xchief2x

39 years ago I pulled up with Patrol 4 [ now Rescue 40] to find Gullevers fully invovled with engines 58 and 62 ingaged in a full atack on a bad fire. 24 died that night but little was told how over 100 were saved. Many firefighters went down that night going above and beyond the call. Most of us old guys think about this every day of our lives and wished we could have done better with our 3/4 boots two airpacks to a rig and red fireball gloves. There were no paper firefighters and keyboard firefighters that night! .

I remember that day very clearly in a different way, my other sister calling me in the wee hours of the morning telling me that Mike got killed, my first thought was he got shot, it never occured to me that he got killed fighting a fire. I remember getting to his house and 3 of the kids were home, Jamie was in Rockland county playing softball, I took Michael (the oldest son) for a walk and had a talk with him, then sitting around the house watching Nick and Jen (6 and 3 at the time respectively) playing having no real idea that their dad was never coming home again, calling my brother in Michigan telling him the news. Then sitting in on the planning meetings with the Brewster FD so my sister Janet wouldn't have to. I remember that I talked with the members of my family that were in the fire service and to our Chief (I was serving our dept as 1st asst chief at the time) telling them that I can't do this anymore and that I was quitting the fire department and most of them felt the same way all the way to our family in Michigan. Then at the wake that was open to everyone at the middle school I went outside for some air (alright to be alone & cry) I saw what you see in no other walk of life, that huge sea of blue, cops & fireman from all over the tri state area and realized that I could never walk away from this and the best thing to do was to stick it out and try to do everything I personally could to keep this from happening again. When the funeral was over and we were trying to get back to the "new" normal I spoke with my Chief Bill Vlad about starting a FAS Team, the Chief not only gave me his ok but told me to do whatever I needed to do and to get whatever I needed to make this happen, so was the start of one of the first FAS Teams in Westchester and still one of the best in my opinion. Yes like my son said Mike "Satch" was a hell of a guy, anyone that knew him would have to agree he would do anything for you anytime. Mike and I had so much in common, both officers on the FD (my second time through the ranks), both of us police officers and both of us loved the same girl. It goes without saying that I miss you Mike and although you are gone from us here on earth you are still with me each and every minute of every day. Because of this incident I have made many great friends at the Brewster FD and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation where my wife and I go every year to volunteer for memorial weekend. We were so moved by the weekend in 1998 when Mike was one of the honorees that we had to get involved. RIP Brother we love you and miss you and I know that you will be there in March in spirit for Jamie's wedding. I know when I close my eyes that day I will see you walking her down the aisle with that huge Satch smile.

I remember that day very clearly in a different way, my other sister calling me in the wee hours of the morning telling me that Mike got killed, my first thought was he got shot, it never occured to me that he got killed fighting a fire. I remember getting to his house and 3 of the kids were home, Jamie was in Rockland county playing softball, I took Michael (the oldest son) for a walk and had a talk with him, then sitting around the house watching Nick and Jen (6 and 3 at the time respectively) playing having no real idea that their dad was never coming home again, calling my brother in Michigan telling him the news. Then sitting in on the planning meetings with the Brewster FD so my sister Janet wouldn't have to. I remember that I talked with the members of my family that were in the fire service and to our Chief (I was serving our dept as 1st asst chief at the time) telling them that I can't do this anymore and that I was quitting the fire department and most of them felt the same way all the way to our family in Michigan. Then at the wake that was open to everyone at the middle school I went outside for some air (alright to be alone & cry) I saw what you see in no other walk of life, that huge sea of blue, cops & fireman from all over the tri state area and realized that I could never walk away from this and the best thing to do was to stick it out and try to do everything I personally could to keep this from happening again. When the funeral was over and we were trying to get back to the "new" normal I spoke with my Chief Bill Vlad about starting a FAS Team, the Chief not only gave me his ok but told me to do whatever I needed to do and to get whatever I needed to make this happen, so was the start of one of the first FAS Teams in Westchester and still one of the best in my opinion. Yes like my son said Mike "Satch" was a hell of a guy, anyone that knew him would have to agree he would do anything for you anytime. Mike and I had so much in common, both officers on the FD (my second time through the ranks), both of us police officers and both of us loved the same girl. It goes without saying that I miss you Mike and although you are gone from us here on earth you are still with me each and every minute of every day. Because of this incident I have made many great friends at the Brewster FD and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation where my wife and I go every year to volunteer for memorial weekend. We were so moved by the weekend in 1998 when Mike was one of the honorees that we had to get involved. RIP Brother we love you and miss you and I know that you will be there in March in spirit for Jamie's wedding. I know when I close my eyes that day I will see you walking her down the aisle with that huge Satch smile.

I remember that day very clearly in a different way, my other sister calling me in the wee hours of the morning telling me that Mike got killed, my first thought was he got shot, it never occured to me that he got killed fighting a fire. I remember getting to his house and 3 of the kids were home, Jamie was in Rockland county playing softball, I took Michael (the oldest son) for a walk and had a talk with him, then sitting around the house watching Nick and Jen (6 and 3 at the time respectively) playing having no real idea that their dad was never coming home again, calling my brother in Michigan telling him the news. Then sitting in on the planning meetings with the Brewster FD so my sister Janet wouldn't have to. I remember that I talked with the members of my family that were in the fire service and to our Chief (I was serving our dept as 1st asst chief at the time) telling them that I can't do this anymore and that I was quitting the fire department and most of them felt the same way all the way to our family in Michigan. Then at the wake that was open to everyone at the middle school I went outside for some air (alright to be alone & cry) I saw what you see in no other walk of life, that huge sea of blue, cops & fireman from all over the tri state area and realized that I could never walk away from this and the best thing to do was to stick it out and try to do everything I personally could to keep this from happening again. When the funeral was over and we were trying to get back to the "new" normal I spoke with my Chief Bill Vlad about starting a FAS Team, the Chief not only gave me his ok but told me to do whatever I needed to do and to get whatever I needed to make this happen, so was the start of one of the first FAS Teams in Westchester and still one of the best in my opinion. Yes like my son said Mike "Satch" was a hell of a guy, anyone that knew him would have to agree he would do anything for you anytime. Mike and I had so much in common, both officers on the FD (my second time through the ranks), both of us police officers and both of us loved the same girl. It goes without saying that I miss you Mike and although you are gone from us here on earth you are still with me each and every minute of every day. Because of this incident I have made many great friends at the Brewster FD and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation where my wife and I go every year to volunteer for memorial weekend. We were so moved by the weekend in 1998 when Mike was one of the honorees that we had to get involved. RIP Brother we love you and miss you and I know that you will be there in March in spirit for Jamie's wedding. I know when I close my eyes that day I will see you walking her down the aisle with that huge Satch smile.

I remember that day very clearly in a different way, my other sister calling me in the wee hours of the morning telling me that Mike got killed, my first thought was he got shot, it never occured to me that he got killed fighting a fire. I remember getting to his house and 3 of the kids were home, Jamie was in Rockland county playing softball, I took Michael (the oldest son) for a walk and had a talk with him, then sitting around the house watching Nick and Jen (6 and 3 at the time respectively) playing having no real idea that their dad was never coming home again, calling my brother in Michigan telling him the news. Then sitting in on the planning meetings with the Brewster FD so my sister Janet wouldn't have to. I remember that I talked with the members of my family that were in the fire service and to our Chief (I was serving our dept as 1st asst chief at the time) telling them that I can't do this anymore and that I was quitting the fire department and most of them felt the same way all the way to our family in Michigan. Then at the wake that was open to everyone at the middle school I went outside for some air (alright to be alone & cry) I saw what you see in no other walk of life, that huge sea of blue, cops & fireman from all over the tri state area and realized that I could never walk away from this and the best thing to do was to stick it out and try to do everything I personally could to keep this from happening again. When the funeral was over and we were trying to get back to the "new" normal I spoke with my Chief Bill Vlad about starting a FAS Team, the Chief not only gave me his ok but told me to do whatever I needed to do and to get whatever I needed to make this happen, so was the start of one of the first FAS Teams in Westchester and still one of the best in my opinion. Yes like my son said Mike "Satch" was a hell of a guy, anyone that knew him would have to agree he would do anything for you anytime. Mike and I had so much in common, both officers on the FD (my second time through the ranks), both of us police officers and both of us loved the same girl. It goes without saying that I miss you Mike and although you are gone from us here on earth you are still with me each and every minute of every day. Because of this incident I have made many great friends at the Brewster FD and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation where my wife and I go every year to volunteer for memorial weekend. We were so moved by the weekend in 1998 when Mike was one of the honorees that we had to get involved. RIP Brother we love you and miss you and I know that you will be there in March in spirit for Jamie's wedding. I know when I close my eyes that day I will see you walking her down the aisle with that huge Satch smile.

Just some additions / corrections to the IA.
Date: 12/11/2012
Time: 1323hrs (1:23pm)
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire
District: Croton Fire District
Location: 96 S Mt. Airy Rd (Between Glengary Rd and Georgia Ln)
Units on Scene:
Croton FD: 2081, 2082, E118, E119, E120, T10, R18
Ossining FD: 2331, 2334, TL42, U51
Montrose VAFD: 2571, 2574, E225
Buchanan FD: 2551, U12
Croton EMS: 55B2
Cortlandt EMS: 88B2
Ossining EMS: 74A1, 36M1
WCDES Units: Battalion 10, C&O Zone 4
Other: Croton PD, NYSP, Croton Water Department, Con Edison
Units on Standby:
Montrose FD: 2273, E121
Yorktown FD: L51
13:23 - Croton Full Department Response for Reported Structure Fire. 2081 responding.
13:24 - 2082 responding.
13:25 - 2081 on location, heavy fire showing from a 1.5 story wood-frame structure, 10-75.
13:27 - Ossining FAST, Buchanan Cascade, Croton, Cortlandt and 36M1 EMS units dispatched along with Battalion 10.
13:29 - Command reports 1.5 story wood-frame dwelling, heavy fire in basement and first floor, all occupants are out of the house.
13:40 - Bat 10 reports heavy fire conditions, 4 L/S/O, requesting E225 from Montrose VA to the scene.
13:46 - TL42 from Ossining to the scene.
13:49 - Bat 10 reports heavy fire conditions, now has 5 L/S/O.
13:50 - Con Ed Electric on scene, killing main. Bat 10 reports unit operating from exterior.
13:55 - Interior operations resuming.
14:17 - 88B2 to Phelps with one for possible smoke inhalation (civilian).
14:34 - Bat 10 reports all visible fire knocked down, probable will hold per Command.
14:45 - Bat 10 reports fire is under control.
15:07 - Ossining FAST & U12 released.
15:35 - TL42 released.
16:01 - E225 released.
16:19 - All Croton units in service, Command terminated.
On arrival, we had heavy fire coming out of the D-side basement windows, the C-side entrance to the basement and fire showing on the first floor. Crews mounted an aggressive interior attack along with a brief exterior attack, using handlines in the basement, first floor and attic as well as the exterior. We pulled the men back briefly to hit it from outside and regroup, then pushed on with coordinated roof ventilation.
The occupants of the home included two elderly parties that were assisted from the home by other family members and a work crew at a neighboring house. I give credit to these guys for getting everyone out of the house, as this fire took off with great intensity and speed.
The report from the occupants and C&O indicate candles in the basement fell and created a fire involving the bed, books, and other combustibles in the room. The gentleman in the basement ran upstairs and got everyone out of the house. (Thank God).
I'd also like to point out the understated usefulness of our Mutual Aid Coordinators - not just ours (Battalion 10). As the IC I was able to worry only about my units on scene, and anything I needed relayed to 60 Control or any apparatus requests, all I had to do was have Battalion 10 handle it. I know a lot of Chiefs and Incident Commanders feel the need to try and do everything, but this way worked SOOOO MUCH BETTER than other times where I tried to juggle both task.
If you have a fire in this county and don't have the luxury of an Aide, take advantage of the MACs (Battalions). That's what they're there for - not to run your call but to help you manage it.
On behalf of the Croton Fire Department, I'd like to thank our Mutual Aid partners from Ossining, Montrose VA and Buchanan for their assistance on scene, as well as the coverage units from Montrose and Yorktown. Also, thanks to Croton, Cortlandt and Ossining EMS for being there.
Lastly, thanks to the men of the CFD that were there today. You guys always make me proud.
Thanks.
Chief John Munson
Croton FD

Firedude -The deputy coordinators do not have the authority and niether does the county DES, New York is a home rule state and as already stated the AHJ has the right to call whoever they wish or set up their run card/greater alarm policy anyway they wish as well. I only wish that all Chiefs take advantage of the CAD at 60 control and set up their greater alarm response card.

Firedude -The deputy coordinators do not have the authority and niether does the county DES, New York is a home rule state and as already stated the AHJ has the right to call whoever they wish or set up their run card/greater alarm policy anyway they wish as well. I only wish that all Chiefs take advantage of the CAD at 60 control and set up their greater alarm response card.

Firedude -The deputy coordinators do not have the authority and niether does the county DES, New York is a home rule state and as already stated the AHJ has the right to call whoever they wish or set up their run card/greater alarm policy anyway they wish as well. I only wish that all Chiefs take advantage of the CAD at 60 control and set up their greater alarm response card.

Firedude -The deputy coordinators do not have the authority and niether does the county DES, New York is a home rule state and as already stated the AHJ has the right to call whoever they wish or set up their run card/greater alarm policy anyway they wish as well. I only wish that all Chiefs take advantage of the CAD at 60 control and set up their greater alarm response card.

SUre Bill and thanks for volunteering to run it!

SHfirefighter probably in the spring since the fall inspection season is underway, we are looking at early to mid May.

SHfirefighter probably in the spring since the fall inspection season is underway, we are looking at early to mid May.

SHfirefighter probably in the spring since the fall inspection season is underway, we are looking at early to mid May.

SHfirefighter probably in the spring since the fall inspection season is underway, we are looking at early to mid May.

http://www.abc15.com...in-green-valley
http://azdailysun.co...c9893b23a4.html
http://www.gvnews.co...19bb2963f4.html
Four civilians and Fire Captain where in a Sutphen Aerial, extending 100' on 45 degree angle, when the bucket suddenly retracted 40 feet. Occupants suffered injuries of which could have been more severe had they not been wearing some type of restraint device.
Members may want to rethink or look over SOP's and adjust for always wearing safety restraints when using the Aerial. Also when making a rescue make sure that stokes basket is secured to the bucket.
Before the comments start that it was overloaded, in the images it appears to be a SPH100 which has a unique waterway, it has a 1000' weight limit and the Sutphen brochure states a 3:1 safety rating. (Huckbee bolts and box frame.) I would assume the cable was rated for the same.
We should hold off judgment of what failed, until after a thorough investigation is finished.
Edit: Spell check, so I don't come off as an Illiterate.

I do have plenty of other things to do,but because I have a very understanding wife I make time to train.

I agree with all of the above (except the certain obvious points). Training is the name of the game. You never stop training, and if you do, then it's time to hang up the helmet.
Failure to train is training to fail, no exceptions.

To be fair to everyone that joins, or for that matter, gets hired by a fire department - we should lay it all on the line the second they come to us. Let them know that they are expected to participate in xx amount of drills, xx amount of courses, etc. Let them know that if they don't come around to learn, that they will lose their privileges (freeloads at the volley house, OT details at work, etc.) and the respect of their colleagues. Of course you won't get through to the cement-heads, but if you set precedence up front, they can't claim they didn't know...
...A mistake I am sure most of us have made.
I am sure there's guys in my department counting down the days until I am out. But the number of people that call, text, email and talk to me asking how they can get in a class, when we're doing a drill, etc. far exceeds that number. (I think / hope).
As Aristole said, "Men acquire a particular quality by constantly acting in a particular way." If we keep training to do our jobs, we'll become excellent at it when we need to be.

Not to start an argument, but I have to ask if Everybodygoes is really a fireman? If so and you are actualy an Instructor, you really need to go. No disrespect but are you really listening to yourself? I work as a career firefighter in a fairly busy department, I also volunteer in my hometown. If members don't want to train, we don't need them. It is really that simple. If nobody volunteers than my taxes go up, but at least the people who show up are trained. Yes the fire department is my life and has been for 26 years. Why, because I still have passion for the job. I am an Instructor who teaches the same reguardless of them being volunteers or career recruits. To correct you on your EMS quote, the 60 hours DOH added is not a recomendation, it starts in my class next Tuesday. NYS needs to get in line with other states, and I think that is what they are trying to work towards. We just finished a FF1 class over 3 weeks, the 3 hottest weeks. These students busted their humps. You would think they won the lotto at the end, so much so that half of them went right into a week long FF2 class right after. Every single one of them signed up for the FF1 National Cert exam in September. You teach a good class they will come. Good Luck to you, hopefully you find happiness somewhere.

I do have plenty of other things to do,but because I have a very understanding wife I make time to train.

Personally I think there should only be 1 training standard for all firefighters. I didn't use the word minimum simply because I firmly believe that in no way, shape or form you should be happy with the minimum. I currently have 40 years in my department and the only reason I have not been to our training center in a year or two is because I have pretty much taken all the courses offered that I care to take. I still participate in department training, albeit not as much as I would like as of late. In closing one of our senior members whom had a great deal of respect once told me that when you think you know everything it is time to get out before you hurt or kill yourself or someone else! These are words I live by!
Just my humble opinion.

Personally I think there should only be 1 training standard for all firefighters. I didn't use the word minimum simply because I firmly believe that in no way, shape or form you should be happy with the minimum. I currently have 40 years in my department and the only reason I have not been to our training center in a year or two is because I have pretty much taken all the courses offered that I care to take. I still participate in department training, albeit not as much as I would like as of late. In closing one of our senior members whom had a great deal of respect once told me that when you think you know everything it is time to get out before you hurt or kill yourself or someone else! These are words I live by!
Just my humble opinion.

Personally I think there should only be 1 training standard for all firefighters. I didn't use the word minimum simply because I firmly believe that in no way, shape or form you should be happy with the minimum. I currently have 40 years in my department and the only reason I have not been to our training center in a year or two is because I have pretty much taken all the courses offered that I care to take. I still participate in department training, albeit not as much as I would like as of late. In closing one of our senior members whom had a great deal of respect once told me that when you think you know everything it is time to get out before you hurt or kill yourself or someone else! These are words I live by!
Just my humble opinion.

Personally I think there should only be 1 training standard for all firefighters. I didn't use the word minimum simply because I firmly believe that in no way, shape or form you should be happy with the minimum. I currently have 40 years in my department and the only reason I have not been to our training center in a year or two is because I have pretty much taken all the courses offered that I care to take. I still participate in department training, albeit not as much as I would like as of late. In closing one of our senior members whom had a great deal of respect once told me that when you think you know everything it is time to get out before you hurt or kill yourself or someone else! These are words I live by!
Just my humble opinion.