On a pleasant June afternoon, some 40 firefighters and fire officers gathered in a Dumont (NJ) back yard to celebrate the 88th birthday of a man known in the fire service as “a legend” for his educational and life-saving accomplishments.
Retired Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn is nationally known for his firefighting and life-saving accomplishments through his many books, magazine articles, and lectures. He was the guest of honor at the home of retired Jersey City (NJ) Battalion Chief Charles Lind, Jr., who is also the president of the New Jersey Deputy & Battalion Chief’s Association.
Chief Dunn explained how he and the New Jersey chief bonded. It was through social media that the two initially made contact in reference to fire-related topics. Eventually, both were dealing with personnel issues around the same time. In dealing with these problems, they got their minds deeper involved in firefighting tactics and the safety of the members of the service. This was a form of mental therapy.
“This is our second family,” Dunn said at the celebration.
Chief Dunn has attended previous educational and safety seminars sponsored by the New Jersey chief’s association. His respect by fellow firefighters was evident after the events when Chief Dunn autographed books and posed for photos with lines of firefighters. Many groups of firefighters gathered around and talked with Chief Dunn in the hallways during breaks.
Along with the many well wishers, a former FDNY Mack pumper, owned by retired Hackensack Deputy Chief Pete Danzo, pulled up into the driveway. Chief Dunn sat in the officer’s seat, just like the old days! Included with the well wishers was Chief Dunn’s former aide, retired Firefighter Bill Hamilton.
There were other nationally known authors in attendance—all Jersey boys: Anthony Avillo (Fire Engineering Editorial Advisor/Contributing Editor), Glenn Corbett (Technical Editor) and Jack J. Murphy (Editorial Advisor/Contributing Editor).
Chief Dunn is working on two new books with Professor Corbett. Chief Avillo is also completing his next project.
“This is a very special day for all of us,” Chief Lind said. “This is the greatest fraternity in the world.”
BOOKS BY VINCENT DUNN
- Collapse of Burning Buildings: A Guide to Fireground Safety, Second Edition
- Command and Control of Fires and Emergencies
- Safety and Survival on the Fireground, 2nd Edition
MORE FIRE ENGINEERING AUTHORS
- Jack J. Murphy: High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges
- Anthony Avillo: Fireground Strategies, Third Edition
- Glenn Corbett and others: Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I & II — 2013 Update
