10-24

A former career firefighter looks back on 26 years of fighting fires and experiences as a freelance writer covering the fire service. Rick Ornberg offers not only an inside look at life in the firehouse and vivid accounts of a variety of emergency responses, but provides thoughtful and introspective insights into some of the evolutionary changes that have affected fire departments everywhere.Starting his fire service career as a recruit in 1971, literally riding the engine tailboard, hanging on with one hand while buckling up a canvas firefighters coat with the other, Rick covers two and a half decades of change along with personal insights, in-depth stories, and behind-the-scenes examples of an evolving suburban fire department. He also shares some of his experiences as a frequent contributor to FIREHOUSE Magazine and other trade publications.Includes: The Crash of American Airlines Flight 191, A Visit to “Planet Firehouse”, Chicago Firefighters’ Strike, From First Aid to Paramedics, Are Firefighters Really Brave and Fearless?, The Politics of Fire, Assignment: Space Center Fire and Rescue, Extreme Weather Responses, What’s A “Superman Suit”? and much more!

Author Biography

Rick Ornberg served as fulltime firefighter with Des Plaines Fire Department from 1971-1996 as Firefighter, Acting Company Officer and in the Fire Prevention Bureau coordinating Fire and Burn Prevention Education. Also contributed toward creation and launch of city’s first Paramedic program in early 1970’s, and was a frequent contributor to Firehouse Magazine and other associated trade publications.