Mastering the Craft

Jeff Rothmeier has spent 17 years in the fire service; he currently serves with the Milwaukee Fire Department as a proud member of Rescue 1. His previous service includes nearly 13 years with the Saint Paul Fire Department with notable assignments on Rescue Squad 2 and Rescue Squad 3. During this time, he spent 5 years as a company officer, including 2 years leading Rescue Squad 3. He is a dedicated member of the Minnesota Aviation Rescue Team, where he was shift lead for 2 years. He is a member of Minnesota Task Force 1 State Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and structural collapse team. His education includes an associate’s of applied science degree in Fire Science Technology, a bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Response Management, and a graduate degree in Organizational Change Leadership. He is a contributing author for Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines and a proud, decorated combat veteran!

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
1. Orienting
Destructive Forces on the Fireground
The Nature of Fire Combat
Nature of a Firefighter
Adopting a Philosophy to Guide Our Intent
2. Observing
The Fire Service Mission
Victim Survivability
Nature of Tactics
Quantifying Aggression Risks
Validating Aggression Outcomes
Observing a Disconnect
Learning to Manage Risk
3. Deciding
Aggression on the Fireground
Defining Fireground Aggression
Traits of the Aggressive Firefighter
Aggressive Conduct
On Becoming the Aggressor in Fire Combat
Summary of Aggression
4. Acting
Bias for Action
Drill as a Foundation for Excellence
Philosophy Defined: Cultivating Aggression
Decentralized Command
Commander’s IntentMission Tactics and Riding Assignments
Main Effort
Coordinated Fire Attack
Conditioning the Mind for Fire Combat
Decision-Making Exercises
After-Action Review
In Summary
Glossary
References
Study Questions
Index
About the Author
About the Photographer