PFDRes47cue

Date: 10-31-10
Time: 16:00 Hrs
Location: Rochelle Hieghts
Frequency: N/A
Units Operating: 2306
Weather Conditions: Cool
Description Of Incident:55 gal drum of radioactive material spilled, also producing a vapor cloud, contaminating hundreds of trick or treaters
Reporters: BN
Writer: BN
As of 21:00 hrs the spill was contained, no more vapor and all trick or treaters given candy antidotes.


Happy Halloween to all.

Arlington is getting the new rescue and one more engine.
Last Saturday was the factory training for the first engine and it will hopefully be in service by the end of the month as 32-15.
The Tower is in and being outfitted.
I have heard rumors that 32-52 number may be retired and it may end up being 32-55?
When I hear more I will let every one know.
Arlington is getting rid of 3 engines the old tower and rescue but probably not till after the first of the year since they want to get every thing in service and assigned to locations so they can determine what is in need of being replaced.

Sounds as if there was a lack of planning when planning and building the rig. How do you purchase something that does not fit the streets or serve the proper purpose? C'mon!

Bro relax!! I'm with PFD you don't buy rigs that won't fit on your roads in your district.

I am increasingly disgusted with the way the media is portraying this guy as the victim in this case. The victims are the cops who were involved, end of story.
As for these so called " minority law enforcement groups" who are so concerned with this case, the majority of them are corrections officers who have no clue what it's like to be a street cop. They should be embarassed to have held that press conference and said the anti cop things that they said. It's funny how they come out of the wood work when a cop shoots someone but when gang members are killing each other and people are getting robbed, beaten, raped, burglarized and shot each and every day, they say nothing. These jerks are opportunists and nothing more. Everyone ran to back up this guys family and his friends version of what happened and now that his BAC is back at a .13 everyone is quieting down a bit. It kind of reminds me of the tawana brawley case all those years ago... everyone ran to her defense and just like the witnesses in this case, she was a LIAR.
I pray that our brothers are doing well as they try to come to terms with the actions that they were forced to take. These cops made the right decisions and did an outstanding job given the circumstances. Just think, you have a large crowd and an out of control drunk driver, if the officer didn't take the action he did, imagine what the outcome could have been if the car sped into the crowd. This cop not only did the right thing, he is a hero in my book.

It is hard to imagine how people support the person who tried to use a vehicle as a deadly weapon and hit police officers and a cop car and manage to put blame on the police officers who did the right thing. It is always a tough situation when color is involved but in the end, if an Officer feels their life or a partner's life is threatened, then deadly force must be taken to stop the threat.
Good job to all the police departments involved and to the EMS agency involved with this difficult incident. God bless you all and all the work you do to keep our streets safe.
To the fallen man, may you rest in peace. It is a shame that the event escalated to the point it did and ended with the unfortunate outcome that it did, but all actions have consequences.
To the injured police officers (two of whom I know quite well), stay strong and my thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and your fellow Officers. When duty calls, I know you will once again answer the call in a professional and courageous manner.

20 years old and drinking at Finnegans...if that is the case(which it appears it is) then Finnegans is going to be in a bit of a pickle. This is not the first incident that has resulted after a night out at Finnegans...I can think of several arrests of people who had just been at Finnegans in the past year. I'm not putting blame on or bashing Finnegans, after all I enjoy spending time at Finnegans but how many incidents have to happen before there are consequences for the establishment. The same goes for any bar, in any town.

As the driver of SFRD Engine 1 this morning I just want to say that ALL precautions were taken while we were operating at a fully involved vehicle fire. The vehicle that was on fire was located in the breakdown lane of I-95 southbound. CSP had two patrol cars on scene , both with their emergency lights operating, both blocking the breakdown lane. As we approached the scene I positioned the engine approximately 75' short of the fire and at an angle that took control of the center and right lanes of I-95. CSP had also put out road flares to warn southbound vehicles of the hazard. Second due SFRD Engine 6 arrived shortly thereafter and also blocked the right two lanes of I95. During the incident the left lane of I-95 remained open and vehicle traffic was passing the scene at full posted speed limit (55) and at much greater speeds, in my estimation.  After extinguishment Engine 6 was clesared and Engine 1 remained on scene. The crash ocurred as the damaged vehicle from the fire was being loaded on a flatbed wrecker. The impact was immense! The tractor trailer continued down I95 approximately 600 yards after impact. Fortunately all three firefighters and our Officer were unhurt by the impact or flying debris. One of the CSP Troopers was hit by debris and was transported to Stamford Hospital for minor injuries. The tow operator was uninjured. The impact from the tractor trailer lifted the rear of the apparatus 1-2' off the ground and forward approximately 4'. The vehicle's maxi brake was applied as well as the rear tire being  chocked. All members were wearing high reflective safety vests over turn-out gear. The cab and trailer suffered signifigant damage as well. The SOG's developed by the SFRD concerning apparatus placement at vehicle fires DEFINATELY prevented injury to SFRD personel. <br>

gb17's eloquent post in the apparatus photo thread gave me an idea; let all the brothers and sisters of the FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD know that we have not forgotten, and we still say thank you everyday. If we all contribute what we can, we can create a Wall of Remembrance here on Bravo. If we start now, come September 11th, nine years later, we can really build this up appropriately.
You Shall Not Be Forgotten:
FDNY-343
NYPD-23
PAPD-37
These numbers of MOS who perished, cannot convey the individuals behind them. Let us try and honor each and every individual, each human being, each firefighter and police officer behind these incomprehensible numbers. God Bless all our fallen heroes, from these wonderful people, to Pat Joyce from YFD, to the 21 US soldiers killed in Afghanistan in the last 48 hours. God Bless America, and watch over all of you on the line doing the job.

Thank you to both of you. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. We expect to be very busy with the Rehab Unit and look forward to helping out.

Thank you to both of you. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. We expect to be very busy with the Rehab Unit and look forward to helping out.

As a young guy, I worked as a letter carrier in Westport, Ct from 1970-1975. For me it as a Great job. Single, living at home with Mommy and Daddy, good pay, and good benefits. But I think even in those days, the general attitude of most people there was that they were always better than everybody else. It was a completely different lifestyle than what I had known growing up about 15 miles away in Bridgeport. In Bridgeport, if a young guy had a job as a letter carrier, or a cop or fireman, it was looked upon as having a Great job. But it was sure different in Westport.
As I remember, the firefighters there talking that in Westport, people didn't have much use for public servents. I knew most of the firemen then because I would take my lunch break at the firehouses. With all those beautiful homes, fancy expensive cars, maids, butlers, and swimming pools, those people taught me a lot. I saw at a young age that money really doesn't buy happiness, because so many people there appeared to be UNhappy.
I do remember that there were some good people though, and they were happy. I delievered the mail to a guy by the name of Harry Ackley. He was the Fire Chief of the dept. A Great Guy. I think his son is now the chief. Great people. I also delievered the mail to the Fire Dept Union President at the time. I think his nickname was "Moose", and a few other firefighters and police officers. But none of them had the maids or swimming pools. But they seemed happy.
I hope the firefighters of Westport are careful when it comes time for them to perform. You could get hurt there and those people could care less. I respected those firefighters then, and I respect them now. But for me, I have no use for about 90 % of the people there. Just a very different lifestyle and priority for them. Just my own opinion I formed a very long time ago. Give me the ghettos of Bridgeport any day. At least I know where those people are coming from.

Sigh....I hate this BS.....
I for one...actually LOVE parades...I like to march in them...I like the brotherhood and comeraderie of them..I like putting on my Class A for a reason other than someone who died..I love beer...I love to hear my kids yelling "There's my Daddy!" as they point to me with their freinds...I love the pride associated with being a member of a department who routinely wins trophies...
Parades are good.
Are they a TRUE indicator of a department's fire and emergency mitigation skills? Nope....
Are some of the WJA rules outdated, nonsensical, and somewhat against proper firefighting? Yep...and I hate those rules....but it is what it is.
16Fire5...I don't know if they are "illegal", but most departments prefer "parade lays" for crosslays....and I for one don't like that..it is a pain to pull a "parade lay" off of these monster engines we spec these days...especially with gloves on..
In regards to hair, beards, and peircings...MY department, who is very serious about marching, will not let anyone on the street with facial hair, be it a goatee, fu-man-chu, or even stubble...it's a dry shave at line up or you can sit and watch. Long hair MUST be put up...we are serious about appearance...and yes...we get off of the floor routinely for alarms as well..
It is easy to sit back and say, "why do these departments get 30 guys on the street, but they can't get a peice off of the floor for a fire call?" Well...THOSE departments are the ones you see with 3, 4, or 5 guys on the street at parades. or just a rig with no guys marching....NOT every department has a ton of people who march..not every departmnet has a ton of people period.
Not everyone who marches drinks either ....(I tend too... )....in fact, most departments do not even supply beer before the parade - just water to keep their guys hydrarted...which is a good reason to have friends in other departments...take a stroll, shoot the bull, and steal a beer!
Perhaps hypocritical, I do not agree with taking a truck and a large portion of a membership out of the area for a parade..like Lake George..Nope...don't agree with that one bit..I think a rig should be in a position to be able to respond to an alarm if need be...but then again, do the Judges gig you if the crew has their turnout geat left in the cab????
Like them or not - parades are an important part of the Fire Service's history and romance....

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

For me, it was a no-brainer to invest in something for all of our firefighters. For about 10 years, I always carried a rope and beaner as a means of bailing out in a jam. We issued the same to the majority of our firefighters about 10 years ago, but we made the mistake of not providing ongoing training with them. Shame on us, but like alot of departments, we "lucked out" and never needed them.
The majority of our response area is single family homes, with some multi-families, three-story mixed occupancies, 3,4,5 story commercial, and one apartment building that is close to 8 stories tall in the rear, while only 4 stories in the front. We regularly respond Mutual Aid to areas with apartment buildings and three-story frames. Often times, you can't get ladders to the top floor of many of these buildings, so by doing our risk assessment, we decided to provide a new self-rescue system to our Interior members.
I know some think it's a waste of money, but it isn't. You can not put a price on safety. Drop a parade or two and buy 10-12 systems which may save your guys' lives. Every FD in this area can surely find the money to purchase a rope system, it's a matter of prioiritizing your purchases. It wasn't easy, but we're on track to purchase a certain number of systems per year and to train our members every year. Once we outfit those that need them, and train them on them, we will then send members to Train-the-Trainer programs in order to provide annual refresher training, at the least.
As one of those that once had to consider bailing out of a 7th story window, it'll be nice to know I have another option now.

If that is the driver dressed in the Realtree camo.........well...that speaks for itself!
Signed,
Your Freindly Neighborhood Mossy Oak Pro

I have read your reply, sorry i am going to disagree on a couple of points. A firefighter isnt as good as the tools he has on his back or in his hands it is the tool on his shoulders. This member who did this act of entering the structure, I would hope, as a firefighter, used all his training in evaluating the situation, judged the risk vs benefit, and did what his firefighting background allowed him to do. Turnout gear doesnt make you a firefighter, it is whats inside that makes you a firefighter. This member of the fire service / ems did a hell of a job. And thats what separates us from the rest of the world.
GOOD JOB AND THANK YOU FOR BRINGING A POSITIVE STORY ABOUT EMERGENCY SERVICES.

There are alot of old ex-Empress EMS employees on here. If you speak to any one of them, They will tell you the same thing I will. I have been there since 2006, in my 4 years here. I have learned more here at Empress, then any other place, I have been. Every company has it's ups. and downs. Empress is no exception, but if you want to work for the most professional, well respected company in Westchester County. Then come here. All I can say is bring your A- game, because you will get it all. Trauma's at lest once a shift, Medical calls, that will test your skills. Knowledgeable partners that have been around the block a few times, and are willing to teach you. If you come over.. All I can say is welcome to the family.

These are all the comments by the person in question. I don't think it is paid vs. volunteer as much as misguided/uninformed about survivor benefits. And don't get yourself all worked up about an anonymous post in a newspaper blog, it's just another anonymous comment by someone uninformed. Nothing to lose sleep over.
As for respect, there is precious little respect for any of us in any emergency service right now and we have to work to earn it, not demand it or expect it.

Date: 4/11/10
Time: 22:15 hours
Location: Grand St x Eldridge St
Frequency: FDNY Manhattan
Weather Conditions: humid, light drizzle
Description Of Incident: fire extended from the basement through the roof of a 6 story MD and into exposures 2, 2A, and 4. Companies initially unable to locate source of fire.
Reporters/Writer: ryang
Additional Info:
Chinatown, Manhattan, NY, 4/11/10
Address: 283 - 285 Grand St between Forsyth and Eldridge Sts
22:14 hours
Phone Box 259 - Report of smoke in the area
Engs. 9, 55, 15
T6, TL18
Battalion 4
10-75-259 - 22:16 hours
E28
T20 (FAST Truck)
Battalion 2
Squad 18
Rescue 1
Division 1
22:21 hours
Battalion 4: We're opening up at this time, we're trying to locate the source of the smoke. We're not sure if this is even the right building at this time. We have 1 line stretched, ready to go into operation.
22:25 hours
Division 1: We're going to change the address to 285 Grand St, we have a heavy smoke condition throughout the building, still trying to locate the source. 1 line stretched at this time, start out an extra engine and extra truck.
E7, L11 S/C
7-5-259 - 22:29 hours
DC1: We have a 20x80 mixed-occupancy type 6 story. We're still searching for the fire at this time. All-Hands at this time.
RAC1
Exposures are:
1 - street
2 - similar attached
3 - unknown
4 - similar
CIDs for 283 - 285 Grand St:
6 story 60x75 MD class 3. Rear fire escape. Solar panels on roof.
2-2-259 - 22:34 hours - Duration 20 minutes
Car 6 (AC James Esposito, Manhattan Borough Commander): Box 259, transmit a full 2nd alarm on this box, k. Box 259, right now we're using a 2nd alarm, heavy smoke in the cellar and 1st floor. Undetermined source of fire at this time, Trucks are still opening and searching for fire. This report by AC James Esposito, citywide tour commander.
Engs. 33, 5, 6, 10
E24 acting 9 w/ Satellite 1
TL9, L3 acting 6
Battalion 1 (Safety Officer)
Battalion 6 (Resource Unit Leader)
Safety, Rescue Battalions
Tactical Support 1
FieldCom, Command Tactical Unit
22:36 hours
Car 6: 2nd Alarm Box 259, 10-45 no code.
22:38 hours
Car 6: The satellite, let's get them on Grand St in front of the park on Eldridge, get the manifold set up right in front of the fire building. I want the two trucks into the command post ASAP, with their tools, k, they're going to work. Special call 1 additional truck on the 2nd
TL1 S/C
22:40 hours
The staging area is Grand St and Chrystie St
22:41 hours
Receiving apartment 4H at 45 Allen St reporting smoke.
22:42 hours
Car 6: Special call an additional truck above TL1.
L8 S/C
22:43 hours - Duration 29 minutes
Car 6: 2nd Alarm Box 259, another, 2nd, 10-45 no code
3-3-259 - 22:47 hours
Car 6: 259 box, transmit a full 3rd alarm. I want the entire third alarm to stage at the staging area
Engs. 4, 3, 16, 23 acting 55
L10, T5
Battalion 7
Battalion 35 (Staging Manager)
Battalion 43 (Air-Recon Chief)
Mask Service Unit

22:54 hours
Car 6: Have the 1st due trucks on the 3rd alarm respond in to the Command Post.
22:55 hours
Car 6: Call 2 trucks and have them go to staging.
TL21 acting 1, TL15 S/C
22:59 hours
Car 6: Give me 2 engines and 2 trucks off of staging, have them report in to the Command Post.
Engs. 4, 3, L10, T5 re-directed
23:00 hours
Car 6: Special call two Battalion Chiefs on this assignment, I want them at the command post.
Battalions 8, 57 S/C
23:00 hours
Battalion 31 replacing Battalion 57
4-4-259 - 23:01 hours
Car 6: Transmit a 4th Alarm! Have the 4th alarm report to staging, I have Battalion 35 at staging.
Engs. 8, 1, 54, 14
E262 w/ IMT Unit
TL7, TL12
Battalion 57 (Planning Sections Chief)
Car 4 (Chief of Operations Robert Sweeney)
Car 36B (Department Chaplain)
23:02 hours
Car 12A (Executive Assistant, Safety and Inspectional Services) is responding
Car 17 is 10-84
23:05 hours
FieldCom: 4th alarm Box 259, AC Esposito, Car 6, would like to request ConEd Gas and ConEd Electric to the scene, k.
23:08 hours
Fallback Step III has been implemented in the borough of Manhattan.
23:10 hours
Receiving report of person trapped in apartment 4C on the 6th floor
23:10 hours - Duration 57 minutes
FC: Progress report #6 on the 4th alarm Box 259, the correct address is 283 Grand St. Car 6, AC Esposito reports we have fire in the basement and 1st floor of the fire building, which is 283 Grand St, with possible extension into the 2nd floor. We have extension into exposure 2, which is 285 Grand St, into the 1st floor. They have 5 hands lines stretched and in operation, they are evacuating civilians from the upper floors, and they are getting water on the fire, primary searches are in progress, and the fire remains Doubtful Will Hold.
23:12 hours
Receiving apartment 14 at 285 Grand St reporting a person choking from smoke.
23:13 hours
FC: By orders of Car 6, AC Esposito, special call 2 Battalion Chiefs above the 4th Alarm.
Battalions 9, 32 acting 1 S/C
23:13 hours
Car 12 (DAC Stephen Raynis, Chief of Safety and Inspectional Services) is responding
23:16 hours
FC: Can you put in another call to ConEd, we need a supervisor forthwith and get an ETA
5-5-259 - 23:17 hours
FC: Per Car 6, AC Esposito, transmit a 5th Alarm!
Engs. 26, 226, 34 acting 24, 230 acting 10
6-6-259 - 23:23 hours
Engs. 205, 224, 210, 211
L154 acting 1, L24
23:26 hours - Duration 1 hour 12 minutes
FC: Progress report #7 for the 6th Alarm Box 259, at this time AC Esposito reports, 8 handlines stretched and in operation, fire on the 1st and 2nd floors of exposure 2, fire extended to the 3rd floor of the original fire building. Transmit 2 additional 10-45s, for a total of 4, still evacuating numerous civilians from the upper floors, and the fire remains Doubtful.
23:32 hours
Car 36A (Department Chaplain) is responding
23:34 hours
FC: Special call a 95 foot Tower Ladder, we need them to respond to Eldridge St adjacent to exposure 2.
TL14 acting 21 S/C
23:42 hours
FC: At this time the Chief of Operations, Chief Sweeney, is on scene. We have evacuated all members from the fire building and from exposure 2, and we are in the process of conducting a rollcall.
23:44 hours
Battalion 43 - Air Recon: Can you advise the FieldCom, from our vantage point we have heavy fire through the roof.
FC: Have the Air Recon Battalion switch to channel 5 while they conduct rollcall.
23:45 hours
Car 3 (Chief of Department Edward Kilduff) is 10-84
Car 1 (Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano) is responding
23:54 hours
Car 1E (Commissioner's Liaison) is responding
Car 14 (Chief Fire Marshal) is responding
7-7-259 - 23:55 hours
FC: At this time can you special call an additional FAST Truck, have them report to Battalion 9 on exposure 3. By orders of the Chief of Department, Chief Kilduff, transmit a 7th Alarm.
T118 (FAST Truck) S/C
23:56 hours
FC: By orders of Car 3, Chief Kilduff, we will only special call 2 engines.
Engs. 21 acting 15, 219 S/C*
((7th Alarm rescinded)
00:00 hours - 1 hour 46 minutes
FC: Progress report for the 6th Alarm Box 259, at this time Car 3, Chief of Department Kilduff reports they have heavy fire on all floors of the original fire building, and they have fire on all floors of exposure 2. They have 2 tower ladders set up and in operation: 1 on the fire building, and 1 on exposure 2. They have extension into exposure 2A, and have 3 handlines stretched into exposure 2A, and the fire remains Doubtful.
7-7-259 - 00:05 hours
FC: By orders of the Chief of Department, Chief Kilduff, transmit an additional alarm for the 7th alarm.
Engs 216, 258 acting 33, 271 acting 6, 202
L30 acting 3, TL146 acting 18
00:07 hours
FC: Can you special call an additional Deputy Chief.
Division 11 S/C
00:11 hours
RAC1: You're going to have to dispatch another RAC to the 7th Alarm here.
RAC2 S/C
00:27 hours
FC requests a mixer-off message.
00:33 hours
FC: Can you special call 1 additional battalion chief, have them report to the Command Post.
Battalion 44 S/C
00:46 hours
Receiving report of embers falling on Hester St between Eldridge and Forsyth Sts
00:46 hours - Duration 2 hours 32 minutes
FC: At this time Chief of Department Kilduff reports they have fire in exposure 2A on the 4th, 5th, 6th floors and in the cockloft, they have a tower ladder operation on the fire building, another tower ladder operating on exposures 2 and 2A. They had some extension into exposure 4 but that has been knocked down, and the fire remains Doubtful, k.
00:54 hours
FC: On the original 4 10-45 no codes, 2 of them are going to be code 2s (Red Tag, Immediate) and 2 will be code 4s (Green Tag, Minor).
01:14 hours
FC requests a mixer-off message.
01:25 hours
BC43 (Air Recon): Advise FieldCom we have re-fueled and are ready to take off again, ascertain if they have any special instructions and what handy-talky channel they want us to come in on.
01:26 hours
FC: You can notify the Air Recon as per the Chief they can go back in service.
01:35 hours - Duration 3 hours 22 minutes
FC: Progress report #10 for the 7th Alarm Box 259, the Chief of Department, Chief Kilduff, reports: at this time they have shut down all tower ladders, they have no visible fire in the original fire building, exposure 2, or exposure 2A. They are evaluating the structural stability of the original fire building and exposure 2, they will be going back to a handline operation in exposure 2A, and places the fire Probably Will Hold, k.
01:49 hours
FC: We have a correction on the 10-45s: originally we had a total of 4 1045s, it is now only 3. 2 will be code 2s, and 1 has been upgraded to a code 3 (Yellow Tag, Delayed).
01:51 hours
Rescue Battalion is 10-8 back to Citywide.
01:54 hours
Tactical Support 1 is 10-8 back to Citywide.
02:00 hours
Car 1 is 10-8.
02:12 hours - Duration 3 hours 58 minutes
FC: Progress report #11 on the 7th Alarm Box 259, the Chief of Department, Chief Kilduff, reports: at this time they have 1 tower ladder operating into exposure 2, they have 2 handlines stretched and in operation in exposure 2A knocking down pockets of fire in the shaft and cockloft, he's placing the fire Under Control, k.
Relocations:
Engines: 316/1, 292/3, 280/4, 271/6, 221/7, 24/9, 22/9, 306/22, 230/10, 35/10, 291/14, 21/15, 255/15, 319/21, 34/24, 325/24, 73/26, 237/28, 258/33, 259/33, 23/55, 74/55
Ladders: 21/1, 154/1, 115/1, 3/6, 30/3, 128/6, 163/7, 110/8, 16/11, 22/12, 111/15, 146/18, 119/18, 101/20, 14/21, 23/21, 54/14
Battalions: 32/1, 11/2, 10/4, 45/6, 52/8

First off let me start by saying that this post is by no means trying to discredit other departments or their procedures/policies. As it will be explained we arrived to our decisons based off of research. I am an Asst. Chief/member of the Highland Fire District. I am going to try and set the record straight in regards to the decisions that were made in last nights multiple structure fire incidents and in future incidents to come. As most of you are aware while Milton's Structure fire was wrapping up, we were dispatched to a poss. chimney fire on pretty much the farthest end of our district. New Paltz was dispatched with an engine on the inital dispatch. Upon arriving the 2nd alarm assignment was requested. That would normally bring an engine and manpower from one of our surrounding depts.Being that Marlboro was standing by at Milton's headquarters, Car 31 requested that they be dispatched to our location with their engine and manpower. Now normally we would have Marlboro's FAST Team dispatched on that assignment, but the fact that we were utilizing them for another assignment, it was decided to dispatch our backup FAST Team Hughsonville. Now the question is why Hughsonville? And the answer to that is .... their overall FAST Operation is in many ways the same. They require their members to attend and stay current with training, they have a set of FAST SOP's (some departments that we looked at did not), they will not respond if certain criteria is not met... (ie. at least 4 members on the truck before it responds)... you know pretty much not going to do a job that is asked of you with JUST THE MINIMUM. Yeah it may take the in excess of 20 minutes.... and for the record it was a 17 minute response for last nights incident. And I will say one thing for the first time being used it went very well. They did what you would expect from a FAST Team and then some. The decsion to utilize them took MONTHS not hours or days like I am sure that most of you are thinking or believing, but MONTHS.
If anyone has any further questions please feel free to contact me.
Thanks again to ALL of the Mutual Aid Companies that assisted at last nights incident. You assistance was GREATLY APPRECIATED !!!

Date: 03-27-10
Time: 0724hrs
Location: Route 9 X Sleepy Hollow Road
Units Operating:
Description Of Incident: 28-year old male killed in an MVA
Writer: Truck4
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100327/NEWS02/3270363/Ossining-man--28--dies-after-crash-on-Route-9

Bobby is a personal friend of mine and former member of the West Harrison Fire Dept. He was a proud and dedicated member before joining the NYPD. Knowing him, he can't wait to get back to work. Thanks for the thoughts and well wishes. Also, my best to those other officers with him, and to all Police officers, I thank you for what you do each day.

Date: 03-22-10
Time: 1230hrs
Location: 3073 Park Ave
Description Of Incident: Officer shot 3X to the abdomen and vest by an EDP. PO transported to Lincoln Hospital and EDP located DOA in an apartment. FPTF
Reporters/Writer: Truck4
News reporting that the Officer shot is from West Harrison. Just wanted to say best wishes for a speedy recovery for this young Officer. Very scary incident that could have been much, much worse.

I am just curious as to people opinions for how to renew an EMT Certification. I know a lot of people take the CME path and attend endless hours of lecture to refresh. I have not needed to refresh yet but I plan on taking a refresher course to do so. I feel that the refresher course is the best option and is also less time consuming. The refresher course also seems to be more to the point while CME credits can be obtained by sitting in on lectures for various topics, some of which may not pertain much to the duties of being an EMT. Also, my understanding is that CME courses are not hands on, making a refresher course more beneficial to the EMT because it allows him/her to test their skills. I know that in my VAC, we are doing away with the CME program, meaning our members will no longer be able to put CME credits towards refreshing their EMT certificate. I am just interested to hear others peoples takes on preference. Pros and cons of both...