It's National Volunteer Firefighters Day, and Here’s How Our Authors Are Making a Difference!

Aug 17th 2024

It's National Volunteer Firefighters Day, and Here’s How Our Authors Are Making a Difference!


As we celebrate National Volunteer Firefighters Day, we're excited to honor the incredible dedication of volunteer firefighters who put their lives on the line for our communities. It's also a perfect time to acknowledge those who support and uplift these brave individuals! This year, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on our authors who, as passionate volunteers themselves, have written books that cater specifically to the needs of volunteer fire departments.

W. Edward Buchanan

W. Edward Buchanan is a seasoned volunteer firefighter whose deep expertise shines through in his book, Volunteer Training Officer's Handbook. This essential guide is tailored for training officers, offering practical strategies and insights into effective training and leadership. Buchanan’s book is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their skills in training and managing volunteer firefighters.


Tom Merrill

Tom Merrill provides a comprehensive look at the world of volunteer firefighting in his book, The Professional Volunteer Fire Department. Merrill’s work addresses the unique challenges and solutions involved in running a professional yet volunteer-driven fire department. His practical advice helps departments operate smoothly while maintaininghigh standards of service.



Joe Nedder

Joe Nedder brings his hands-on experience to his book, Managing Risk in the Volunteer Fire Department: Concepts, Methods, and Practices. Nedder’s focus on risk management provides volunteer fire departments with crucial tools for handling safety and risk effectively, ensuring that departments are well-prepared for any situation.



Howard Chatterton

Howard Chatterton supports the training of volunteer firefighters with his book, Volunteer Training Drills. Filled with practical drills and exercises, Chatterton’s book aims to enhance the skills and readiness of volunteer teams. His drills are engaging and straightforward, making training sessions both effective and enjoyable.


Candice McDonald

Dr. Candice McDonald has served as a firefighter, EMS chief, instructor, and inspector for two decades. She is the president of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association and is the deputy CEO for the National Volunteer Fire Council. Before joining the NVFC, she worked for NASA. We’re eagerly awaiting the release of Candice McDonald’s upcoming book Volunteer Recruitment and Retention! Stay tuned for more information on her work and how it will further support the field of volunteer firefighting. Her book promises to add valuable resources and insights to our collection.

On this National Volunteer Firefighters Day, we celebrate not only the courage and commitment of volunteer firefighters but also the authors who support them through their writing and expertise. These authors are making a significant impact by providing resources that enhance training, safety, and overall effectiveness within volunteer fire departments. Explore their books to see how they are shaping the future of volunteer firefighting.

Thank you for joining us in recognizing their contributions and celebrating the spirit of volunteerism! Check out all of our volunteer titles here!