FFPCogs

I'm not going to get into a religious debate here, but as a practising Roman Catholic I am offended by some of these remarks. A good 70% of the FFs, cops and EMTs I know and work with are also Roman Catholics and we have dedicated ourselves to helping our communities and neighbors, just as the Church has and DOES !!!!!!!!! This letter to the editor is very vague so any stance one might take on the particular "sect" involved is based solely on opinion. Personally I don't think these forums are the place to bash one religion or another, and those opinions are best left to the backrooms and KKK rallys where they belong. Peter Cogliano PROUD Roman Catholic firefighter Rustamiyah Fire Dept. Baghdad, Iraq BTW it is disappointing that this particular "priest" has made this decision. Parking lots provide a relatively safe and unobtrusive area for patient transfers. Maybe some negotiation can resolve the situation. Cogs

First off I have been paid to fight fires in a contract capacity, but I am a volunteer FF... so theres no bias here. One possible reason why career fire dept.s are not AS plagued by arsonists in the ranks is many require psycological exams as part of the hiring process. Many volunteer dept's are not in a position financially to "test" every applicant. This does not mean career FFs are better, only that their resources prior to active service generally provide a better "look" at a candidate. Sadly this phenomenon has and will continue to plague the fire service. There is no way to ensure that EVERY FF is not a potential arsonist, this is one area where by circumstance we are mostly reacitive. But Dept.'s paid and especially volunteer must scutinize their membership and address any unusual occurences, such as an increase in false alrms, dumpster fires, ect. The arsonist FF usually follows a pattern of escalating incidents, so vigilance can help stop it before it gets out of hand. We can't afford the luxury of thinking "this can't happen here". With any luck this guy will get the punishment he deserves, the treatment he needs and someday move on to live a productive life...away form any firehouse. Cogs

In any group of people there always have been and always will be those who do and those who talk and don't do a damn thing. It's just human nature. Long ago I learned that I do because I CHOOSE to, and what I choose may not be right for everyone else. I no longer get aggravated by the seeming lack of effort of others...why bother...it won't change them or get the work done. I have also found that (generally speaking of course) those that do get their reward either personally or from their peers. By the same token I don't put too much stock in the "opinions" of those who don't contribute. As for having more members you are on the money there, the more members you have the more productive members you will have. But herein lies the quandry..how do we get MORE members to begin with when the attitude towards volunteering isn't what it once was. To me we must actively recruit prospective members whenever and where ever we can in a coherent, organized and professional manner. Once we can get people motivated to join, it is then the responsibilty of existing members to do everything they can to ensure we end up with as many "good" members as possible. There are times when that 20% won't alow any of the other 80% into the club, for a variety of reasons. VFDs are notorious cliche havens. As is obvious I'm a "dinosaur" in many ways, and hold many traditional views as to what would make things "better" on and off the fireground. Unlike the proverbial dinosaur though I realize that we must change to meet the challenges of today. We have to ask ourselves some very fundamental questions to solve any recruitment issues. 1) What do we expect and require of any new member? And is there any flexibilty there? 2) What do they expect? 3) What do they hope to achieve? 4) What can we do to make that happen? 5) What will attract more people to serve? 6) What will keep members serving? And most important of all: What can I do to better serve my department and community???? I stand by my beliefs, and my "solutions", but I am smart enough to realize that these views are not shared by all. As a "good" and productive member I believe that like anything else compromise is the key. Tradition has it's place and when viewed properly is a great foundation on which to build...but even the oldest of traditions wasn't always one. We are building the traditions of tomorow today. Stay Safe Cogs

Thanks for posting this..I wasn't aware these even existed. What will they think of next to hamper us. We don't have them yet here but you can rest assured that these will pop up everywhere. I have not had the "pleasure" of dealing with these as of yet, but I will now do all I can to learn about them and pass the word. As was pointed out in the FDNY bulletin these types of security measures will be extremely dangerous to run into unprepared. And could be found in occupied buildings as well. Just goes to show that we must always keep aware of what's going on in our response areas. Complacancy = Death !!! Thanks again for the heads up Stay Safe Cogs

You are absolutely right roof....my opinion here carries no weight, as I am not an IAFF member. So I will simply leave you with this. The IAFF has made it's choice and it shall reap what it has sown. You'll get what you deserve. Cogs

I've heard (so this isn't first hand) mixed opinions about Ferraras. The one I am most familiar with...an engine..has served well to the best of my knowledge. Price is usually better than others i.e. Pierce and Seagrave, so that can be a huge factor. And as stated so many times here, it's all about the specs. Design your rig to suit your NEEDS and make it as user friendly as possible to get the most out of it. Just a quick opinion on Pierce..when you have 60-65% of the market they don't have to give a sh*t about every sale. The Depts I know using Pierce..including my last overseas outfit were happy overall, but electrical issues are still very common especially with the mid mount TLs. I still long for the Bulldog...man do I miss my Macks. Cogs

It is heartening to see that so many people in these forums have turned out so well, contrary to my statements about having an adult presence to influence and reinforce your values. Unfortunately you are the exceptions not the rule in today's society. As was stated in my post this is but ONE factor in decline of volunteerism, and probably NOT the main one. Generally speaking Americans have become a ME society. This is reflected in any department's membership. Numbers are down, retention is down, commitment is down, responsibility is down..why? Because we have become a society concerned only with our own wants and needs..screw the other guy. Some readers here may feel this is too harsh..but just look around, put on the TV...look at sports..it's not about the team it's about the player...it's about ME ! When people are consumed with their own self interest and self gratification there is little or no room left to help others. The wants of the individual have overtaken the NEEDS of the many. Old traditions and institutions now are regularly under fire, dismissed by many as obslolete or ignored. Institutions like Churches, Government, schools, the military, or anywhere that requires commitment and responsibility as cornerstones of their existence. Nothing is sacred any more, and while not always "right" or "fair" and at times seemigly "evil" the ideals of these institutions are what helped build this country and it's fire service. They fostered a sense of community...on which the volunteer fire system was built and still relies. The recruitment diliema and it's collision with tradition within the fire service is just a microcsm of society in general today. I stated in another post a parallel between ancient Rome and the U.S. today which I think is fitting here as well. Ancient Rome..the superpower of it's time, rotted and collapased from the inside out. In large part because it's citizens stopped giving of themselves to serve the State, and thought more and more only of themselves. Sound familiar? Cogs

Age is relative..to millions of Americans McCain is their age. But in a youth obsessd culture I guess anything over what, say 50 is "old". In all fairness 72 is getting up there, but his overall health seems to be OK. It is also true that Obama is too young to have served his country in Vietman (or at Gettysburg...lol), but he did indeed have a choice to serve in the military. He choose not to. There are other Gov't. sponsored progarms in which he could have served also..Peace Corp being just one..but no he passed on those as well. Like good ole Bill before him it was more about him getting his, than serving his country. But that is the attitude of society in general today anyway..ME ME ME and F everybody else. Style over substance, flash over fortitude, serve yourself over serve your country. Yes times have changed indeed. 1960: JFK - Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country 2008: BO - Ask not what you can do for your country, just gimme gimme gimme. Personally I think EVERY able bodied 18 year old should serve a minimum of 2 years in the military...right after high school and before college..no deferments...period. What a great equalizer that would be. Not to mention that the miltary DOES mature most people, and instills in them pride, responsibility and dedication in our country. For those not fit enough for military service another avenue should be taken..Peace Corp or a recreated WPA, CCC or whatever...so long as mandatory government and therefore community service is done by ALL. No service...NO vote. Call it communist or fascist if you want, but ancient Rome rotted from the inside out as it's citizens stopped giving of themselves to serve the State, and thought more and more only of themselves...sound familiar? Cogs

It is...my inability to spell, that and my fat fingers hitting two keys at once on this damn keygboard.

Nave, when the shoe fits...LOL. Now if I could just spell it right. Thanks. Pass along my best wishes to the guys over at Charters and keep up the good work on the West Side. Cogs

Joe, hyperbole [hie-per-bol-ee] Noun exaggeration of speech or writing used for effect.

For all the hyperpole in this thread (including or maybe even especially my own), NOTHING is more important than the simple statement above. Thanks !!! Cogs

PJ, Your points are absolutely correct..the option I stated was indeed the basic set-up 20+ years ago. The difference now as I see them are this. 1) In those days we had two daytime paid FFs M-F 8-4 and one paid FF 4-12. I suggerst staffing 4 FFs M-F 7-5 only or some such shift. It would then fall to the volunteers to staff the firehouse. This system is in practice and working else where. There is no reason it couldn't work in Stamford, IF all parties involved are willing to fulfill the obligations to make it so. 2) Belltown is currently enjoying a resurgence of the volunteer spirit, and as such generally meeting it's commitments. Part of this resurgence is due to the fact that there are no longer any paid personnel to rely on at the firehouse. I know full well the complacancy that set in as the paid staff increased, but the paid staff increased because of that complacancy. It appears at present that this circle has been broken. For the volunteers to take full advantage of this, and to ensure continued success now is the time to reevaluate their system. A workable, practical and acceptable alternative to full time SFRD personnnel is possible, but only if the current attitude change is maintained and more importantly expanded. There has always been people willing to volunteer in Stamford, and there always will be...the change would be to the requirements of that commitment. For new members it would simply be how things are...it is the older more entrenched members who will and are having the hardest time accepting possible changes. Personnally it is my belief that no matter how much anyone may not want it, change IS coming..it has to. The onus is on the volunteers of Stamford in general, and Belltown in particular to achieve the changes necessary for them to survive, and ultimately thrive. x152, I too have some strong opinions on how and why this situation has developed, and am perplexed by the state of the budgets....and like you I tend to believe that expressing those personal views here will only increase the already high tension. I believe that we must always try to maintain objectivity and an open mind to in these forums to help achieve any kind of mutually acceptable outcome. As for being "soft"...not a chance...you are right to caution all to question the "larger plan". In closing I'll pass along the following: I will be moving back to Stamford in the very near future, and I am fairly confident that I will become involved more closely in these issues once there, even if it is only as a concerned taxpayer. I have in the past offered up a few alternatives that I believe can possibly work. I have also offered my services to the BFD in whatever capacity they choose...I reaffirm that offer here and now. I do alot of "talking" here in this forum, but I am also ready, willing and able to back up my words with action. Sorry to go on and on. Take care and as always Stay Safe Cogs

Well said.

Glad to hear it.

Heard a rumor today that Belltown's case was dismissd..they'll have to survive on the $20,000. Any truth to this development? Cogs

Commissioner Chong huh...any relation to Tommy Chong America's #1 pothead. Well at least it will be good times at city hall. Maybe they should renegotiate their contract now, before they puff it all up.

We (Republicans) will lose this election because: 1) the enconomy is in the crapper (although downturns and recessions are normal part of the economic cycle occurring on average every 8-12 years) 2) we are embroiled in two wars which seemingly have no end. The public is being duped into believing that Obama will end these operations quickly. John McCain calls for continued involvement based on his experience and his HONESTY, not popularity. I will add this as well; having worked in Iraq as a civilian FF supporting the military I support continued involvement until we WIN. I'm no longer working there so it's not about personal gain..it's about America fulfilling it's commitments. (We will remain in theses wars by the way regardless of who's elected despite promises to the contrary from Obama and Co. It is not feasible nor is it practical/safe to remove troops engaged in combat or police actions in a short period of time. Also there are BILLIONS of dollars in Gov't contracts which would be threatened by an early withdrawl. Billions of dollars, some of which find their way into the coffers of those very same officials (Dems and Reps) who speak publically of getting out...like their really going to give that up....yeah right. 3) Obama is young and charismatic...very TV friendly. John McCain is seen as "old" and verging on "doddering" (ala Bob Dole). 4) As with most things today it's style over substance.

That was good...but man some people have too much time on their hands

This is true, but it takes a HUGE amount of effort to survive being a POW and torture...especially when your offered the opportunity to go home but don't because others who were there before you should go first. I don't care what anyone says or how long ago it was, this single act speaks volumes about a man's integrity and dedication to his country and above all else to his comrades. How many of us have the balls to do the same? I'd like to believe I could, but I can't honestly say I would. And one more thing about this...like FFs who don't consider themselves heroes, I've NEVER heard him make mention of this affair to promote himself, no matter how many others have. He also has been known to readily admit his mistakes (i.e. Martin Luther King day, among others he has made) a true rarity for a politician. I trust in the decisions he will make as President. NY I respect your opinion and you are indeed correct about the experience of our last two Presidents. But at least GWB had a father who was a President to seek advise from...whether you agree with that advise or not is another matter. For me I'll take the values over the charisma anyday. Bill wasn't all that great in the White House...Whitewater, NAFTA, inaction in Bosnia, inaction in Rwanda, inaction in Sudan, inaction regarding Osama, and of course Monica Lewinski...Good Ole Bill's judgement left alot to be desired. Oh and in regards to our wonderful economy during his tenure..many economists have stated that it was the result of the effects of Reagonomics not Bill Clinton and the Dems. We all have to vote based on what we feel is best....and we all should support whoever sits in that office once it has been decided. Cogs

As with any union the IAFF throws it's support behind the candidate that best suits their goals at the time. Nothing wrong with that. Even if they (or any) union were to poll it's membership there would always be those who voted the "wrong" way, and wouldn't agree with the endorsement. That's why union members have elected their leadership..to make those choices for them. Here again complain all you want..that's your right. But you can only change it by voting on the next ballot. It may very well be that lack of miltary experience is not a factor in ones leadership abilities. There have been decent Presidents who were not military men, and some rotten ones who were. For me that experience is but ONE factor in who I think would make a better leader, as they are the Commander in Chief of our armed forces. There are many other factors to consider when stepping into that booth. A big one nowadays is the economy. Well when it comes to decisions about that, no matter the party affiliation it is ALWAYS about benefiting the rich, and always will be. NAFTA, well I recall the story in the news a few months back about an Obama aide in "private" consultation with our Canadian friends reassuring them that Obama will be NO threat to NAFTA..no matter what rhetoric he spews to the public. That was a back story...hmmmmm could it be favoritism on the part of the liberal media. Foriegn Affairs..well let's see Obama took a nice trip overseas to visit our allies..I guess that makes him an expert. National Security...Obama experience = NONE. On top of all that yes Barack Obama is an Afican American, and like it or not, as distasteful and utterly ridiculous as that fact may be in 2008..it WILL influence the votes of some. Personally, I could care less if a candidate is black, white, blue, green or yellow, it's about who I feel is the better man for the job based on their track record and current positions (where's Colin Powell when we need him). John McCain has a long history of service to this country and the people of AZ. Barack Obama doesn't...yet. It may turnout that he will make a fine President, and I might vote for him..in 2012. It's all academic anyway..the country wants a change and ANY Republican candidate would be seen a 4 more years of GWB right or wrong. Cogs

Personally, it is the evolution of these threads that keeps me coming back. Sure they divert off topic..uusually because the basics of the topic has been thoroughly explored, and people are just expanding on the original idea. I have found that these diversions can and do open my mind to new ideas and in some cases actually bring me back to the original topic by jarring my memory. I for one value the ongoing discourse within this or any thread so long as personal attacks and juvenile BS is kept to a minimum. I look forward to what's next. Cogs

Sorry to go off topic a bit, but I have to throw this out here. BTW I'm not posting this as a challenge...think of it as unsolicited advice. It can be aggravating when career FFs post in a seemingly deragatory manner towards volunteers on threads not related to the career/volunteer issue. That being said, and anyone reading can take this how they want, for me I don't get overly upset about it. I know who I am as a firefighter. I know the work I've put in to become a good FF, fire officer, and instructor, and no amount of sarcasm, insult or predjudice can take that away. I'm a professional, as are most of my volunteer colleagues, not because we get a paycheck, but because we work damn hard at being the best FFs our abilities allow. If you know that you are the best you can be, than anything posted in opposition to that is meaningless...try take it with the proverbial grain of salt. Back to the topic at hand To me it seems that there have been a good number of posts here that have listed some of the standard equipment requirements for an aerial. Some have even gone a bit farther and suggested placement locations ect. I too have found this thread to be insightful and useful overall, and look forward to gaining a few ideas myself. Cogs

Common wisdom tells us: Democrats = pro organized labor Republicans = anti-organized labor The truth is that's horsesh*t. What matters is what the rich get at the expense of the rest of us "peasants". GWB didn't create the current mess...Washington, the whole corrupt bunch of them, DID !! And I wouldn't have it any other way...man I'm glad to be an American. Where else can one speak the truth..as they see it. Cogs

Well at least they haven't demanded sanctions against those who excercise their freedom of choice in the voting booth....YET !!