Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics

This is quite possibly the finest tactical instruction manual on the market. Despite regional variences in tactics, this book will expand your understanding of your current SOP's and allow you to try something new with a proven record. Masterfully written and not the boring text you're used to in textbooks. This is a must read for anyone wishing to advance in the fire service...truly a new essential.

Firefighting... you never learn it all. John Norman and I have come from different firefighting backgrounds. Most of his book reflects his experience in larger metropolitan areas. His book's chapters on ladder companies and high rises raise issues which are seldom used in smaller, semi-rural communities like the one in which I live. Likewise he does not address wildland fires or oil well fires such as the ones which we deal with here in East Texas. However I appreciate our differences and it here that I learn how to become a better firefighter than I am. When I was first taught scene size-up, I was taught four basic questions: What do I have? What do I need? What do I want? and Who's in command? Norman prefers the acronym COAL WAS WEALTH. (Pardon me if I refer to page 17 of Norman's book at this time.) The last of my four questions should reflect my adherrence to the Incident Command System which is something that Norman's index cites only on page 70. You never learn it all. Norman includes chapters on ventilation, search and rescue, forcible entry, firefighter survival, etc. Even though Norman writes for larger metropolitan areas, all firefighters can learn from it. Every page of my copy has something highlighted.

This is the first fire service manual that I have ever read that does a good job of putting all of the pieces together. Mr. Norman talks the talk after obviously having walked the walk. The book is very well laid out and won't bore you to death. Includes plenty of real life examples to support the strategies and tactics being presented. A very good read for anyone involved in the fire service at any level.

This book is a must read for all firefighters, not just officers. It not only provides a comprehensive look at firefighting tactics, but explains the reasons behind them. The information provided on comercial structures helped to save the lives of three members of my company at a recent fire in which a "bowstring truss roof" collapsed only minutes after arrival.

This book combines the street experience with technical knowledge in a readable format. An absolute must for new or existing fire officer. The variety of subjects gives a broad understanding of the tactics needed to combat most types of fires. It should be a required text for new officers and even fire fighters.