Step Up and Lead – Frank Viscuso

Step Up and Lead is a leadership guide from Frank Viscuso, a career deputy chief, best-selling author, and one of the fire service’s most in-demand speakers. Rather than focusing on theory, Viscuso breaks leadership down into practical traits and skills that any firefighter — regardless of rank — can start applying immediately. The book covers what separates true leaders from titleholders, how to delegate effectively, how to build a mentorship program, how to handle subordinate problems and critique constructively, and why customer service matters just as much on the fireground as it does in any other profession. Retired FDNY Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn, who wrote the foreword, has said the book belongs dog-eared and highlighted on a leader’s desk rather than sitting unused on a shelf.

Widely regarded as one of the essential titles in fire service leadership literature, Step Up and Lead has earned a loyal following among firefighters, company officers, and chief officers alike, with many readers calling it required reading for anyone testing for promotion or stepping into a leadership role for the first time. Reviewers consistently highlight how approachable and readable Viscuso’s writing is compared to more academic leadership books, while still delivering substantive, actionable takeaways in nearly every chapter. And while the book is written for the fire service, its lessons on delegation, morale, mentorship, and self-leadership translate well beyond the firehouse, making it a strong pick for supervisors and team leads in any high-pressure profession. Whether you’re a rookie firefighter looking to grow into a future officer or a seasoned chief looking to sharpen your leadership toolkit, Step Up and Lead delivers proven, field-tested guidance for leading with purpose.