Publisher's Synopsis
The fire service is steeped in tradition-a proud legacy built on discipline, courage, and hard-earned wisdom passed from one generation to the next. But today's recruits are not the same as those who came before. Raised in the digital age and shaped by the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 era, they bring new perspectives, expectations, and learning styles into the training environment.
Why Before the How is a powerful call to action for fire instructors, training officers, and department leaders to evolve-not by discarding tradition, but by enhancing it with purpose and relevance. This book challenges the status quo of recruit training and urges the fire service to adopt a mindset that places understanding before execution, and engagement before repetition.
Veteran fire instructor Wayne Jones lays out a compelling argument: when recruits understand why they do what they do, they become more competent, confident, and committed firefighters. Through a blend of personal experience, proven educational strategies, and practical tools, Jones shows how to transform lecture-based classrooms into dynamic, hands-on learning environments where critical thinking and passion take root.
This is more than a training manual-it's a modern teaching philosophy grounded in respect for the past and vision for the future. Why Before the How is a guide to developing firefighters who don't just follow instructions, but who think, lead, and thrive in the face of complexity. For any fire department investing in the next generation, this book offers the blueprint to make that investment count.
