401 Things Veteran Firefighters Can Teach You: Firefighter Tips and Tricks of the Trade

by Gary Ludwig, Chief Billy Goldfeder (Foreword)

Written by 46+ year veteran Fire Chief Gary Ludwig and the foreword by Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, this book provides 401 ways to help you become a better firefighter. It is loaded with 401 tips, ideas, and tricks of the trade that veteran and experienced firefighters can teach you on how to become better, safer, and a cut above other firefighters. Topics include those for rookies, building construction, engine and ladder operations, incident command, safety and survival, training, tools, understanding smoke conditions, and a lot more. Here is an opportunity to gain 30 years or more of experience in one book to help you become a better firefighter.

285 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2020

About the author

Gary Ludwig has served in three fire departments throughout his career. His fire, EMS, and rescue career spans a total of 48 years, and he has been a paramedic for over 46 years. He has managed two of the largest EMS systems in the United States. He has responded to over 35,000 calls in his career.

He served as the President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) during the 2019-20 term, and I was selected as the Career Fire Chief of the Year by the IAFC in 2022.

Reviews

[Keith Schumacher]

Great insight from a great leader.

Gary brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to the table every time. He has not let anyone pigeonhole him into being "just an EMS guy". He is always quick to provide a well thought out answer and eager to mentor anyone with less experience or knowledge. I highly recommend this book to any fire service professional regardless of time on the job. I'm retired, but I still enjoyed his thought and insight. Thank you, Gary for an excellent and enjoyable book.