Top 2024 Holiday Gift Ideas: Must-Have Books for Firefighters and Fire Service Enthusiasts!

The holidays are here! And it’s the perfect time to show some love to the firefighter or fire service enthusiast in your life. Whether you’re shopping for a family member who belongs to the fire service, a future leader climbing the ranks, or someone dedicated to staying healthy and well, we’ve got you covered. These carefully chosen books are more than just gifts—they’re meaningful, inspiring, and packed with knowledge.

Take a look at the categories below and find the perfect title to brighten their holiday season!

For Friends & Family - General

Explore a diverse range of captivating books about the fire service. From children’s stories to behind-the-scenes photography, these titles are perfect for anyone looking for something inspiring and unique!

30 Fires You Must Know
A must-have for anyone fascinated by the fire service! This book written by Billy Goldfeder, Frank Leeb , and Friends offers a compelling examination of 30 pivotal fires that remain tactically relevant today, providing a deep dive into modern fire history and valuable lessons for firefighters and first responders.

Sprinkles the Fire Dog Adventure Bundle
Perfect for families of firefighters! Follow Sprinkles, a courageous firedog, as he overcomes challenges to become a hero in Sprinkles the Fire Dog, helps others in need in Sprinkles the Fire Dog 2: Making a Difference, and learn the true meaning of teamwork when he and his best friend Buddy and new friend Sydney must come together to help others in danger in Sprinkles the Fire Dog 3: Working Together. These heartwarming stories written by Frank Viscuso & Paul Combs inspire bravery, kindness, and perseverance.

The bundle also includes limited edition Sprinkles Sticker Sheets, adding extra fun for young readers!

Working with Giants
A collection of incredible lessons from firefighting legends, this book by best-selling author John Norman, provides valuable insights for anyone who admires the profession. It is a is a story about all firefighters—the men and women who are absolutely the salt of the earth, whose sole mission is to protect the lives and property of their neighbors.

Behind the Scenes: A Tim Olk Gallery
A stunning visual exploration of the fire service, featuring breathtaking photography that captures the spirit of firefighting! This book by Tim Olk reveals what firefighters endure every day that the greater public does not see.

Bruno Unplugged
Dive into a collection of reflections and wisdom from legendary fire service leader Alan Brunacini! Based on his recurring columns “Rules of Engagement” and “Bruno Unplugged” in the pages of Fire Engineering, Bruno’s advice to the American fire service on how to best care for “Mrs. Smith” by providing excellent customer service is practiced in firehouses across the country and the world today. Bruno had a unique ability to expose the simplicity in the fire service’s complex issues. He lived as he preached, being nice, being safe, and preventing harm.

Into the Smoke with New York’s Bravest
A tribute to the bravery and resilience of New York City firefighters, this book tells their stories through powerful imagery and storytelling. Itis a work of photojournalism that traces Tom Barry’s career as a firefighter—spanning parts of four decades in FDNY—along with the forty-year effort of noted freelance photographer Michael Dick.

Editor’s Opinion
Editor’s Opinion is an homage to Bobby Halton, Editor in Memoriam of Fire Engineering Magazine. Over his 18 years as Editor-in-Chief, Halton contributed several pieces on critical topics to the fire service in his monthly "Editor’s Opinion” column – all of which are now gathered in this book. Take a look at Halton’s unique perspective on everything from social media, to the importance of spending time together as a company, and the importance of educating not only the men and women in the fire service, but also our communities and the next generation of firefighters.

For A Next Generation Leader - Leadership

If someone in your life is stepping into a leadership role or refining their skills, these books are packed with practical guidance and inspiration for professional development in the fire service.

The Official Book of Andy
A heartfelt tribute to Andy Fredericks, this book highlights the legacy of a fire service leader whose teachings remain influential today. This book is a compilation of his writings that appeared in print in Fire Engineering and online for Fire Nuggets. Fredericks was a member of Fire Department of New York Squad Company 18 in Manhattan and was killed on 9/11. He was a pioneer and a noted expert in fire suppression methods. This book is a tribute to his work, gathering his expertise on hose lines, standpipe operations, and all the facets of fire attack.

Pride & Ownership: A Firefighter’s Love of the Job
This motivational book by Rick Lasky, Chief (Ret.) emphasizes the passion and pride that define a firefighter's commitment to the job. Pride and Ownership holds no punches. Chief Rick Lasky takes a hard look at the fire service and finds it short on the only element that makes it effective: passion. Chief Lasky gives an upfront and honest criticism about the need to reignite the love of the job on every level, from chiefs and on down. Do you have what it takes?

Step Up and Lead
This go-to guide for firefighters transitioning into leadership roles is packed with actionable advice and strategies! Written by Frank Viscuso—author, speaker, and career deputy chief—it reveals the secrets of effective fire service leadership, explores the traits and skills essential for success, and emphasizes the importance of customer service.

The Fire Chief’s Handbook – 7th Edition
A comprehensive resource for fire chiefs, The Fire Chief’s Handbook covers all aspects of modern fire service leadership. Edited by Richard A. Marinucci , this updated edition continues Fire Engineering’s 82-year tradition of providing definitive resources for advanced fire service training. The text addresses the evolving responsibilities of the fire service, with returning authors updating their chapters to reflect today’s leadership challenges and new authors offering fresh perspectives.

The Functional Fire Company
The Functional Fire Company by Scott Thompson is an essential resource for fire service leaders at all levels, providing actionable strategies for improving culture, training, and operational effectiveness. With real-world insights from decades of experience, Chief Thompson offers a practical guide to achieving excellence in the fire service.

Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center (2nd Edition)
If you’re looking to climb the ranks or refine your leadership skills, this book is a must-read! This essential guide by Anthony Kastros has helped thousands of firefighters achieve top scores on promotional exams and advance their careers. Packed with actionable strategies, it’s perfect for anyone preparing for leadership roles in the fire service. It contains 20+ emergency simulations- from residential fires to hazmat incidents, practical exercises for oral presentations, counseling, and supervisory scenarios, and guidance for essays, incident reports, and interviews.

Mastering the Craft: Cultivating a Philosophy for Fire Attack
In the chaos of the fireground, where every decision counts, Mastering the Craft inspires and equips firefighters to rise above challenges. Written by veteran firefighter Jeff Rothmeier, this book is a powerful call to action for building resilience, camaraderie, and a mission-focused mindset.

For Self-Care - Health & Wellness

Firefighting is one of the most demanding professions and prioritizing mental and physical well-being is essential! These books focus on mental health, fitness, and overall wellness, helping firefighters stay resilient in the face of challenges.

Human Performance for Tactical Athletes
Created by the experts at O2X Human Performance, this book provides firefighters, first responders, law enforcement officers, and military personnel with the tools to enhance health, build resilience, and maximize performance! It targets key challenges for tactical athletes, including injury prevention, cancer risks, cardiac health, and behavioral wellness. It also, features O2X’s proven EAT SWEAT THRIVE methodology for optimizing nutrition, fitness, sleep, and stress management.

Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage
Anne Gagliano & Mike Gagliano draw on over 30 years of personal experience and insights from other firefighter couples to provide practical guidance for navigating the unique challenges of firefighting relationships. From addressing sleep disruption and financial stress to fostering healthy intimacy and communication, this book offers essential tools and heartfelt advice to help firefighter families thrive amidst the demands of the profession.

Firefighter Emotional Wellness
A must-read for reconnecting with oneself and fostering emotional resilience! Through interviews with firefighters and practical tools, Jada Hudson’s provides strategies to navigate the emotional challenges of the job. A book designed for first responders seeking to build resilience, process experiences, and enhance personal well-being.

The Conscious Warrior
Discover how yoga and mindfulness practices can enhance the physical and mental well-being of firefighters and first responders! This evidence-based guide by Shannon McQuaide combines practical insights and scientific research to demonstrate how yoga reduces chronic stress, builds resilience, and improves overall health. With step-by-step instructions on implementing yoga programs in fire stations and tailored classes for first responders, this book is an essential resource for fostering a healthier, more balanced fire service culture.

Firefighter Functional Fitness
The ultimate guide to physical training for firefighters, focusing on performance, endurance, and injury prevention! Written byDan Kerrigan & Jim Moss, this book covers the 4 Pillars of Functional Fitness—Physical Fitness, Recovery, Hydration, and Nutrition and offers over 100 tailored exercises and practical steps for all fitness levels.

Surviving the Fire Service
This book edited by Chief Todd J. LeDuc (ret) provides practical advice for navigating the unique stresses of a firefighting career! is an essential guide for reducing the occupational risks firefighters face, from cancer and cardiovascular events to behavioral health challenges. This comprehensive resource covers critical topics such as medical exams, nutrition, managing heat stress, fireground survival, and the tactical athlete mindset.

Operational Intelligence for Health, Wellness, and Leadership
A holistic approach to balancing wellness, leadership, and operational performance in the fire service. This groundbreaking book by Gamaliel Baer and David Schary addresses health risks like heart attack, cancer, and suicide in the fire service through lifestyle changes and resilience. Grounded in Aristotle’s theory of responsibility, it redefines leadership with an objective, actionable framework.

Give the Gift of Inspiration and Knowledge - This holiday season, surprise the firefighter or fire service enthusiast in your life with a thoughtful book tailored to their journey. Whether it’s inspiring leadership lessons, tools for personal wellness, or engaging stories, these titles make the perfect gift.