JOHN J. SALKA Jr. , a Firehouse ® contributing editor, recently retired as a battalion chief with FDNY, serving as commander of the 18th battalion in the Bronx. Salka has instructed at several FDNY training programs, including the department’s Probationary Firefighters School, Captains Management Program and Battalion Chiefs Command Course. He conducts training programs at national and local conferences and has been recognized for his firefighter survival course “Get Out Alive.” Salka co-authored the FDNY Engine Company Operations manual and wrote the book First In, Last Out – Leadership Lessons From the New York Fire Department . He also operates Fire Command Training (www.firecommandtraining.com), a New York-based fire service training and consulting firm.
Articles by John J.
The Fire Scene: The Power Saw: Working Safely & Effectively
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: May 1, 2013
I’ve talked about the power saw before, but there is always room for more...
The Fire Scene: What's On That Rig? Be Sure You Know
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: April 1, 2013
We just had an interesting training night at the local firehouse. The usual...
Stopping Inspections? Insanity In Watertown
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: February 1, 2013
To limit or restrict firefighters from familiarizing themselves with the...
The Fire Scene: Times Are Tough, And So Are We
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: January 29, 2013
It’s been going on for more than a few years and sometimes it seems...
Salka: A New Year's Resolution - Training!
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: January 4, 2013
I'm going to go on a little rant here because of the way things seem to...
"The Wrong People Are Here"
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: January 1, 2013
I was presenting a leadership program in a suburb of Denver, CO, with my...
The Fire Scene: How to Avoid The "Short Stretch"
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: December 13, 2012
If you are an engine company firefighter, you never want to hear or say the...
The Fire Scene: The K-Tool: Take It With You Every Time
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: December 1, 2012
We’ve talked about through-the-lock forcible entry before, but a recent...
Salka: Ladder Pipe Liability
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: November 5, 2012
I've written before about this subject and I've even had some good and...
The Fire Scene: New Officers: Don't Be Afraid to Change
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: November 1, 2012
When firefighters are promoted to officer positions, there is often much...
Do You Close The Door?
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: October 16, 2012
There has been much discussion about the issue of closing the door. I’m...
The Fire Scene: Nothing Showing
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: October 1, 2012
Have you ever heard an officer say “nothing showing” on arriving at...
Stupid Idea # 98 - Detroit's Tourist Firefighters
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: September 13, 2012
Just this morning I read an article that stated the Detroit Fire Department...
Using The Day Book
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: September 1, 2012
My good buddy and teaching partner Rick Lasky and I do a lot of...
VES: Ventilate, Enter & Search
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: August 1, 2012
You probably read and hear lots of fire service instructors talk about...
Training Idea: Building Familiarity
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: July 1, 2012
I know this doesn’t sound as interesting to the typical firefighter as...
Doing Less With Less
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: June 1, 2012
I keep hearing the term “doing more with less” concerning people and...
SOPs, SOGs & FOPs for Firefighting
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: May 17, 2012
Obviously any situation may require the officer to adjust or change any...
Don't Relieve the Rapid Intervention Team
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: May 3, 2012
When teams are switched out, they lose focus building construction, fire...
Putting the Search Team Ahead of the Hoseline
by John J. Salka, Jr.
Created: May 1, 2012
We’ve all been to structure fires and we all also know that there are a...