markmets415

Well said Alex, I will keep you informed as to when are going to have a training session, we also work closely with some of the CT folks as well so maybe we can make it work and get you and a few of your members over for some training, Kent CT's Firematic BRAT is now being built, I would say that's about an hour trip from you? Let's make it happen in the spring!!!!!

Sorry if I sounded like a smartass, I was having a spirited discussion regarding training with other individuals in my department and I was worked up about it yesterday... My bad.
We're a volunteer division of a tiny combination department that was so strapped for cash they actually had to (GASP) consolidate with the city government, which still hasn't increased the budget, just prevented them from laying off. I'd love to throw 4-5 of my guys in the Department SUV to go take a class out in NY, but we don't have access to that for training. Trust me, its a disaster and I make my protests regarding funding and training known to both the career and volunteer Chiefs anytime I get the chance, which is probably why I'm the black sheep of our officers. As for why I'm the one fighting for training money, I'll keep my opinions on that off of a public forum...
I didn't mean to hijack the topic to discuss my department's budget issues. I definitely understand why brush fire training is important and trust me, the legal implications of what might happen if one of our guys gets hurt has kept me awake on more than one occasion. But like I said I can understand taking a day or two to do some company drills on making a fire line, recognizing the hazards of a brush fire, identifying some of the other resources (DEEP, CT National Guard, Task Forces, etc) that are out there to support us, etc., I just don't think its the most economical use of my department's funding to spend money to send someone to school for a formal brush fire certification. If a free course is within driving range believe me I take the opportunity, and there are several of us who do shell out personal money for additional training, but at the company level we have to prioritize because our department refuses to provide the funds required to meet the cost of doing business.

The DEC classes are free.

Do departments in the area that have large areas of brush and wildland interface have proper initial and ongoing training to deal with these types of situations? Is it included in basic training? Do departments with brush trucks drill with them regularly?
I remember, in Westchester Career Fire Chiefs Probie School, we learned about forest/brush fires from the NYS Department of Forestry. I think the class was a day or two, and included hands on training to dig a firebreak, etc. It gave us a basic knowledge of how to deal with these types of incidents.
These types of fires are very different, dangerous and unpredictable. Properly fighting these fires is much, much more then putting water on the fire. I would hope that there is plenty of regular training and drills.

This fire was in the 90's, it was right after I moved from Long Island to upstate NY and I remember wishing I was still there to help them. It jumped the Sunrise highway, which your are correct was 6 lanes wide, they had planned to use that as a natural fire line but it didnt work and they had to chase it.
Upstate we get the NYS Class, Wildland Firefighting, taught by DEC rangers. It is a very good class, but when I took it there was little to no hands on portion of the class. We went into a field and practiced "Attacking" the fire from the burnt side like your supposed to or from the flanks. He laid out marking tape on the field and labled the front, the flanks and the rear of the fire, and we learned briefly about digging fire lines. I also took the Wildland Search & Rescue class also taught by DEC and that was a great class too.
We dont train nearly enough with our brush truck, but we just got a new 4 wheeler so I am sure we will start to drill more with that (untill the magic wears off). We have a lot of brush fires too, primarily being farm land and forest.

Sounds like they could use a few of these in Rockland today.
How big is the Firematic facility. The pictures always look like its very cramped for space.

That Google image is for Firematic Fire Equipment and their Pierce dealership and service facility.
The Firematic BRAT facility is located a few blocks away in an industrial park.
For the amount of work they are doing now, they are definetly outgrowing the space. And they also operate with a very efficient, skilled, dedicated but small team.
Here's a photo of the front of the place, with Wassaic's not blue like it should be Chief's car. From the car to the corner of the building is theirs.

Here's two of the three bays:

Here's another angle:

And another angle:

And the third bay:

And another angle of the third bay:

Yet another angle of the third bay:

Yesterday morning Dan, had a PIAA in front of Jack's Auto, car vs. tractor trailer with extrication, the guys used the newly purchased cutter/spreader on the Engine to pop the door. Saw one of the fire commissioners shortly after the accident and he said that purchase already paid for itself on the rigs first run.

My dad Wassaic Past Chief Richard Christiansen Sr., who still to this day is at the firehouse every single day at the grand age of 78.
Wassaic Past Chief Delos Luther, who was our Chief during my rise up through the ranks and whom I learned so much from.
Past Chief and current life member Dan Killmer, who still lends his ears to my voice.
Past Chief Richard Killmer who was more of a mentor in life than the firehouse by being there for all of snotty nosed kids that knew everything growing up in a small town.
NYS Fire Instructor Rich Carroll, who I simply adore, great instructor and friend.
Fairview (Dutchess County) Firefighter Craig Elderkin, the best live instructor in my eyes Dutchess County had at the time, he pushed me to always strive higher and to become an even better person.
Last but not least and one of my favorites of all time Tom O'Gorman, Arlington Fire District, one amazing man!!!!

My dad Wassaic Past Chief Richard Christiansen Sr., who still to this day is at the firehouse every single day at the grand age of 78.
Wassaic Past Chief Delos Luther, who was our Chief during my rise up through the ranks and whom I learned so much from.
Past Chief and current life member Dan Killmer, who still lends his ears to my voice.
Past Chief Richard Killmer who was more of a mentor in life than the firehouse by being there for all of snotty nosed kids that knew everything growing up in a small town.
NYS Fire Instructor Rich Carroll, who I simply adore, great instructor and friend.
Fairview (Dutchess County) Firefighter Craig Elderkin, the best live instructor in my eyes Dutchess County had at the time, he pushed me to always strive higher and to become an even better person.
Last but not least and one of my favorites of all time Tom O'Gorman, Arlington Fire District, one amazing man!!!!

Looking at your post above and going to your profile all we see is that you're a male from Yonkers, so what's your beef if you're not even doing what you've stated above?

This is the internet. I would not put to much trust in what people put on a profile.
Even if they post a name, how do you know it is true. The most important, and telling information, comes from the fact that after a few postings, most people can tell if the poster is the real deal, or just an azz hat.

Sounds like a threat and abuse of authority. A phone call to his commanding officer should have been made. And didn't the NYSP stop doing Medevac in Dutchess?

To me it's an non issue wether or not one posts thier profile or not. I personaly would not say anything on here that I wouldn't say to your face. The ones who run thier mouths on here with non-sense have to live with them selves.

No need to, I was simply pointing out was that you made a thread and had none of the information you stated in your first post was present even on your profile, if you updated it that's great, I myself could care less about someone profile or if they provide there information.
I myself have no problem with my information being out there for all to see. If anyone is worried about their employer seeing their posts then maybe just maybe they shouldn't post. There are many members that are to sensitive and over react to posts that are made here, people have opinions and that's what makes this place worth visiting, to hear just those opinions, we are not all going to agree on things but as long as we are respectful and have an honest and real debate then its all good in my eyes.

Neil J. McCabe, who taught me that patience and tolerance were true virtues to have ownership of.

There are folks from our past who have helped shaped our careers (paid or non-paid) in emergency services. Be it in the fire service, EMS, or law enforcement we all had someone that influenced us.
Here in this tab, let's pay tribute to those we know as our mentors. You do not have to use their real names, a nickname or initials are fine. The important thing, you know who they are.
For me, there are three I consider mentors from back in the day.
Charlie Lent, for introducing me to the volunteer fire service
To Vince Vail, for teaching me first aid and developing my interest in EMS to where I first became an EMT
To Al Wohrman for inspiring me to learn and become more proficient in emergency services.
Thank you.

Here's a couple of tests done comparing various hoods that are currently available to the fire service:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zPLFTOdnF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8jHJOTIBBw

We find that the vast majority of ours (particularly those with "no symptoms") are for batteries or other malfunctions, but the caller did not read that's what it said on the detector.

Non-Emergency, Rescue & Engine. This gives you two meters and adequate manpower to fulfill the Two In, Two Out. We used to send Rescue only until we had more than one incident where a CO Detector was actually a smoke detector.
CO w/ Symptoms get's Two Engines, Truck, Rescue & EMS. This provides units to locate a source, vent the premises and assist EMS with removing / assisting patients.

Looking at your post above and going to your profile all we see is that you're a male from Yonkers, so what's your beef if you're not even doing what you've stated above?

Looking at your post above and going to your profile all we see is that you're a male from Yonkers, so what's your beef if you're not even doing what you've stated above?

Looking at your post above and going to your profile all we see is that you're a male from Yonkers, so what's your beef if you're not even doing what you've stated above?

Looking at your post above and going to your profile all we see is that you're a male from Yonkers, so what's your beef if you're not even doing what you've stated above?

I put my info here because I choose to put a "face" to the comments I make and I have no problem standing behind my comments...otherwise I wouldn't and quite frankly shouldn't be making them. And while I will always respond to questions or attacks on my views, I don't put much stock in contributions by anonymous posters. It has been my experience over the last few years of my membership here that some of those who post anonymously tend to be those who cannot have a civil conversation, nor accept a differing opinion, the right fighters and the egomaniacs. Here as in life outside the virtual world more often than not it is the sh!t stirrers and ignorant that need hide in the shadows, for they have neither the courage nor the intelligence to stand behind their words to defend them.