John Salka served with the FDNY for 33 years and retired as the Battalion Commander of Battalion 18 in the Bronx. During his career, he worked in some of the city’s most active units including Ladder 11, Engine 48, Squad 1, and Rescue 3. He instructed at the FDNY academy in several capacities, including the Probationary Firefighters School, the Captains Management Program, and the Battalion Chiefs Command Course. He was a frequent contributor to WNYF and also writes a monthly column for Firehouse® magazine. Chief Salka is the author of three books and he lectures and trains at fire service conferences around the country.