x635

I usually don't take incident photos unless I come upon them, which I did during my travels recently. Although I only got this one shot of this incident, I think it's a neat one that demonstrates proper apparatus placement at an highway scene. Also notice all personel in traffic vests.

I'm just curious if there are any departments that still spec steel or fiberglass water tanks? It seems that poly has taken over the market for a number of reasons, but I'd like to hear why steel or fiberglass may be a superior product?

Treehouse show was awesome! I particularly like the "Man Caves" and "Garage Takeover" shows. Some pretty cool concepts they come up with!

Engine looks nice. Is it just me, or are two guys walking, looks to be a casual stroll, on the roof in the background?

Unique and excellent photos! Didn't know the railroad has that kind of suppresion capability. What line of the railroad was this?

Let's just say they are "less visible" then a patrol car doing radar. If you've traveled in Los Angeles, for example, you know these guys can be out of plain sight. They are heavily used on the West Coast and southwest US for traffic enforcement, as to where the East Coast they're used mainly for special events and escorts.

Just curious if anyone out there uses the radio rebroadcast mode on their sirens? If so, how and when do you use it?

Police Motorcycles are used for a variety of reasons in highway patrol. They're easy to manuver through dense traffic, and hide easily for traffic enforcement, especially in residential and off-highway areas. In this particular situation, the Quint handled the MVA with equipment and 6 FF's, and the Engine 4 FF's. They were in the process of placing a cone pattern, which was begun after I took the shot. There was also a DOT "Arrow Board" truck and "Accident ahead" sign down the road just out of the photo. Here is a photo of the motorcycle being used. At this kind of scene, the primary use is a traffic cone, since it is well lit and helps to mark the scene. It doesn't provide protection, because it's a motorcycle, but it's placement aids in scene safety. The PO who does the report's MC is blocked off. Motorcycles ARE NOT used during nightime or dawn hours, or in inclement weather. The officers have cruisers available as well. As you can see from the sky, they weren't needed today.

Where is that Expedition from?

Yes, I know a Battalion Chief is an asset at a fire scene because of their knowlege, what I don't understand is their power. I feel that the County should invest more energy and money into the Battalion program, it should be a full time spot 24/7/365, and they should be given power over mutual aid control, etc. Otherwise, just make them Scene Liasons or something. If their just going to be liasons between the IC and 60 Control, then just have the 60 Control have field commanders that can tie into the CAD system...they know what's available and where the best, and they come anyway to major incidents needing M/A with their command center.. Also, I feel departments should invest more in their Battalions, and play more of a role, such as a Task-force type concept in each battalion, so that there can be a mutual aid response without stripping an entire area, especially during weekday hours. Also, I believe every department should have the Battalion they're in on their apparatus plate, if not more.

I just learned that Mount Vernon has been running with only ONE truck company since Sunday! I am shocked. I really can't believe that things just continue to get worse....it's really like nobody cares about these guys. Ladder 2 (1998 Seagrave 100' RM with problems of its own) is the ONLY truck company in service to the entire City Of Mount Vernon right now, running out of Station 3. Ladder 3 is out of service, for mechanical reasons. For those keeping count, that's the very worn out E-One RM Tower. The "new" Seagrave Aerialscope, and the 1970 ex-West Harrison Mack Aerialscope, are also both out of service for mechanical reasons. Mount Vernon FD does not have any spares to put into service. For those that don't know, Mount Vernon FD has one, way overworked mechanic who has basically no budget. To my knowledge, nobody from FDMV has requested to borrow a spare truck, or looked into renting one. They no longer have the spare rescue, which could have at least been run as a city-service ladder. So, no idea when the situation will be rectified, and as always, lives are at stake for no comprehendable reason. The mutual aid companies that frequent Mount Vernon and 60 Control should keep in mind they're now the 2nd due truck companies to Mount Vernon, no longer the third due truck. I can't believe that stories like this continue to come out of MV- when will it end?

This topic has gotten way off course, and, as topic starter, I elect to close it. If you wish to discuss further other issues that developed in this thread, please create a new, pertinent topic. Thanks.

It's unbelievable that another crane collapse of this magnitude has taken place. Looking at the footage currently on TV, there's some massive damage to the building across the street. This also documents the magnitutde of incidents that occur in NYC........I can't even imagine coordinating the logisitcs of an incident like this. How is it really safe to search? That buidling across the street doesn't look stable, and how would you even stabilize a building or a crane in a situation like this? Moreoever, how do things like this even occur? I mean, it's probaly a freak coincidence, but is this going to affect construction cranes like this in the future? I'm sure this crane was scrutinized after the last collapse. Thoughts and prayers are with all involved.

I'm just curious how rising fuel prices, including the astronomical diesel price, is affecting your department's budget? Does you department have to steal from other areas of the budget? Are driving out of district to non-essential functions, such as parades, "conventions" or wetdowns, limited? Are the use of Chief and other take home vehicles restricted? Is training on apparatus limited to conserve fuel? Is your department getting an increase in the budget to compensate for fuel costs, which would probaly eventually turn into a tax increase? Or do you just pump it into the tank and not care? If you work for a commercial ambulance company, are systems that use SSM looking at more fuel efficient ways to cover their areas?

What are the specs on Truck 3? I know it is an E-One, but what year? Is it first in line for replacement?

Date: 6-2-08 Time: 0300hrs Location: Tappan Zee Bridge Southbound Lanes Frequency: 453.425 Units Operating: TZB Emergency Patrol, NYSP Description Of Incident: Numerous reports of Honda driving north in Southbound lane. Bridge Patrol & NYSP shut down Southbound lanes, and stopped driver in area of the causeway close to the Rockland shore. News reports state driver tested w/ a 0.20 BAC. Writer: x635

Agreed on the above comment. Let's keep this thread on topic, and objective. No need to drag it down to a personal level or attack someone else for their personal opinion. Treat others here likke you would expect to be treat.

Interesting idea. FULL STORY: http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/...0,7116923.story

Great captures, guys!

Interesting and very dramatic story! Thanks for sharing the link. What ever happened to those brothers? Did they catch them, or where are they now??

Really devastating fire. It's really lucky no one was seriously hurt. Started on "New York Street", and at one point the fire was 2 city blocks large. Due to low water pressure, there was drafting operations from nearby lakes and ponds, as well as relay pumping and helicopter water drops. The media is reporting that several movie sets were destroyed, including the set of "Back To The Future". Also, thousands of film reels, of everything Universal's ever shot, including "I Love Lucy", "Miami Vice", and ironically, "Emergency", were destroyed. Thankfully though, they reportedly had backups, and it's reported that firefighters were able to save thousands of reels. The MTV Movie Awards, which are being held at the Gibson Theater tonight, will go on. Also, this isn't the first devastating fire at Universal. From the AP wire: You'd think after the first fire that they'd have their fire protection system nailed down. I'm interested to see what the investigation reveals.

Pleasantville has always been a tough parade to shoot. The time and tree lined streets make lighting difficult, and rain has dampened some years. However, it's always an enjoyable parade.

I'm wondering if any apparatus comitees have or are taking the Pierce PUC into consideration? I had the oppurtunity to check one out, on the very nice Impel chasis a few weeks ago for the first time. It really is a great concept, and frees up a lot of space. The hosebed and crosslays are low and easy to access, and the pump is easier to service. There is a TON of storage space. I think it's going to be the next big revolution in fire apparatus. I'm still waiting to see the new Pierce PUC with the top/side mount pump panel, I hear it's an awesome Engine! Pierce also has put the PUC on a 75' RM Quint, Phoenix is trying one out as we speak, and it will also be available on Pierce's Contender brand.

Who would be the ones to test and try it? Although I think the PUC has some drawbacks, I think it also has a lot of features that make it a perfect fit for some departments. If you're considering apparatus of this type, always ask if you can borrow the demo for a few days to see how it works and really get to use it. Don't forget, it's a custom apparatus- crosslays can be moved higher, and just about anything else. You're not really losing compartment space due to the way the pump is configured....there is no true "pump housing", so you actually gain compartment space AND shorten your wheelbase. Here's some of the benefits of the PUC, via Pierce's site: http://www.piercemfg.com/ModelDetails.html...c7-767435ef7524

As opposed to standing on the side of the rig, where you can't see anything? Or in traffic? I just saw photos from a friend taken from the pump panel of a top mount PUC. The camera is an option that's intergrated into the Command Zone system. From what I could tell on the photos, you can see around the engine, the only exception would be if you have a raised roof. The stairs that fold down seem pretty straightfoward. I do admit it may be a pain to climb up and down, but if you want a top mount pumper and don't want to sacrifice wheelbase, this seems like a smart way to go. Although not everyone may like it, it's a pretty unique configuration that gives you plenty of space.