In government administration and leadership, rural community leaders face unique challenges in delivering public services including (but not limited to) education, health care, and public safety. Meanwhile, residents who live in smaller and more isolated rural settings often face greater difficulties accessing provisions and services or commuting to work, among other economic development challenges. These factors may affect a community’s resiliency to and recovery from shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Local Government Administration in Small Town America devotes some overdue scholarly attention to the governance and administration of public programs in small towns and rural communities in the United States. The chapter contributors to this volume analyze some of the unique challenges rural communities face, as well as the policy tools that their governments employ to address them. The book explores ways that small town governments collaborate with one another, the state, and the federal government, and examines how local government officials use knowledge of people and place to improve policy performance. The chapters are designed to provide cases and strategies for students and practitioners in public administration to use in a small town environment, while also considering a community’s distinctive social and political culture, which determines how local political leaders and government practitioners might respond to demands and challenges they face. Local Government Administration in Small Town America is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students studying local government, as well as for rural practitioners navigating evolving challenges unique to their communities.

Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II - “WRITTEN TO 2019 NFPA STANDARDS 1001” The Preeminent Handbook on Real-World Fire Basics From fire service history to basic fire attack and building construction to firefighter safety, Fire Engineering’s 2019 update is the standard instruction handbook for firefighters. Lessons learned from more than 40 experienced authors who share their insight and knowledge. Edited by Glenn Corbett, Fire Engineering magazine’s technical editor, this 2019 update gives readers practical, real-world, time-tested knowledge and skills. Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II is the chosen reference for training and certification. Bobby Halton, editor in chief, Fire Engineering/education director, FDIC International, says: “Ours is an extremely dangerous and potentially deadly occupation. One should learn as much as possible about every aspect of firefighting. Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II is the most comprehensive introduction to the world’s most honored profession.”

Developing resilience skills has the potential to shield firefighters and other emergency responders from the negative effects of stressful incidents and situations. Drawing on cutting-edge research, this SpringerBrief proposes strategies to prevent firefighter behavioral health issues using the proactive approach of resilience training. Further, resilience training aims to develop mental toughness and support overall well-being in all facets of the responder’s life. This book emphasizes lessons and research from Positive Psychology. A new branch in the science of how the mind operates, Positive Psychology focuses on developing emotional wellness and preventing behavioral health problems. It does so in part by teaching habits and skills that promote self-efficacy, social support, and realistic optimistic thinking. The program outlined in this book supplements current approaches addressing emotional and behavioral health problems that afflict the emergency response community. Such problems include PTSD, anxiety, burnout, alcoholism, depression, and suicide. The authors present interventions and measures for resilience training backed by research and demonstrated results within education, the military, and other communities. Drawing on her more than 25 years’ experience in working with fire service representatives at all levels, Ms. Deppa understands the importance of considering the fire service culture. Dr. Saltzberg, a practicing psychologist, has taught resilience skills to a wide range of populations, including students, teachers, counselors, and U.S. Army officers. Together, they present a compelling approach to preventing behavioral health problems before they occur.

Corbett, technical editor of "Fire Engineering" magazine, has assembled more than 40 accomplished fire service professionals to compile one of the most authoritative, comprehensive, and up-to-date basics book for Firefighter I and II classes.