Fire rescue is theme of chiefs' symposium

BOARDMAN -- A 26-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York will be the featured speaker at the eighth annual Mahoning County Fire Chiefs' Association Fire Rescue Symposium.
The event is set for Sunday at the Southwoods Executive Center, 250 DeBartolo Place. Firefighters from 21 departments are expected to attend.
Cost for registration is $25 and seating is limited to 200. The day will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. followed by an 8:30 program, "Training Firefighters to Get Out Alive." Participants will have lunch on their own from noon to 1 p.m. From 1 to 4:30 p.m. a program called "Battle Ready Firefighters" will be presented.
John Salka is a battalion chief in the Bronx. He has worked in every type of unit in his department including engine, ladder, squad and rescue companies. He teaches several classes at the FDNY academy.
Salka also is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine. His new book, "First In, Last Out -- Leadership Lessons from the New York Fire Department," is being used for promotion preparation, college studies and leadership development at fire departments, universities and other institutions.