TO SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS: THE STORY OF A FIRE

by David Cowan and John Kuenster

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

To Sleep with the Angels: The Story of a Fire is a haunting and meticulously researched
account of one of America’s deadliest school fires. The tragedy at Our Lady of the
Angels Catholic School in Chicago on 1 December 1958, claimed the lives of 92
children and three nuns, leaving a neighborhood forever scarred by grief and
unanswered questions. Having gone to a very similar parochial elementary school in
The Bronx, this book is not an easy read—it confronts the reader with raw, unfiltered
emotions, and I often found myself stepping away after 10 to 15 pages, overwhelmed by
the weight of the tragedy. The authors, driven by decades of dedication to
understanding this disaster, weave together a narrative that is both heartbreaking and
gripping. Through the voices of survivors, parents, teachers, and first responders, they
vividly recreate the fateful day, plunging readers into the chaos and despair that
engulfed the school. The fear and panic of children trapped in classrooms, the bravery
of teachers and firefighters who risked everything, and the devastation felt by a tight-
knit, working-class community are conveyed with unflinching honesty.

At its core, this is a story of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The
courage of those who fought to save lives and the resilience of families struggling to
rebuild after unimaginable loss are juxtaposed against systemic failures that made the
fire so catastrophic. The building’s lack of modern fire safety measures, including
alarms, sprinklers, and adequate escape routes, stands as a chilling reminder of the
cost of complacency. This incident set in motion many of the fire safety measures we
have in today’s schools.

What makes To Sleep with the Angels even more compelling is its exploration of the
lingering mystery surrounding the fire’s origin. Despite strong evidence pointing to arson
by a troubled student, the cause was never officially confirmed. The authors delve into
the shadowy aftermath, marked by allegations of a cover-up by the Catholic Church and
city officials. This element of unresolved tension adds a layer of complexity to the
narrative, elevating it from a straightforward recounting of events to a powerful
investigative work. Beyond its emotional and historical impact, the fire at Our Lady of
the Angels was a watershed moment for fire safety in American schools. The tragedy
spurred sweeping reforms, including stricter building codes and fire drill protocols, likely
saving countless lives in the decades since. However, for the families and community,
these changes came too late, leaving behind a legacy of grief and unanswered
questions.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Effective leadership demands vigilance and a
proactive approach to addressing risks before they become disasters. Complacency in
safety standards, no matter how small, can lead to irreversible consequences. Leaders
must prioritize accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement to protect
those they serve.

ISBN: 13: 9781566632171

Book Review by: Joseph Leonard, CMDR, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret)

In Report from Ground Zero, Dennis Smith, a former FDNY firefighter and acclaimed author of Report from Engine Company 82, offers an unflinching and deeply personal account of the September 11, 2001, tragedy and its aftermath. Drawing from his firsthand experience volunteering at Manhattan’s Ladder Co. 16, Smith provides a harrowing yet heartfelt narrative of the rescue efforts following the terrorist attacks that brought down the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.

Through vivid storytelling and compassionate insight, Smith chronicles the heroism of New York City’s firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel as they confronted a disaster of unprecedented magnitude. As you are reading this review on the YLD Foundation website, you may know many of those interviewed, may have been trained by them, or served alongside them.  Smith takes readers to the front lines of Ground Zero, where rescuers faced unimaginable dangers in their desperate search for survivors amid the smoldering ruins. The book paints a sobering picture of loss, bravery, and resilience, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who risked everything to save others. Smith’s writing shines in his ability to humanize the rescuers. Through intimate interviews and personal reflections, he shares the stories of firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming chaos. These profiles are not just tributes to the fallen but also a testament to the enduring strength of their families and colleagues. Smith captures the raw emotions of the men and women who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero—grief, determination, camaraderie, and the heavy burden of survivor’s guilt.

What sets Report from Ground Zero apart is its immediacy and authenticity. Smith’s background as a firefighter gives him unparalleled insight into the culture, values, and sacrifices of first responders. His narrative balances the technical aspects of the rescue efforts with deeply personal anecdotes, making the book both informative and profoundly moving. Smith also places the events of September 11 within a broader historical context, likening the attacks to Pearl Harbor as a defining moment of collective loss and resilience for the nation. He explores the profound impact on the fire and police departments, whose members not only suffered devastating losses but also became symbols of courage and hope in America’s darkest hours.

As much as it is a chronicle of heroism, Report from Ground Zero is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of preparedness. Smith does not shy away from the hard truths about the physical and emotional toll on first responders, nor the long-term challenges of rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of such devastation.

ISBN: 9780670031160

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

In today’s fast-paced world of Information Technology (IT), where incidents such as
service disruptions and security breaches can have devastating consequences, the
need for a structured, efficient response system is critical. Incident Management for
Operations offers a groundbreaking approach to IT incident management by adopting
the Incident Management System (IMS), a framework traditionally used by firefighters.
This book bridges the gap between IT and emergency response, providing a fresh
perspective on handling high-stakes, time-sensitive events. The authors introduce IMS
as an all-hazard, all-risk framework that prioritizes leadership, communication, and time
management during crises. They effectively argue that IMS principles can be adapted to
IT operations to create a unified and systematic approach to incident management. The
book begins with a comprehensive overview of the IMS framework, breaking it down
into manageable components, including the role of the Incident Commander, the
importance of a unified command structure, and the value of collaboration across
multiple business units.

One of the book’s standout features is its emphasis on real-world application. Using
case studies from IT operations, the authors demonstrate how IMS principles can be
tailored to fit diverse organizational needs. From small startups to global corporations,
the examples highlight the scalability and adaptability of the IMS methodology.  A
particularly useful tool introduced in the book is the PROCESS programmatic evaluation
tool; PROCESS stands for (Predictable-Repeatable, Optimized-Clear-Evaluated-
Scalable-Sustainable). This systematic approach allows organizations to assess their
incident response capabilities, identify gaps, and implement targeted improvements.
The authors walk readers through the application of PROCESS , emphasizing its
practicality and relevance to modern IT challenges. Another strength of the book is its
focus on leadership and decision-making during incidents. The responsibilities of the
Incident Commander are explored in depth, providing actionable insights for IT leaders.
The authors stress the importance of clear communication, decisive action, and
continuous evaluation, underscoring the critical role leadership plays in successful
incident management.

What sets Incident Management for Operations apart is its accessibility. The authors
use clear, jargon-free language, making the concepts easy to understand and
implement. They balance theoretical insights with practical advice, ensuring that readers
can immediately apply what they learn to their own organizations. The book’s
conclusion reinforces its central message: there is a better way to respond to IT
incidents, and IMS provides the roadmap. By adopting this proven framework,
organizations can enhance their resilience, improve outcomes, and minimize the impact
of incidents on their operations.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Effective incident management starts with strong
leadership, clear communication, and a structured response system. By adopting the
IMS framework, leaders can empower their teams to respond decisively and
collaboratively to any challenge, transforming chaos into coordinated action.

ISBN: 9781491917626

Reviewed by Michael S. Hildebrand, CSP

Cornerstones of Leadership was written by Frank Leeb who is the managing director
of the First Responder Center for Excellence. He previously served as a deputy
assistant chief in FDNY, holding key positions as Chief Safety Officer, Chief of
Training, and Chief of the Fire Academy, He retired in June 2024 after more than
31 years. In conjunction with his FDNY service, he also served as a volunteer
firefighter with the East Farmingdale, New York Fire Department. He currently
lectures nationally on fire service leadership issues.

Aspiring fire company officers will find Chief Leeb’s book packed full of leadership
guidance. The work book is organized into two distinct parts. The first part, “Reflections
From the Fireground,” comprises chapters that recount Leeb’s involvement in
emergency responses and deployments. These chapters share individual stories and
spotlight essential leadership qualities that have impacted his leadership journey over
three decades. The second part, “Beyond the Fireground” features narratives centered
on culture, leadership attributes, and the soft skills.

At the end of each chapter, the book offers five key take-ways, which are essential
leadership points derived from the content of each chapter. These are intended to be
actionable insights and lessons for readers to apply to their leadership journeys. The
book concludes with a combined list of these 125 leadership attributes.

Leadership books that have been written from an academic and strategic chief officer
perspective can be hard to digest for upcoming firefighters looking to move into a
company level officer position. What makes Cornerstones of Leadership an interesting
and easy read for junior officers is the story telling format used in each chapter related
to specific major incidents that Chief Leeb and the FDNY have responded to during his
career.

Key YLD Leadership Takeaway: Mentorship shapes future leaders. Seeking out
mentors early in your career can have a lifelong impact on positive career development.
Mentorship involves freely passing along your knowledge. Mentorship from senior,
respected, and accomplished leaders is critical for the development of company level
officers, who eventually evolve from tactical thinkers and doers into strategic leaders
who shape the culture of an organization.

ISBN: 13: 9781566632171

By: Gary Ludwig (2014)

One of the fire service’s most well-known and respected leaders reveals principles and events that have shaped his and other chief’s careers and leadership values that no “cookie-cutter” leadership or management book can provide. The real-world experiences and lessons that are vividly detailed in the book provide a roadmap for any aspiring firefighter wishing to be promoted, a company or chief officer looking to go to the next level, or a fire chief who wishes to further develop their leadership skills. Fully Involved Leadership, written by Chief Gary Ludwig addresses the tenets of leading firefighters at all ranks and levels, and provides a blueprint for not only motivating firefighters but inspiring them; not showing them how much you know, but how much you care; that leadership is not a position or title – it is an action and examples; reminding you that rank does not equate to leadership, the inverted table of organization, and much more! Fully Involved Leadership is filled with powerful leadership topics and at its core addresses the values of trust; the two key qualities needed to be a fire service leader – character and competence; how to keep your emotions in check by using I before E – intelligence before emotions; how to keep from making a wrong decision; why it is important to show honor to your firefighters, plus a whole lot more! Chief Ludwig offers warm and engaging stories of not only his experiences but other chief officers and how they learned from their mistakes when it comes to leadership. Chief Ludwig provides insights and hard lessons learned that makes you reflect upon the question, “Who would you follow if your life depended upon it?

[ISBN- 978-1593704216]

By: Dennis L. Rubin (2016)

One of the most demanding and stressful management jobs in existence, fire rescue leadership requires a set of clear and distinct skills. Given today’s work environment, everyone from the chief down to the newest recruit should be strong, courageous leaders. Every aspect of a successful operation relies on capable leadership at all levels.

It’s Always about Leadership is written by an active firefighter for his fellow fire-rescue service members. Author Dennis L. Rubin discusses his 13 rules for leadership, which he has developed over a 35-year career in fire service. Alongside these rules, the author has curated case studies and created critical learning points, self-improvement plans, and discussion questions for learning reinforcement and to assist real-world applications.

[ISBN- 978-1593704216]

by John Salka (2004)

What does it take to lead people into a burning building? How do the leaders of the New York City Fire Department develop so much loyalty, trust, and grace under pressure that their subordinates will risk their very lives for them? As a high-ranking officer of the FDNY, John Salka is an expert at both practicing and teaching high-stakes leadership. In First In, Last Out, he explains the department’s unique strategies and how they can be adopted by leaders in any field—as he has taught them to organizations around the country.

ISBN 1-59184-025-2

by Chase Sargent (2nd Edition 2018)

Fire service veteran Chase Sargent has taken his popular leadership training course and written a no-holds-barred leadership book for the fire service in a conversational and easy-to-read style. He tells you how to accept and survive politics, deal with the fringe employees, and keep your cool — tricks of the trade that usually take years to acquire.

[ISBN 1593703899]

by John Brophy (2010)

Leadership is essential to the future of Emergency Medical Services and the success of our society. From seasoned managers who seek to perfect their leadership skills to new providers who are preparing to rise up through the ranks, Leadership Essentials for Emergency Medical Services provides EMS professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to become true leaders. Part of the EMS Continuing Education series, the text is also ideal for use as a professional reference.

ISBN: 13:978-0-7637-5875-2

by Dr. Kimberly Alyn (2012)

Dr. Alyn conducted the largest known study in the fire service on leadership and organizational commitment. Her book provides readers with a variety of valuable leadership lessons. Topics include: Creating a Values-Driven Culture, Defining Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Reigniting Responsibility, Facilitating Accountability, The Power of the Company Officer, and The Power of Empowerment, The Power of Humility, Succession Planning, Success, The Change Resistance Myth, Dealing with Distrust in Your Department, Creating Consistency, and Becoming an Exceptional Leader.

ISBN: 978-0-615-66692-1