I first heard of Chief Michael Terpak at the FDIC conference in Indianapolis a couple of years ago. I was so impressed with his speech that when I was preparing for the Battalion Chief test, I attended a Promotional Prep two day seminar and bought his book “Assessment Center Strategy & Tactics”. That seminar and book were the blueprint for taking an oral exam. But more than that, the week before the exam Chief Terpak e-mailed to me tips, advice and encouragement. He did this not as a Promotional Prep instructor to a client, but as one firefighter to another. Thanks again Mike.
Mark Erlacher, Captain
Philadelphia Fire Department
2010
Mike, I just wanted to thank you again for an outstanding presentation at the Fireground Leadership seminar here in Hooksett New Hampshire.
Earl Lincoln
Seminar Coordinator
Hooksett, Fire and Rescue
January 2010
Recently a group of guys from Cumberland Rhode Island were at one of your seminars and they can’t say enough about it!
Christopher Smith
North Cumberland Rhode Island Fire department
2010
Thanks again for a great seminar. The class was very informative and has certainly got me thinking about how we can address the problems encountered by lightweight construction.
Thanks again!
Jeff Lynch, Chief
Portsmouth Rhode Island Fire Department
2010
Earl, Thank you for your efforts in assembling the presentation of Chief Terpak. I found him to be an exceptional speaker who made the topics flow to a conclusion, similar to how an incident should be run. Chief Terpak was an excellent choice for your seminar.
Chief Kevin Finlay
Cumberland Hill Fire Department
2010
Earl, I just wanted to send you a quick e-mail and tell you how much I enjoyed the seminar in Hooksett this week. I got a lot out of it and have a lot of information to bring back to my job. Mike Terpak was great – a great message and a guy passionate about the fire service.
Chief Kevin Burns
Framingham Fire Department
2010
Deputy Chief Mike Terpak is a valuable fire service resource that is available to all of us from chief and company officers, to our newest members. Chief Terpak’s educational background gives him the ability to express his thoughts, ideas, and concepts in a logical and motivational manner, however, it is the actual fireground experience he has gained as a firefighter, company officer, and chief officer of a very busy urban fire department that makes him a credible fire service leader, and authority on fireground operations.
District Chief Dave McGrail
City of Denver, Colorado
“Fireground Size-Up” by Chief Terpak is outstanding! Chief Terpak takes each type of building occupancy and breaks it down to include critical size up factors. This text is unique and one of the best books I have ever read. As an Incident Commander the information in this text will greatly assist in making quick effective decisions. This book is a must for all firefighters and officers.
Deputy Chief Frank Montagne
North Hudson (NJ) Fire and Rescue
Chief Terpak’s “Fireground Size-Up” is a must for all serious firefighters. It is one of the most comprehensive resources on the subject and enjoys a prominent place in my fire library. What a pleasure it is to attend one of Chief Terpak’s lectures. His no nonsense approach to the fire problem is enlightening while his credibility adds to the experience.
Battalion Chief Ted Corporandy
City of San Francisco California
‘Fireground Size-Up” by Michael A. Terpak is an essential read for fire service professionals.
Fire Industry Book Review
Chief Mike Terpak’s “Fireground Size-Up” is an essential part of every current or future fire officer’s library. His no nonsense approach in his writings as well as his seminars, are real and experienced.
Battalion Chief James Drennan
City of Jersey City, New Jersey
Chief Terpak has taken Size-Up to a new level. His approach is both in-depth and usable in the real world. “Fireground Size-Up” is a must for every fire officer’s library.
Captain Mike West
South Metro Colorado Fire and Rescue
Chief Terpak has taken two small words (Size-Up) and expanded their meaning in a manner never imagined! Within the 407 pages of his book are not only statements and considerations that officers and incident commanders should pay attention to, there are explanations telling them why they should. It is a must for the progressive fire officer and firefighter!
Battalion Chief John M. Malecky
City of Bayonne, New Jersey
Little did I realize (being young myself) that the kid standing on the corner of Van Pelt and Weaver Street in Little Falls New Jersey, would develop into one of our finest firemen. Looking with eyes aglow as Singac’s Engine Co. 3 turned the corner, who was to know that Michael would one day set the standards for the fire service. He was destined to become exactly what he is; One of the finest and most knowledgeable Firemen of this time. Current and future fire officers who have “The Edge” will say I got that from a Terpak class. He once said that I held the door open for him to enter the fire service. If that is true, then it was by far my greatest contribution to my fellow firefighter.
Captain John Riker, City of Newark NJ
