“I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which a fireman has to do believe his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice.”

Edward F. Croker, Chief of Department, F.D.N.Y. 1899-1911

Training Resources

For training purposes, I provide links to my articles below, as well as links to purchase my books, a free on-line utility response course hosted by National Grid and training tips taken from my books, articles and other sources. All give useful information that may help keep you safe and can be used in your firehouse drills.

The National Grid training course includes gas, electric and high-pressure steam PowerPoint slide shows, training quizzes and offers a completion certificate for each module. It is well worth the time to take the course. You can partake of it at your leisure, sign out, and later return to the session where you left off.

Lt Cavalieri conducting company drill for the firefighters of Engine 257 and Ladder 170.

Firefighting Articles

The articles below are broken down into three categories: Firefighting, Emergencies and Additional Articles. They can be downloaded and utilized for training purposes. I highly recommend that you check out Fire Engineering’s website. They have a vast supply of articles, scenarios and other training material available for you to download and use. Articles from noted fire-trainers are available. Search the author’s name to find links to his articles, or type in the topic for training resources that you want.

Placement of Ladder Apparatus

Fire Engineering (FE) 10/1992 pg. 1

Freelancing on the Engine Company

FE 10/1993 pg. 71

The Importance of the Truck Chauffeur Position

FE 5/1993 pg. 16

The Hazards of Truck Company Freelancing

FE 9/1994 pg. 22

Apparatus Skiing

FE 10/1994 pg. 75

Mattress Fires

FE 4/1995 pg. 18

Risk Taking on the Fireground

FE 8/1995 pg. 101

The Effective Post Fire Critique

FE 7/1996 pg. 63

The Chiefs Job

FE 10/1997 pg. 59

A Fast-Spreading Membrane Roof Fire

WNYF 4th/97 pg. 10

The Hazards of Membrane Roof Fires

FE 7/1998 pg 61

Where's the Victim?

FE 12/1996 pg. 60

Canarsie Tenaments

WNYF 2nd/2000 pg.15

Membrane Roof Fires: What Are Your Tactics?

Firescue Interactive3/2001 pg. 3

What the Chief Wants to Know

FE 8/2001 pg. 63

What to Tell The Chief

FE 8/18 pg. 49

Nozzleman Always Be Ready

Fire Engineering's Website September 2003

Emergency Articles

A Tale Of Two Gas Leaks

Odor Investigation" Fire Engineering February 2003 pg.107

Natural Gas Hazards

By Frank Montagna and Matthew Palmer. WNYF 3rd of 2003 pg. 27

Natural Gas Hazards

Fire Engineering November 2004 Pg. 75

What You Should Know About Gas Leaks

Fire Engineering March 2011 pg 197

Pulling Electric Manhole Covers

Fire Engineering March 2011 pg 197

Manhole Fires

Published on Fire Engineering's Website February 2004

What You Should Know About 10-25 Responses

WNYF 3rd of 2004 pg. 16

Substations

By Frank Montagna and Anthony Natale. WNYF 1st of 2007 Pg 14

Overhead Electric

WNYF 3rd of 2009 pg. 17

Fluorescent Light Ballast Hazards

Published on Fire Engineering's Website 2002

Chasing Down Electrical Fires

Fire Engineering July 1999 pg. 83

10-40 Code 4, Steam Leak-- Do You Know The Hazards?

WNYF 1st of 2008 pg 5

Making Decisions in Utility Emergencies and Fires

FDIC 2015 web page & Facebook

Investigating Smoke Odors

Firescue Interactive August 2002

Odor Investigations

A tough Call" Fire Engineering May 2010 pg. 53

Just A Routine Water Leak?

Fire Engineering November 2001 pg. 69

Truck Extrication From A Sinkhole

Fire Engineering April 2002 pg. 38

Responding to CO Detector Activations

FE January 1996 pg. 99

Odor Of Smoke

Fire Engineering March 1995 pg. 69

Additional Articles

Burning Issues-Firefighting Complacency

(Interview with Chief Montagna and Chief Rafferyt by Lauren Keyson.) Published on Fire Engineering's web site December 2002

The Facts About Rabies

Fire Engineering February 1995 pg. 42

Rabies Fact & Fiction

WNYF 3rd/2010 pg 9

Why Do We Do That

Disconnect Battery at accidents, sparking outlets, use the gas meter, and more Fire Engineering June 2004

Why Do We Do That

Ladder Placement, Step Potential & Medal Deck Roof Fires Fire Engineering December 2004 Pg. 51

Why Do We Do That

Nozzle Position At Vehicle Extrication, Car Fires & Search At Accidents) Fire Engineering March 2005 Pg. 79

Why Do We Do That

Flush hydrant, No water on LNG, Don't Cut Gypsum Roofs, Fire Engineering September 2005

Why Do We Do That

Co Detectors, Shut Gas Valves, Hose Line Safety, Fire Engineering April 2006

Why Do We Do That?

Fire Escape Safety, Distributor Nozzles, Roof Venting Fire Engineering July 2006 Pg. 95

Risk Taking on the Fireground

Fire Engineering August 1995 pg. 101

Oil Burner Emergencies And Fires

Published On Fire Engineering's Website

Oil Burner Fires and Emergencies

WNYF 3/2001

The White Ghost

FE May 1995 pg. 16

Perform Search At Car Fires Too

Published on Fire Engineering's Website March 2003

Back to Training

FE July 2002 pg. 85

Simulation Training a Decision Making Aide

FE April 2008 pg. 111

Responding to Routine Emergencies

There are certain types of fires and emergencies that we frequently respond to. Often, thankfully, they do not turn into major incidents, and because of this, we consider them just “routine” responses. Well, more often than we would like, they can become anything but routine. Gas leaks, downed wires, carbon monoxide alarms, kitchen fires and other incidents can turn deadly for us and for those we are sworn to protect. My book “RESPONDING TO ROUTINE EMERGENCIES” addresses these types of responses, pointing out the potential hazards, and how to safely mitigate such incidents. The workbook has test questions, topics for drill, and scenarios for each chapter. Together, the two books give need-to-know information for both firefighters and fire officers. I hope the books and other material on this site will spark enthusiastic conversations geared toward improving and reinforcing training for “routine” responses.

The Workbook has questions to test your knowledge of each chapter along with topics for drill on each chapter and a scenario to work through for each. Together, the two books give need to know information for both firefighters and fire officers. I hope that they will spark enthusiastic conversations geared towards improving and reinforce training for “routine” emergency responses.

Textbook Table of Contents

Workbook Table of Contents

Free Online Training

The National Grid offers safety and online tactical training for firefighters at this link. The course covers:

The materials are engaging, using an interactive PowerPoint training tool where instructor notes are included and other support materials for training purposes. Upon successful completion of quizzes, students will receive a certificate that can be downloaded for each topic. I’ve ensured every module is highly informative and engaging. The course was created with the input of first responders and other highly experienced personnel. You can also stop the course and return to it, working around your schedule.

Taking this course will help improve the safety of firefighters and civilians alike at utilities emergencies and fires.