SFRD49

Stamford Fire Rescue carries Holmatro tools on the following apparatus:

E-3: Combitool and telescopic ram w/ PPU (portable power unit)

E-4: Combitool w/ PPU and a Battery-powered (24v) Combitool.

E-5: Combitool w/ PPU

E-7: Combitool and telescopic ram w/PPU

T-1: Combitool w/ PPU

T-2: Combitool w/ PPU

R-1: Full set of large tools (spreaders and cutters), Combitool, Assorted rams, apparatus mounted electric power unit connected to dual reels, and a PPU

R-2: Full set of large tool and a PPU with two hose reels attached.

I might be off by one (T-3 might have a tool now...I'm not sure). Basically the plan was to have a tool run out of each station.

It's alot better now that when I started in 1985. We had Hurst 32a1's, "O" Cutters and rams on Unit #16 (mini-pumper / rescue) and on E-3. The one's on E-3 came from Stamford Emergency Services which was the rescue section of the old City Civil Defense.

Be safe!!!

SFRD49

I was one of the officers who worked on setting up the readiness exercise. The scenario was a bombing incident that took out I-95. The location was the MTA PD parking area and the shuttle bus area under I-95 at the corner of Washington Blvd. and North State Street between UBS and the train station. The scene was set up with 10 live victims (moulaged up nicely by SEMS personnel) and several manikins that were placed in crushed vehicles and within concrete voids created by the collapsed road way. Numerous truckloads of concrete debris were spread over the site and the voids were created by using precast manholes and septic tanks. Six vehicles and tons of concrete and steel were utlized to create the "disaster" scene.

Of course a secondary device was was found during the initial search and the SPD Bomb Squad went into action. The secondary device drill was moved to a different location so the rescue operation could resume in a reasonable amount of time.

SFRD initial assignment was DC-1, E-2, T-2, E-5, R-1, R-2 and E-1. The immediate second alarm brought in E-9, E-10, and T-4 that were staffed with callback personnel waiting to start a training class at the training center. No one, except the police, fire rescue, and EMS officers setting up the exercise, knew about the readiness exercise. The initial response included numerous SPD units and an MCI response from SEMS and Access Ambulance Service.

Upon the transmission of the second alarm the IC special called HazMat 2, the trench rescue trailer from station #3 and the technical rescue trailer from station #5.

The inital operation included the HazMat task force Monitoring for NBC agents and fire rescue personnel evacuating the walking wounded and the surface victims to the EMS triage area. After the all clear was sounded SFRD companies switched to search and rescue and began extricating victims from vehicles crushed by falled concrete and heavy steel beams. There were at least three operations being conducted simulatneously on "the pile". The city's Department of Operations (Public Works) was called into the scene and two large payloaders were used during extrication operations (Great help!!!).

After the first operational period was complete the companies were relieved, new companies briefed and commenced with the final vehicle extrication and the start of void search and the breaking and breaching of concrete members to attempt to reach the final trapped victims. The technical rescue task force utilized the Delsar life detector, snake eye search cam, the Stanley hydraulic tools and other equipment for this operation.

At approximately 1300 the exercise was ended and the final two hours was a training session involving breaching and breaking concrete and steel, advanced search operations, and an introductory session for members not affiliated with the rescue unit.

At 1600 hours operations started the clean up and by 2300 hours all that was left was some dust on the roadway.

The following agencies were involved in the readiness exercise: SFRD, SPD, SEMS, Dept. of Operations, MTA Police and Fire, FBI, CT. State Police, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Access Ambulance. The Turn of River Fire Dept. provided Rescue #66 to cover the downtown district while all SFRD rescue units were operating at the exercise. Support was also received from Testa Construction, East Coast Towing, City Carting, UBS, and MTA.

All agencies interacted very well together and all the feedback from the participants was positive. Overall it was excellent experience!

As soon as I get some shots from the department I'll post them.

Be safe!!!

SFRD49

Date: 9-11-2006

Time: 1436 Hours

Location: 10 Water Street, XStreet Atlantic Street

Frequency: 800 mHz Trunked

Units Operating: DC-1, E-2, T-2, HM-1, E-1, R-1; SEMS M-1, M-901 (Supervisor), U-91 (Rehab); SPD; Stamford Department of Operations; CTDEP.

Description Of Incident: Major fuel oil leak from a 134,000 gallon fuel storage tank with approximately 2000 gallons of product on ground upon arrival. Members of the HazMat task force controled the flow of product on the ground while HazMat technicians worked to reduce the flow of product from a broken valve. State DEP was called to the scene as well as city operations (public works) who assisted with sand and a bobcat loader. Environmental contractors arrived on the scene and commenced clean up operations. Final fire rescue company (Rescue #1) left scene at 1931 hours.

1436 hrs: DC-1, E-2, T-2, HM-1, E-1 assigned to a report of a large fuel leak at the rear of 2187 Atlantic Street.

1440 hrs: E-2 on scene reporting a major fuel oil leak from a large storage tank.

1445 hrs: R-1 special called to the scene.

1453 hrs: SEMS M-1 assigned to the incident.

1457 hrs: CT DEP notified and Responding.

1628 hrs: SEMS Unit 91 enroute to the incident.

1650 hrs: IC reports that contractor has started product transfer.

1747 hrs: Per IC the SFRD light trailer was called to the scene.

1856 hrs: IC transmits recall with all companies in the process of picking up.

1931 hrs: Final compant (R-1) cleared scene.

Writer: SFRD49 (R-1)

Be Safe Out There!

Date: 09/04/2006

Time: 0542 hrs.

Location: 401 Shippan Avenue, XStreets Park Street and Seaview Avenue

Frequency: 800 mHz Trunked

Units Operating: DC-1, E-4, E-1, E-6, T-1, R-1, Unit 6 (safety), FM 106; SEMS M-3, M-901 (Supervisor); SPD.

Description Of Incident: Working fire in a 2 story n/c commercial with fire in front facade. Extension limited to the facade. Cause under investigation by the fire marshal office.

0542 hrs: Box 612 transmitted for a telephone report of smoke coming from a sign on a commecial building. DC-1, E-4, E-1, E-6, T-1, and R-1 assigned.

0545 hrs: E-4 on scene reporting a moderate smoke condition, stretching a line.

0548 hrs: DC-1 reports a working fire, start MARC, and dispatch the fire marshal division.

0600 hrs: M-3 and M-901 on scene.

0609 hrs: DC-1 transmits recall, holding all companies.

0656 hrs: FM 106 on scene.

Writer: SFRD49

Be safe and Have a nice Labor Day!

Date: 07/22/2006

Time: 1247 hrs.

Location: 58 Harbor Street, cross streets Belden and Rugby

Frequency: 800 mHz Trunked

Units Operating: DC-2, E-2, E-4, E-6, T-2, R-1, E-3 (RIT), Unit 6 (Safety); SEMS M-1, M-901 (Supervisor); SPD.

Description Of Incident: Working fire in a 2 story W/F multiple dwelling. Fire contained to attic with one hoseline stretched. No reported injuries. SEMS on scene for standby. SPD provided traffic control and scene security. Under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office.

1247 hrs: Full Response Box 156 transmitted for a telephone report of a fire in an occupied multiple dwelling. DC-2, E-2, E-4, E-6, T-2, and R-1 assigned to the box.

1250 hrs: E-2 on scene reporting smoke condition and investigating.

1305 hrs: E-3 assigned to box as RIT.

1316 hrs: DC-2 reports all hands working, fire not under control.

1318 hrs: DC-2 requesting fire marshal to scene.

1320 hrs: M-1 on scene.

1321 hrs: DC-2 recall transmitted - fire under control.

1329 hrs: M-901 on scene.

1332 hrs: FM-103 responding to scene.

1442 hrs: E-2 cleared scene (last company).

Writer: SFRD49 (R-1)

Date: 07/09/2006

Time: 2106 Hours

Location: 59 Harbor Street, X Streets Belden and Rugby Streets.

Frequency: 800 mHz Trunked

Units Operating: DC-1, E-2, E-1, E-6, R-1, E-3 (RIT), E-5, T-1, Unit 6 (Safety), Unit 1 (Chief of Department), FM-106, FM-109; SEMS M-1, M-3, M-4, M-901 (Supervisor), Unit-91 (Rehab); SPD.

Description Of Incident: Working fire involving an occupied 3 story WF multiple dwelling; heavy fire on floors 2 and 3 on arrival. Three members injured and transported to Stamford Hospital by SEMS. All were treated and released. Cause under investigation by the Fire Marshal's office. SPD on scene for scene security and traffic control. SEMS provided rehab section.

2106 hrs: Full response Box 156 transmitted for a telephone report of a fire in an occupied multiple dwelling; DC-1, E-2, E-1, E-6, T-2, R-1 assigned.

2111 hrs: E-2 on scene reporting heavy fire on floors 2 and 3 on alpha and bravo sides.

2116 hrs: E-3 assigned to box as RIT.

2117 hrs: Second alarm transmitted by DC-1; E-5 and T-1 assigned.

2121 hrs: SEMS M-1 assigned to incident.

2122 hrs: SEMS M-3 assigned to incident, multiple injuries.

2126 hrs: DC-1 requesting C.L.&P. (priority response) for downed powerlines on the alpha side of the fire building.

2131 hrs: DC-1 reports fire on floors 2 and 3 with all ahnds working.

2132 hrs: SEMS M-4 assigned to incident.

2153 hrs: DC-1 reports building evacuated - exterior operations.

2248 hrs: DC-1 reports fire knocked down, all hands still operating.

2259 hrs: SEMS M-901 on scene.

2339 hrs: Recall (under control) transmitted holding E-1, E-2, E-6, E-5, T-2 & R-1.

2259 hrs: Medic 901 assigned to incident.

2259 hrs: Unit 91 (rehab) on scene.

0133 hrs: Last company (T-2) cleared scene.

Writer: SFRD49 (R-1)

Be Safe!!

Stamford Fire Rescue responded at 0707 hours with Rescue Co. #1, Rescue 2 (technical rescue unit), and Engine Co. #5 as the dive rescue team. The Long Ridge Fire Company responded simultaneously with Rescue 77 and a couple of rescue boats and worked on logisitics.

Working under the unified command the SFRD companies assisted with dive rescue operations, logistical support, and incident management. Three SFRD divers operated in the water with four more as back up. After the operation switched from rescue to recovery SFRD companies left the scene at 1044 hours.

It was an great example of interstate mutual aid cooperation.

Be Safe!

SFRD49

Date: March 21, 2006

Time: 10:08

Location: 1425 Bedford Street

Frequency: 154.130, 800 Mhz

Units Operating: E5, E6, E2, TL1, R1, DC 3, E4 (RIT)

Description Of Incident: Fire in apartment on 4th floor

Writer: x152

Box assignment for general fire alarm in 14 story fire-resistive apartment complex (rear building of 2 buildings). E5 first on scene with nothing showing from exterior.

Further investigation, found a fire in a bedroom of apartment 4-F. E5 strected a 2" line from standpipe. E4 sent as RIT.

Fire mostly contained by recently installed sprinkler system. Incident handled with first alarm assignment. No extension beyond orginal fire room. Under investigation by Stamford Fire Marshal's Office. E5 cleared the scene within one hour.

Stamford Fire Rescue ran telesquirts from the mid-70's to last year.

E-5: 1977 Hammerly 1000/500/50' telesquirt 1977 to 1993

E-4: 1974 Pierce 1000/500/50' telesquirt 1974 to 1988

E-4: 1988 Mack CF/Ranger 1000/500/50' telesquirt (boom from 1977 rig)

E-1: 1986 Pierce Arrow 1250/500/50' telesquirt (1996 to 1999)

All of these rigs became reserves and the final two were liquidated the end of last year. The squirts were great at major incidents as water towers but were not as good as aerials. In 1974 the city closed T-4 (1968 85' snorkel) and placed the squirt in service claiming it was a quint (and we know that was not the case). The station went from 6 to 5 men and one job was eliminated. When station #5 opened in 1977 they placed a squirt there as well (5 man staffing).

Today the squirts are gone and the department wide minimum, as of July 1, is 4 on all 11 rigs. Personal feeling...They were great assets to the department for the many years they served us.

Be Safe,

SFRD49

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!

Stamford Fire Rescue has a trench rescue trailer stored at Station #3 on the west side. It holds the trench panels, ground pads, walers, and other lumber; and a complete set of Paratech struts with controllers, hoses, etc. It also has a mounted generator and a Jobox with assorted hand tools, ropes, etc.

When a trench/collapse incident comes in R-1, R-2, E-5 and the first due engine are dispatched directly to the scene. Other personnel will pick up the trailer and transport it to the scene. During that time the rescue company completes the size up, risk assessment, and secures the scene.

Be Safe,

SFRD49

Date: 021206

Time: 0433 hrs.

Location: 20 Francies Avenue; X-Streets Newfield Ave. and Belltown Road

Frequency: 154.13 mHz (Dispatch); 800 mHz (Fireground)

Units Operating: Belltown: E-41, T-45, E-42, Cief 411, U40; SFRD: E-5, E-6, E-7 (RIT), R-1, DC-1, Unit 121 (Mech. Div.); Glenbrook: E-32; Turn of River: Tanker 68, Chief 611; SEMS: M-1, M-2, M-901 (Supervisor), M-91 (Rehab Unit); SPD

Description Of Incident: Working fire in a 2.5 story, W/F single family dwelling. Basement fire with extension to the #3 floor. Recall at 0637.

0816 Hours: E-41 (Last unit on scene) still operating.

Writer: SFRD49

"Don't you just love a Blizzard!!!

How about the Gullivers fire (Port Chester / Greenwich line), June 30, 1974 with 24 dead and the Stouffer's Inn (Purchase) fire in December of 1980 with 26 dead? I was at both of these jobs and even though they might not have been the biggest jobs in the county they certainly were the most fatal!!! Anyone who was at these jobs could tell you how bad they were.

At Gulliver's I was a brand new member of Post 700 and that was my first working fire (Hell of a way to start!!). At Stouffers I was working for Abbey Richmond at Mobile #3 at United Hospital and we were the first medic unit at the scene. That was a real mess!

In Stamford the biggest job in recent years was the Fodi Furniture fire in 1979 where several buildings in the 100 block of Main Street were involved. The call came in as a dumpster fire in the rear and when Squad Co. #1 arrived the entire rear of the building was already involved. Was a general alarm fire (all city members recalled) and all Big Five companies responded on mutual aid.

Be safe!!!

SFRD49

It's really sad to see the last fire insurance patrol in the world disbanded. Right after 9-11 I spoke to Capt. (Now Chief) Heffernan at patrol #1 and he explained that the Patrol had to save more money (property) than the cost of operations in order to survive. I guess that didn't happen this year. Now we have to see what happens to the 2% money that was used to fund the Patrol.

Best wishes to all the members of the Patrol!

Be Safe,

SFRD49

The Stamford Fire Department (prior to the name change to SFRD) had a 1966 Maxim 100' tiller that ran as Truck #1. In 1983 it was refurbed with a Mack R tractor (it only sat 3 but at that time there was only a tillerman and driver on the rig). In the late 80's the staffing was increased to 4 (driver, officer, tillerman, and firefighter) so a jumpseat enclosure was added behind the tractor. The rig was replaced in 1995 by a 100' Sutphen tower ladder quint.

SFRD49

Be Safe!

Date: 01/14/06

Time: 1314 hours.

Location: 25 Finney Lane; between Stillwater Ave. and dead end.

Frequency: 800 mHz Trunked (Operations and Fireground)

Units Operating: E-3, E-5, E-6, T-3, R-1, DC-1, E-2 (RIT), E-1, T-2, Unit 6 (Safety Officer), Fire Marshal #104; SEMS Medic #1, Medic #901 (Supervisor); SPD.

Description Of Incident: Basement fire in a three story wood frame multiple dwelling. Fire held to basement. No reported injuries. SEMS provided standby and SPD provided traffic control. Fire Marshal's Office called to scene for cause and origin determination.

1314 hrs: Full Response Box 244 transmitted for a telephone report of a basement fire. E-3, E-5, E-6, T-3, & DC-1 assigned.

1315 hrs: Fire Dispatch reported multiple calls received.

1317 hrs: E-3 on scene reporting a working fire.

1319 hrs: DC-1 requesting fire marshal to scene; FM #104 dispatched to scene.

1322 hrs: Unit #6 (Safety Officer) enroute.

1325 hrs: DC-1 transmitted the second alarm bringing E-1, E-2 (RIT) and T-2 to the scene.

1326 hrs: Medic #1 and Medic #901 assigned to the box.

1334 hrs: DC-1 transmits recall, holding all companies - Fire Under Control.

1509 hrs: T-3 (final company) cleared scene.

Writer: SFRD49

As Always...Be Safe!!!

The community colleges in Connecticut will grant life credits for FFI, EMT, many NFA classes, etc. I substituted college chemistry with the NFA class Chemistry of Hazardous Materials (80 hour class)and got 4 credits.

SFRD49

Norwalk Community College has an AAS program in Fire Technology and Administration. It's off of Exit 13 on I-95. Many SFRD guys have degrees from there. I went to school there and it was great.

SFRD49

Be Safe!!

Date: 01/05/06

Time: 1703 hours.

Location: 165-167-169 Cove Road, between Lockwood and Soundview Avenues

Frequency: 800 mHz trunked (Operations and Fireground)

Units Operating: E-4, E-6, E-2, T-1, R-1, DC-2, E-3, E-1, T-2, Unit 3 (Ops. Chief), Unit 6 (Safety), Fire Marshal #107; SEMS Medic #2; SPD.

Description Of Incident: Working fire in a two-story ordinary mixed occupancy.

1703 hrs: Full Response Box 651, Telephone report of a structure fire. E-4, E-6, E-2, T-1, R-1, DC-2 assigned.

1705 hrs: Dispatch reporting multiple calls reporting a fire in a church.

1706 hrs: E-4 on scene reporting smoke condition stretching lines, fire in a storefront church.

1715 hrs: Second alarm transmitted by DC-2; E-1, E-3, T-2 assigned.

1730 hrs: DC-2 reports all companies working, fire extended to #2 floor apartments, companies opening up.

1812: Recall Transmitted by DC-2.

1925: E-4 and Fire Marshal Office still on scene.

Writer: SFRD49

BeSafe!!!

I've worked with Sutphen aerials and TLs in Stamford and Port Chester. In Stamford, the midship mounted aerial at Truck #3 is good but the 75' aerial at Truck #2 is very difficult to climb, especially at the tip where a four rung, angled down, extension was added. This is required so that you could get the tip somewhere near a window sill. It's tough enough climbing out onto that for a firefighter...imagine being a civilian.

The SFRD Truck #1 has had a 100' Sutphen quint since 1995 and it's been working out fine. The only negative is the bucket. It's too small, difficult to work from (not ergonomically designed), and has a tendency to be struck (or knocked off!) due to it's low slung position.

I truly think Sutphen has redeemed themselves with their new SPH100 tower ladder. The bucket is larger (more square footage) with two doors, a step that surrounds three sides of the bucket, and a center control console. A great improvement is that the bucket sits on top of the rig where it is less likely to be struck. It does project out from the rear of the rig (over 3/4 of the bucket) but it is placed in a far better position than the earlier models. Check out their website.

www.sutphen.com

As previously stated we are replacing Truck #2 with an HME rear mount so I don't know if future trucks (toers or others) will be Sutphen. The current trend is to standardize to the HME rigs so that's probably the way we'll go.

As far as other Sutphens out there the Stepney Fire Department in Monroe, CT. has a nice black over red pumper that's two or three years old. They have a website also.

Be Safe!!!

SFRD49

Stamford Fire Rescue has had an active Knox Box program since the late 80's. We have over 200 in service throughout the downtown and Springdale districts. There are also several more in the Big Five response districts (Glenbrook, Belltown, Turn of River, and Long Ridge).

Our policy is to have three sets of keys in each box. One for the first arriving engine, one for the first arriving truck, and the third for the IC. At some locations this involves many keys so we specify only the larger 4400 series for new installations. As we do our building surveys through the year we try to get occupanies with the smaller boxes to upgrade to the larger ones. When there are too many keys in a smaller box they are very difficult to lock up.

The keys are kept in all apparatus in a key vault that is unlocked via radio encoding activated by Fire Dispatch. At no times are the keys permitted to be just "hung up" in any SFRD rig. If you monitor the SFRD (800 mHz Trunked) or Big Five companies (154.13 mHz) the signal for a Knox Box activation is a "Signal 20". When the key is secured in the vault the CO would report that the "Signal 20 is secure" via radio.

We don't require Knox Boxes by city ordinance but the fire marshal's office strongly recommends them during the plan review stages of a new occupancy. In older occupancies the company officer will try to "sell" the system to property owners.

Be Safe and Happy New Year!!!

SFRD49

Stamford Fire Rescue carries Little Giant ladders on all front line (11 companies) and reserve (5 rigs). We use them often on all types of runs.

Be Safe and Happy New Year!!!

SFRD49

Stamford Fire Rescue has another HME Silverfox 1500/750/50 pumper on order that should be in by February or March. From what I've heard it's going to E-7. With that addition every front line engine will be an HME except E-2 (1995 Spartan / General)...and that's next!

The SFRD also has a HME 100+' rear mount on order but that probably won't be in until the end of '06 or early '07.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

be Safe!!

SFRD49

Hello everyone it's Mike Dawson.

I hope all is well and safe.....

To clear up a few things.

I now have 2 kids.....( Lindsay is 4y/o and Michael Preston is 17 months)

Yes I am a P.O. in White Plains. But I am still a medic (Hvac and Svac)

The Dawson family is doing well.

Billy is a mechanic for Audi (doing great)

PS..For any old time Abbey employees. Why is my son's middle name Preston?

I hope all stay safe. And have a great holiday and new year....

From ...

Michael,Stacey,Lindsay and Michael Preston......

←

That was your Dad's middle name!!! WPD

Be Safe!!!

SFRD49 (aka Pat Tripodi)

There are 4 or 5 ex-Abbey guys who are members of Stamford Fire Rescue. I worked there full-time from 1979 to 1983 when I went to Greenville, then continued per diem until 1988. When I left in 1983 I was the White Plains Office Paramedic Supervisor.

A big reunion would be great. We had one reunion around 1989 or 1990 at a former manager's home. It was great seeing everyone!

Be Safe Out There

SFRD49

Date: 11-11-05

Time: 1340 Hours

Location: 8 Renwick Street, XStreet North Street and Vernon Place

Frequency: 154.13 mHz Dispatch; 800 mHz Trunked Operations

Units Operating: DC-4, E-1, E-2, E-3, T-1, R-1, E-4 (RIT), E-5; SEMS, SPD.

Description Of Incident: Working fire in a three story W/F multiple dwelling. R-1 first arriving reporting working fire. E-4 assigned as RIT company. DC-4 transmitted the second alarm (Engine only) bringing E-5 to scene. Fire contained to bedroom on #2 floor. One firefighter injured and transported to Stamford Hospital - ER where he was treated and released. Red Cross to scene to relocate six displaced occupants. Fire Marshal Office on scene for cause and origin determination. Last company (E-1) cleared scene at 1546 hours.

No chronology available.

Writer: SFRD49

Be Safe!!!