Massachusetts Fire Chief Promo List posted and some friendly advice

Just a quick note to announce that Civil Service has released the Massachusetts Municipal District, Deputy and Fire Chief promotional reading list. The reading list is almost the same as last year, with the new 2008 edition of NIMS FEMA 501 replacing the 2004 edition. The list is:

Brannigan's Building Construction 4th ed.
Vincent Dunn's Safety & Survival On The Fireground
ICMA's Managing Fire & Rescue Services
IFSTA's Fire Detection & Suppression Systems 3rd ed.
IFSTA's HazMat For First Responders 3rd ed.
IFSTA's Introduction to Fire Origin & Cause 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501
Strategic & Tactical Considerations on the Fireground 2nd ed.
The Human Challenge 7th ed.

the Boston list is the same as the statewide one, but without the NIMS book. A complete listing of all books and study guides can be found on our website at www.fire-police-ems.com.

We've covered our advice for studying in previous blog posts, but some to save you looking back we'll give you another quick rundown here.

Study guides are encouraged, but only if you are going to use them. I'd say the majority of people get them, but if you're usure its best to wait. The study guides will always be available and can be purchased later. And don't think you can pass by only reading the study guides. I'm yet to hear of any cases where this strategy worked.

If you're unsure you may not want to buy all the books at once. You save money on shipping that way, but you don't want to psych yourself out before you even get going. Many times we've had books returned to us because "it just looks like too much".

Its a lot of reading with only 6 onths to do it, but you need to dedicate yourself to studying. If you have some free time try to resist watching Sportscenter and pick up one of your books. The more time you put in, the better your chances of gettting the high score.

Study groups are also a great way to help each other learn the books, but everyone must be fully gung ho. No skipping meetings or cancelling because you got Sox tickets. Offer the Sox tickets to your friendly FSP sales associates, and head off to your study group.

If you have other study tips we'd love to hear them. Post them in the comments and we'll stick them in a follow up blog later. Rememember for last products and reading list announcements follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/FSPbooks and Facebook. Questions or comments? Email support@fire-police-ems.com.

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!