Managing Risk in the Volunteer Fire Department: Concepts, Methods, and Practices

By Joe Nedder

Joe Nedder knows risk, safety, and firefighting and brings clarity to often diametrically opposing objectives. Joe writes with clarity and insight gained from real-world experience and skin in the game. Managing Risk in the Volunteer Fire Department is a must-read for every firefighter, career or volunteer!

—Chief Bobby Halton, editorial director, Clarion Fire Rescue Group, and educational director, FDIC International

Everything you want to know about managing risk in your volunteer department is here in this new book by Joe Nedder, who dedicated his fire service career to providing better training for volunteer fire departments. He understands the specialized needs of departments big and small and tailors his teaching to encompass departments across North America.

—Diane Rothschild, executive editor, Fire Engineering, and conference director, FDIC International 

Risk management is one of the most important but frequently ignored fireground management skills. The volunteer fire service is particularly vulnerable because of a lack of understanding and training in a risk management system, why we need it, how it works, and how to use it. What are some risk reduction strategies? How do you identify risks and dangers and how they affect firefighters? How do you control those risks and limit danger to firefighters? How often have firefighters taken unnecessary risks?

Firefighting is a dangerous job, but risks need to be measured against the capabilities of the responding firefighters. Do their capabilities match the immediate needs of the size-up? What about your personal capabilities? Are you truly prepared?