ny10570

You took one part of my comment, adjusted it to serve your opportunity to criticize my comment and tried to make it look as though I am 100% against purchasing new equipment. I do and have paid taxes for some time. Part of that money is paid to the Buchanan FD by the village. And as it was years ago when some members thought it prudent to request adding a ladder truck to the fleet, it was brought to the village board meetings and open to public discussion. I said I can see both sides of the argument, replacement of a 35 year old piece of equipment may be necessary. I also support the fact that the employees of the village need a new contract. The only reason I cited the priority being the contracts of workers is that both Montrose and Peekskill have Rescue apparatus and the current piece is still in service. I have done nothing but support the fire department my entire life as a village resident, whether donating monies, buying raffle tickets, providing pictures that I have taken in my own personal time, etc. I am not a member of the fire department but did volunteer in my community for years. Now I have my own priorities and work responsibilities that make it virtually impossible for me to commit to being a member. As well, I have to say, I haven't been asked either. And I know that manpower to calls is a serious issue in our community. This is a public website, you should be careful saying that the village of Buchanan and its residents don't foot the bill, cause ultimately they do. They do when they pay their taxes, and they do when they donate money, and the do when they buy raffle tickets. Money to buy new appartus and equipment doesn't grow on a tree behind the firehouse.

Public or private sector you can be axed for speaking in a way that can cause harm to your employer. Depending on the laws of his state, he may not even have been able to go with it to the city council/legislature. Some places have very little whistle blower protection. Generally speaking using facts and going to the people responsible for those decisions is technically safe, however it could also likely be a career killer.

Next time you use a sled, if you wear a DOT helmet use it. Our helmets are not made for that type of protection. Not criticizing. I don't even wear a helmet when I snowmobile. Just something people don't often realize.

http://www.thebravest.com/FDNYNewsArchive/10/03/5g.htm
Thank god she was there. Eng 79 was in a panic trying to figure out what the fire wouldn't turn off before she made an incredibly astute observation.

A peanut sat on the railroad track
His heart was all aflutter
Along came an Amtrack train
Toot Toot...peanut butter

Yeah, yeah, i know...i know nothing. All the time i spent working in the city of poughkeepsie, dutchess and ulster counties are worthless. I'm going to go hang my head in shame because what i have to say from first hand experience in the field means nothing.
If you wan't to call reality on the ground mud-slinging so be it. The city's loss, heart goes out to my former city EMS providers.

One can only hope.
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/01/30/2010-01-30_lets_pull_fireboxes_mike_says.html
Mayor Bloomberg wants to extinguish fire alarm boxes from city streets.
Bloomberg pitched the fiery move this week as part of his budget for fiscal year 2011, saying it would save FDNY $2.5 million.
Since 85% of calls made through the street boxes are false alarms, Bloomberg said, "In the days where everybody has cell phones ... the city would be just as safe without them."
Only 140 structural fires last year out of 26,666 were first called in through an alarm box - and phone calls on those fires came in after the boxes were pulled, according to the FDNY.

After 11 years as a volunteer in Westchester I could not tell you which depts operate with that company/district funding separation. I'm fairly savvy and involved and still can't tell, what are the chances the average citizen can? When you go out collecting as the company do you do so completely independent from the district? For example wearing or using district equipment? How about on district property?

I KNEW this was going to happen here, that members were going to "take the bait" that the City of Buffalo threw out to see where it would stick. Well if you bit into this ALCOHOL arguement, you've been BUFFALOED.
First, it is disgraceful that news organizations do not even do the DUE DLIGENCE to find out what happens after a LODD funeral; it's called a COLLATION, not a "reception", not a "party", nothing other than a collation, which is a religious term meaning "light meal." The term reception is reserved for happy occassions; like a wedding reception.
THOUSANDS of firefighters, career and volunteer alike, some from as far away as Australia attended two LODD funerals. The Union did the right thing in providing those members with a Collation, where brother firefighters, law enforcement, ems, all came together to commiserate, after standing at attention for TWO LODD funerals.
Ever been to a LODD funeral? Ever stand at attention for three or four hours? Then imagine this day, and doing it TWICE. Think you might want a bite and a brew, drink, soda, coffee afterward? Of course you would, so let's stop being ridiculous about this issue.
This is a simple case of a CONTRACT VIOLATION. The union has an ironclad, protected by LAW agreement with the C.O.B. which states, the city will pay the union $12,500 for a LODD funeral for expenses incured. Period. It doesn't say, "well, we'll pay for this line item or that line item", it says will pay for expenses. The City has violated the contract, the union has probably grieved the issue, this will be mediated, arbitrated, wind up in court, and the city will LOSE...and THEN PAY.
There are difficult and protracted contract negotiations between the city and the union right now. The firefighters and cops have marched on city hall, and many believe bringing ALCOHOL into the disscusion was merely an attempt to smear the union.
Let's please not get into who drinks what and where with who's 2% money or fundraising, etc. If you engage in that, you have been Buffaloed in this case.
No on-duty members imbibe at colations, period. The insinuation is thrown out to see where it will stick, and it landed right here on emtbravo, and you guys are missing the issue of a contract violation, and making judgements that you should not be making; whether "taxpayer's money" should be used for alcohol is a bogus disscusion. Corruption in gov't is rampant. Governors spend millions of dollars decorating their offices. Legislators are bought by lobbyists. Our tax money by the billions has been thrown at large corporations, who in turn have handed out RECORD BONUSES to their incompetent CEOs. YOUR money at work fellas. Where is the uproar about that?
Let us remember what we are talking about here, and if some locals like INIT's pay for their own expenses for an LODD funeral, well they obviously don't have a LODD funeral expenses line in THEIR contract, or they'd be getting reimbursed for it.
http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/84990367.html?video=YHI&t=a

Why is dinner an acceptable expense, but responsibly consumed alcohol unacceptable? If you're going to fund any social functions, then you might as well fund all of them. I wasn't criticizing volley FD's that pay for booze, just trying to point out the hypocrisy of getting on Buffalo firefighters for trying to do so.

stewart manor FD is within 5 minutes of 4 different fire departments. They're the poster child for the redundancy of the current system.

because no volley FD pays for their members to drink, right? Parades, inspections, holiday parties, annual meetings, and even a few dept bars are the big ones.

This is a "bread and butter" fire that these guys completely lost their stuff on. So many problems except manpower. Randolph Township is good for a couple of fires a year, so these guys should have some experience. What cares me most, is this is it if you need the fire dept in that community. This wasn't one or two knuckle heads screwing up, it was a total failure. Nearly everything error that has been identified on here can be traced to a lack of training. When volunteers feel like they're under attack for accountability, training, etc this is why. This incident highlights nearly every problem with the volunteer fire service. Now let me be clear, I am not saying this is how it is in any Westchester FD. This is just the fear people have when bringing up these issues. Career FD's screw up as well, however there you can fire the people responsible and replace them. If you fire your volunteers, they're increasingly hard to replace.

There was a MCI drill at the N White Plains yard about 5 years ago. It was set up by my favorite Metro North Chief.

Thank you. I was going to just let this float off the board, what with this crazy day and the "big statement" this pilot had to make about his problems with the gov't.
Anyway, since I have this shared moment in the "spotlight" with a suicidal bass player (ironic if you look at my photo holding a guitar for Chr*st sake, but that's how it goes right?)
I want to talk a bit about the members you mentioned here, all of the members here are included in this sort of critique if you will, but I'm just going to wing it, and do the best I can with it.
First, there's Seth. Here he is today, in the heart of the madness in the country for today, just like he mentioned being in NY for 9/11. Can't the big stuff just leave the guy alone?
Seriously though, I'm here posting on a website that he created, and too often we take him for granted and some are critical because he shows his raw emotion at times. Seth, we know you've been through some tough sh*t in yor day, and you bounced back and gave us all a place to spend our time and share our thoughts. So thank you brother.
I'm no shill but come on guys, this site is growing in popularity and activitiy, and professionalism, and technical advancement. You think this is all a freebee? Some of y'all need to man up and help the guy out with some finances.....kay 'nuff said.
Chris192, flyin over all of us, keepin an eye and keepin it real. Stay safe up there bro.
Then we get to Chief Raftery. Why first amongst the posters? Cause the man earned it, that's why. Deputy Chief, college degree in fire science, published in fire engineering, one of the wittiest b@st@rds to ever post here. I'm proud to say he's a legacy of the Eastchester fire Dept, his dad worked there, I know cause I looked at his picture often in our headquarters. And here he comes on this board, modestly at first, then blasting us with that witt and wisdom he has been famous for his whole career. Thank you chief, for continuing your service, even now. And you're right, you cant get a good loaf of bread south of Philly.
Captain Nechis. Where does one start. I mean I'm old school, even though I'm still technically young. Then I meet Barry some years ago. And he starts going on about SEMO and FEMA and who the heck, and what the h*ll, and I'm like "this guy eats fire department". I'm telling you, now with this consolidation study out; you see who was involved big time right? Captain Nechis knows more in his sleep then I ever knew about the fire service. He even recerted my cpr, thanks Cap.
Chief Flynn. I never met you sir, but I have to say if you were my boss you'd have my respect. I know alot of the volunteer members here get crawly skin when you bring things up. You do stir the pot and post provocative questions. Your last name should be Johnson cause you invented the QTIP. I have NEVER met a Yonkers firefighter who didn't have a very large heart inside that gruffness. Truly a great bunch of gentlemen, from Chief Fitz to Batt 2 (I met Dennis smith once and invited Batt 2 to come, but he dissed it, haha too bad I got his autograph Kieron!) to YFD910 MY BROTHER, YFD610 who has shut up ever since chief flynn told him too (good job probie lol) love ya.
16fire5, M'Ave, our brothers from NYCEMS, it's truly an honor to have FDNY members particpate in this forum imho. You are a great job, the greatest job, lucky b@stards, stay safe all of you.
The volunterer members I communicate with in private and discuss training and fireground; gentlemen. Thank you for the respect, it comes right back at ya.
ALSfirefighter (BNechis blood relative, he just don't know it) dude, 3,000+ posts? How are dem fingers holdin up?
Chr*st, we even got a Canadian comin' down here with his "I pay for my own meals" thing goin' on, his extremely proud Class A photo. You GOTTA love that guy! Welcome Nova Scotia, the most beautiful Province. how's that medals count goin' for y'all? (just kiddin bro).
A guy from England named after 10 house. I seen them guys at the funerals. Very cool. Wish I had a chance to get England and check out Big Ben and Parliament, and then hit the pubs for a straight 24.....
All y'all. I don't wanta wind it out too far here. It's cool that I got 100 posts, but truly, if you want to look for the knowledge on this board, it's all of you combined. I'm just a knucklehead (ask ANYBODY from my job), it's good to be alive, f*** flyin a plane into a building it ain't that bad.
And the lurkers out there, chiefhac and elvis, two guys that eat fire department and had the most amazing careers, if you guys ever start posting, the whole game is gonna change here.
~Firematically,
Captain George Glover (ret)
EFD

Helmet Cam Video: N.J. FF's Close Call
http://www.firehouse.com/topics/top-headlines/helmet-cam-video-nj-ffs-close-call
I don't even know where to start with this video. I'm usually the one saying it's easy to Monday morning qb and giving the benifit of the doubt but I think a good discussion on safety can be learned from this.
Right off the bat
1. We see the fire in and to the left. Yet there's a bunch of guys with a line and the nozzle on the little porch creating a traffic jam putting their regulators in. Get off to the side out of the venting smoke on a knee get your PPE squared away bleed the nozzle make entry and put out the fire.
2. A discussion is ongoing about who's inside how many? Obviously there are accountability issues. You must know who you have and a general idea where they are.
3. I hear a pass alarm going off as the guy is making his way to the back. Is anyone addressing it?
4. Why is a line operating from the exterior while interior operations are underway?
5. Obviously companies have been on scene at least a little while and a FAST and additional companies are being requested. This should have been requested quickly. We are more than 2 minutes into the video.
6. Differing people giving orders and they are contridictory. Honestly it looks to me as if the first and subsuquent lines should have gone through the front door. This is a basic concept. Protect the interior stairs and the escape route of the occupants. As the subsuquent lines come in they reinforce the first line, back it up, or go above for extension. This is a pretty fundamental concept of firefighting.
7. Now a member shows up in the window. They decide to move the ladder which under the circumstances is necessary.
8. Guy in the window has a haligan. He should have taken the window and the sash. I probably would have bought his some time by venting the heat and smoke a couple of feet above him while he waited for the ladder.
9. If you don't practice the basics like portable ladders it shows when the S* hits the fan. If you are going to ask the guy to come down head first the angle should have been decreased and footed. With all the people there with the ladder why didn't someone ascend to help the member down? You could have gone up and pinned the guy to the ladder for the descent. It wouldn't have been pretty but he probably wouldn't have fell.
10. Now the guy falls head first off the ladder. He is now out of the IDLH and immediate danger. I would have brought EMS back to him or had FF/EMTs board him. There was no good reason to handle him by dragging him to the front. It's a good idea at this point to question the downed FF about who was with him and their whereabouts.
11. Now the MAYDAY, first a roll call or PAR is needed a minute ago, assign a chief to supervise the mayday and give him resources and get him on another channel.
12. The practice of donning the facepiece without the regulator and walking around the fireground limits your field of vision greatly. Practice taking your knee and donning your facepiece and hood just prior to entering the IDLH. It allows you to see what your doing prior to entering, keeps your mask from fogging up, and limits your air consumption. At this fire its appears some firefighters may have used up their air prior to even operating inside.
My conclusions may not be entirely correct on all these items but this in no way seems like a smoothly run fire. No doubt these guys were faced with a working fire with entrappment and probably inadequete initial manpower. But if you train for the fundamental tasks you will be more efficent when adrenilin and emotions are high. Ever go to a fire when the fire department seems to be running the operation and not the fire running the fire department?

These people have NO IDEA that they RUINED a GREAT LUNCH PLAN at the firehouse!
Oh, so you have a bomb eh?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=508_1266295805
Edit: Better put in this disclaimer, the video is graphic, and obviously NOT the way to handle "good samaratans" who bring bombs to firehouses.....unless you have a prime rib roast in the meat spinner....nah, don't do it anyway.

If we wanted free food we shoulda been cops

Yeah, complaining about something being out there and then putting it out there yourself makes you part of the problem. Its not about how accessible the video is. Its that you're doing the very thing you're ranting against. As to the appropriateness of the video and photos, yes it is appropriate. When you benefit from public exposure then your victories, losses, and in this case his death are all fair game. This wasn't a private figure who died in an accident. What about the compilation "fail" videos and entire TV shows dedicated to accidents and injuries. Its all in the same vein of voyeuristic experiences.

I think the fence will be an immense help. Not so much for jumpers, as already mentioned, they will still find a way. Rather, when the bridge finally hits it's breaking point and crumbles/collapses, it will give motorists something to cling to while awaiting rescue.

Agreed. This is a pretty broad topic.

I find it ironic that there are spelling errors in a post criticizing spelling errors.

at 2:30 in the afternoon on a monday how many firefighter do you expect can show up??? try and factor in how many of these people are working , or dedicated to some other issue in their lives ??? THAT IS WHAT MUTUAL AID PLANS ARE DRAWN UP FOR give them a break. christ even my department had a lil bit of a hard time getting the engine out but we provided sufficient manpower to mohegan. Given the time of day and that no one was home we all (meaning all the dept.'s that responded) , and where the fire started and how it traveled made one hell of a stop on that house and to all the members of this site that are members of the departments that responded to that fire you/we made one good stop guys good job!!

Yeah, time alone means nothing, but when you meet an experienced provider like GAW on a call for the first time, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt. Instead too often people and especially damn medics come rolling through like our poo don't stink and dismiss the lowly EMTs on scene. Some take the idea that respect is earned a bit too far and demand everyone start at the bottom.

Most agencies have the data. Some actually track that data and turn it into useful information. The big question is how many actually make available (particularly without being asked) the info? I would love to see DOH require an annual public report (that might open some eyes).
Average response time is not a good measure. If the agency responds to 10 calls in 4 minutes and one call in 25 minutes, their average is 5.4 minutes, which is very acceptable, except to the person who waited 25 minutes. As the call volume goes up a few really bad call times get lost. Fractile reporting is the standard for EMS and it basically gives a percentage of calls that EMS arrived in 4min, 5min, 20 min, etc.
American Heart Association, American Ambulance Association and NFPA have had standards in place for 25 years or more. The case in point has a population of 7,146 in 1.82 square miles (thats 3,929 people per square mile) is suburban. The standard is 4 minutes for BLS (1st response/AED with or without transport) and 8 minutes for ALS (including transport) 90% of the time.
Many agencies have given up or worst they do not tell the community it needs help and just continues to provided substandard service and hopes it will get better. It clearly can not spend tax money that it never asks for. So in a town that has 5 seperate volunteer ambulance services and a paid ALS service they can not find a solution? Maybe trying to staff 5 ambulances to cover less than 50,000 people is not the best way to make this work. At least 1 agency in town has stepped up to the plate and brought in some paid EMT's. Now if they can cover 5,000 people with paid, maybe it would be more cost effective to cover 50,000 with a few more.
Most towns have no idea what kind of job the local EMS agency is doing. Since many towns in Westchester do not pay for service, its kind of hard for them to complain or go out and contract for another service.
99% of the general public have no idea what service is or is not provided. All they know is that when they dial 911 in 4 minutes 2 paramedics will be there to save them (its that way on TV).
If agencies were truly proud of the service they provide, you would not have to ask for it. They would have it posted on the web and the annual report would be available at town hall and the library. Most dispatch centers only give that info to the agency, not the public.