Firehouse Sergeants
Earning Your Stripes
Firehouse Sergeants reveals the essential yet often overlooked leaders of the fire service, the senior firefighters who act as the firehouse’s informal leaders. Drawing from decades of experience, Nicholas A. Palumbo shows how these culture keepers shape expectations, mentor the next generation, guard the craft, and anchor their crews on the fireground and in the firehouse.
 
Blending practical leadership, fireground wisdom, and real-world stories, this book offers a ground-up model of influence built on humility, competence, and service. For new firefighters seeking guidance, seasoned members looking for purpose, or officers striving to build strong, high trust companies, Firehouse Sergeants highlights the people who truly hold the Backstep together, one firefighter, one run, and one lesson at a time.
 
Are your ready to earn your stripes?
 
About the Author
Nicholas Palumbo is a third-generation firefighter and second-generation Department of Defense civilian firefighter, proudly born and raised in New Jersey. He began his fire service journey in 1999 as a Fire Explorer at the age of 14, became a volunteer firefighter at 18, and entered the career fire service at 21. Since 2009, he has served in the federal fire service with unwavering dedication to operational excellence, leadership, and mentorship.
 
Published by the Firefighter Book Club