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

Fire Department Leadership

 Leadership Lessons for Formal and Informal Fire Service Leaders

Leadership is the number one issue facing the fire service today. If fire organizations can focus on developing values-drive, principle-based leaders who take responsibility and make themselves accountable up, down and across the chain of command every other issue will take care of itself.
This book provides formal and informal leaders with a variety of invaluable leadership lessons.
Readers will learn how to become people of influence to inspire others to follow their lead.
Topics Include:

• Creating a Values-Driven Culture
• Defining Leadership
• Transformational Leadership
• Reigniting Responsibility
• Facilitating Accountability
• The Power of the Company Officer
• The Power of Empowerment
• The Power of Humility
• Succession Planning Success
• The Change Resistance Myth
• Dealing with Distrust in Your Department
• Creating Consistency
• Becoming an Exceptional Leader

 This highly recommended book is now in stock for $19.95! Click here to order!

We have a number of other books for fire department leaders. These include A New Breed of Leader, Leadership on the Line,  and Leadership In Dangerous Situations. If you have any questions give our sales team a call at 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!

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!

The Ultimate Fire Department Training Library?

We're trying to compile a list of the best training books. What books should every department library have? Which training books should every firefighter read?

So far Vincent Dunne's Collapse of Burning Buildings (going to a 2nd edition very soon), The Fire Protection Handbook, Ray Downey's Rescue Company and John Norman's Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics have been suggested.

I agree with all of those, but what else would you suggest? Whats the best Company Officer book? Or best Vehicle Rescue book?

We want to hear from you so add your suggestions under "Discussion" on the FSP Facebook page at Facebook.com/FSPBooks. We'll post the suggestion in the blog and on Facebook!

New Firefighting Training Books

We quickly wanted to cover the latest releases in firefighter training. A number of books have been released in the last few months from various publishers.

On the subject of firefighter safety IFSTA and FPP have released two new titles. Occupational Safety, Health and Wellness is a companion to Fire Dept. Safety Officer. The goal is to establish and maintain a culture of safety within the fire and emergency services. It contains safety information, lays out requirements for health and fitness programs, and provides guidance.

Understanding and Implementing the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives was developed as a joint project between the National Fallen Firefighters Fund and Fire Protection Publications. It provides a detailed overview and implementation strategy for the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives that were developed at the landmark National Fallen Firefighters Fund 2004 summit.


Delmar has published the Firefighter's Fitness Handbook. This text provides a total health evaluation and fitness program designed specifically for firefighters. It also covers stress levels and the physical risks inherent with firefighting.

Also from FPP is the newest edition of Fire Service Hydraulics and Water Supply. This second edition provides detailed information on the principles of water and its movement, determining accurate pressure and fire flows, types of apparatus and pumps used to move water and much more.

IFSTA has also updated its Fireground Support Operations with Structural Firefighting: Truck Company Skills and Tactics. It is designed to be a resource for those who engage in "truck work" on the fireground. Topics covered include forcible entry, fireground search and rescue, ventilation, loss control, rapid intervention and other truck company responsibilities.

Jones and Bartlett has published a number of EMS titles that may be of interest to firefighters and fire departments. Instructional Methods For Public Safety offers a broad spectrum view of the latest educational trends and cutting edge information on emergency services instruction.

Jones and Bartlett's Emergency Medical Responder offers complete coverage and the best practices in prehospital medicine. In addition, Sick / Not Sick 2nd ed has been updated with new case studies and is a great resource in helping develop rapid patient assessment skills.

These and many more fire, police and EMS training resources can be found at FSP Books & Videos. Call us at 800.522.8528 or visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com. Our friendly customer service reps have years of experience and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Aerial Firefighitng

We wanted to highlight a couple new products covering aerial firefighting.

First we have the bran new books and DVD combo Fire Bombers In Action. This book tells the history of aerial firefighting over the past four decades. A comprehensive list of fire bomber aircraft is included along with an hour long DVD featuring rare footage.

Alan Simmons adds to his great fire scene videos with Firefighting Airtankers "Aerial Assault". This 80 minute DVD features aerial firefighting action from southern California. Also included is a section on air operations narrated by retired USFS Toney Duprey, and vintage footage from 1999 of air tankers filmed at Paso Robles Air Attack Base. Alan once again produced a great, and highly recommended, video. You can find a complete listing of Alan Simmons Video Productions at www.fire-police-ems.com.

Also recommended is Aerial Firefighting. With over 350 pages and over 400 color photos, this is a must have for any aviation or firefighting enthusiast. The detailed text provides technical descriptions for forest fire fighting as well as speculation of the future of aerial firefighting.

All 3 are available from FSP Books and Videos, along with many other wildland firefighting books and DVDs. you can find them online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or call them at 800-522-8528.

New History Books From MT Publishing!

MT Publishing has once again impressed us with their latest books. These beautiful, coffee table style books are recommended for any fire library or history buff!

First off is Fires To Remember. This 200 page book, published by the Friendship Fire Assoc., tells the history of the Washington DC Fire and EMS Department through over 350 pictures and captions. The history of the department is broken down chronologically from the 1800s to the 2000s with pictures of major incidents, personnel, posed and working apparatus.

Also new from MT is Badges of America's Heroes. This gorgeous book is the most comprehensive listing of fire badge hallmarks ever! It includes a history of the evolution of the fire badge, a listing of major manufacturers, contributions from notable fire museums and much more. Hundreds of color photos make make this a must have for any collector or historian.

Coming later this month is Remember...Only You! A History of Forest Fire Prevention Outdoor Advertising. Written by Harry "Punky" McClellan, this book creates a documented history of Forest Fire Prevention outdoor advertising. This written history is complimented with over 600 full color photos!

Also, due later this year are Companies in Quarters: A Pictorial History of the Firehouses of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Presented by the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society, it is a pictorial history of LAFD stations. The first fire stations of the 1880’s to the newest stations of today, along with much of the apparatus that occupied them, are featured in this new book which will be a must-have for historians of the fire service, fire buffs, and students of California architecture. It is packed with photos of all of the 106 current and over 120 former fire stations and their “Companies in Quarters”.

On the subject of firehouses, A Photographic Journey Through the Firehouses of FDNY is also due out later this year. This full color book will take the reader on a journey through all 200+ FDNY Firehouses.

Finally, the Hall of Flame will be releasing The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting at 50. Documenting the history of wildland and structural firefighting in the US from colonial to modern times, hundreds of photos show off the museum's collection of firefighting tools.

Other future titles from MT include Northern Illinois Fire Ground Photography, and many fire and police department histories. You can also see all the previously published MT titles here. As always, if you have any questions feel free to email us at support@fire-police-ems.com or call us at (800) 522-8528. And visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

Massachusetts Fire Promotional Exams (and study advice)

Massachusetts Civil Service has released the released the promotional reading lists for both municipal fire departments statewide and for Boston. The list are:

Massachusetts Statewide Lieutenant:
Company Officer, 4th ed.
Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
First Responder 8th ed., Brady
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed.
NIMS 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.
LadderCompany Fireground. Operations, 3rd ed.

Massachusetts Statewide Captain:
Company Officer, 4th ed.
Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
First Responder 8th ed., Brady
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd ed
Collapse Of Burning Buildings
Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground, 2nd ed.
Supervision Today, 6th ed.

The Boston reading lists are the same, just without Pumping Apparatus and NIMS FEMA 501. Discounted packages for all four reading list are available from us at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling 800.522.8528.

They say nothing is free these days, especially when it comes to promotional exams, but here is some free advice we've learned throughout the years.

1. Should I use study guides? Some people swear by them, other people can't stand them. I usually recommend them. When being promoted can come down to a point or two, any edge you can get could prove to be the difference. Between software and print study guides there is something for almost every book!

2. Do I need to buy the texts or should I only use the study guides? If nothing else, buy the texts! The questions come from the texts. If you choose to only use the study guides, you could miss something. Again, only a few points can make a big difference. Even if you decide to only buy and tackle one text at a time, if you're taking the exam seriously you need the textbooks.

3. Whats the best way to study? If you have friends or associates (or people you barely know) on other departments who are also taking the test, for a study group. Discussing the books, answering each others questions, and debating points can bring to light information you may have missed. A dedicated study group can be a huge benefit for all involved. Everyone has to be dedicated though and make each meeting. No excuses!

4. What if I don't have time? Easy answer. Find the time. I know its not easy, but it can be done.Waiting around at the DMV? Bring a book. Visiting the in-laws? Bring a book. Going fishing? Bring a book. Or bring the whole study group! (Just leaves the beers in the cooler until after the books have been discussed). Use a text for bathroom reading. Read the children bedtime stories out of the texts (many people have said they're great for insomnia). Be willing to read and highlight any time you have some free time. Which leads to...

5. Notes and highlighting. Even if its just jotting down key ideas on a piece of paper, taking notes helps a lot of people. Make sure you understand it first, but going back and highlighting or taking notes gives you key ideas to look over on that big final review before test time. Plus, a study group can share notes to see what everyone found important.

Do you have nay other study tips? Let us know what has worked for you in the comments section.

What's new in EMS?

2010 has already been a pretty big year for EMS related titles. A quick browse through our new books listing shows a number of them (more than I even realized) so we wanted to touch on a few for you.

First, from AAOS and Jones & Bartlett, comes Preplanning For EMS. Preplanning has been used for years by the fire service to ensure responder and civilian safety and to maximize the effectiveness of the responders. This text encourages EMS departments to become involved with preplanning by: researching local facilities and events and identifying hazards, developing a response plan, coordinating with other response agencies and gathering supplies and recruiting help.

Also from AAOS and Jones & Bartlett comes Principles of ALS Care. The text provides a succinct and comprehensive review of essential concepts in ALS. This book is perfect for use as a refresher, a supplement to an ALS course, a field reference or a study guide to prepare for an exam.

Brady has released Prehospital Emergency Care, 9th ed. This complete resource for EMT-B training uses of the case study model, state-of-the-art scans, algorithms, protocols, step-by-step explanations with comprehensive, stimulating, and challenging material to prepare users for success.

AAOS celebrates the 40th anniversary of their "Orange Book Series" by releasing the 10th edition of Emergency Care And Transportation Of The Sick And Injured. Based on the new National EMS Education Standards, the Tenth Edition offers complete coverage of every competency statement with clarity and precision in a concise format that ensures student comprehension and encourages critical thinking.

Finally, I wanted to touch on EMT-Basic Exam for Fire Fighters, published by Learning Express. This exam prep book contains 4 practice exams, expert test taking advice, information on the advantages of obtaining EMT certification—from getting hired to benefits that span across your career as a firefighter, and state certification requirements and EMT agencies.

You can find a complete listing of EMS books at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com. And if you can't find the title you're looking for, or don't know exactly what you need, contact us and we'll give you a hand.

Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics

The Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics has always been a favorite and is considered by many a "must read" book for all firefighters, and a valuable addition to any fire library. Its a simple, well written guide for any firefighter or fire officer who has already learned the basics and is looking for methods on handling specific situations. Fire Engineering has taken the handbook to a new level. Not only have they released the text and study guide, but they now have audio, software and a DVD series to supplement the text.

The audio book can be played on any CD player, or can be uploaded to an MP3 player allowing you to take it anywhere you choose.

The study guide includes multiple choice and short answer questions, and includes a page reference from the text with the answer key. It also includes a 100 questions final exam. The same is true for the software study guide, which also includes various elements of fireground situations for a more realistic approach.

Finally, Fire Engineering has released DVDs for every chapter of the text:
v.1 General Principles of Firefighting
v.2 Sizeup
v.3 Engine Company Operations
v.4 Hoselines
v.5 Water Supply
v.6 Sprinklers
v.7 Standpipes
v.8 Ladder Company Operations
v.9 Forcible Entry
v. 10 Ventilation
v. 11 Search & Rescue
v. 12 Safety & Survival
v. 13 Private Dwellings
v. 14 Multiple Dwellings
v. 15 Store Fires
v. 16 High Rise
v. 17 Buildings Under Construction / Fire-Related Emergencies
v.18 Structural Collapse
v.19 Terrorism and Homeland Security (coming soon)

As if all that wasn't enough, both Knightlite and Rapid-fire have released study software for the book as well.

As always, everything is available at FSP Books & Videos (www.Fire-Police-EMS.com). If you have any questions, the friendly sales staff can help you out. You can call them at 800.522.8528 or email support@fire-police-ems.com.

Building Construction

Just a quick post on building construction for the fire service. Two new books have been released in the past month covering this important subject.

First, from Delmar Cengage learning, is Knowing Your Buildings. This illustrative reference guide is designed to improve safety and performance on the fireground. It has a chapter dedicated to risk management and building construction basics that emphasizes safety. It also has an A-Z illustrated terminology reference guide.

Also IFSTA has released the 3rd edition of their Building Construction Related to the Fire Service. This new edition provides firefighters with basic instructions about building design and construction, and how that relates to emergency services. The 3rd edition also includes new photos and illustrations and case histories. It also emphasizes firefighter safety and newer types of construction, along with "green" construction principles.

Previously released book include 2008's Building Construction Methods and Materials for the Fire Service from Brady, and Francis Brannigan's Building Construction For The Fire Service 4th ed. This edition honors Brannigan's motto of "know your buildings" by using plain language to deliver technical information about different building types and their unique hazards.

To order any of these books please visit us at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com. And feel free to email us with any questions at support@fire-police-ems.com.

Holiday Best Sellers

The holiday season is over. You've finished everything that was given to you as a gift. Still looking for something new? Here's our top sellers for November and December.

Books
FDNY Operational Reference: The mother of all FDNY reference books. Covers apparatus, operations and much, much more!

Fire Department City of New York: The Dreyfous Collection: a gorgeous photographic history of NYC firefighting from 1912-1947

If You Play With Fire: tells the inside story of FDNY firehouse operations in the 1960s and 1970s

Returning To Quarters: A history of every firehouse in the city of Boston with 185 pictures

Fire Buffs: A detailed and insightful book about fire buffs, written by a long time buff, photographer, and author

Other books that sold well include Bringing Everybody Home, Fire Engines, and Chicago Fire Dept. 1858 - 2008.

Videos
FDNY: The Battle Continues volume 23 & 24 and Boro's Burning Collection all from Fire Line Video Productions.

Emergency! : The landmark television show

Greater Providence Area Fires volumes 21 & 22 and Detroit Devil's Week 2009: more great footage from Providence Fire Videos. Inc.

All of these titles and stock and ready to ship. Visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or call 800-522-8528 with any questions, to request a free catalog or to place an order.

New Rescue Books

Just wanted to drop a quick blog. There's a bunch of recently released books on rescue that we wanted to touch on.

Jones & Bartlett has just released Fundamentals of Technical Rescue. This new text covers all aspects of rescue, from introduction, through tools, equipment and management. It also covers the various rescue aspects and environments. At $55.95 this book is ideal for any rescue organization.

Delmar / Cengage has released two new titles in their Technical Rescuer Series. First, Water Levels I & II covers all 5 sub-disciplines of water rescue. this includes surface water rescue, ice rescue, swiftwater rescue, surf rescue and more. This book is ideal for all levels of rescuer, from first responder to rescue technician.

Next is Confined Space Levels I & II. It teaches the reader to be proactive in rescue by recognizing hazards, identifying which hazards can be managed and then taking steps to manage the hazards. It also emphasizes the importance of teamwork to a rescue.

Finally I wanted to mention a book that should be in every department library. Contact with 133 to 330 Volt DC or some 650 Volt AC systems during emergency operations could lead to serious injury or even death. Hybrid Vehicle High Voltage / SRS Shut-Down contains step by step instructions to quickly shut down hybrid vehicles. It comes in large desktop size (for the station) and pocket size (for the apparatus). the author are also available for seminars and training.

Visit us online at www.fire-police-ems.com for a complete list of rescue books. If you have any additional recommendations please leave them in the comments. If you have any questions or comments for us please drop us an email. Thanks and stay safe.

The ultimate department library?

Often times we get asked for recommendations on technical books. Sometimes someone is teaching a class, sometimes someone is writing a paper, sometimes a person is looking for a little extra when preparing for an exam.

We're happy to give our opinions, but would like to know what you think. Many of you have taken the classes, taught the courses, or kept yourselves up to date on all the latest info. We want to give you the opportunity to share your recommendations with your peers.

If you were building the ultimate department library, looking to touch all major topics, what books would you choose? Are there older, out of print books that should be included? Topics can include anything you feel important. Some suggestions would be Management, Officer Training, HazMat, Building Construction, Pumping Apparatus, Rescue, or anything else you feel is important. Leave your list in the comments section where everyone can take a look. We'll put them all together and post the ultimate department library.

Also, I'm sure there are some subjects that you can't find info on, or you feel should be covered more in depth. Here's your chance to let us know what those subjects are. We'll not only post the list so you can offer suggestions to each other, but we'll also pass it along to the publishers so they know what there's a demand for.

As always you can follow us on Twitter @FSPbooks, become a fan on Facebook, or visit us online at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com.

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.

Why choose FSP?

We understand the importance of getting and keeping a customer. We pride ourselves on our customer service and want to help you any way we can. So why choose FSP?

We have been in business (and firefighter owned) since 1987, that’s over 22 years, serving public safety (fire, police, EMS) individuals and organizations. Our staff has been together for over 5 years, so you get a voice you know whenever you give us a call and a face you recognize any time you stop by. Our product line has been fairly constant: books, videos, software. Our business model is simple: get a customer, offer them excellent service, and the customer will be back. In fact, a high percentage of orders are from existing customers, or referrals.

We started our website over 10 years ago. To this day we continually adapt to customer needs, such as the newly added Public Information Officer / Media Relations section to help fire, police, and EMS deal with the press. Our website is updated daily, so NEW really means new, and cross referenced in as many ways possible to help make it easy to use. We constantly get praise for our website, but want to know what you think.

We're also trying to take advantage of the technology available. Things like this blog, Facebook and Twitter allow our customers many different ways to access us. Hopefully you also get to know the people behind FSP a littel better. We're always looking for suggestions from our customers also.

We keep almost 100% of our products in stock and ready to ship. You’ll never see the standard line: “ALLOW 4-6 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY”. In almost all cases if you get the order to us by noon (Eastern time), we’ll ship it that day. Need something fast? Give us a call and we'll help you the best we can. Next day and 2nd day air shipping is available.

We can work with your department to put together a first class station library. We carry all major publishers and producers so FSP can be your one-stop shopping. If you've received grant money we can help you determine what will get the most bang for your buck. Give us a call or drop us an email and we can help you out.

I know we say it a lot, but we really do appreciate customer feedback. Email us, Tweet us (@FSPbooks), leave us a message on Facebook, leave comments here, or give us a call.

Visit us online at www.fire-police-ems.com.

A Few Quick Thoughts

Ripping off Peter King's Things I Think I Think before heading off for vacation...

1. We're always looking to carry new books, DVDs, software, etc. Technology is a wonderful thing. Its given us do-it-yourself DVD producing and burning on the computer and print on demand publishing. We try to keep up with everything the best we can, but I'm easily distracted. If you have something new you think we should be carrying, please call, email support@fire-police-ems.com, or check the website for submission guidelines. We've found out about many of our current products this way.

2. We love feedback and are want to hear from YOU, the customer. We want FSP to evolve to meet your needs so if you have comments, praise, suggestions, anything, let us know. Email, call, or leave a comment here.

3. We also want to do all we can to help departments out in this economy. If you're updating your station library, writing a grant, or giving a promotional test let us know. We'll do our best to maximize your budget and save you money. FSP is also one stop shopping. We carry all major publishers of fire, police and EMS books.

4. We're looking to make things more interactive, allowing customers to share ideas, studying strategies, and more. Become a friend of FSP on Facebook and feel free to post on the discussion board.

5. The new catalog mailed out last week, and we already have a number of new products that didn't make it in. If you don't get the catalog in the next couple weeks, let us know. And if you want to know whats new click here.

6. In the last month we've offered $5 off and 5% off coupons. Follow us on Twitter for special deals and Twitter only coupons. And let us lnow your thoughts @FSPbooks.

7. If you don't get our email blast, FSP NewsNotes, you can sign up on our website or by sending an email to support@fire-police-ems.com with "NewsNotes signup" as the subject. The NewsNotes is sent twice a month and covers new products, FSP news, and featured subjects. So far this summer we've been featuring different regions in every newsletter. If you want to get a feel for it, they're archived here.

8. If there are any subjects you'd like to see discussed in the blog, or featured in the NewsNotes, let us know. I struggle for ideas sometimes, but would love to know what you want to read about.

9. Just a reminder most orders placed by noon eastern time ship the same day. And orders can be placed online 24 hours a day at www.fire-police-ems.com.

10. Thinking of doing firefighting, police and EMS links posts at some point. Leave comments with your favorite links. Thanks and stay safe!

The Best Ways To Study

Over the years there has been one question we get time and time again around exam time. How would you recommend I study? Should I use study guides, or software, or both? If I had the million dollar answer, college would've been a lot easier (and shorter) but we can give you some advice.

Should I buy study guides? The salesman in me says of course you should. But honestly, its personal choice. If someone is hesitant to buy study guides I usually tell them to buy the books, go over the books, and then buy study guides if they feel they need some more reinforcement. Its a catch 22, if you buy the books with the study guides you save money. But if you don't need the study guides you feel like you wasted the money. This is another reason we try to run as many discounts and specials as we can during exam time (follow us on Twitter for even more discounts and sales). I'd guess 70% of those studying buy some form of study guide, with maybe 10% buying every available study guide.

Should I buy print or software study guides? Again this is a personal choice. Each has pros and cons. Software is a little more versatile, allowing you to mix up questions from all chapters to form a test, or allowing you to print flash cards. But, and in my opinion this is a big but, do you want to be stuck in the house all summer staring at a computer? The biggest benefit to the print study guides is their mobility. You can curl it up, stick it in your back pocket, and lounge on the beach in Maine, lay down in the hammock on your back yard or take it fishing down the Cape with you. Try doing that with a laptop.

Do I even need the texts? Many have tried to pass with only the study guides. Most have been unsuccessful. I'm yet to hear of anyone doing well while only using study guides. I'm sure it has happened but those successes are few and far between.

What other advice do you have? Over the years we've gotten the most positive feedback from people who used study groups. For the group to be successful, you have to choose your group wisely. First, keep the group small, no more than 5-6 people so everyone can have their say. Second, as much as they may be your friends, choose people you won't be competing against. This means you may have to find people who are on different departments. You don't want it to be a competitive atmosphere, you want it to be beneficial to everyone involved. Third, no one gets to miss a meeting. If someone is sick in bed, the whole group meets in their bedroom (and someone brings chicken soup). Sometimes it takes trading shifts, but it only works if everyone is dedicated.

We want to hear what has helped you. Either post it in the comments or add it to the discussion board on the FSP Facebook page (make sure its the one with posts, we somehow ended up with 2 pages). You can find all you study needs at www.fire-police-ems.com. And if you have any questions or comments let us know through email, by phone, in the comments section or with Twitter.

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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