x635

I was wondering if anyone else found the term "VAC", or in some cases, "First Aid Squad", obsolete??? Yes, I know it represents pride in some agencies that they are volunteer. However, "Emergency Medical Services" is what we are and do, and I feel that term versus "VAC" doesn't give off a good image, since we're more then just the ambulance. Think about it as a civilian. You pull up along side an ambulance, and see either: Blahville Volunteer Ambulance Corps -OR- Blahville Emergency Medical Services Which one paints the better picture of our profession? And you can still add volunteer to EMS if you're an all volunteer agency. Or has VAC just become slang?

Sad. You think a hospital that serves a large, wealthy population would be able to make it. I guess Englewood and the surrounding towns will be taking over the MICU responsibilties, but what's going to happen to the MICU trucks?

Now, with the TV writers strike, this is probaly the best time to pitch this idea for a TV show. I know several of you have been watching "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, where world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay takes a failing resturant, and turns it around. Resturants go from having digusting food and reputations, and very little clientele, to bustling resturants with great food (and sometimes cleaner kitchens) once Chef Ramsay is done. I'd be interested to see an FD twist on it. I'm sure there are many firehouses that can identify with the similar troubles that the resturants are having, albeit on a firematic scale. It'd be great if they took a team of fire service experts, went into a firehouse, and turned things around. I, myself, know there are many FD's throughout the area suffering from numerous internal personal conflicts, training and staffing issues, etc. It would be fun to put it iinto perspective But, since every FD is "perfect" (note sarcasm), I don't think anyone would have an open mind enough to invite the show in. However, I'd find it quite fascinating. Plus, I don't think any FD would want that kind of publicity. But it may make a fun idea for a series of training DVD's.

I love "Kitchen Nightmares" and was thinking the same thing last night. But, I'm sure there is some producer and editing issues going on. Like every reality show, everything is set up and "guided", so I'm sure the FD was invited and told to put on their uniforms. However, my personal opinion, I wouldn't have worn dress uniforms, maybe station wear, and gone in clearly off duty. As I said, I'm sure the editing didn't help them much either.

Why does it seem that some fire apparatus manufacturers can't stay in business?? Brands that are pretty succesful, like Ward LaFrance, the original American LaFrance, Ahrens Fox, Mack, etc etc.

Video currently being discussed: http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=21491 Please continue discussion there.

I had heard that Chief Everett and the Local 107 President went to NJ today to look at trailers. There was supposed to be a press conference about it today or tommorow. It's a shame, and I truly, truly hope that these trailers are only TEMPORARY!!!

Congrats Capt. Danyko! Look foward to working with you in the future!

My bad, got confused, lol. Sorry.

I do. I shot the entire fleet about a month ago, including the apparatus you requested. Click on the link below to view: http://www.emtbravophotos.com/SpecFeat/CarmelFD.html

Bump for update.

The Extreme Home Makeover episode featuring the Arena family of Purdys is airing tonigt, 10-27-07, at 11PM on TV Land (NY Metro Cablevision Ch 34). Sorry for the short notice, but just wanted to give anyone logged on a head's up so they can tune in.

I see them at Borders Books occasionally. You can order copies online at: FSP Books And Videos http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/3275.shtml Just click on "Back Issues" They've got a fanstastic selection and fast shipping- support small niche business!

Let me throw my idealistic views in here, lol. Halloween- Candy, costumes-so commercialized I don't even know the origins.... 4th of July- Celebrating our nation Memorial Day- Celebratng those who gave their lives for our way of life....consequently, I see more people at the big box stores then at the community Memorial Day Parade each year. Thanksgiving- Giving thanks for what you have, and spending quality time with family you don't always have time to spend with. Valentines Day- Candy, Flowers, Cards- again, so commercialized I don't even know the origins.... Christmas- In the giving spirit, spending time with friends and family, eggnog, Santa......but it seems each year more and more people are obsessed with "buying" and "What am I going to get?" then "giving". It seems like a new Holiday is invented each month.....

So, today I had the chance (with special thanks to all involved) to photograph the entire Mahopac FD fleet for a feature coming soon on EMTBravo.com. Well, it happened to be the same day that they were tearing the old firehouse down, so I figured I'd share some photos. Here's their new digs. Route 6 at Croton Falls Rd. Right next door to the old house, on the west side. VERY impressive! And here's the old firehouse, being torn down. I can't believe how small the bays were! Their new firehouse is such an improvement. It's my understanding that they used portions of the old firehouse for training prior to demolition.

I agree! It's earlier and earlier each year. For me, the Christmas Season doesn't start until Santa passes through Herald Square on Thanksgiving Morning. I saw some stores had there Christmas stuff out in September! It also seems each year it becomes more and more commercialized. I just like the spirit of the seasons, the gathering of friends and family, etc.

Don't want to have levels or ranks, just trying to think of a simple, concise way of identifying an exemplary member.

Montogmery County, MD FD is a progressive county-run FD in the suburbs of Washington DC. The community is growing, and so are the responses. Montgomery County spec'd a really progressive engine, and awarded the contract to Elite, a company I'd never heard of until then. Apparently, they have cancelled their contract due to financial problems that Elite is experiencing. I wonder if this will affect Irvington's new engine, which is also an Elite and I believe the first Elite in the area? I must say, I saw a photo of the unit in the Nov-Dec edition of FAJ, and it looks really good and functional! Read the articles below: AND THEN this was issued a few days ago........

No problem at all....just tell them to email me at EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com, or PM their username, and I'll look into it for you.....

This morning, I recieved heartbreaking news....a longtime friend of mine passed away. Ted Knoesel was an ex-chief in the Ardsley Fire Department, where he served 57 years. He meticuloulsy maintained the department's 1928 Seagrave, "Old Betsy". Ted owned Ted's Texaco (now County Gulf) in Ardsley for many years, and was an excellent mechanic and wrecker operator. He was friendly, and, as he was born in Ardsley and lived there his entire life, everybody in Ardsley knew who he was. Even in his retirment, he served as a crossing guard at Ardsley schools until his wife passed away. He didn't do it for the money, he always loved to work and be active. Ted was a survior himself, valiantly overcoming several critical illnesses. Ted lost his wife of 39 years, Sheila, last year after her valiant and brief fight against Leukemia. His son, TJ Knoesel, is a Westchester County Police Officer. I knew Ted initially through my father and grandmother, who were friends with him. I got to know Ted myself when I served alongside him in Ardsley FD. I will miss Ted a great deal. He tought me so much, he was so energetic, enthusiastic, and giving. I have many memories with him during the 10 years I served with AFD, and he will always remain in my heart. My condolences go out to the Knoesel family.

Wow! Interesting vehicle I didn't even know existed! As always, extrication is never going to be simple or textbook- you never know what's going to be thrown at you, especially nowadays! Cars used to be pretty simple, but not anymore. I guess that's why ALSFirefighter had us cut the roof of a station wagon-while it was rolled over on it's roof- in probie school. To get us to think outside the box, and it's those types of abstract scenrios everyone needs to practice during extrication training....because it's not just door pops, convertibles, and dash rolls anymore.

WOW! Very cool vintage photos......thanks for sharing them with us!

Today, members of the White Plains Fire Department were training on a new Shell Hydrogen Fueling station, located at the City shops complex. White Plains is involved in a pilot program using hydrogen prototype cars, and Shell built and operates this facility. I was wondering if any of the guys from White Plains could tell us more?

Happy 24th birthday to Anthony, AKA Putnam 911 Dispatcher 420 (PC_420 as his EMTBravo username), who was nice enough yesterday to make the arrangments to invite and give me the grand tour of Putnam 911. (Photo feature will be posted soon) (Photo By x635 10-19-07 for http://www.emtbravo.com )