The Professional Volunteer Fire Department

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department by Tom Merrill highlights the importance of developing and upholding a professional reputation in the firefighting community, regardless of whether one is a paid or volunteer firefighter. Merrill emphasizes that professionalism is not tied to a paycheck but is instead defined by attitude, appearance, competency, commitment, and dedication. 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. Merrill's expertise challenges readers to elevate their performance and raise the standards within their departments, ultimately contributing to the overall professionalism of the volunteer fire service Through this captivating and informative book, Merrill aims to instill a sense of pride and service above self in volunteer firefighters. The book serves as a rallying call for those who are passionate about their service and ignites a fire within them to continue making a difference. Testimonials “If you can read this book and not feel a sense of pride, that overwhelming feeling of service above self, the feeling that what you do as a volunteer firefighter matters, then maybe it’s time for a change. But if you are the one who reads it and gets fired up about what we do, then you’re in for a very special ride!” —Chief Rick Lasky, Fire Chief (ret.), Lewisville Texas “Tom Merrill is a true gentleman and a professional. His classes and articles detailing professionalism in the volunteer fire service are captivating and informative. This book is no different and should be on the must-read list of all volunteer firefighters, regardless of rank, title, or experience.” —Brandon S. Fletcher, Fire Chief, Gilt Edge (TN) Fire Department “Tom Merrill has spent his life working to improve the ‘professional’ image of the volunteer firefighter. This book is a compilation of his experiences and what works and doesn’t work in the recruiting, retaining, and development of the professional volunteer firefighter. His writing challenges you to raise your standard of performance.” —Chief John M. Buckman III, State Fire Training Director at Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office

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? "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

Recruiting, Training, And Maintaining Volunteer Fire Fighters, Third Edition Looks At The Many Challenges Facing Today’S Volunteer Fire Fighter. Providing The History And Background Of Volunteer Fire Fighting, An Overview Of Why Individuals Volunteer, And Planning For The Future, This Is A Must-Have Resource. The Third Edition Also Provides An Extensive Review Of The Importance Of Customer Service And Detailed Coverage Of Fire Department Evaluations And Model Programs.

This must have resource examines the challenges of providing volunteer fire protection in modern day America. Readers are guided through a process of self-assessment and planning using case studies and activity worksheets. Skills and strategies are developed, yielding practical assistance to those charged with leading a volunteer fire department.

This book has been revised and expanded to include new material on decentralization, further incident reporting, and post-control activities, estate homes, New Millennium multiple dwellings, storage occupancies, strategic considerations of renovation and more."--Jacket.

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.

From the author: This 3rd edition is about organized common sense in the fire service. Section One provides support to fire departments that already have a strategic plan and just need to update and revise their existing plan. I have found over my 30 years of consulting with fire department’s that they want to accomplish their next iteration of their strategic plan as rapidly as possible. Section Two provides a detailed “How-to” guide to help a fire department create its first strategic plan. Section Two is divided into four parts: (1) Understanding the Department, (2) Understanding the Situation, (3) Understanding the Strategic Issues Facing the Department, and (4) Creating Organizational Change. A new chapter (Chapter 20) provides assistance to those departments having challenges with their strategic plan and obtaining the desired outcomes/results. It adds a new troubleshooting process for those departments having challenges to create an effective and successful strategic plan. The book is designed to be effective as a manual to develop an individual fire department’s strategic plan as well as a textbook for use in upper division college/university courses or as a text for post-graduate courses.

Ray Downey wrote the first edition of The Rescue Company in the early 1990s. Building on Downey's legacy, John Norman has written Fire Department Special Operations to take into consideration the earth-shattering events, funding increases, research advances, expanded capabilities, and changes in regulations and standards that have widened the knowledge gap since the publication of Chief Downey's book. Fire Department Special Operations is an excellent guide for agencies and individuals in establishing, staffing, operating, and maintaining heavy rescue units in the many forms they may take. It is also an ideal training resource for the officers and individuals assigned the duties that a rescue firefighter must accomplish.