Mathematics and Problem Solving for Fire Service Personnel : A Worktext for Student Achievement

Mathematics and Problem Solving for Fire Service Personnel serves as both a review of basic math for students and a study book for firefighters preparing for a promotional examination. The overview of mathematical, statistical, and basic measurement principles, in addition to mathematical hydraulic word problems and hazardous material calculations enable the firefighter student to learn the fundamentals of mathematics while applying the skills to on the job situations. With experience in a variety of positions and associations, Eugene Mahoney, a retired Fire Chief and Fire Science Program Coordinator, provides information on introductory mathematical principles including arithmetic, statistics, and various formulas and figures. By introducing the basics of mathematics for firefighters in an easy and understandable way, this book serves as an introductory tool for all firefighters who seek both the fundamentals and continued success in the field.

During his twenty-two years in the Los Angeles Fire Department, Gene Mahoney rose through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief of the Watts Battalion, the most active battalion in the department. As a part-time instructor at Los Angeles Junior College, he, and another Los Angeles Fire Department captain, developed a fire science curriculum for the junior college level which is still in use today as the standard in California. At the time of his retirement from the L.A.F.D., he was in command of the Public Relations section of the department.

Prior to his tenure as a Fire Chief, instructor, and program coordinator, Chief Mahoney served in the Armed Guard of the navy during WWII, was a naval aviation cadet, and spent eighteen years in a naval reserve squadron, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander.

On his off-duty days from the L.A.F.D., Chief Mahoney attended the University of Southern California where he received his B.S. in Public Administration with a minor in Fire Administration. Three years later, Chief Mahoney was awarded a Master’s degree in Education.

Mahoney retired from the L.A.F.D in 1969 to accept the position of Fire Chief for the City of Garden Grove. Shortly after, he was promoted to the position of Public Safety Director and placed in command of both the fire and police departments. Eventually his position was upgraded to Assistant City Manager for Public Safety. He retired in 1972 to become the Fire Chief for the City of Arcadia.

Retiring from the active portion of the fire service in 1975, Mahoney then became the Fire Science Coordinator for Rio Hondo College in California. As the program coordinator at Rio Hondo, he expanded the Fire Academy which then prepared students for qualifications as a Fire Fighter I in the state of California. He retired from Rio Hondo College in 1988 as a Professor of Fire Science.

Mahoney’s writing career began during his time on the L.A.F.D. where he wrote various articles for the Firemen’s Grapevine and other professional magazines. While assigned to the Training Division of the department, he wrote most of the drill guides used to train apparatus operators and later a special book for the department called The Progressive Years. He also wrote one novel, Anatomy of an Arsonist, but soon learned that technical books were his calling. Since then, he has published over twelve fire science textbooks covering topics from Hydraulics to Fire Apparatus and Equipment to Fire Suppression Practices and Procedures.

In addition to having an accomplished, multi-faceted career, Mahoney has also served as a President or Chairman for many organizations. The organizations included the Boy Scouts of America, the United Way, the Salvation Army, the International Association of Toastmasters, and the President of Rio Hondo College Faculty Association.