From the Publishers Desk

From the Publishers Desk

departments

Front and Back Matter Important as Articles

Front matter and back matter are mildly technical terms used in the publication of magazines to indicate that written material which is not included in the editorial well of major articles. But this front and back matter can, and usually does, play an important part in any magazine’s presentation.

Starting with the front matter in Fire Engineering you will find Dick Sylvia’s “Volunteers Corner” which has been running since 1964, well before Dick came on board as associate editor. This column is unquestionably the most read piece in any of the fire press. And not surprisingly, many of Dick’s columns find their way into training programs and lectures given in almost every state.

Another important department which can be found in the front matter and in every issue is our Round Table. It was started back in 1926 and proved an instant success. It has appeared in every issue since that time.

The reasons for the Round Table’s success? Well, it gives some of our readers, who are scattered around the country, an opportunity to participate in their favorite magazine. It also provides all our readers with a knowledge of what the other guy is doing—in some particular facet of the fire service that relates to all.

Turning to the back matter, we usually find first our “Fire Equipment Digest.” This important department has also been running for about 50 years, and provides the fire service with “what’s new” in the line of apparatus and equipment—shortly after a manufacturer has introduced it. It can feature a strobe light, a rescue cutter, new hose or what have you—all designed to keep a fire department up to the minute on its job.

We also have, among other items in the back, our Readers Service Card. And finally, we have “Manufacturers’ Literature” available to those who want to go more deeply into certain products.

WTH health program

Senators Decry Cuts to World Trade Center Health Program

U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint letter demanding that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reverse cuts that impacted the World Trade Center…