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.

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.

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.

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.