x635

If it's "Agency" - "Level" - "Unit," how come WEMS has 40-M-1 and 45-M-1? Shouldn't 45-M-1 have a 40 number? Two different systems. 40-X-X is Westchester EMS (Medical Transport/Private Emergency/Critical Care Transport) system 45-M-X is the Northern Westchester Paramedic system, a system that WEMS is contracted to provide. They are technically two different agencies. Like Empress has 33-X-X, 32-A-1, 43-A,1 Transcare has 30-A-X, 31-X-X, etc etc

There's what if's to everything. But the "what if"s that currently stall so many progressive ideas in this county were turned into "How can we"'s, who knows how much better this county would be??? Backup (As per SSM protocol) dispatch units by street distance from last known confirmed location or stated location. Dead zones are an issue, but a very minor and temporary one in heavily wooded areas. "Disabled" GPS transmitters is an issue. But proper installation and supervision should negate that. As far as taxes go, yes thats an isssue. But there's an ethical issue to that end as well.

Example: Engine One Five Zero would sound retarded! It's Engine One Five Oh!!!!!!

Except if you're a dispatcher, or an IC with a bazillion things going on, or it's 2AM , or it's a large scale incident. Also the noted confusion in apparatus identifiers, coupled with the way 46.26 is. Or remembering every unit, especially those that don't go out every day. The current numbering system, although SOME may be able to easily remember it, is not clear, simple, organized, or straightfoward. The way EMS is numbered in this county is perfect. (Agency)-(Level)-(Unit) For example Yonkers EMS Paramedic Ambulance 1 (AKA Medic 30 on the Empress system, or Yonkers Ambulance 1) 33-A-1 Simple! BTW, It's not that hard to remember, if you're an "enthusiast"....and I am, and I still have trouble remembering and keeping up with it all!!!

Red Diamond Fire Trucks: http://www.firetanker.com/ ...have a diamond as a logo In addition, this tanker by them is really, really hot:

I got a picture of it last month that is posted on the site somewhere. It's in VERY poor condition, and has seen better days....all the jobs and things it has seen in Yonkers has taken its toll, and I don't think anything is going to bring or be worth bringing it back :-( There is an ESU truck that is sitting there as well. The body of that truck, with some TLC, looks like it may have some life in it still as a FD rescue or utility or hazmat.

Excellent news!!

This car is HOT! I love it!! I hope some agencies around here add it to their fleet!! From:www.theautochannel.com

Flynn is just north of Tuckahoe Road on CPA. Sprain Brook Parkway ->Tuckahoe Rd. -Left on CPA Funeral home will be on your right immeditely after making the turn.

Here is the Empress Statement:

I'm curious about post-incident critiques. I think they are quite a valuable tool in learning and making improvments for future responses. I'm wondering if any local department has these after incidents, and how they go about it. Do they sit in a room and talk, do they review fire scene photos, etc and then what, if any, action is taken and how is it accomplished? I feel the post-incident critique can be one of the best tools around for finding problems in our jobs and fixing them. But it seems like they are rarely done, or rarely done on a proper scale.

Well said....I just want to add a little. Health is safety!! You need strength and endurance to do this job properly and safely. A fitness program is part of a safety program Numerous studies have shown that with fatigue and poor condition, job site injuries, such as in construction, go up. How are you going to save others if you can't save yourself? This is a tool that EVERY FD should provide properly and completly, just like they provide training and turnout gear. BTW, another benefit of better cardio-endurance is longer time on the air bottle. Getting back to the topic, the County has the resources and the money to fund something or to oversee something like this....now somebody in power just needs to take the initiative and make it happen!!

According to Choice Collectibles website, they will be releasing a Yonkers FD In Action Card Set Featuring Photos By Mike Messar of www.onthejobny.com http://www.choicefire.com/comingsoon.asp It'll be interesting to see which Yonkers jobs make it to the set. There certainly has been a pleothora of interesting incidents over the past couple of years, and who knows what Mike has been hiding/hoarding for exclusive premiere in this set. Also coming soon is FDNY Platinum Series II By Joe Pinto.....should be featuring some of everybody's favorite FDNY rigs in this continuing series. Both sets should be awesome, can't wait until they are released! Here's a little more on what the cards are about:

Eddie Byrnes, formerly of the Town Of Mamaroneck FD, has been appointed Fire Chief for the Federal Vetrans Adminstration Hudson Valley Campuses (Montrose and Castle Point VA's). Chief Byrnes is also known as Car 2441, and "RES20CUE". So, how many car numbers do you have now? Congrats.

I'd love to know how the term "whacker" started. Or Buff. I'd also like to know how the term of engine or truck was developed?

Because bus is THE true NY term for an ambulance! I can't call it anything else....except when around 636!! Seems like every region has its own term for a bus. New England it's car or rescue, in the midwest it's a squad, in California its a Rescue or Ambulance, etc etc And 648 is right, it takes entirely too much effort to say "ambulance"

Both sets have now been released: Check out a preview of one of the Yonkers Cards here: http://nycfire.net/messar/gallery/The-Latest/yonkotj And the sets can be purchased at: www.choicefire.com

Just out of curiosity, are "Water Source Officers" a position on the fireground, or does this responsibilty fall under the chief or line officers directly? Just wondering if any dept uses waters source officers on the fireground to coordinate water supply operations, and what kind of training and function do these people have?

Photo: Decon equipment stored in the ambulance bay of Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla,NY The photo above shows the state of WMC's Hazmat recieving decontamination equipment. It has been in that condition for months now. The tarp partially over it is a new addition. For months now, I have been in and out of the WMC "New and Improved" ED Ambulance bay. Shortly after opening, they placed these two Rubbermaid cabinets in an area which obstructs an ambulance loading/unloading slot. These cabinets were never secured, and have been getting worse and worse, as pictured above, for weeks now. I feel that this equipment is not ready to be deployed, much of it is pilfered through and damaged/destroyed. The equipment is exposed to the elements, including the snow and the cold, 24/7. I've talked to a couple different people in the ED about it, and nobody really knows whos responsibility it is. This is a brand new ER. I'm very suprised that they didnt build decon facilities right into the ER, except for the "Shower" room which is used for storage. Hopefully somebody reading this knows somebody to get this taken care of.

I agree with many of the excellent points made here. One of the most important qualifications should be experience. Because training is great, but being able to apply that training is where the real knowledge comes in. Also, training and qualifications should be exactly the same between volunteers and career firefighters. There should be no reason for a difference, and maybe it should be a testing-ranking process for volunteer officers as well. I hate the "Its his/her turn" argument! Another problem....whole 'nother topic though-I think some departments have WAY too many officers for anyone to get real command experience, and also too many officers leads to confusions and several other issues.

Anybody have an update on FF Connery's condition?

This time, I really do think it is all Dennis' fault...

Just curious as to which Westchester FD's maintain antique apparatus as parade pieces and/or department historical items? Also, to my knowledge, no one maintains an antique rescue,ladder truck, or ambulance, correct? It's basically all engines? I know Ardsley maintains a 1928 Seagrave, "Old Betsy", which has been owned by the dept. since new. It's never been refurbed, but is in great condition.