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Today, I managed to catch an oppurtunity to photograph a firescene in the City Of Austin. Although it was out and being overhauled by the time I arrived, I still managed to get some shots. I don't usually buff fires, unless they are nearby and I am already out. I don't think I've photographed a fire scene since 2006. Down here they have fires every day, but it's not news unless it's a big fire.
Upon arrival of first due Engine 34 and first due truck Quint 38, heavy fire upon arrival from the attic area. CAFS knocked the fire down dead cold in it's tracks. Please note it's almost 100 degrees out during this fire.
All photos by me.

One of two of the familiy dogs was visibly shaken......

Trying to calm the dog.....

Using a throw rope for a leash.....

All better.....

Time to be reunited with its owner......

Chill'n.....

Thumb'n

Smokin.....

Talk'n....
and lastly,

Walk'n...... Members of the FID make the scene......

I had to sell my Uniden BCD 396T I got as a gift several years ago because it was too complicated for me and so were the digital systems....this brings back the fun of scanning...very easy and quick to use while on the road. I was waiting for the second generation HomePatrol but doesn't look like there is going to be one anytime soon.
So, with the proceeds from the BCD396T sale, I finally got a Uniden Home Patrol HP-1. This is how I mounted it in my car (2008 Ford Focus)..wanted easy accesiblity that I don't have to take my eyes off the road to look at. And, since I drive stick, it had to be out of the way of my armrest and shifter.

This is on a RAM mount flex arm that bolts to the seat bolt. This is the item and where I purchased it from:
RAM POD 1 Seat Bolt Floor Mount with 1" Diamond Ball
And you need the mobile cradle which screws on to the ball/swivel mount. Very easy to remove from cradle and take to your desk:
Uniden Mounting Cradle for HomePatrol-1 Scanner

Yesterday, on May 29th, Playland had its annual Veterans and Service Members Appreciation Day. Festivities included a performance by the West Point Concert Band, a Memorial Day Ceremony and a Helicopter demo by the United States Marine Corps. The demo included 4 different helicopters which were opened to the public. The USMC Soldiers were answering questions and going tours of the aircraft. Playland and The USMC did a great job with this event.

Yesterday, on May 29th, Playland had its annual Veterans and Service Members Appreciation Day. Festivities included a performance by the West Point Concert Band, a Memorial Day Ceremony and a Helicopter demo by the United States Marine Corps. The demo included 4 different helicopters which were opened to the public. The USMC Soldiers were answering questions and going tours of the aircraft. Playland and The USMC did a great job with this event.

paint jobs do not improve visibility. If all the lights and reflective striping don't do it, no color is going to make a difference. The additional cost of painting the car is compounded by the additional cost of repairing these cars.
When they are slashing budgets and laying people off, every wasted dollar matters.

1) The two-tone NYS contract is only for Black & White Cars (dont know the price).
2) NRPD switched from two tone (blue & white) to white because of cost. I forget what the savings was, but it was over $800 per car.
3) Before the CE took office we reviewed the DPS budget and found the county spends almost $20,000 more on equipping its comprable cars, than local PD. Part of the reason for the cost is they do not use the county contract for setting up the cars.

Here is a link to a 1996 Daily News article about the NYPD switching to all white RMP's. Savings per car $800. My linkhttp://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/1996/06/24/1996-06-24_bye-bye_nypd_blue__new_polic.html I can only imagine what this new blue/white scheme is costing Westchester County per car in today's market.

yeah there is 1 suv and 3 or 4 cars out now with more on the way the fleet is changing over to blue and white there is 4 new motorcyles blue and white and the new command post is coming in blue and white

Ugliest looking police car I've seen in recent memory. Reminds me of the old style NYPD cars.

Another one of Astorino's brilliant ideas I am sure. Hire your friends with giant raises, cut services and spend unnecessary money on going from white to white and blue stripes....all while Westchester remains the highest taxed county in the nation....

This week was the Final inspection of Engine #21. It will be heading east next week.

County: Westchester
City/Town/Municipality/Dept: Montrose Veterans Affairs FD
Unit designation/identifier: Engine 224
Chassis & Body (or Aerial) Manufacturer and model: Ford F-550 (4x4)w/ Rosenbauer Body
Pump size, tank size (water/foam), aerial type & length: Pump= Waterous 1000 GPM; Water Tank= 300 Gallon
Status: Delivered
Notes: This vehicle will be replacing the current MA-28 (1998 International/E-One). Same concept of vehicle except with a "class A" pump. MA-28 only has a 500 GPM pump. This vehicle also is our EMS first response vehicle and Rescue. The last Engine 224 (1970 International/FTI) was replaced by MA-28 in 1998.

Pretty cool video of LAPD's new Chevrolet Caprice PPV demo:
http://translogic.aolautos.com/2011/05/23/translogic-55-lapd-chevy-caprice-ppv/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%7C65434?ncid=AOLCOMMautogenlfpge0059&a_dgi=aolshare_email

I'm not really sure what is going on mid county, but I have been hearing 60 Control toning out for a certain dept in their neck of the woods for a commercial alarm. At first they toned out for a full crew but then they toned for a driver, which means someone had to ask for that specifically. Then 10 mins later 60 control is attempting to raise this dept via Trunk with no answer and having to go mutual aid to cover a commercial alarm. Did the person at this dept really just leave without handling this call? If thats the case this dept should be ashamed with itself. Scary part is that this particular dept responds to our County Executives residence...Oos did I give it away ...Hey I didnt say their name!!!! Thank God there are still some RELIABLE fire departments out there to cover the deficient one's tracks.
Dont get mad...just pointing out an area that needs attention in this county.

They're all sideways... So if someone could help me with that? Thanks!
The first few pictures we are training for our ISO test, in which we have to flow water indefinitely without being interrupted and without a hydrant, we use three dump tanks and call in as many tankers as mutual as possible.
The last two are of our new Pierce Saber PUC, 4WD, CAFS, all the new 450,000 dollar toys...
Will be in service at the end of the month, I will try and get more detailed shots soon.

I want to send my utmost condolences, thoughts, and prayers to EMTBravo staff member, dedicated Mamaroneck Village and Empress EMS (where he also works Hawthorne) EMT, and Larchmont firefighter Vincent Nienstedt AKA "ems-buff", and his family, on the loss of his father yesterday. Vinny's father struggled with a long term illness, and Vinny was extremely dedicated to taking care of him, kept a very positive attitude, and was there by his fathers side every moment he could be. I'm sure Vinny's dad will be proud over the years looking down on him.

1 Westchester Avenue Costco WholeSale Club for a Freon Leak 17:42 units on scene E-58 E-63 R-40 Car 2391,2392,2393 units found leaking freon onto the floor apox 2 to 3 gallons and a large haze in the store the DOH was called as well as County Hazmat Team and Emergency Spill response the store was shut down leak was contained and scene was turned over to DOH

http://youtu.be/khSIYmTzt6U

How many Secret Service Agents does it take to push the beast?

Looks like they missed a slight detail!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13507728

Well said, INIT915. Unfortunate that this issue even needed to be addressed by the legislature. The photography targeted by this bill is purely exploitative and hugely unprofessional. Glad they're looking out for patients rights.

Out and about this week, took some pic's of Scarsdale & Bedford Hills Firehouses under construction.
First up Scarsdale FD's Headquarters.

From Fenimore Road.

From Fenimore Road.

Rear of HQ along Post Road.

Nice Antenna Tower.
Next up Bedford Hills HQ.

Looking from Bedford Road, Rt 117.

Old & New Sections.

New Section.

Caption for this picture is:
BHFD Engine & Rescue couldn't wait to get in to new section
or
"Now that we have a bigger Firehouse, we need bigger Fire Trucks, these don't fit."
More photos can be found at BedfordHillsFD.org.

Attended my FDNY Honorary Fire Officers Business Meeting and Dinner last evening at the FDNY Fire Training Academy.
Got there earlier enought to photograph some apparatus.