I’m not trying to sound corny, old or senile, but it seemed like only yesterday that I submitted my first article to Firehouse Magazine. It was 1982, and I was sincerely hoping to be published in this rapidly growing “newcomer" that was taking the fire service by storm. Copies of this new publication were popping up in nearly every fire station in North America.
John D. Peige was the editor-in-chief of the day. John was a friend for whom I had worked part-time as a field instructor at the University of Maryland Fire Service Extension. When John left to take over the helm at Firehouse, he was kind enough (as were many other personal mentors) to encourage me to take the time to express my ideas, thoughts and experiences in writing. Perhaps I could expand the body of fire-rescue service knowledge and/or become better at my chosen profession. Little did “Private Rubin” realize at that time, each one of those great folks was providing me with sage advice.
After submitting the four-page draft manuscript to John, my magazine contribution process was finally underway. The next step was for Editor John to work his magic by performing a critical review of the 1,000 or so words that I poured my heart into writing. The revised article was quickly returned to me for repairs. After a quick turnaround, the corrected work made it back into the U.S. mail to travel back to New York (yes, this was before the age of the Internet). Lastly, John requested supporting pictures and a sidebar graph to complete my first contribution.
My little offering appeared in the November 1982 edition. Blazing across the dark blue magazine cover that month was the feature story cutline “Chariots of Fire,” which was a collection of stories about the latest and greatest in fire apparatus. I couldn’t help but notice the price printed on this glossy paper, full-color, nearly 100-page bound magazine—$2.00. What a bargain Firehouse Magazine was then and, of course, it is even more so now.
I bet you want to learn what the title of my first article was? On page 58, in all of its glory, is my article—“Bringing on the Brigades.” This report reviewed the need, development, value, organization and coordination of fire brigades that operated inside of major industrial facilities. When I first laid eyes on that printed copy, I was enamored with Firehouse Magazine, and my motivation rocketed.
After a mere six years and 35 articles submitted and published later, I was added to the monthly magazine masthead—the list of everyone involved in the magazine’s development and production. I am proud to point out that I was promoted to the role of “correspondent” by none other than the magazine’s original owner and creator, Dennis Smith of FDNY Engine Company No. 82 fame.
In December 1988, Dennis made the “promotional” phone call, making me an offer that I couldn’t refuse. This 10-minute phone call cemented a personal lifetime relationship. What a visionary, loyal friend and career influencer Dennis Smith has been for me. This was an amazing and unexpected benefit of becoming a part of the Firehouse extended family.
Just a few years later, Harvey Eisner took over the helm as editor-in-chief and gave me the high honor of being named a Firehouse contributing editor. Harvey become another great long-term friend whom I met through my association with the magazine. In all, I was allowed to write and publish nearly 200 articles.
A wonderful Dennis Smith tip was to keep a “proof copy” (a version without wrinkles or other flaws typically found in mailed magazines) of each magazine in which my articles appeared and, of course, I did exactly as guided. Today, most of my articles have been bound into 10 hardcover books to protect the collection. I do cherish each edition, and I review the material for research or just to stir memories every once in a while.
Being a part of Firehouse for more than 30 years proved to have some amazing personal and professional benefits. I know that we all hate namedroppers, but the folks mentioned in the opening paragraphs alone would have made my fire service journey incredible. Added to the above list of personalities are dozens of other great fire service characters that I was fortunate to meet only because of my affiliation with Firehouse Magazine.
As I became more experienced on the job and in life, sharing information by using amusing and entertaining stories became the gold standard for conveying information to others. I think I could fill an entire edition with my Firehouse Magazine experiences, but I have narrowed my Firehouse influencers to just two vignettes.
Back when the Great American Firehouse Expo was conceived, I was asked to be a presenter on topics that I had written about in the magazine. Dennis Smith’s very successful concept was to bring the magazine to life by allowing our readers to meet the authors. So it was off to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Conference Center to teach, eat, network, build relationships and generally have fun at a great show. Little did I realize that I would become more of a participant (it’s OK to call me a groupie) than a presenter.
At the first opening ceremony, in walks Harold “Hal” Bruno of ABC News. Hal was a brilliant and captivating presenter and the perfect choice to be a part of this wonderful new program. After just few minutes of discussion, Hal and I were connected. I would seek Hal’s advice from time to time and valued his friendship. One of Hal’s Firehouse columns was entitle “Der Captain” and it shared the story of a Chicago fire captain from Germany (hence the title). In essence, the captain conducts a truck company drill using the “life net” in the firehouse alley. It was a very pointed story with such a funny ending. (Take the time to locate and read it, you will enjoy it.) Hal and I would reminisce about “Der Captain” just about every time we would meet.
At the same amazing first Firehouse Expo, I would get to meet another “larger-than-life” fire service celebrity. FDNY’s Deputy Fire Chief Vincent Dunn reviewed a major fire operation that he had commanded and written about in the magazine. Chief Dunn is such a great gentleman both on and off the job. A few months later, I would meet up with Chief Dunn at the New York State Fire Coordinator’s Association (NYSFCA) conference at the Concord Hotel in the Catskills. Vinny provided “insider” advice and details about making a presentation to the group. The chief’s insight was spot on and very helpful to a nervous newbie.
Over the years, Firehouse was the key for me to forge many of my lasting fire service relationships. The magazine was a great platform to get my message out and to be relevant in our business. I can’t help but think that I owe a significant part of my career development to Firehouse. I am not sure that I can ever repay the kindness and opportunities that this magazine has afforded.
Now, to the current times at Firehouse …. I must say that the future has never been brighter. Our new Editor-In-Chief Tim Sendelbach brings so much to the table—education, experience, enthusiasm, and vision—it is amazing. I do believe that Tim is the perfect fit for what it takes to produce a top-tier fire-rescue magazine and conference programs.
What a great first 40 years for Firehouse! Here is to the next 40 and, under Tim’s command, being a “Lighthouse Beacon” for our much beloved North American fire service.
Congratulations to Tim and all of the Firehouse staff!
