Overview

Diary of a Probie: Turning Setbacks into Strengths is a motivational journey through the early career of firefighter Nichole O'Donnell. It is presented in diary form, each forming a lesson for how to overcome adversity in the firefighting career or any other. Through personal and professional struggles and triumphs, O'Donnell's account is both unique and universal, offering experience-based wisdom to probational firefighters, civilians curious about the firefighting profession and its demands, and anyone else finding a place in life.

Full Product Details

Author:   Nichole O'Donnell
Publisher:   Fire Engineering Books
Imprint:   Fire Engineering Books
ISBN:  

9781593705268

ISBN 10:   1593705263
Pages:   348
Publication Date:   06 January 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Into the Real World 2 Welcome to Your Reality 3 Underdog to Unstoppable 4 Captain Coffee Chaos 5 Self-Made 6 Challenges You’ll Face 7 Blink and It’s Over 8 The Salty Rookie Mentality 9 Air Isn’t Free 10 First Real Fire: What Do I Do 11 Understanding Friction Loss 12 The Chirp 13 Come On, O’Donnell! 14 HAV a Blast 15 Small Town Things 16 A Slice of Burnout Pie 17 Small Things Matter 18 Be a Firefighter, Not a Woman in the Fire Service 19 Work/Life Balance 20 Don’t Forget to Have Fun 21 Fueling the Firefighter 22 A Probie’s Guide to Shift Meals 23 Probie to Proud 24 The New Probie 25 A Year of Fire, Grit, and Growth 26 Social Media 27 Gear Essentials 28 The Grind 29 Don’t Rush to Lead 30 Surviving to Thriving Signatures and Notes Index

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Author Information

Nichole O’Donnell is a full-time firefighter and aspiring paramedic who has made a career out of defying the odds. She started in the fire service as a volunteer in 2021, then only 2 years later earned her spot as a full-time firefighter after graduating from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. As an author and storyteller, she is active on Instagram and TikTok (@TheSaltyRookie) and has a podcast (The Kitchen Table Talk). Before she ever held a nozzle or climbed a ladder, she was foreperson of a tree crew. Outside work, she has dominated motorcycle hillclimbs and motocross tracks, becoming a repeat New England champion. Leading from the jump seat, Nichole takes pride in being a loyal firefighter who shows up to serve when it counts, grows, and keeps proving herself no matter what the world throws at her.

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