firedude

http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2013/01/14/westchester-youth-bureau-gets-new-leadership-astorino-makes-other-appointments/

Personally, I think this just seems like a frivolous waste of money, It's just another form of duplication and excess, which if I'm correct is what most departments are trying to get away from. How do you justify such an expenditure when multiple systems are already in place for each aspect that it will be used for? Checking department e-mail? I'm sure each station has a computer, not to mention almost everyone has a smartphone or home computer (the few old school people I know who don't have either wouldn't care to check their department e-mail anyhow). Time card? I am fairly sure most employers prefer to have a supervisor handle timekeeping as opposed to the employees themselves, or in the case where no supervisor is present at a station they prefer a timekeeping system that can only be accessed at the workplace, not anywhere you take the iPad. As far as training goes, there is really no accountability for on-line training, there's no way to verify that the person doing it is actually the person it's intended for nor that they aren't just killing time in front of the computer while they have an answer sheet from someone else ready to copy from and fill out sections at appropriate times, I've seen it happen many a time. As far as dissemination of training information, what's going to make the employee read a training bulletin on an iPad if they are already the type who don't care to read it on paper? As far as patient care and written reports, I don't think each person needs one, maybe one per ambulance for PCR's, and one per station for community use in filing of reports, although it seems like the desktops or laptops that most fire stations already have could support this function, not to mention the fact that the majority of the time it is only one supervisor or member filling out the report, not each individual.
Many departments already have in place electronic systems to perform all of these functions, most can be easily accessed from a computer available to the employees at work or by logging on remotely from a personal device. Handing everyone an iPad and saying, "now this is only for work use", that's almost a challenge to some people, and expecting everyone to be on board, that's pretty naive, I have a teenage neighbor that if I wanted could have the thing unlocked in twenty minutes so I could use it how I pleased. You would probably be better off giving members unlocked iPads honestly. If it's locked down and can only be used for a few limited work functions its not really able to be customized to the employee and many members will simply throw it in a drawer as another extraneous piece of junk the job has handed them. If they can use it how they please they will be more likely to use it for personal and work use. As far as taking care of department business while off-duty, off-duty is off-duty, one of the great thing about most emergency services jobs is that you don't take your work home with you. If you want to read, train, and enrich yourself out of work that is one thing that I personally promote, but work, stays at work.
I also don't see any real efficiency savings, as you aren't really saving any money by spending more money. What can be eliminated now that everyone has an iPad? Saving paper maybe, but I doubt those savings will really make up the cost of your investment especially after maintenance and upkeep costs.
As far as the comparison to the expense of each member having a portable radio, how many lives do you think personal iPads will save? Will it give a Mayday for you? Are you going to carry it into the building with you? Is it your lifeline to other members when you are trapped or lost? Personal portable radios have been proven and documented to save lives, and not to sound hackneyed, but that is PRICELESS. Unless you can place efficiency on an equal footing with the life safety of members, then the cost of personal iPads cannot be compared to the cost of personal radios, period.
In my opinion, in this day and age of cost cutting, tightening budgets, and increased scrutiny by taxpayers as to where their money goes, this is a waste of money and will be conceived by the taxpayers as such. Many taxpayers and politicians have already begun to perceive the emergency services as a whole to be an expensive, extravagant, luxury item that can be slashed and cut down to the bone, lets not give them more fodder for their arguments. Spend money on the things we REALLY NEED and that are easily defensible to the public and politicians alike.

Oh for the love of god this should be apart of the LPN/RN curriculum. I can't even think. How many times ive gone for the "abnormal labs or X-rays" or whatever reason it may be and we go to the skilled nursing (which needs a name change) priority 1 were met by the facility Dr and he states "Dr John smoe is awhere your coming". Uhm Dr why we bypassing 3 hospitals to
go 30 mins away? This isn't a 911 emergency call 1-800-AMR and schedule a transfer. Dont waste the 911 car for these events.

1972

Location : Entrance Way , Valhalla NY

1972 - Legion Drive at Entrance Way , Valhalla NY

Now this is funny!
http://youtu.be/xVrJ8DxECbg
More info: http://blog.ctnews.com/hottopics/2013/01/09/drive-thru-prank-leaves-victims-speechless/

Congratulations to the new officers!

New Officers are from:

Westchestergov.com Article with Names: http://www3.westchestergov.com/news/all-press-releases/4421-54-new-officers-graduate
Full LoHud Articel: http://www.lohud.com/article/20121215/NEWS02/312150095/54-recruits-graduate-from-Westchester-police-academy?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7C%7Cs
Daily Voice Article: http://harrison.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/westchester-recruits-graduate-police-academy

Happened to be in the area at a work meeting. Got to the scene right after the 10-75 was called. Here are some pictures from my iPhone...sorry for the poor quality.

Greenville Fire Co. (Town Of Greenburgh NY) in 1972. Corner of Legion Drive & Entrance Way Valhalla NY.

1972 Valhalla NY Entrance Way

Grasslands Fire Brigade has acquired Pound Ridge's former Rescue 22. Designated Rescue 78 it is a 1988 GMC/Pierce medium rescue with a 750gpm pump and a 400-gallon tank.

I herd Spartan ERV was building the new Ladder. The drawing is posted on Hendrickson Fire Equipments website: http://www.hendricksonfire.com/news-article.php?article=15
From what I understand Spartan ERV builds an impressive aerial device.

Date: 1/8/13
Time: 18:33
District: Bedford Hills
Location: 109 Stone Bridge Lane
Units:
{BHFD: 2031, 2032, 2033, E-198, E-199, R-10, T-5, TL-57}
{BVFD: E-108, E-109}
{MKFD: 2281, 2284, U-13, R-31(FAST)}
{BFD: 2581, T-17}
{GBFD: 2142, 2143, T-1}
{KFD: 2284,T-6, E-116}
{PRFD: 2405, T-3}
{CFD: 2061, E-146, R-23}
{AFD: 2021, T-9}
{SFD: T-16}
{SSFD: 2453, E-168}
{CFFD: T-8}
{YFD: 2535, T-51}
{OFD: 2232, 2334, E-98, U-51(FAST)}
{WCDES: Bat-16, C/O ZONE 5, CC1}
{OTHER; NYSEG-1, WCPD: K9A1,BLDG-D}
{KBH-VAC: 6511, 65B1/2} {45M: 45M1}
Standby Units:
PFD:2372,TL-5
CFFD:2071,E-148

Frequency: 46.26,Fire 16,Ops 1,fire ground 1, wcpd dispatch
Weather Conditions:clear,mild
Reporters: FD250HQ, x4093k, Larchmont-Boy

Description: 100X75, 2.5 STORY WOOD FRAME

18:33-Tones went out for bedford hills to 109 Stone bridge lane for a residential alarm
18:39- 2031 requesting 108 to the scene
18:42-2033 Working fire, 65B2 advised and awaiting crew
18:46-Establish a water source at Church/Main
18:47-NYSEG both electric and gas requested
18:49-2 lines stretched and in operation water is on the fire requesting c&o
18:49-Banks re-tone for a driver for tanker 17
18:56-Per Bat-16 tanker shuttle established fire conditions remain the same
18:58-Bat-16 E-103, and all tankers to ops 1
18:58-Per 2031 2 engines to the scene
19:00-BAT 16 transmitting a second alarm
19:05-3 lines stretched on second floor and in operation fire on the first floor knocked down c&o members on scene
19:05-Per 2281 R-31 to the fill site on main and church
19:06-6511 req 65B1 to scene
19:16-CC24 having WCPD-K9A1 to scene
19:18-3RD Alarm being transmitted per 2031
19:24-BAT-16 Reporting fire throughout second floor and in the cockloft evacuation tones have been dropped
19:25-Bat16 rpts 100x75 2.5 story frame, fire throughout structure
19:27-Per C2031 heavy fire on 3rd floor exterior ops
19:28-2032 Is water source officer on fire ground 2
19:31-Beford center and buxton is 2nd fill site
19:38-L-51 in operation per bat-16
19:48-bat 16 requesting an eta on nyseg
19:49-60 rpts a 10 min eta on nyseg
20:14-Duration of incident 1 hour and 45 min
20:27-2 lines in operation back to interior attack
20:32-Per BAT16 advising building department was notified through the pd
21:19-Per 2031 situation under control
21:25-inside odor of smoke
21:31-Per 2031 releasing armonk,somers,golden's bridge tankers
21:34-CC1 is back in service
21:35-Ossining FAST released yokrtown is resuming fast duties,u-13 in service as well
http://www.lohud.com...e-Bedford-Hills

http://bedford.patch...one-bridge-lane

http://westchester.n...-1.4422485?qr=1
PM with any info

Rules and Registration: http://www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/events-activities/firefighter-races.aspx

Sorry I got my info from the Journal News !

I have a pic of it too, taken at delivery.

An emergency medical SYSTEM encompasses BLS First Responder, and both BLS and ALS transport, as well as ALS Medics in fly cars as support. YFD has never and is not now going after the ALS or transport portions of this SYSTEM. All we want is to keep the work we have had for 22 plus years, which has saved many lives, and cannot be replaced by what I have seen proposes.
These are solely my own opinions and are being shared in a non-official capacity. These comments do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Yonkers Fire Department but are factually true as I understand them.

Date: 1-5-13
Time: 12:37
District: Golden's Bridge
Location: IAO MM 18.7 I-684NB
Units: 2141, 2143, 2144, 2146, R-24, E-140, KBHVAC, NYSP
Frequency: 46.26 & WCDES Fire 13
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Reporters: GBFD109, firedude

Description:

12:37 - Initial Dispatch MM18.7NB I684 1 Car MVA w/ poss injuries

12:40 - 2141 Responding, update from 60 Control CPR in progress

12:43 - 2141, 2146 On location, confirmed entrapment, 2 Patients, CPR in progress on both
12:45 - 2143 On location

12:49 - R-24, 2144 on location, beginning extrication

13:02 - E-140 on location, stretching 1 handline

13:05 - as per 2141 both PT's extricated, 1 Transported, 1 DOA

**Transported PT pronounced at NWHC

Date: 01/04/2013
Time: 06:42 (6:42am)
District: Continental Village FD
Location: IAO Putnam Road and Strang Lane
Units on scene: [Continental Village FD: 2131, E231, E232, R39, MA23], [Garrison FD: 15-1-1, 15-2-2, 15-4-1], [Putnam Valley FD: 24-1-2, 24-2-2, 24-4-1], [Mohegan Lake FD: 2262, E257], [Peekskill FD: R134 (FAST), 39M1], [Buchanan FD: 2551, U12 (Cascade)], [Peekskill EMS: 75B4], [WCDES: Bat 17, C & O Zone 4, 1404], Con Ed, NYSP
Frequency: 46.26, Fire 17, EMS 17, Putnam 911, NYSP, FG
Weather Conditions: 25 Degrees, Clear
Reporters: firedude
Description: 2 story wood frame, 1st story fully involved, 2 L/S/O, hydrant IFO house
Continental Village FD Article and Photos: http://www.continentalvillagefd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=79
LoHud Article:http://www.lohud.com/article/20130104/NEWS02/301040086/1-found-dead-after-house-fire-Continental-Village?odyssey=mod|breaking|text|Frontpage
LoHud Photos: http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=BH&Dato=20130104&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=301040101&Ref=PH
Peekskill Patch Article (with photos): http://peekskill.patch.com/articles/fatal-fire-in-cortlandt-manor#photo-12806542
Cortlandt Daily Voice: http://cortlandt.dailyvoice.com/news/man-found-dead-cortlandt-house-fire
Newsday/News 12 Article (with video): http://newyork.newsday.com/westchester/cortlandt-manor-fire-kills-58-year-old-man-1.4405556?qr=1
Putnam County News and Recorder Article: http://www.pcnr.com/news/2013-01-02/Front_Page/Man_dies_in_Continental_Village_fire.html
06:42 Continental Village dispatched to area of Putnam Road and Strang Lane for a reported structure fire
06:44 Car 2131 responding, single caller who reported flames from the house, unknown house #
06:49 Car 2131 on location reporting working structure fire, requesting Peekskill FAST, 1 Engine from Garrison and 1 Engine from Putnam Valley to scene
06: 51 Peekskill FAST dispatched
06:54 Car 2131 reporting possibly 1 person still inside, requesting Mohegan engine to scene
06:55 Mohegan Lake FD dispatched for 1 engine and Bat 17 to scene
06:59 Peekskill FAST retone
07:01 Buchanan FD Cascade dispatched to scene
07:01 Car 2131 reports 2 story wood frame, 1st story fully involved, exterior operations, 2 L/S/O, requesting Con ed to scene
07:03 Peekskill FAST retone
07:05 E257 inquiring if they need to pick up water source, 2131 requesting pick up hydrant on Strang Lane
07:12 Car 2131 requesting, Buchanan Cascade and tanker from Putnam Valley FD to scene
07:13 Car 2131 requesting C and O to scene, Putnam 911 contacted for tanker, C and O Z4 dispatched
07:20 Car 2131 reports 1 fatal on scene, all mutual aid enroute or on scene
07:28 Cause and Origin Zone 5 dispatched to landline/respond
07:45 Bat 17 reports command Post set up at Putnam X Highland Dr, 60 reports 5 C&O members enroute

Good thing too.
This could have been ugly if they tried to issue UTT's to the good Captain!

We ran them upstate NY. Saved a ton of money on gas. Easy to drive, tons of space. Ours were RWD police package from Warnock with the same tires NYSPD ran on their chargers. We fit all of our gear in the trunk without any problems (Defib, 2 oxygen duffels, BLS bag, ALS primary bag, spare ALS bag, vent, suction, KED, everything). We typically put the defib and the primary ALS bag on the top and popped the trunk on arrival. Best setup ever. No complaints; highly recommend. We had to run the SUV's in big snow storms though, otherwise charger was the primary vehicle.
Empress will have a lot of luck with this new AWD I bet. Congrats!

Conditions on arrival "A" side. This is where the occupants evacuated to.
Courtesy Arlington Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2393

On 1/2/13 Arlington firefighters were dispatched for a structure fire at the intersection of Haight and Fowler Ave. Units arrived to find a 2.5 story structure well involved with reports of people still in the building. Firefighters made entry to attack the fire but were pulled out soon after because of heavy fire above them. Two residents were reported to have jumped from a second story window. At that time operations went to a definsive mode. The fire was difficult to extinguish because of hydrant problems and also exposure problems. Firefighters finally had gotten the fire under control in about 45 minutes. The fire is under investigation by Arlington Fire Department. (GROUP 4)

Bridgeport, CT FD: 15,891
BFD Runs by Company(Thanks to Lt. Ellis, BFD TL5):
Engine 1 - 2,313
Engine 3 - 2,652
Engine 4 - 2,201
Engine 6 - 1,844
Engine 7 - 1,066
Engine 10 - 1,649
Engine 12 - 1,816
Engine 15 - 962
Engine 16 - 1,396
Tower Ladder 5 - 2,070
Ladder 6 - 1,208
Ladder 10 - 1,353
Ladder 11 - 1,069
Rescue 5 - 1,527
Battalion 1- 760
Battalion 2- 470
Safety Officer 1 - 773
Total Working Structure Fires(J O B S) - 77

Westchester EMS - Northern Westchester Medics (45 Medics) - 5157 calls, up 202 calls (4%) over 2011.