EMS & Fire Science (Brady)

For courses in Fire Service Supervision and Fire Officer Training.

This thought-provoking book provides insights into making the transition from fire fighter to fire officer. The author shares his knowledge gained from personal experience on many topics, including advice on taking over a new organization and building a team. The elements of change and organizational culture are explored, as each is an essential element in effectively leading an organization today.

• The history of the fire service.

  • Explores the rich traditions of the profession.

• A book about leadership—Explains that the future of the profession will be dictated by those who choose and have the ability to serve in leadership positions.

  • Discusses how the better prepared one is to lead, the better fire service will be in the future.

• Exploration of career choices—Provides suggestions for developing a plan for success.

  • Gives readers an opportunity to answer the question: “Is a Chief Fire Officer's job the right job for you?”

• A focus on taking command—Shows the transition of leadership, both from a personal and professional perspective.

  • Gives practical advice on critical issues for those in leadership positions.

1. Pride, Service, Commitment.


2. Is a Fire Chief's Job the Right Job for You?


3. Developing Your Game Plan for Success.


4. The Blessed Process.


5. The Transition to Command.


6. Ethics, Politics, and Leadership.


7. Leading in Times of Rapid Change.


8. Building Your Team.

Fire Service Supervision/Fire Officer (Fire Science (Brady))

Randy R. Bruegman is currently the Fire Chief for the city of Fresno, California, and is a noted author and lecturer on Leadership and Managing Change in the Fire Service.  In addition to this text, Chief Bruegman is has authored two additional texts: Exceeding Customer Expectations, and the Chief Officer: A Symbol is a Promise both published by Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Chief Bruegman has served on the Accreditation Task Force for the International Association of Fire Chiefs for eight years, six as Vice-Chairman.  Chief Bruegman served as President of the IAFC (2002) and has served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Center for Public Safety Excellence since 2003.  Chief Bruegman holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Business, and a Master's Degree in Management.

Is a Chief Fire Officer’s job the right one for you?  In this text, Chief Randy Bruegman explores the many facets of what it takes to effectively serve in a senior leadership position within the fire service, both professionally and personally.  From the preparations a new Officer will need to make to transition to command in a new organization to the adjustments a family will need to make in the event of relocation, Chief Bruegman uses his own experience gained on the job to help current and aspiring Officers develop and achieve a plan for success.

• An overview of the history and heritage of the fire service, featuring an explanation of the importance of the role of the Chief within the organization as well as in the community.
• An explanation of the recruiting process, including information on determining the type of candidate for which an organization is looking and the steps to take once a position is accepted.
• Tips on understanding the political dynamics of an organization and developing a framework to make ethical decisions within those dynamics.
• Advice on building an effective team and leading in times of rapid change.

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students, contact your Pearson Higher Education representative for pricing and ordering information.

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students contact your Pearson Higher Education representative.