For the first time, the entire 18-year collection of Tom's "Random Thoughts" columns from Fire Engineering magazine are assembled and presented in book format.
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 a number of 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. “Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service...He wove his editorials into philosophical motivators for readers, encouraging them to think and act.” -Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering
Small town life is great for Tom Brennan, with lots of mates and lots of rugby. However, all changes, when Tom's brother (Daniel) causes a car accident, leaving some dead and some crippled. Daniel lands a stint in gaol, and the family needs must leave town. Tom's mother is depressed, his father is struggling to hold the family together, and Tom's rugby playing suffers.
This guide contains comprehensive summary and discussion of all 44 prescribed texts in the HSC Standard English course, plus a list of key issues to consider in each chapter related to the relevant syllabus area, helpful advice on how to read different types of texts, plot outlines, character discussion and interpretations.
Scott Thompson, author of The Functional Fire Company, says the functional fire company concept was not created but realized: “I realized, after many attempts at trying to view success in the organization from the top down, that it wasn’t possible. Real indicators of success in the fire service come from the bottom up. A fire department’s success is best judged at the company level.” “Many leaders and senior members have been taught the how but not the why, and they don’t understand the reasons for doing what they do,” Thompson says. “Because firefighting is such a technical activity, we must ensure that we are explaining why we do things while we demonstrate the how. It is essential that we develop critical thinking for solving fire suppression, rescue, and EMS problems.” WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: “Chief Scott Thompson combines his decades of experience and years of observation with today’s leadership skills and provides a path for the successful fire department to follow. The Functional Fire Company will take you step by step from being an ordinary fire department to one which defines excellence. --Rick Lasky, Fire Chief (ret.) Texas “I found both motivation and a guide to implementation in this book. Chief Thompson has provided a deep resource for all ranks from creating culture to setting up training structure. I highly recommend this book to anyone with aspirations of making an organizational impact.” --Brian Brush “Chief Thompson has spent his entire career focusing on training and organizational effectiveness. The Functional Fire Company is his life’s work wrapped up into a playbook which offers insight into how to make your organization perform at maximum proficiency. Experience, perspective and a never quit mentality are evident as Chief Thompson provides a unique view to solving problems in the modern-day fire service.” --Terry McGrath, Assistant Chief, Lewisville (TX) Fire Department “This book offers a living, breathing example that Chief Thompson’s principles truly work. I hope you get as much value from this book as we have received from Chief Thompson’s lessons, and that you take what you learn back to your organization.” --Garrett Rice, The Colony Fire Department (TX) Battalion Chief, A Shift
The core principles of structural firefighting are fire behavior, building construction, strategy, tactics, safety and training. Each core principle is examined with relevant on-the-job stories to bring lessons home. Fire departments must constantly train their firefighters and officers in these core principles if they want them to be safe and effective at structure fires. Training is the foundation of all the other core principles, and must be realistic, scenario-based, and hands-on. Never stop learning during your time as a structural firefighter. If you come to a point where you mistakenly believe that you know everything there is to know about fires in and around buildings–watch out–because you have just fallen into the complacency trap. FEATURES --Gain a deeper understanding of how firefighters should approach fires in buildings, with an emphasis on safety and effectiveness --See the latest research from UL and NIST on fire behavior and flow paths, with a discussion of best-practices and up-to-date tactical advice. --An essential, easy-to-read fundamental resource on how to safely and effectively fight fires in buildings of any size or type. “Fire Under Control is a riveting new book that allows you to learn while also seeing how street experiences coincide with printed tactical and scientific fire service information. I always have said that eyes, ears, and experience will equal your education in the fire service and Capt. Steve Bernocco has managed to bring it to light.” -- Lt. Mike Ciampo, Fire Department of New York
Ventilation can make or break the outcome of a fire. Ensuring its success requires a knowledge of how it works and what precautions must be taken. Coordinating Ventilation: Supporting Extinguishment and Survivability examines ventilation and its relationship to fire behavior to identify how it affects the fire, operations, and—most importantly—victim survivability. Ventilation can be universally applied, from the smallest rural community to the largest metropolitan city. FEATURES: --Guiding principles and practices to help streamline your decision-making process and improve our overall effectiveness and efficiency --Common pitfalls and the associated misconceptions to reduce potential errors and avoidable losses --A functional understanding of ventilation and the methods for its execution so that you can make the right call for your fireground WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: “As you read Coordinating Ventilation, Nicholas Papa not only shares his knowledge and experience, but the credible experiences of fire service professionals who have practiced the successes and failures of ventilation as to what is appropriate to the how, when, where, and why.” —Gerald “Jerry” Tracy, Battalion Commander, FDNY (ret.) "Nick Papa left me with an immediate impression of a street-smart firefighter and an educator who gets fire behaviour in the most realist of terms. He imparts his messages through golden tactical nuggets learned, not only through intensive study, but also with practical, first-hand experience. Nick will undoubtedly be a great fire service educator for decades to come, so take every opportunity to listen to his message." —Paul Grimwood, Crew Commander, London Fire Brigade (ret.) “Nick Papa does a fantastic job of taking scientific concepts and language and making them understandable in execution on the fireground. This is not an easy task. I highly recommend this book as a practical application tool for the coordination of tactical objectives on the fireground.” —Chris Stewart, Deputy Chief, Phoenix Fire Department
This book serves as a guide for the seasoned veteran, the new firefighter and everyone in between, bringing them together for what it all takes to have that love for the job. Each chapter addresses the next step in the leadership chain that is necessary for a fire service professional to succeed. The chapters are as follows: Our Mission; The Firefighter; The Company Officer; The Chief; Our Two Families; Sweating the Small Stuff; Changing Shirts-The Promotion; What September 11th Did For Us-The Good and the Bad; Ceremonies; Marketing Your Fire Department; Making It All Happen-Embracing Success; Have You Forgotten.
Firefighting is combat and should be viewed as a warrior's calling. Firefighters put themselves in harm's way to protect others, a selflessness rooted in the same noble drive as the military warriors who defend our nation. This book about combat is meant to be a guide for those who seek to follow a warrior's path, the path of the fire service warrior. Today's firefighter must be a warrior who will unflinchingly put his very life in harm's way to accomplish a mission, but who is also fully informed about the path being chosen. Embracing the philosophy of the fire service warrior, and striving for the ready position--the synthesis of physical and mental readiness that allows for optimum fireground performance--can reduce firefighter injuries and fatalities. The Combat Position: Achieving Firefighter Readiness will be an invaluable tool for firefighters, company officers, chief officers, and instructors.