From Leather To Lights - A History of the California Fire Service, January 1, 1960 to January 1, 2005

"From Leather to Lights"; was the result of a 5 year study reviewing the factors that have influenced the evolution of the California Fire Service over the last 50 years. Hundreds of records were reviewed and countless interviews conducted with a representative group of fire protection, law enforcement, and pre-hospital emergency medical professionals who have collectively contributed over 1000 years of public service! It defines where the California fire service was 50 years ago, a path through the era defining where the California fire service is today; and outlines a controversial proposal for the future of the California fire service within the summary. Each successive chapter examines fire protection organization(s), politics, legislation, staffing, budget, service, and technology; comparing and contrasting each effect. Even with the rich fire service traditions originating in California, "From Leather to Lights" documents the many influences discovered and adapted from abroad. All together, this is an effort to inform the reader of what is arguable the most complete fire protection response on the earth.