier this year.

Also from Fire Line is the Fire From The Archives Series. This series contains fire footage shot for the TV news during the 1970s and 1980s. So far 3 DVDs have been released.

For older footage we recommend the Stillman Collection or Ahrens Fox Library. A complete listing of historical videos, as well as all things fire, police and EMS related can be found on our website at www.fire-police-ems.com. And if you can't find what your looking for, gives us a call or drop us an email and we'll give you a hand.

Do you have any ideas you'd like to see us write about. Email us or leave it in the comments section and I'll see what I can do.

Finally, as Firefighter Close Calls reminded us, tomorrow is the anniversary of the 2001 Fathers Day Fire that killed 3 FDNY firefighters. They provide a much better tribute than I could, and I suggest you check it out. The loss of those 3 firefighters was still being mourned three months later on Sept. 11. Fire Line's excellent Father's Day: the Forgotten Fire can be found here.

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.

New Releases

Recent fire book releases include:

American LaFrance 900 Series of the New York City Fire Department by John Calderone: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/ba8665.shtml

Fire Apparatus Journal March / April 2009: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/bf020903.shtml

Chicago Fire Dept. 150 Years: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/bc1542.shtml