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!

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 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.

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.

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.