PREFACE

"Of all branches of fire fighting probably none has received more
deserved attention than that of hydraulics; and it is to present the
general knowledge current on this subject, as applied to fire fighting,
that this treatise has been prepared."
These words formed part of the preface to "Practical Hydraulics
for Firemen" that was written in 1917 by Fred Shepperd, B.Sc., M.E.
Mr. Shepperd, who can rightfully be caned the father of fire service
hydraulics, also stated in his preface that "the sole object (of the text)
is to serve as an aid in developing the judgment of firemen through
constant application in solving imaginary problems. . ." He used
almost the same words to introduce "Simplified Fire Department
Hydraulics" in 1925 and again in 1941 with Fire Service Hydraulics.
His words apply equally as wen to this Second Edition of Fire Service
Hydraulics.
The "general knowledge" current today is, understandably, differ-
ent than it was in 1917 and even in 1941. And, of course, the general
education of the men who will study this book today is on a much
higher level than in those years. However, this second edition still
contains all the basic information that Mr. Shepperd set forth in 1917
and the later revisions. What makes this edition different from its
predecessors is the treatment in depth given to hydraulic theory and
practice, and the elaboration on water systems and tire department
pumps. Foam has come a long way since 1941-so much so that we
have given a lengthy chapter to it alone.
This edition, as all the others have been, is geared to the ever-
growing needs of the fire service. It was planned and written for the
beginner and the advanced student, and for those who want to know
"why" as well as "how-to."
James F. Casey III