Apr 12th 2024
Top Trending Reads of the Month: Fall's Must-Read Books
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we dive into the literary world to bring you top trending reads of the month! Whether you're a dedicated firefighter, a fire service leader, or simply someone with an unwavering passion for the fire service and emergency response, we have handpicked a selection of books that are sure to ignite your curiosity and expand your knowledge.
From the latest techniques in tactical performance to leadership insights and strategies for mastering the fire service assessment center, our list encompasses a diverse range of titles that will leave you both informed and inspired. Let's explore the top books making waves in the fire service community this month:
Human Performance for Tactical Athletes
By O2X Human Performance
As a tactical athlete, you have no offseason. This book gives you the tools you need to get better every day so you can finish your career as strong as you started.
O2X’s comprehensive curriculum targets the specific issues facing tactical populations including high rates of injury, elevated cancer and cardiac health risks, and behavioral health issues commonly associated with high-stress work environments. Our science backed EAT SWEAT THRIVE methodology focuses on improving nutrition, physical preparation, sleep, stress management, and resilience for optimal performance.
Fire Engineering's Handbook for Firefighter I&II, 2019 Update
Written to 2019 NFPA STANDARDS 1001
The Preeminent Handbook on Real-World Fire Basics
From fire service history to basic fire attack and building construction to firefighter safety, Fire Engineering’s 2019 update is the standard instruction handbook for firefighters. Lessons learned from more than 40 experienced authors who share their insight and knowledge. Edited by Glenn Corbett, Fire Engineering magazine’s technical editor, this 2019 update gives readers practical, real-world, time-tested knowledge and skills.
The Professional Volunteer Fire Department
By Tom Merrill
This book highlights the importance of developing and upholding a professional reputation in the firefighting community.
Endorsed by several Chiefs, this book is regarded as a must-read for all volunteer firefighters. It provides valuable insights into recruiting, retaining, and developing professional volunteer firefighters.
Fireground Strategies, Third Edition
The third edition of Chief Anthony Avillo’s bestselling Fireground Strategies is an invaluable resource for the education and development of outstanding fire officers.
Through case studies and illustrative examples, Avillo covers how to identify a strategy, develop an action plan, and implement tactics to meet the objectives of the course of action on a fireground. Fireground Strategies is a required text in senior-level undergraduate firefighting strategies courses and is recommended reading for promotional exams across the United States.
Pride & Ownership: A Firefighter's Love of the Job
By Rick Lasky
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. Not everyone is cut out for the fire service. It takes only the best to serve the public when people need help most. Pride and Ownership calls for men and women with honor and integrity to measure up to the task.
From Buddy to Boss: Effective Fire Service Leadership, 2nd Ed
A good friend once said about Chase Sargent that he’s “a very intelligent man, but he sure does tick people off sometimes.” Sargent doesn’t disagree. He may have made some people mad, but he wishes he had done it more often to get this point across: “Leadership—in all aspects of life—is sorely lacking.”
The second edition of From Buddy to Boss: Effective Fire Service Leadership reinforces the fact that the fire service is screaming for leaders as men and women discover that leadership is important to their existence and success. Being a firefighter can be tiring and frustrating, but it can be rewarding. It’s not only about the job, “but also about raising kids, managing your life, and trying to be a good person, attached to God, country, family, and friends,” says the author.
Truck Company Operations, Second Edition
Author John Mittendorf has completely rewritten his best-selling book, Truck Company Operations, a must-have for all firefighters who are assigned to the truck and who have responsibilities for the truck on the fireground.
The new second edition covers the many aspects, tasks, and functions of a truck company, and contains new and expanded information related to search, reading a building, reading smoke, the Ten Commandments of truck company operations, operating truck apparatus, and more--all from a truck company perspective.
Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics, 5th Edition
By John Norman
The ONE handbook thousands of fire officers and firefighters look to for safe, fireground-tested strategies and tactics.
With his fifth edition, Chief John Norman offers lessons learned during his extensive and time-honored career. Chief Norman imparts wisdom and experience by offering advice informed by actual outcomes from the fireground. This guide continues to be invaluable for firefighters aspiring to the officer level and those seeking to promote safety and effectiveness in their organization and the communities they serve by improving their own skills.
Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center, 2nd Edition
Thousands of firefighters have reached their career goals using this curriculum to score on the top of their promotional lists and become outstanding officers! Why Read This Book?
This book will help you regardless of the fire officer rank you seek. You will learn where you need to improve, how to develop a specific personal plan to become an excellent officer, and how to do well with whatever assessment center exercises you face.
Step Up and Lead
In Step Up and Lead, Frank Viscuso—author, speaker, and career deputy chief—shares the secrets of effective fire service leadership, introduces the traits and skills essential for successful fire service leaders, and discusses the importance of customer service.
Designed to help you reach the top of your profession, this book is considered a must-read for anyone who is ready to step up and lead!
We hope this curated list of books has piqued your interest and provided you with valuable resources to enhance your understanding of the fire service and emergency response!