Dr. Burton Clark’s “I Can’t Save You, But I’ll Die Trying” Sparks Nationwide Firefighter Safety Conversation

Discover Dr. Burton Clark’s groundbreaking book, I Can’t Save You, But I’ll Die Trying: The American Fire Culture, and how it challenges firefighter culture while promoting safety, leadership, and lifesaving practices.

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When it comes to firefighter safety, Dr. Burton Clark, EFO, has spent over four decades challenging the status quo. In his new book, I Can’t Save You, But I’ll Die Trying: The American Fire Culture, Clark exposes the deep-rooted cultural issues that continue to put firefighters at risk and offers practical guidance on how leaders, companies, and individuals can reduce preventable injuries and line-of-duty deaths.

Drawing on decades of experience as a firefighter, educator, and fire service thought leader, Clark examines not just firefighting itself, but the human behaviors, decision-making, and cultural traditions that shape safety on the front lines. His book blends hard data, case studies, and personal insight, showing how seemingly small decisions — like buckling a seatbelt — can mean the difference between life and death.

“This is a profound analysis not just of firefighting but of how all of us deal with safety, with rules, and with managing our daily lives…this book can be an important guide to leaders, managers and ordinary citizens.”
— Edgar H. Schein, Professor Emeritus, MIT Sloan School of Management

Clark’s work also challenges the fire service community to think critically about how safety is implemented, reinforced, and sometimes ignored. From seatbelt compliance to the proper use of mayday procedures, Clark’s message is clear: every firefighter, officer, and administrator shares responsibility for keeping each other safe.

“Dr. Clark’s book is a must-read for everyone in the fire service…we are all responsible for each other’s safety, whether you are the Chief or the Proby.”
— Salvatore J. Cassano, New York City Fire Commissioner (retired)

The book goes beyond tactics and procedures to tackle the cultural mindset that can unintentionally put lives at risk. Clark’s blunt, honest approach resonates not only with firefighters but with leaders and professionals in other high-risk industries, emphasizing how culture shapes behavior under crisis conditions.

“Clark’s monograph is a collection of essays and articles published over the course of almost 40 years…his writings challenge the heart of the firefighting profession, both volunteer and career.”
— John Moschella, Ed.D., EFO, Anna Maria College

Whether you are a firefighter, first responder, fire service educator, or simply someone interested in leadership and risk management, I Can’t Save You, But I’ll Die Trying is an essential resource. It not only highlights the realities of the fire service but inspires readers to rethink how safety and accountability intersect in all areas of life.

For more information on Dr. Burton Clark’s work and to read additional reviews from leading fire service professionals, visit the official book page.

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