Michael Terpak has been in the fire service for 45 years, spending the last 36 years with the Jersey City, NJ, Fire Department, where he recently retired as a deputy chief and citywide tour commander. Terpak travels extensively, lecturing on fire/rescue topics. He is the founder of Promotional Prep, which is a New Jersey-based consulting firm that's designed to prepare firefighters and fire officers who are studying for promotional exams. Terpak, who holds a bachelor’s degree in fire safety administration from the City University of New Jersey, is the author of five books: "Fire Ground Size-Up" (first and second editions), "Assessment Center Strategy and Tactics," "Fire Ground Operational Guides," "Assessment Center Management and Supervision" and "Fire Officer Oral Assessment Study Guides."