Setting the Standard

Dave McGlynn was born in Rahway, New Jersey, and raised in the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township, a place that taught him early on about grit, heart, and the value of hard work. The youngest of four, Dave grew up with a deep respect for family, service, and the importance of showing up for the people who count on you.

He brings more than two decades of fire service experience across both municipal and federal departments, including leadership roles at the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, the US Military Academy at West Point, and now as the fire chief at Letterkenny Army Depot Fire and Emergency Services. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administration and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

Dave is the author of The Training Officer: Do You Have What It Takes?, host of The Training Officer podcast on Fire Engineering, and a contributing author to Fire Engineering magazine and FirefighterNation. He also serves on the FDIC International and Fire Engineering Advisory Boards and teaches at FDIC each year.

He believes that training isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about preparing for moments where lives hang in the balance. His philosophy blends operational readiness with mental resilience, leadership development, and professional growth, on and off the fireground.

Off duty, Dave is a proud husband to his wife Krissy and a devoted father to their two beautiful children, Angela and Michael. Whether he’s coaching Little League, attending cheer competitions, or mentoring the next generation of fire service leaders, Dave brings the same passion, heart, and commitment to everything he does.

• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• 1. The Foundation of Firefighter Training
• 2. The Training Officer’s Role
• 3. Embracing the Role of a New Fire Instructor
• 4. Mastering the Craft
• 5. Mission-Focused Training
• 6. Building a Visionary Training Program
• 7. Differentiated Training for Diverse Roles
• 8. Dress for Success
• 9. Mental Health and Resilience
• 10. Standard Operating Procedures and Investigating Injuries
• 11. Developing a Culture of Excellence Through Training
• 12. Dual-Mode Decision-Making
• 13. Company Officer Training
• 14. Embracing the Future of Fire Service Training
• Contributors
• Index
• About the Authors