First In, Last Out: Leadership Lessons from the New York Fire Department

Easy to read. It is on a promotional test. Lots of good info and great stories. He doesn't get buried in the weeds with communication.

Coming from a business background, I have liked reading books on "leadership." So, I have enjoyed reading this book. Think about whatever calling or mission you have, or have had in life, reflecting on the day-to-day framework in which you have to live and work out this calling, you may find that it comes up lacking in the support that you need, or would like to have. Hands-down, it seems that the FDNY has much more respect for, and interest in, the lives of their people than most organizations. Up and down the ladder, no pun intended, there is camaraderie, open communication, help in accomplishing the goals of the organization, at all levels, to help them to do the right things.Yes, we all can bear the marks of bureaucracy. This is what happens when internal processes, mechanisms, and many times politics become so important that they override an organization's mission and purpose, becoming an obstacle to achieving them, prioritizing everything but concern for the people that comprise it. We easily drift far from the valuing of our people. This book reflects on how this is not so with the FDNY.Just one example comes from a story in the FDNY where, for the sake of collecting data, a computerized system was set up to improve the service that is provided to NYC. Its meetings became perceived by field commanders as "scripted" events, where the "system" and its data were "king" and the input and personal insights of the commanders were marginalized. The overemphasis on quantitative data by the higher-ups was recognized and the project was shelved because they realized they needed the input of the field to get the whole story and lead effectively. They recognized the ultimate value of their firefighters above everything else.The book is inspirational. I think you will walk away with absolute respect for this firefighting organization. The work they do is exceptional. The people who do it are priceless. The people responsible to lead them recognize it.

As the son of a retired battalion chief of a huge fire department, I knew some basics from my dad on how to lead people. When I first got a group to lead in my IT job, I knew I needed a book to reference to help me lead and guide my staff. This book helped me do this. I had a supervisor that laughed at me when I told him I was using this book as guidance to lead. He didn't think firefighting and IT support go together. It does. Oh it does. I felt I was able to compare a couple of firefighting moments Mr. Salka had to IT moments I've had. Working with staff and showing them you don't always sit behind a desk, but rather get up and do troubleshooting as well. They see you go in first and then come out last, staff earn your respect more. In the 4 years of having this book by my side, my turnover rate for staff is extremely low compared to other IT group and moral is higher as well. As I transition into a new role at work, my team is now stronger than ever from the skills I've learned from this book.

Overall a good book with some good leadership points for those who don't possess leadership skills designed to put people first. However, this is not going to have any serious revelations for those already in leadership with good skills and the respect of their shift. The biggest thing I took from this book was the true meaning of quantitative (what looks good on paper) verses qualitative (what keeps or lifts moral of the shift). I have given the title of the book to a few others that I felt could find the book helpful.

Good information and advise for line officers getting ready for the he next step

Chief Salka is truly the finest NYFD has to offer. I had attended training and served under Chief Salka's command many years prior to reading this book. The Fire Service is a safer place today, thanks to the leadership and training of Chief Salka. I have served for over twenty years in the emergency services, and I have never had a better nor more qualified leader. This book should be a must read for all leaders of men and women. Chief Salka is a hard hitting, leader whom leads by example. Chief Salka speaks from his experience as one of the finest leaders and Instructors that New York has ever had. Reading this book was like taking a journey into the mind of one of the best leaders a firefighter can ever serve under. After reading this book, the reader will understand why men will follow Chief Salka into the belly of the beast....and how Chief Salka is a true leader.

Chief Salka presents outstanding examples of how to lead by example in his profession, and this will translate to many other industries. His background and experience as a Battalion Chief in the New York Fire Dept. is his conduit to providing fire service-related examples of leadership techniques and how to use them. This work is an excellent presentation of how to lead, how to lead by example and how to get the most out of your employees. Highly recommended, will read it again.

I was looking for an easy to read book that touched on some of the basics of being a good leader entailed. This book was perfect. I am actually going to buy the hardback version so I can share it with anyone I know who may be interested. There is a reason this book makes the top list for Must Haves for firefighter Leadership.Thanks Chief!!!

One of the best leadership books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. A true leader in the industry. His words and wisdom can be shared through multiple disciplines in many services not just Fire. Well worth every penny and than some.

I'd definitely recommend this book for fire officers and/or those interested in leadership. A lot of great material I will look back on and reference.

Excellent book for all levels of leader.