By John M. Malecky
FIREGROUND SIZE-UP
By Michael A. Terpak
Available from:
FIRE ENGINEERING BOOKS & VIDEOS
1-800-752-7964
www.pennwellbooks.com
ISBN 0-912212-99-3
Price: $74.95
Study Guide: $25.00
ISBN 0-87814-897-3
I know what you may be thinking if you are a firefighter who’s “in the books”: “Another textbook, another person’s opinion, another jumping on the bandwagon to make money with a cookie-cutter book! Only the words have been changed or moved around!” I have to admit that sometimes those thoughts come to my mind, but it is certainly not the case with this book.
Chief Michael Terpak from the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department has taken two small words (size-up) and expanded their meaning in a manner never imagined! The book is 407 pages long and within those pages are not only statements and considerations that officers and incident commanders should pay attention to but explanations telling them why they should. How many times have you read a textbook or manual and been told to do or not to do something with no further explanation? I’ve read some books like this. It’s like the author just wants you to do what he says. God forbid you should become too educated with an explanation. Or maybe the author assumed you knew the reason. Terpak writes as if he assumes you know nothing, so he covers just about everything!
The book has 10 chapters starting with the 15 points of size-up. It uses the acronym “COAL TWAS WEALTHS,” which was adapted from an East Coast acronym “COAL WAS WEALTH.” The book covers types of construction and occupancies. For example, in the multiple-dwelling chapter, Terpak covers tenements, H-type, and nonfireproof multiple dwellings. An elaborate chapter on high-rises includes a diagram of a curtain wall design, center core layout, and HVAC system design and layout, to name a few.
The book is loaded with photos of action shots and tactical considerations, which add to its versatility. Coupled with the chief’s experience and research, they all work to make it just about the most comprehensive book of its kind.
By following the guidelines laid out in this book, the incident commander will have a more-than-adequate advantage in properly sizing up his situation and making correct decisions. It is a must for the progressive fire officer and firefighter!
John M. Malecky is a 32-year veteran of the Bayonne (NJ) Fire Department and battalion chief with Battalion 2. He joined the department in 1970 and was named a lieutenant in 1987, a captain in 1994, and a battalion chief in 2000. He is author of Apparatus Deliveries in Fire Engineering.
