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Lives in:: 173 Midland Avenue Glen Ridge NJ 07028

Department:: Glen Ridge Ambulance - Fire Science Program John Jay CUNY

Title/rank:: EMT Faculty

Years of public service:: 44

Agency structure:: Volunteer EMS

Professional Qualifications:: Fire experience in volunteer departments from New York to South Carolina to New Jersey
Writing on various topics relating to fire history in the US, particularly in New York City
As a rather "senior man" at this time, I more an "owl" than a "bull"

Topics you provide training for:: Fire in New York City - Team taught along with Paul Hashagen or standing online as Blackboard instructor

Areas of expertise:: Historical perspective

Bio:: Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, Dr. Don Cannon is a graduate of Manhattan College, and earned his Master's and Doctoral degrees at Fordham University. Don's Ph.D. Dissertation was The Fire Department of the City of New York 1835-1898: A Study in Institutional Adaptability.

An Honorary FDNY Deputy Chief, he is the editor of Heritage of Flames, the Illustrated History of Early American Firefighting. His entries in the Encyclopedia of New York City include articles on Fireboats, the Fire Department of the City of New York, Firefighting, The Great Fire of 1835, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. His short biography of the late and beloved Chief William Feehan was published as part of Scribner's Encyclopedia of Famous Americans in the fall of 2003. He was also interviewed for the recent History Channel presentation "The Fireboats of 9-11." Historic Fires of New York City, an illustrated narrative, written by Don and a colleague, Glen Corbett, was recently published.

Don has lectured on fire-related topics before the Irish Round Table, at the Brooklyn Museum, the New York Fire Museum, and at the FDNY Academy on Randall's Island. A professor of History at Saint Peter's College in New Jersey, he has been teaching since 1960.

Don has been involved with the fire service in one way or another all his life. His great grandfather was a member of Yonkers' Protection Engine Company 1 in the waning years of the 19th century. His uncle Eddie Cannon, a Yonkers FD Lieutenant, and a powerful role model, died of a heart attack after a multiple alarm in 1942.

Responding to President John F. Kennedy's call for civilians to supplement existing paid department personnel during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Don joined the Yonkers FD Auxiliary, becoming chief of that unit in the mid-70s. For several years he was a firefighter and First Aider with the Rockaway Point FD in Queens. Through the 1960s, the War Years, he served as an Auxiliary with FDNY in the Bronx. Don has also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Midway Fire Department in Georgetown County, South Carolina. At present, Don remains a certified EMT-B and was a riding member of the Glen Ridge [NJ] Volunteer Ambulance Squad for more than 10 years.

Don, his wife Delia Murphy, an attorney, and their son Peter, reside in northern New Jersey.

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At 1:10am on July 16, 2008, Todd McKee said…: Mr. Cannon:
I would like to request your presents at the group called HazMat News and Training. There are some great topics being discussed. Todd McKee

At 1:06pm on May 22, 2008, Steve Gooley said…: Welcome to the site. Take a look at the New Jersey group located at http://community.fireengineering.com/group/newjersey. Feel free to join and make it your own.

At 2:40am on May 19, 2008, Don Cannon said…: Good early morning Bob –
Sorry for the long delay in responding to you – but have been up to my elbows in time sensitive evaluations and reports, and this is the first time I have even begun to see daylight –
I am truly honored to be included in the diallogue.
Your comment has triggered a host of thoughts on this end – you are spot on – we have seen so many changes in every way – from fire department open cab, diamond plate back steps and running boards, to what we now realize was the crude "you get the nose I’ll get the toes" origins of EMS procedures, and above all the shift from predominantly “seat of the pants” evolutions to the development of truly professional training procedures.
Our generation could, and probably should write up our observations and experiences.
Thanks so much for helping me to get off my duff and pulling me into this world of discussion –
This whole approach – the exchange of perspectives between the generations can only benefit everyone who cares deeply about the profession and the men and women who live it 24-7.
More later, Bob. . . Stay safe . . .

At 1:41am on May 19, 2008, David Ebel said…: G********,

We have created a site for responders run exclusively by responders... It is a place with great fellowship on the good days and solid and confidential support when the "bad call" happens. As a Chaplain of over 25 years we wanted a place that responders could come and receive the support for traumatic events with trained CISM responders and more.

Please join our site and invite your friends, too

Visit Emergency and Disaster Responders
Chaplain David Ebel
Bakersfield, CA

At 6:38pm on March 24, 2008, Bob Franklin said…: Hello Don,
Bob Franklin, Little Rock Arkansas, I am celebrating my 38 th year in the fire service and I am the oldest practing EMT in the state of Arkansas. Welcome to the group! We have seen some kind-a change in the fire service, haven't we. If you are ever down my please look me up or I teach at FDIC a class called Let's Talk Pumps. Have a great evening and again welcome to the group!

Bob Franklin

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