Firefighting is an honorable and rewarding career, and it takes a lot of hard work to get started. Here is a complete review of the most commonly tested topics given to candidates across North America, as well as tips and advice.

In Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage, author Anne Gagliano, the widely read Fire Engineering and FireLife.com columnist, has teamed up with her husband, Captain Mike Gagliano, to share their 30-plus years of personal experience on how marriage can thrive in the chaotic world of firefighting. In addition, they have called upon well-known and respected couples who share their stories of comfort and guidance for firefighter families everywhere. What you will learn: Aspects of this occupation that differentiate it from any other and how these impact marriage Essential conversations every firefighter couple should have The reality of sleep disruption and how to minimize its impact The importance of healthy intimacy in your relationship Why finances can be such a problem and ways to make it a solution Advice on how to deal with time off, kids, firefighter health, and so much more

This analysis sought to identify trends in mortality and examine relationships among data elements. To this end, data were collected on firefighter fatalities between 1990 and 2000. (For further information, see the "Methodology" section or the Appendix.) Using this analysis, better targeted prevention strategies can be developed in keeping with the USFA's goal to reduce firefighter deaths 25 percent by 2005. In contrast to the annual USFA firefighter fatality reports, this analysis allowed for comparisons over time to determine any changes in firefighter mortality, with a depth of scrutiny not present in earlier analyses.