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Yes. There was much debate in the department about it, but in the end it was decided that it was a good community policing concept. The public really likes it here, and I think it's cool to kind of "get to know" the officers that way.

FULL STORY: http://emsresponder.com/article/article.js...p;siteSection=1

Check out this AWESOME new ambulance!!! 2nd agency in NYC to use Frazer (Generator Powered module, widely popular here in Texas), after Lennox Hill. http://www.frazerbilt.com/flash.php GO TO: >Recent Deliveries >St. Lukes Rooseverlt Looks sharp and functional, and th extended cab is definelty unique. And I know the color scheme isn't new, but I still love it.

FULL STORY: http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/News/R...g/46$63034

Good catch, RES20CUE!! The winning bidder was Rescue 1 (PL Custom) out of New Jersey. It will be on a Spartan chasis. Delivery is expected in Fall 2009. Tandem axle, I believe. The original plan was to keep the current R-16, renumbering it HM-4, and keeping the cascade system so it can double as a Mask Service Unit. It's primary role will be the Northern Westchester Spill Response unit. This Ebay thing came as a suprise to me, as well as the sale of Engine 275. Maybe the district is trying to raise some cash, I don't know but it would have been a great resource as an MSU and support unit for Northern Westchester.

I am not suprised. Typical Boston politics. Hopefully, tthis will be the starting point of a professional fleet maintainence division. Some of their practices are ridiculous. http://www.thebostonchannel.com/download/2...11/18907504.pdf

http://www.bostonfirelocal718.org/?zone=/u...y20Parade202009

Any updates on plans to replace Stamford's TL-1? I lost track.

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/a...mp;sectionId=46

http://www.fireengineering.com/news/wire_s...ublicationId=25

Thanks for the info and update! I don't think HME Ahrens Fox makes a tower yet, so it will be interesting to see who the contenders may be. Too bad it has to be a TL, because I'd love to see a tiller running the streets of Stamford again!

But the same thing can be said about cops in smaller agencies around the county, firefighters in low volume departments, EMT's and Paramedics in low volume agencies, and the County's volunteer specialized teams. If these guys are paid to be there, they have more time to drill and train, and more flexibility to respond to more incidents. And, as mentioned, you could take some senior guys from New Rochelle, Yonkers, etc to pepper in some experience and leadership.

I agree with your post, Chief. Greatpoint about the bomb squad. WCDES's primary responsibilities are countywide COORDINATION, this element involves the state-mandated 60 Control, and TRAINING. Shouldn't they master both of those before they go into other endeavors? Now they do a million other things, but when I started my career, it was basically Walter, Maryln, the training field, and 60 Control. They've come a long way since then.........but I think they providing an uneccesary and wasteful service that is already provided in an excellent capacity. There's many ways for them to provide a support role, but if they want to play a primary role then they need to create a real department for that. As for the Haz-Mat team, I agree with you. Same with C&O. I don't know if it's improved since 2003, probaly not, but I used to struggle trying to get enough members to get them out.....sometimes couldn't even roll the truck or get members on the scene for the first hour or more. If there are to be "Countywide teams" such as this, why not get it overwith already and create a "Countywide Fire Department" that could better serve those people that are considered "underserved" by some on this thread? Nothing makes sense, and nothing ever changes. It's all about egos, home turf, and everyone wanting the latest toys. If you ask questions or don't go along with the "cliques" in the county you're immediately outcasts and labeled a "basher". These same people can't fight for the people who dispatch them for better pay, better staffing, and better facilities? How is that NOT a priority????? Granted, they have come a long way in the past few years, but going to other dispatch facilties they are at least 10 years behind the best agencies.....where they should be because they have an excellent staff. I think the answers will come when this team handles their first incidents.

I just ordered it using a gift card I had from Christmas....judging by FAJ's previous publications, this book should be another excellent publication. I can't wait to get it, and will post a review as soon as I can.

A while back, it was talked about having a Con-Ed rep @ 60 Control with a laptop during storms so 60 Control could directly and quickly interface with Con-Ed, and not have to spend the time on the tie line. Did this ever happen, or has the "Wires Down" ETA situation improved since I last knew?

I'm curious about the history between the IAFF and the March Of Dimes? They do a yearly fill the boot, as well as some other events. I'm not saying March of Dimes isn't a great cause, but you would think that their major charity they send their money to and encourage their members to fundraise for would be cancer research or cardiac related causes.

I really would have liked to see more members take advantage of it. If we could afford it, we could have better Chat software that will allow for "guest speakers", and question and answer session, but that's out of our budget right now unless someone wishes to sponsor something.

I know it's irrelevant, but an interesting fact. Fairview Fire Department in Greenburgh (Westchester County) also has almost over 50% tax-exempt properties. And these are the facilities that tax them the most.....nursing homes, colleges, churches, parkways, etc) Good luck to the guys at Fairview North!

In retrospect, the Paramedic requirment was stupid and useless, and don't know why I mentioned it. However, this could be a great place for more senior experienced firefighters to come work. Just like Westchester County PD provides support resources (Aviation, Marine, Mobile Command Unit, Bomb, SWAT) to local municpalities, this could do the same while forming the basis for an eventual countywide department. If the duplication of resources and spending better controlled, the funding for salaries wouldn't be an issue at all. If the team is well thought out and versatile, then there would be plenty for them to do. Heck, you have firefighters in firehouses who do less than 1,000 calls a year, no EMS unless specially requested, and haven't seen a real fire in years, if ever making over $100,000 a year without breaking a sweat. Take away mutual aid calls, dual responses, and automatic alarms and they'd really do nothing). Meanwhile, guys in Mount Vernon making less then half that and working for it. Maybe leveling the playing field and getting rid of half of the officers in some departments (does every little department need a dedicated high ranking shift commander?? Or can the resource be shared and individual houses divided among Lt's) would help even out pay and make room for more positions. It would also give newer firefighters a chance to get experience. All while SHARING resources for EVEN, STEADY coverage. As an example of the waste, there is a town in Westchester with 3 paid fire departments IN ONE UNION, ONE police department, and ONE DPW. All three fire chiefs making over $120,000 a year, and only one of them actually is progressive, active, and is a valuable asset. Why can't there just be ONE department, with the latter competent Chief as the Chief?? The other two are past 70 years old, have been in office as Chief for over 30 years, and are drawing a ridiculous amount of money from the taxapyers wallets. If they cared about the department or the people they served, they would retire already to let the department move on and be fair to the taxpayers- I'm sure they will be well pensioned. The departments are poorly staffed and really run mish-mosh. Comparatively, the Chief in the other district works his butt off 24/7/365 to be a leader, goes to a majority of calls, and make sure his department is properly staffed, trained, and lead. That, in addition to making sure that they are progressive and cooperative with other agencies. He EARNS his salary. Why is there such a dramatic difference in the way taxpayer dollars are spent for fire protection in the same town? As far as leadership when the time comes, Chief Raftery of Greenville has my endorsement for DES Commisioner and I'll call every connection I have when the time comes! Even if he doesn't want it, I'll send some of my new Texas FF friends to convince him..... He should be at the helm for a new dawn for DES. What he has done in Greenville should be a model for the entire County. As far as 60 Control goes, regardless they need better pay, better staffing, and better training.

Sorry for another post. Let's not forget that New Rochelle, Greenville (NOT the Squad system or Town team, Greenville FD itself and itself only), and White Plains all have excellent teams and resources available as well. Here's some photos of Greenville training with Yonkers, an excellent example of their interagency cooperation and some of their resources....including a dog. http://www.emtbravo.lunarpages.com/SpecFea...aining0806.html (*KEEP IN MIND ABOVE LINKED PHOTOS ARE 3+ YEARS OLD AND SOME THINGS HAVE CHANGED!*)

Take a look at Yonkers FD USAR Tractor Trailer: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=28188 They were still adding tools when I photographed it....some were still on order. Equipment continues to be added to this truck. And this is just ONE of many Yonkers FD USAR resources, which include other trucks and trailers. It's available anytime, anywhere. Along with 20+ trained firefighters under a unified command system and support resources. They also offer training. A fiscally responsible person would say "Hey, Yonkers has that covered already, let's spend our money on something else the County DOESN'T have or needs".

Sirius Octane 20 has ruined me for FM radio.

We had a chat room. We tried several times to launch, relaunch, and promote it. Still, no one used it.

*Thanks to a longtime friend for sparking some thoughts.... A recent example would be the Eastchester incident. All three requested teams were there (including manpower) quickly, and operated under a unified command. Everyone's citing the want to help their communties, and I think that's great, but what about serving your community WHERE YOU ARE NEEDED, and not where YOU want to be?? I'm sure there are plenty of VAC's that need EMT's, and there are dozens of EMS agencies that could use them. You would be able to keep your skills sharp doing the dozens of EMS call in Westchester that need EMT's everyday. Where are all the people that want to "help" there? A lot cite they "can't deal with medical stuff" or succesfully pass EMS training, but they sure can be a great tech rescue member! What about Habitat for Humanity? Go build some homes in a town that was destroyed by a tornado for a week a year. What about teaching people to read, or mentoring at-risk youth? Why not train FD's in Westchester in a support capacity? Set up an interface course, so they can be of assistance at a Tech Rescue team and better first responders to incidents? I wonder why a County Tech Rescue team that's lauded for working together is so accepted, yet a countywide FD won't ever be pondered? I wonder why one of DES's primary and most important role, 60 CONTROL, isn't properly staffed or compensated? Can't these same people who pushed for a County Tech Rescue team push to support the people that DISPATCH them???? Technical Rescue, or USAR as it should be called, is not the same as taking a hose off of a fire engine and spraying water on it. The victim, or even the rescuer, can be killed very easily by a simple mistake. In fact, a slight flaw in removing the victim can make an injury even worse. With the cost of living in Westchester, where are the volunteers coming up with the time to do all this? Don't they want to spend time with their families? When a team makes an investment in a member, how long will that investment last? Isn't just being a volunteer firefighter enough of an investment of time?? I'm glad I moved. It's a whole different world down here. People actually care about their quality of life. In most cities, firefighters put out fires and do tech rescue and hazmat, police offficers arrest perps, and EMS treats patients (and has teams that support the primary FD in specialties). Every incident isn't a drama, and is handled and mitigated quickly in an organized fashion. And due to proper resource allotment and delpoyment, there's plenty of work to go around. The victim, not the rescuer, is the important part. While working, they train and play hard. When guys go home from their shift, that's it. In most cases, work is left at work. They go home and enjoy their family, life, and hobbies. There's no fines for not participating in the union softball team, or mandated parades, their priorities, in my eyes, are straight. AND, we have one of the best fire training schools in the country: http://www.teex.com/esti/

FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/article/20090308/NEWS03/903080344