John J. Salka Jr., a Firehouse contributing editor, retired in 2012 as a battalion chief with FDNY after a 33-year career where served as commander of the 18th Battalion in the Bronx. He conducts training programs at national and local conferences and has been recognized for his “Get Out Alive" firefighter survival course. Salka has written "The Fire Scene" column for Firehouse Magazine since 2007, is the author of three books and has instructed several FDNY training programs, including the department’s Probationary Firefighters School, Captain's Management Program and Battalion Chief's Command Course. Salka is a member of the Firehouse Hall of Fame.