From Buddy to Boss: Effective Fire Service Leadership

by Chase Sargent

The second edition of From Buddy to Effective Fire Service Leadership reinforces the fact that the fire service is screaming for leaders as men and women discover that leadership is important to their existence and success. Being a firefighter can be tiring and frustrating, but it can be rewarding. It’s not only about the job, “but also about raising kids, managing your life, and trying to be a good person, attached to God, country, family, and friends,” says the author. Many leaders today are surrounded by external politics, hidden agendas, fiscal constraints, and manipulative people. Consider these factors when navigating your career. Sargent knows from decades of experience that simply reaching the top of the organizational ladder does not make you a good leader. Before he went into teaching this subject, “It became apparent very quickly that the leadership and human resources training being provided was as scarce as water in a desert and that the fire service was thirsty.” This new second edition includes must-read topics on leadership lessons from the War in Iraq, knowing death in the fire service, and providing leadership in large-scale disasters. This book will change your life.

380 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2006

Reviews

[Mary Menter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very meaty book. Great lessons to gleam and incredible stories of leadership in extraordinary situations. Lost a star bc he goes very in detail on things that may not be universal but overall a good leadership book

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for fire department employees that are seeking promotion. Great insight and direction that will benefit promoted and not yet promoted alike. Not my favorite leadership book, but upper average.

[Jenn Lambert · Rating 2 out of 5]

some things were very helpful. others...not so much. Tends to be a little dry at times (hard to read in the middle of the night, and stay awake).