As I was reading “Going to School Forever” by Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini (Bruno “Unplugged,” Fire Engineering, July 2016), it occurred to me that a section in your magazine that makes reading recommendations, perhaps with a brief synopsis of the book, would be helpful to readers like me.
I have been a firefighter for almost a year now, and I do a lot of reading. I want to continue growing and learning more about this calling. My favorite quote, “Learn more about something that can kill you,” is even more important today. The fire evolves; we as firefighters need to evolve, too.
Luis Cantu
SHEQ Manager
Firefighter
Atascocita (TX) Volunteer Fire Department
Bobby Halton responds: Thank you for your note and wonderful suggestion. I think you’re going to be very excited about what we’re doing here at Fire Engineering. Our Books and Video Division will be doing exactly what you’re looking for in the near future online in collaboration with our partners in books and video. In the meantime, I invite you to check out the Web site fireengineeringbooksandvideos.com and take a look at what it has to offer. There is a wide variety of topics, everything from assessment centers to leadership to strategy and tactics, depending on where you want to focus your study. I would begin with an oldie but goodie called Tools of the Trade by Rick Fritz. At this point in your career, it will help you get acquainted with the wide variety of tools available to help you complete the mission.
The ultimate message
Thank you to Bobby Halton for “In the Highest Traditions of the Fire Service” (Editor’s Opinion, September 2016). It is all about saving lives.
Mark Wesseldine
Tower Ladder 58 (Ret.)
Fire Department of New York
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