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Prior to the Babbitt Court address being confirmed, presumably due to incomplete information being received by cell phone call(s), 60-Control dispatched the Elmsford Fire Dept to the vicinity of Route 9-A and Paulding St. for a possible structure fire.
Once the correct address and actual fire was confirmed, off Route 9-A, just south of the Elmsford Fire District line, E-237 responded to the scene (after checking with the Incident Commander) and L-55 relocated to Fairview Fire Headquarters (60-Control dispatch: Our normal assignment on a Fairview 2nd alarm).
The E-237 crew operated at the scene, with the other units, until the fire had been brought under control; at which time they were released by the Incident Commander.
L-55 remained at Fairview Fire Headquarters until most units had returned to service; they were then released by the Incident Commander.
I hope this clarifies our role in this fire.
Syd Henry, Chief
Elmsford Fire Dept.

I had just copied the article from Lohud.com to post here, but Seth beat me to it.
Chris, hell of a job man, well done. You said any of us would do the same, and i hope that we would, but as others have said, you DID it.

Thank you everyone. You guys would have done the samething that i did i was just in the right place

Great job, Chris!!

Good job Chris! BTW - What's that fur on your face?!

Way to go brother.....great job!!

Great Job Kid
DC2T

Having known Packy for thirty years it comes as no surprise Chris acted in such a manner. Good job Chris. A credit to the FDNY as well as the Westchester fire service.

Thanks
The crane was speced to allow a minimum of NFPA 1983 2 man load as a gin pole. Infact we assisted DPW on Thursday by lowering 2 of there guys into an underground pipe.
We needed the abbility of moving personnel (using rope, not the cranes power) to get members down to the boat when its lowered over a seawall. We also carry (on the roof) a Supervac 30" gas PPV fan (168 pounds). and 2) 810gpm hydraulic submersable trash pumps (68 pounds each).

Great job!!!!!

Chief- A few points. I'm not here to knock you or the Yonkers FD. I didn't even know that that was your affiliation until today. I don't know any active members of YFD, nor do I know anyone affiliated with either Somers or Croton Falls. You have a right to your opinions and beliefs, and a right to express them just like I do. No problem there. You can even have an "agenda" or a point of view that you want to reinforce when the opportunity presents itself, that too is okay with me.
Where we differ is that I would advance my "agenda" or point of view when I have the facts to support my case. What I have seen on a couple of occasions, most recently with the Croton Falls IA, is that you are jumping to conclusions which you believe support your case without a complete set of facts. Any IA, written by anyone on here, is subject to the faults (memory, hearing, ability to type fast enough, etc) of the writer. In the course of a long list of radio transmissions, the writer in this case did not note the specific dispatch of the Somers Ladder. When, further down in the alert, there is a notation that the truck was responding shortly, or whatever the notation, you automatically began looking for the reason why they took so long to get out, and immediately began a line of questions that clearly indicated that you thought that. You obviously are very passionate on this issue, all I'm saying is give it a rest once in a while and don't assume that in every IA, there is a delayed response or inadequate manpower situation based on a snippet of a radio transmission taken out of context.
Perhaps you are right on target with your thoughts on regionalization in Westchester. I don't know, I don't live there, and I don't know all of the details of the issue. Be happy to read anything you have in the way of a position paper or other documentation, if you care to provide me with a notation of some online source that I can go to to read it. As to my opportunity to criticize the YFD, I am not qualified. I'm sure that the members of YFD do a great job. Your promise not to cry when my opportunity arises to criticize your department is lost on me, it'll never happen. Stay safe.....

Date: 01-21-10
Time: 1535hrs(t.o.w.)
Location: Cortlandt
Frequency: NYSP/WCPD
Units Operating: NYSP w/numerous units, BCI, Aviation, K-9, WCPD 27-Charlie, Sam-1, Loop Car, Aviation (AIR-3), others
Weather Conditions: Clear
Description Of Incident: Bank Robbery
Reporters:
Writer: BFD1054
1535hrs-TMC advising all patrols to maintain radio silence, situation in Zone-3. NYSP Aviation attempting to raise a crew to "go up."
1540hrs-TMC broadcasting update on suspect description; Black male, approximately 5'6" - 5'7" wearing a heavy black jacket, jeans w/print on the back and a white doo-rag. Unknown if a vehicle was used and unknown direction of travel.
1548hrs-TMC advising all Cortlandt Patrols that 1H18 (Aviation), as well as 2 K-9 Units are in en-route. Aviation with a (7) minute ETA.
1550hrs-WCPD 27C advising (1) in custody, NYSP BCI is out with him as well.
1553hrs-NYSP 1H18 to land at Annsville Circle.
1555hrs-TMC advising all Patrols that 27-Charlie has a possible suspect in custody, Westbrook Dr. & Fawnridge.
1607hrs-NYSP requesting Aviation to search the Lake Allendale section of Cortlandt, including the area of Locust Ave., Route 6 and "Lou's Deli"
1608hrs-27-Charlie, Unit 375 advising (-) on the subject they have stopped off of Westbrook Dr.
1613hrs-NYSP 1H18 to land at Van Cortlandt School (Rt. 6) to pick up 3K49 as per the Sgt.
1617hrs-K-9 beginning a track from the rear of the building.
1623hrs-TMC advising all Patrols possible suspect on Oregon Rd. IAO the cemetery. TMC advising this was called in by an off-duty MOS.
TMC also advising units of a report of a suspicious male reported at Wal-Mart, partially matching the description. Subject was acting extremely nervous and acted as though he had a firearm in his back area.
1625hrs-K-9 advising they are tracking and are in the rear corner of the Kohls department store.
1627hrs-27-Charlie advising he is out with the Peekskill Unit, which is a marked unit, Car 250 (Sgt), Oregon Rd. IAO Colonial Terrace. 27-Charlie advising (-) on the suspect.
1636hrs-WCPD Car 1625 advising he is checking a shed in the rear of a residence on Overlook, off of Millington Rd.
1639hrs-TMC dispatching a unit to 4 Overlook Ct., off of Millington Rd. (off of Rt. 6). Caller states she has a shed in her back yard that has been locked all winter, but is now open and she would like it checked out.
1645hrs-TMC advising all units that the subjects that were stopped on Oregon Rd. & Wal-Mart were a (-).
1706hrs-WCPD unit advising that there is no further info, WCPD units, with the exception of 27-Charlie, are in service.
1707hrs-TMC advising all patrols to resume radio traffic.

Date: 01/21/2010
Time: 1723 hours
Location: 7 Milton Street, cross streets Greewich Avenue and Orchard Street.
Frequency: Stamford 800 mHz Trunked
Units Operating: Unit-4, E-2, E-3, E-5, T-3 R-1, E-1 (RIT), T-3 (special called), FM-102, FM-109, Safety Officer; SEMS Medic #1, Medic 901 (supervisor); SPD.
Weather Conditions:Clear 40 degrees.
Description Of Incident: Fire in a 3 story ordinary multiple dwelling. Fire on #3 floor. 2 lines stretched, T-2 to roof; primary and secondary searches negative. Fire contained to 1 room in the Bravo side #3 floor apartment. No reported injuries. Fire marshal office to scene for c/o determination. No reported injuries. PD on scene for traffic control.
1723 hrs: Full box assignment for a telephone report of a fire on the #3 floor of an occupied multiple dwelling. Multiple calls received. Assined to the box: Unit-4 (IC), E-2, E-3, E-5, T-2, and R-1.
1727 hrs: E-2 on scene reporting a smoke condition. Stretching a line.
1728 hrs: Working fire declared. E-1 assigned as RIT.
1731 hrs: SEMS Medic-1 assigned to box.
1747 hrs. Command reports fire knocked down - holding all companies.
1920 hrs: Companies still working at time of report.
Reporters: SFRD49
Writer: SFRD49 (E-5)

Thats my big brother. He makes us so proud

Congratulation Chris--- your training and dedication has paid off. Not to mention being in the right place at the right time. You say any one would have done the same BUT you did it. A family is safe tonight because of your actions. I am sure your whole family is proud of the actions that you took today.
Again congratulations on a herotic act

Nice job brother !

Humility is a great lesson to be learned in The Brotherhood. Nice job Firefighter Murray!

More photos from Fairview fire http://jukebox.lohud.com/photos/refers/index.php?gallery=Fairview%20Fire%2001-22-10

I noticed today reading of the Stamford working fire today that the RIT team was an engine company. This got me thinking as to if that or any engine is capable of performing RIT duties on its own? RIT shouldn't just involve standing in the front yard and listening to the radio, it involves a good deal of proactive actions, and once activated any number of obstacles inside that caused the mayday will have to be overcome. Does your department have a list of equipment that are to be staged by the RIT team, or a RIT protocol in general? Or is it just a 'wing it' sort of operation. **I'm not saying that this is the case in Stamford, as I have no idea as to their equipment on their apparatus nor their SOPS.** In my mind, you need at least two saws, (one with a wood blade, the other with metal blade) multiple hooks, tagline, a hoseline, RIT pack, irons, TIC, ladders, just to get the list started. I don't know of any engine company that carries all or even most of those things.

Many Departments in Westchester use engine co's as F.A.S.T/ R.I.T.
i know Hartsdale E-170 has all the stuff you mentioned plus some. Fairview, Yonkers, white plains all usually use engines. Scarsdale and Greenville can use either a Eng or a Truck as fast, Croton uses a engine, Yorktown use's an engine all which have the equipment you stated. Irvington uses a rescue i believe.
Many Departments in Westchester have engines that are set up as more of a squad meaning that they carry engine and truck company equipment like saws hooks etc. also many carry extrication equipment and rope rescue equipment, not every department has multiple trucks to send out on mutual aid, many have multiple engines so sending one out of town isn't as big a deal. also many departments don't have heavy rescues so engine's have to fill the gap taking on a roll of carrying more then just hose and water.
Another factor is that how often does the F.A.S.T truck get close enough to the fire building to actually use its aerial, its rare here in westchester often due to limited access, tight streets etc. Thus using an aerial device as a F.A.S.T. company is a luxury not a necessity.
The Biggest thing isn't what apparatus the F.A.S.Team comes on its the equipment they carry,depoly, the pro-activity of the F.A.S.T members and leader and most importantly the level of training of the members who respond.

Well put HFD23!
I also agree with you, Slayer61, that a FAST / RIT Unit should have minimum equipment, some form of SOPs and proper training. In the past, these items have been discussed on these forums but don't ask me where!
Just building on what the others have asked / replied, what equipment does your FAST carry and what equipment should be minimum?
I'll start... we use an Engine primarily because we have three of them, and because the majority of our trained Team members come from this company.
Some of what we carry:
(1) Stokes
(1) TIC
(1) Quick-Vent Chain Saw
(1) Partner Saw with wood (multi-purpose) blade
(1) Stihl Saw with metal blade (metal and concrete abrasive blades also on rig)
(1) Battery-powered Sawzall
(1) Electric Sawzall
(4) Steel hooks (6' & 8')
(3) Pairs of Irons
(1) 8 Lb. Sledge
(1) Hydra-Ram
(1) Man Down Pack
Several Search Lines & Tie Lines
Several Other hand tools (K-Tool, A-Tools, Closet Hooks)
300' Rope with 3:1 MA setup
Each man has a radio, PPE, SCBA & flashlight(s).
There's a lot more equipment on this rig, but these are the most commonly grabbed tools.
We always perform a 360 of the fire building, and will clear anything blocking egress points. Other tasks we do include throwing ground ladders and performing accountability (as best as we can). One Member is always detailed to the Command Post and monitors Fireground transmissions, and generally we put one team (at least two) in the rear of the building and keep another out front.

I think having a extra line stretched and ready for the F.A.S.T. to use in the event of a rescue is very important, however i do agree often it may not be fast personnel operating the line, there is nothing wrong with assigning extra companies to staging. also if your short manpower reassigning additional personal to a hose line that will protect a rescue operation in the event of some sort of collapse etc is important.
The bottom line is may departments both career and volunteer manpower is a issue, some days F.A.S.T. companies may have 4 or more sometimes even less. the ability of the fast company to effect a rescue and operate a hose line will be based on this. a study showed approx 12 FF's to rescue 1 so i don't know many companies that have 12 F.A.S.T. members at every run. i have seen teams deploy with 8 or 10 so we won't say that it is totally not impossible to operate a line with F.A.S.T. members.
A better question is what is your Departments minimum staffing to respond?
minimum requirements to be a team member?
Any one have a SOP / SOG reading something to the effect if you respond with 4 members as your minimum that you also request a 2nd team to fill out a more realistic number of personnel by combining resources?

Theere is no reason you can't put together a FAST team of more than one company. IC-wise it now becomes the FAST GROUP and must have a FAST Group Leader. Need a hose line and two saws and a stokes and...
Ic just makes his FAST Group 1 E and 2 T assigns a FAST Leader, and the problems like shortages of equipment or duplication of efforts go away.
Hopefully by now we have all taken ICS courses. Now, let's learn how to use it to our advantage.

Our RIT policy states that we bring:
Two sets of irons (Heavy and Light)
One Hydra-ram
One Portapower
One TIC
Three 6 foot hooks
Two Saws (One Metal blade, one Wood Blade, plus all spare blades which include masonry)
RIT Pack w/ Tagline
Large Area Search Bag
Two Cans
One 28 foot ladder
One Attic ladder
Stokes
We also have a battering ram that is very useful for breaching masonry walls, and we bring any other equipment we may need dependent on the structure.
Our SOG is for the search team to be two plus the officer. Three people are vent, which will ensure means of egress out of the structure, and await any requests from the search team once they find the downed firefighter. They make sure every window has a ladder, all bars are cut off, etc. The last two people obtain and ensure a RIT hoseline which goes in with the search team. The hoseline acts as an easy additional means to find the team for any needed personnel, and if you can put the fire out, that solves alot of problems. I personally like the hoseline because its easier and less limited than a water can and helps greatly with the safety of the RIT team. We also have an order where if we have less than 6 people we will request an engine co. to standby with a hoseline with us. We generally operate with 8 on the truck, but its not uncommon for us to have 5 or 6. We don't really have to 'demand' a hoseline, I would hate to meet a pump operator who didn't want the RIT team who might have to go in to get his guys to have a hoseline from his wagon. All RIT apparatus are to stage far enough away from the fireground that they do not impede access to the scene and allow all operating apparatus to do so. But then again we operate a box alarm system so the last due special service assumes RIT responsibilities, hopefully everyone's in place by the time they get there.

I'm sorry you feel this way but glad most others do not.
Yes, there is an agenda behind the question. I will again beat the drum here...I, and many others, believe that there is a serious problem in most parts of Westchester County with inadequate Fire and EMS coverage. For the most part, the public has no idea of this problem. I believe the problems can be solved through consolidation and regionalization. However, to solve this problem, we first need to educate both the public and many members of the Fire Service here in Westchester that there is in fact a serious problem. Questioning response times and manpower levels is part of this process. It is not personal, it is business. I do not "get my jollies from this", nor do I feel that I or my own department is perfect. I do realize that there are many (not most) who read this forum who are just chomping at the bit for an opportunity to criticize me personally or my department. Eventually you will have your opportunity I am sure. We all make mistakes and we all have areas in which we can improve.
SO, go for it when your opportunity arises...I won't cry, I promise...