Serving public safety for over 20 years, the FSP blog is set up to share our thoughts on all sorts of firefighting, police and EMS subjects, provide reading recommendations, cover new products and interact with our customers.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Boston Fire Department E33/L15 Walsh/Kennedy Memorial Shirt
The Engine 33 / Ladder 15 of the Boston Fire Department is now selling memorial t-shirts to benefit the Edward Walsh / Mike Kennedy Memorial Fund. 100% of the proceeds go to the Memorial Fund. The shirts are being sold through FSP Books and Videos Inc. The shirts can be ordered at http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/boston-memorial-shirt.shtml or by calling FSP at 800.522.8528.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
Lessons Learned During 42 Years with FDNY from Vincent Dunn, Deputy Chief, retired
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.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The Latest In Fire Apparatus Books
First, from John Calderone and Fire Apparatus Journal comes Mack CF Fire Apparatus of the New York City Fire Department.
In the same format as his Ward LaFrance, Hose Wagon and Squad Apparatus books, this 96 page book is loaded with full-color photos, data and history of all of New York City's Mack CF fire apparatus that served over the years. All photos are accompanied by data and registration numbers.
Also, 13 years after the original, Peter Aloisi and Chariot Publishing have published Fire Apparatus Fighting Fires II.
It features 82 multiple alarm fires in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York City and Kentucky. View 96 pages of fire trucks in posed and action shots from many cities, including New York City, Boston and Chicago. Special sections include: Winter Firefighting, Truck Work, Gone but not Forgotten.
Also for the fire truck enthusiasts MT Publishing is releasing Boyer Fire Apparatus and re-releasing LAFD: Land, Sea and Air next week.You can find all the fire apparatus books we carry at our website, www.Fire-Police-EMS.com. As always, if you want to order any of the books featured in the blog or if have any questions give us a call at 800.522.8528. You can also email customer support with any questions at support@fire-police-ems.com.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
New Fire Service Leadership books
The first is Five Alarm Leadership, a combined effort between fire service leaders Rick Lasky and John Salka.
They combine their years of leadership to compile lessons they've learned, scenarios they've encountered, situations they've handled and problems they've solved. The goal is to use their experiences to mold others into better leaders and improve the fire service.
Step Up and Lead shares the knowledge of another wonderful fire service leader, Frank Viscuso.
He shares his secrets of effective leadership, introduces what he considers to the the essential traits and skills of a fire service leader and discusses the importance of customer service in the fire service.
These two titles are among a number of leadership and management books available.
Another highly recommended title is Once Upon A Crisis. This well-written book is an up-close account of surviving loss that takes a good look at post-traumatic stress from the inside out. It is a must read for emergency service workers, those close to them, anyone considering a career in the emergency response field, or anyone trying to overcome personal loss.
As always feel free to contact us with any questions 800.522.8528 or support@fire-police-ems.com.
Is there a blog post you'd like us to write? Let us know in the comments section.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Firefighter I & II Training
We wanted to highlight some of the key features of the new books.
IFSTA's Essentials of Fire Fighting 6/e features:
- Content Separation – Firefighter I and II content is clearly identified and separated in each chapter for ease of teaching and learning.
- Research-Driven Content – Updates to content, skills and tactics reflect the most current research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and others.
- Student-Focused Design – High quality photos and illustrations emphasize the chapter content. Engaging graphics reinforce the sequence of each skill to ensure mastery is achieved safely. Key terms are clearly identified in the margins for ease of use and comprehension.
Jones & Bartlett's new Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills 3/e features:
- Skill drills leave the confines of the printed page. See skills performed in real-time by swiping QR Codes with your smart phone or tablet.
- Quickly identify Fire Fighter II content and skill drills through clear visual road maps.
- Rapidly access content through clear and concise Knowledge and Skill Objectives with page references, as well as NFPA 1001 and 472 correlations.
- Encourage critical thinking skills. Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II case studies offer students a genuine context for applying the knowledge presented in the chapter.
So out of all the possible Fire Fighter I & II titles which text is best for your department? That's up to you, but we're always here to help. You can call our customer service department at 800.522.8528 or drop us an email at support@fire-police-ems.com. Averaging over 10 years experience we can help with all your text and DVD needs.
Thanks for reading,
Sean
FSP Books & Videos
http://www.fire-police-ems.com/
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Reality TV and the fire service
Along the way, you’ll learn about the tactics they employ to battle the blazes, explore the ways in which modern technology aids them in their quest and get to know these courageous men and women during the quieter moments they spend together at the firehouse.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Fire Department Leadership
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
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.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Labor Relations for the Fire Service - Fire Engineering
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Setting the stage for labor relations
- Historical events in labor relations and the fire service
- Labor-management relations in the public sector
- Labor relations and collective bargaining
- Negotiation process and impasse
- Contract administration
- Disciplinary action
- Human resource management
- Stress and psychological support
- Tomorrow’s labor relations
To order please click the link above or call us at (800) 522-8528.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
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!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Fire Department City of New York: The Dreyfous Collection
Fire Department City of New York: The Dreyfous Collection is a photographic ensemble encompassing the period for New York City Firemen from 1912 until 1947.
Fires from before WWI through the Great Depression until after WWII are covered. It was during this time that Albert G. Dreyfous was the official photographer for the fire department in a non-paid capacity.
Albert G. Dreyfous' passport into the FDNY was his photography. In the early 1900's, photgraphy was still evolving. Taking pictures was a hobby not attainable to most people.
Dreyfous had "all access" permission from the fire department to document Medal Days, apparatus deliveries, parades, and other formal occasions. When he responded to fires, not only was he allowed to cross the fire lines, he was able to enter the fray with the firemen, enduring the same dangerous conditions that they were exposed to.
His photos appeared in official FDNY publications including Annual Reports, Midnight Alarm programs, WNYF magazine and Medal Day programs. His work often appeared in city newspapers the day following a serious fire.
The photos used in this book were taken from Dreyfous' personal albums. He entered brief notes documenting the date, time, alarm box number, and how many alarms were required.
BF4907 - Fire Department City of New York: The Dreyfous Collection
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Jon Davies Memorial Tee Shirt Now Available
100% of the sales of this tee shirt will be donated to the Jon Davies Children's Fund.
The shirts are available in medium (M), large (L), extra large (XL) and extra extra large (XXL). All sizes are $20.00.
If you want a large order (more than 12 shirts) DO NOT come to the store. Call us with the order, or place the order thru the website and check the box "In Store Pickup".
We will contact you when your order is ready to be picked up.
If we are shipping the shirts to you there is no limit on how many shirts may be ordered.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Massachusetts and Boston Fire Chief Reading Lists Released
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
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!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
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
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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
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










