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First In, Last Out: Leadership Lessons from the New York Fire Department
What does it take to lead people into a burning building? How do the leaders of the New York City Fire Department develop so much loyalty, trust, and grace under pressure that their subordinates will risk their very lives for them? As a high-ranking officer of the FDNY, John Salka is an expert at both practicing and teaching high-stakes leadership. In First In, Last Out , he explains the department’s unique strategies and how they can be adopted by leaders in any field—as
he has taught them to organizations around the country. In a tough-talking, no-nonsense style, Salka uses real-world stories to convey leadership imperatives such first in, last out—your people need to see you taking the biggest risk, as the first one to Illustrated by harrowing real-life situations, the principles in First In, Last Out will help managers become more confident, coherent, and commanding. On the
he has taught them to organizations around the country. In a tough-talking, no-nonsense style, Salka uses real-world stories to convey leadership imperatives such first in, last out—your people need to see you taking the biggest risk, as the first one to Illustrated by harrowing real-life situations, the principles in First In, Last Out will help managers become more confident, coherent, and commanding. On the
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
81 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 22, 2024
This was a very good book that explained all of the effective qualities needed to be an effective leader, mentor, and teacher (and how these are all the same and yet very different).
While this is presented at face value as a book by a fire chief for firefighters, this book is actually targeted to all leadership positions and simply uses the fire service as their vessel for information explanation. While learning through this book, I found myself actually thinking about the lessons learned in terms of my higher education job than my leadership position in a fire department. Do not see the cover of this book and think it’s not for you if you’ve never been a firefighter; this may be even more applicable for you than you realize.
While this is presented at face value as a book by a fire chief for firefighters, this book is actually targeted to all leadership positions and simply uses the fire service as their vessel for information explanation. While learning through this book, I found myself actually thinking about the lessons learned in terms of my higher education job than my leadership position in a fire department. Do not see the cover of this book and think it’s not for you if you’ve never been a firefighter; this may be even more applicable for you than you realize.
December 23, 2015
If you remember one instruction for leadership, it will be "Follow the smoke!"
Who could resist reading a guide to leadership from the point of view of the NYFD? We meet a strong personality who has to instruct, work with and depend upon many macho men and tough women - and who also has to handle outside politics, budgets and consumers of his service. Not all leaders put their lives at risk every time they go to work.
Following the smoke, an instruction repeated a few times, means to continue picking up information and particularly to pursue anything harmful, whether one's own negative emotions or outside warnings. Smoke is a symptom of something amiss which a good leader will follow to find the real problem that may turn into a raging inferno. Examples are given; smoke smell in a supermarket had no visible cause until fire-fighters went up on the roof.
John Salka also encourages team building by getting to know each person, treating him/her as an asset, and finding what motivates them. Money, beyond a certain amount, doesn't work as well as praise and visible recognition. He encourages letting people specialise - one man had a degree in electrical engineering and came up with an invention for enhanced communication in a tower block. Salka also stresses that change will happen whether you want it or not, and change allows improvement; innovation will be the saving of your business. NYFD created building fire codes and the pole to slide down in the fire house.
Major fire and disaster examples are included, not least the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and September 11th, World Trade Center. We learn a leadership lesson from each, even if it's just staying calm under pressure to help your workers stay calm and work the problem.
I preferred the less emotionally charged example stories. For instance, a fire-fighter came to work with a hydraulic door spreader tool. The men nicknamed it the rabbit, after long 'ear' parts. They resented such a thing, liking in their macho way to force a door with a Halligan tool, a cross between a jemmy and an axe. Now, as a woman, I'm all in favour of working smarter rather than stronger. But this tool somehow got left on the floor every time an engine pulled out, and the man who'd brought it kept replacing it in the engine gear. One day the rabbit did arrive at a fire scene with many apartment doors to force, and it got used. The rabbit saved the men from damaging their hands, which happens easily in a smoke-filled room, and it worked quickly and well. Other crews heard and came to see it work, and now every truck carries one.
The style of writing is not that of a MBA's leadership manual; only occasional bullet points and lists appear, with no spreadsheets, tables or info graphics. But you can get those anywhere. What you get from Salka is inspiration and determination to do the best job that your business or group can do. He is also aware that your boss, or your staff may be female, so the lessons are good for everyone. As a person who works with power equipment I appreciate this kind of manual, but I saw many applications to committees and businesses I'd helped to run. Schedule practice in handling emergencies, is another lesson not stressed but implicit in the book. You never know when lives may depend on you.
Who could resist reading a guide to leadership from the point of view of the NYFD? We meet a strong personality who has to instruct, work with and depend upon many macho men and tough women - and who also has to handle outside politics, budgets and consumers of his service. Not all leaders put their lives at risk every time they go to work.
Following the smoke, an instruction repeated a few times, means to continue picking up information and particularly to pursue anything harmful, whether one's own negative emotions or outside warnings. Smoke is a symptom of something amiss which a good leader will follow to find the real problem that may turn into a raging inferno. Examples are given; smoke smell in a supermarket had no visible cause until fire-fighters went up on the roof.
John Salka also encourages team building by getting to know each person, treating him/her as an asset, and finding what motivates them. Money, beyond a certain amount, doesn't work as well as praise and visible recognition. He encourages letting people specialise - one man had a degree in electrical engineering and came up with an invention for enhanced communication in a tower block. Salka also stresses that change will happen whether you want it or not, and change allows improvement; innovation will be the saving of your business. NYFD created building fire codes and the pole to slide down in the fire house.
Major fire and disaster examples are included, not least the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and September 11th, World Trade Center. We learn a leadership lesson from each, even if it's just staying calm under pressure to help your workers stay calm and work the problem.
I preferred the less emotionally charged example stories. For instance, a fire-fighter came to work with a hydraulic door spreader tool. The men nicknamed it the rabbit, after long 'ear' parts. They resented such a thing, liking in their macho way to force a door with a Halligan tool, a cross between a jemmy and an axe. Now, as a woman, I'm all in favour of working smarter rather than stronger. But this tool somehow got left on the floor every time an engine pulled out, and the man who'd brought it kept replacing it in the engine gear. One day the rabbit did arrive at a fire scene with many apartment doors to force, and it got used. The rabbit saved the men from damaging their hands, which happens easily in a smoke-filled room, and it worked quickly and well. Other crews heard and came to see it work, and now every truck carries one.
The style of writing is not that of a MBA's leadership manual; only occasional bullet points and lists appear, with no spreadsheets, tables or info graphics. But you can get those anywhere. What you get from Salka is inspiration and determination to do the best job that your business or group can do. He is also aware that your boss, or your staff may be female, so the lessons are good for everyone. As a person who works with power equipment I appreciate this kind of manual, but I saw many applications to committees and businesses I'd helped to run. Schedule practice in handling emergencies, is another lesson not stressed but implicit in the book. You never know when lives may depend on you.
March 28, 2023
This book is a good leadership book, the way that the author presented it made it better. I am a volunteer firefighter and when I saw this book I just knew that I had to read it. Being a volunteer makes you see that helping people is good. This book was written by a Battalion Chief (a high-ranking officer) in the FDNY (Fire Department of New York) who can be a huge role model to people. Throughout reading this book there are things that you can do to become a leader not only in the fire department. A big thing that he had expressed is that nothing is handed to you. The title shows that the people that are running into trouble first are the ones that want to help. When in the fire department there are people always willing to help. When joining a fire department you start at the lowest level possible. The longer you work and the more experience you gain the higher you can go within the fire department. While leadership is a big part there is also trust and loyalty involved with it. This book is good for people that are looking to become leaders not only in the fire service but anywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
John Salka’s First In, Last Out is a powerful and inspiring read that blends leadership lessons with gripping real-life experiences from his time as a New York City Fire Department battalion chief. Salka’s storytelling is authentic and compelling, offering readers a front-row seat to the high-stakes world of firefighting while distilling practical wisdom that applies far beyond the firehouse.
What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on servant leadership, accountability, and courage under pressure. Salka doesn’t just talk about leadership—he lives it, and his insights are both relatable and actionable for anyone in a leadership role, whether in business, education, healthcare, or public service.
The book is well-structured, with each chapter delivering a clear takeaway. Salka’s tone is humble yet authoritative, and his anecdotes are not only engaging but also deeply human. You walk away from this book not just with leadership strategies, but with a renewed sense of purpose and integrity.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to lead with heart, clarity, and resilience.
What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on servant leadership, accountability, and courage under pressure. Salka doesn’t just talk about leadership—he lives it, and his insights are both relatable and actionable for anyone in a leadership role, whether in business, education, healthcare, or public service.
The book is well-structured, with each chapter delivering a clear takeaway. Salka’s tone is humble yet authoritative, and his anecdotes are not only engaging but also deeply human. You walk away from this book not just with leadership strategies, but with a renewed sense of purpose and integrity.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to lead with heart, clarity, and resilience.
January 16, 2026
I listen to the audiobook version and was pleased to discover that it was narrated by the author, and he had a lovely, thick New York accent. This had some great anecdotes throughout and I think some very good, simple leadership lessons to pull. Also talked about some firefighting strategies which I enjoyed.
May 28, 2019
It was a great about for the fire department but also for regular life lessons. It is about the management systems in the fire department. How the fire department develops loyalty and trust and how it is good to adapt your people to be capable to change to different leaders.
December 29, 2019
Juan Carlos Guaylupo
John Salka makes an accurate description on how to develop the leader inside us and how to build up leaders through the organization.
John Salka makes an accurate description on how to develop the leader inside us and how to build up leaders through the organization.
October 15, 2020
Typical Chief Salka. Dry wit. Amazing tactics and tips.
December 26, 2021
Fantastic and thought provoking. Also the first audiobook I have ever listened to. Podcasts are so last year!
February 6, 2022
A solid book on management and leadership. Nothing really ground breaking if you are into these types of books but a great starting point for a new leader or manager. A good morning read.
February 14, 2023
Not the right time for it. Don’t think the lessons apply to me, once I’m closer to a leadership position will definitely read it again
June 29, 2023
Great story about leadership through the eyes of a NYFD chief.
January 20, 2024
Chief Salka is a great teacher of leadership principles and practices. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will ensure to reference it often.
July 12, 2025
Excellent book on leadership. Pertains mainly to the fire service but he attempts to relate the content to all business aspects. Must read for all firefighters and entrepreneurs alike.
October 17, 2023
If you can get past his egotistical, "I'm an amazing human being and everyone should want to be a hero and firefighter like me" mentality than this book does have some nuggets of good in it... his over the top narcissism really detracted from his message though...
May 9, 2018
Recommended!
An excellent book on leadership. You'd think you can't learn something from the FDNY? There is a reason why they are one not history's greatest organisations.
An excellent book on leadership. You'd think you can't learn something from the FDNY? There is a reason why they are one not history's greatest organisations.
April 25, 2014
I really like this book. I have already been able to put much of it to good use in my daily work life and in my school work. The author does a great job providing real-life examples and drawing parallels to real situations to help illustrate his points. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading leadership books.
March 10, 2009
I loved this book I think everyone should read it. I laughed at the part about studying for the promotional exam it seemed all so familiar. Maybe that is why my husband had to read it for his promotional exam.
July 6, 2008
I was dissapointed in the book. But many managers may find it very helpful
February 22, 2011
Chief Salka is an inspirational leader and teacher.
April 1, 2014
this book was great! It teaches you the skills it takes to have leadership!
May 18, 2018
An important leadership quality is the ability to inspire. I have the feeling most firefighters would follow Chief Salka through the gates of hell with a pump can. The point of leadership books is largely to brush up on old ideas and kickstart people into action. This one has exceeded that mark.
This book is was added to promotional exam source material after I promoted. The impact it was making was significant enough that I had to check it out. I was not disappointed. I’m glad to see the future leaders in my department are ingesting such quality material.
This book is was added to promotional exam source material after I promoted. The impact it was making was significant enough that I had to check it out. I was not disappointed. I’m glad to see the future leaders in my department are ingesting such quality material.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews