Bob Palestrant has over 40 years of experience in public service serving as a registered nurse, firefighter/paramedic, emergency manager, and in the discipline of homeland security. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), a credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center of Public Safety Excellence, and earned his master's degree in Homeland Security graduating cum laude from American Military University. He has multiple Incident Command System (ICS) instructor certifications, is an Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) Bomb Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) Administrator/Trainer, a State of Florida Fire Service Instructor III and in 2021, was selected as the Government Technology & Services Coalition-Homeland Security Today's State Homeland Security Person of the Year. After promoting through the ranks, he retired from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) in 2012.
"""Firefighter/Paramedics in an urban environment see lots of things in their 24-hour shift. Two things they DON'T see much of, is sleep and a warm meal. Some of Bob's experiences are very sad; some are humorous AND ironically, they both can occur on the same shift. This book is one of the best, most honest appraisals of the fire and rescue service I have ever read, and I am confident that firefighter/paramedics on busy companies will find it relevant and compelling."" Captain Bill Gustin Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Technical Editor, Fire Engineering Magazine"