T. John

Take a look at Itronix (now part of General Dynamics). I have used them in the past and found them to be equal to Panasonic (a little cheaper though). http://www.gd-itronix.com/

Other Twitter Sites: Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Stamford Fire Rescue Department LA Fire Department

Good luck with the new truck. We just posted the bid specs for a new non walk-in rescue and hope to start the building process soon.

October 31, 2008 article: http://www2.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_sh...ol_200810310001

Attached is a poster for the "Battle of the Badges" Blood Drive on Saturday, December 13 in Greenwich. Come support this friendly competition but make sure you say you supporting the FIRE DEPARTMENT!

Nice looking truck. Can you post some information about the USAR Task Force? What typing is the Team? Is this part of a regional effort or run by the Yonkers FD?

http://www.olganon.org/ Apparantly, gaming is also deadly: Lee Seung Seop EMTBravoAnonymous.com anyone???

This is a very dangerous situation. The amount of force created by the water can easily entrap a civilian or first responder. This person is VERY lucky. I think that flood/swiftwater response is often overlooked - especially around here. Department's have trained themselves well for cold water/ice rescue scenarios but many are unprepared and untrained to respond to flooding and swiftwater rescue situations. Wading and maneuvering water craft through flooded streets is extremely hazardous and the proper precautions need to be taken. This includes the proper PPE (the standard cold water rescue PPE is not appropriate for fast moving water operations) and training is paramount. We must educate not only our first responders but our leadership that Departments and personnel need the right equipment and training to do the job. Just because a municipality doesn't have a river with class IV rapids doesn't mean that fast moving water rescue situations can't occur. Department's must evaluate their potential risks and train/equip to respond to those situations (either through mutual aid agreements or doing so in-house). While water is our friend on the fireground, it can be our worse enemy too.

This is going to be a fun night. Come on over and have a great dinner and some laughs as we serve it up! http://www.soundbeachfire.org/news/article...6A44EEAECA6B1B2

Thanks to you tube... Sorry, couldn't resist! See you at the presentation - looking forward to it!

I am sending a few people from over the border in CT. Looking forward to seeing what resources are available from our neighbors in NY!

Recently, I am parked in front of a commercial building in a clearly marked F.D SUV with bright flashing lights on for a call and I had to tell 3 drivers to remove their vehicle from the fire lane (1 delivery truck, 1 commercial van and a passenger car). Even with an official vehicle, on official business, on-site they still do it. Our Fire Police were recently given powers to issue tickets at incidents for instances such as this. There is very little appreciation or consideration for emergency responders today. Not to mention my pet peeve of going on a commercial fire alarm response and everyone in the store is still shopping away....

According to NOAA: Source: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Safety

Any Explorer Posts going to this year's 29th Annual Firematic Exploring/Venturing Day on Sunday, June 1, 2008? Greenwich is sending up some explorers - a really great event for those that haven't gone before.

I can only imagine what warning labels that will start appearing on bats now.

http://www.greenwichtime.com/ci_9251609 My thoughts and prayers to the officer for a quick and speedy recovery.

Here is the full story: http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8220828

Greenwich has a $7.50 a call reimbursement program for volunteers (to account for use and wear/tear of your POV). Unfortunately, our friends at the IRS came along and said it is taxable income so we now get taxed on it (it used to be $5.000 and now $7.50 to cover the tax). Members are only to submit for the funds if they use their vehicle (i.e. if you respond to the firehouse for Call A and you ride out for calls B, C and D, you only get paid for Call A).

Looking forward to seeing the clip. Are there any plans to replace the system with something more functional (I am sure I will find out tonight, but curious in the mean time)?

I just ate there last night. So much for that!

First, I think this topic is started to get off course a little. Looking back to the first post, the original discussion was about the use of blue lights on official emergency apparatus (primarily non-POV). That being said, I think anything to improve responder safety is a good idea. If blue lights will help, I am in support of that. I will say that the new trooper vehicles are much more noticeable. Regarding the other discussion with blue lights / POVS: Something that should be highlighted is that the use of any emergency signaling device (light and/or siren) is a privilege - this is a privilege that can be taken away. While the "law" may provide the legal right to use such a device, department policy and/or Chief Officer(s) have the authority to grant/revoke that privilege. Just because someone "can" drive a fire truck, doesn't mean they should (or that they have the "privilege" of doing so). Similarly, department policy should spell out the parameters in which lights (and their permits) are issued, used and revoked (above and beyond what the "law" says). Aside from the legalities of using these devices, strong leadership is critical to ensuring that this privilege is not abused. If individuals do not accept the responsibilities of this privilege, it is up to the leadership to address the problem. In my department, I have very few firefighters that have blue lights. We also have restrictions and policies that spell out what, how and when they can be used. As a Chief officer, if the very first thing a new member asks is about a blue light, I know we have a problem here....

Here are a number of "related" sites to check out too: Welcome to the Scott Shields is a FRAUD web site!Trading in on tragedy for fameSee for yourself - the "Bear Search and Rescue Foundation" I share with you this information to help emphasize how important it is to verify a person's credibility, certifications and intentions. While I expect (and hope) that the fraud committed in this instance is a unique situation, there are no doubt people out there that will take advantage of disastrous situations for self-gain. It is very easy today for someone to impersonate a professional rescuer. All of us must be vigilant and to ensure that we do a thorough background check (and actually research) the background of individuals. What is frightening in this situation is how "credible" someone can look/act but, in reality, they may have absolutely no formal training, experience or background in a specific field. Having been involved in US&R and technical rescue operations for many years, I have a great appreciation for the hard work and dedication of K-9's and their handlers. The K-9/partner teams must endure some of the most rigorous training compared to any other discipline. And, they train a lot. For someone to claim they are a professional K-9 rescue team with no training or experience is a slap in the face to the many hardworking recognized teams across the country. I am in full support of resource typing, credentialing and other methods to ensure that we protect our rescuers and the public from fraud's like this. As a side note, if you and/or your Department actively participate in "patch trading", this should serve as a big wake up call and warning. Don't jeopardize your Department's name/integrity or put other rescuers in jeopardy by sharing "official" merchandise - it may not end up on a wall but be used in some unlawful way.

Now that the application period is closed for the AFG program, what have department's applied for for 2008?

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/a...mp;sectionId=46 As we start to move into a new generation of radio technology, this article shows how "newer" is not always better. For any agency beginning to switch to digital technology, fully testing a system before implementation is critical. I know there is a big push for digital technology, but it looks like there is still some way to come before it can be fully adopted as a trusted solution.

Just to followup, has anyone that is using a digital system tested their radios as recommended by the IAFC? Has anyone participated in their survey about the issue? Here is a direct link to the IAFC page: http://www.iafc.org/digitalproblem