fireguy43

Tommy- Two words- Spell Check

Let's be careful with the sterotyping and broad brush statements. Someone your age would consider me old, and if you knew me, you'd probably agree to "crusty" as well. However, I've been doing this for 34 years plus, and I still turn out whenever I am home. Perhaps you are confusing older guys with guys who have more responsibilities, like a wife, kids, baseball coaching, soccer, school projects, etc....... It ain't the same as when you're young, unattached and carefree. You miss more alarms, more drills, more everything because you have other obligations as well. Not complaining about it, just a fact of life.
What really makes me chuckle about your post is that just as recently as last Friday morning (about 1:15 am), I was sitting in the cab of the engine, ready to respond to an attic fire in my district. There I was, 50+ years old, out of the house, down the road, and ready to roll. Where were all the "young guys"? Tucked into bed in their jammies. All of those Monday night warriors never seem to be around when it's time to act. Let's be careful about beating on the old guys, and be cognizant of the fact that there are plenty of "young guys" who don't show up all the time either.

Let's be careful with the sterotyping and broad brush statements. Someone your age would consider me old, and if you knew me, you'd probably agree to "crusty" as well. However, I've been doing this for 34 years plus, and I still turn out whenever I am home. Perhaps you are confusing older guys with guys who have more responsibilities, like a wife, kids, baseball coaching, soccer, school projects, etc....... It ain't the same as when you're young, unattached and carefree. You miss more alarms, more drills, more everything because you have other obligations as well. Not complaining about it, just a fact of life.
What really makes me chuckle about your post is that just as recently as last Friday morning (about 1:15 am), I was sitting in the cab of the engine, ready to respond to an attic fire in my district. There I was, 50+ years old, out of the house, down the road, and ready to roll. Where were all the "young guys"? Tucked into bed in their jammies. All of those Monday night warriors never seem to be around when it's time to act. Let's be careful about beating on the old guys, and be cognizant of the fact that there are plenty of "young guys" who don't show up all the time either.

It has been brought to my attention that my earlier post may have been misconstrued. What I meant, in a humorous but sarcastic sort of way, was to make light of the fact that a guy retired from the job and living in the Keys had no other worries than a bike stuck in the rocks, a set of circumstances for which I am envious. In fact, his predicament could sound like a Jimmy Buffet song in the making. What it may have been misinterpreted as, was a malicious jab at EFD Capt115. That was not the case.
If you take a look at EFD Capt115's profile, his "rep points", or read any of his posts, you can see that he is a valuable member of our little community and a valuable source of information on a variety of topics. My comments were not meant negatively, and I apologize publicly to EFD Capt115 and other readers of the original post if they were interpreted as such.

The four lengths are for disaster preparedness and drafting in the event of a major water main failure; it stems from 9/11 when water mains in lower Manhattan failed, and water had to be supplied several blocks from the river by fireboats, engine, and satellite companies. At 2000 gpm a piece each of the new engines reduces dependency on the fireboats and satellites in such situations.

I may be showing my ignorance, but can anyone explain why each of these new engines has four lengths of hard suction? We are talking about NY City, and by the engine numbers, these units are assigned to Manhattan and/or the Bronx, not some outpost in the far reaches of Jamaica Bay. Why would they need/use four lengths?

Sad, sad, sad. So much for that thread about the words "professional" on a vollie rig. This is at least a combination department (can't tell for sure from their website). Chief is at least a career position, and he's laying on the lawn. There are "professionals" and "un-professionals" in both career and vollie ranks. No one has an exclusive on either.

Sad, sad, sad. So much for that thread about the words "professional" on a vollie rig. This is at least a combination department (can't tell for sure from their website). Chief is at least a career position, and he's laying on the lawn. There are "professionals" and "un-professionals" in both career and vollie ranks. No one has an exclusive on either.

I'm no truckie, but I agree with you. Between the pole and the wires, the ladder stays in the cradle. If you look at some of the pictures toward the bottom, it looks like they eventually moved the truck out of the way, it's no longer at the curb. Same as you, no offense to PFD, just doesn't look right to this tanker driver.
Would love to hear from someone that was there. Isn't Truck 2 on upper Main St. and Truck 1 on N. Clover? That would have made T1 first due ladder, but T2 is in front of the building. T1 OOS, another alarm, or just out of the picture?
Used to go to this place occasionally way back when I was going to Marist College. Ah, the good old days.......

Valid points. I would just ask you to consider those situations where anonimity is out of self-preservation. I am perfectly willing to put my name and affiliation on my profile, but when you see what happens to some of the posters on here, it just isn't worth it.
1) My posts reflect my personal opinions and not those of my department. They (my officers and my department members)don't need to feel responsible or defend me for what I say, no matter how stupid it might be.
2) There is far too much stereotyping on here, and to identify your affiliation just invites comments that are sometimes infantile and irrelevant. Paid vs. volly, how many pieces of equipment you have vs. someone else, oh, you can't get out until second dispatch, etc. I've seen all of these comments/topics on here, and none of them were deserved. The first time someone threw one of those my way, I would respond, and Seth or one of the moderators would have to ban me from the site, etc. Why create work for them, and aggravation for myself? I'm just saying that a blank profile doesn't mean someone's hiding.
As to QTIP and the rest, you're right. There are a few someones on here who I firmly believe say things just to stir the pot, and if you call them on it, you get the innocent "who me" followed by the infamous "QTIP". Annoying yes, but it's a free country.
If you or anyone else is really interested in who I am or what my affiliation is, PM me and I will be happy to share.

Valid points. I would just ask you to consider those situations where anonimity is out of self-preservation. I am perfectly willing to put my name and affiliation on my profile, but when you see what happens to some of the posters on here, it just isn't worth it.
1) My posts reflect my personal opinions and not those of my department. They (my officers and my department members)don't need to feel responsible or defend me for what I say, no matter how stupid it might be.
2) There is far too much stereotyping on here, and to identify your affiliation just invites comments that are sometimes infantile and irrelevant. Paid vs. volly, how many pieces of equipment you have vs. someone else, oh, you can't get out until second dispatch, etc. I've seen all of these comments/topics on here, and none of them were deserved. The first time someone threw one of those my way, I would respond, and Seth or one of the moderators would have to ban me from the site, etc. Why create work for them, and aggravation for myself? I'm just saying that a blank profile doesn't mean someone's hiding.
As to QTIP and the rest, you're right. There are a few someones on here who I firmly believe say things just to stir the pot, and if you call them on it, you get the innocent "who me" followed by the infamous "QTIP". Annoying yes, but it's a free country.
If you or anyone else is really interested in who I am or what my affiliation is, PM me and I will be happy to share.

Valid points. I would just ask you to consider those situations where anonimity is out of self-preservation. I am perfectly willing to put my name and affiliation on my profile, but when you see what happens to some of the posters on here, it just isn't worth it.
1) My posts reflect my personal opinions and not those of my department. They (my officers and my department members)don't need to feel responsible or defend me for what I say, no matter how stupid it might be.
2) There is far too much stereotyping on here, and to identify your affiliation just invites comments that are sometimes infantile and irrelevant. Paid vs. volly, how many pieces of equipment you have vs. someone else, oh, you can't get out until second dispatch, etc. I've seen all of these comments/topics on here, and none of them were deserved. The first time someone threw one of those my way, I would respond, and Seth or one of the moderators would have to ban me from the site, etc. Why create work for them, and aggravation for myself? I'm just saying that a blank profile doesn't mean someone's hiding.
As to QTIP and the rest, you're right. There are a few someones on here who I firmly believe say things just to stir the pot, and if you call them on it, you get the innocent "who me" followed by the infamous "QTIP". Annoying yes, but it's a free country.
If you or anyone else is really interested in who I am or what my affiliation is, PM me and I will be happy to share.

Yes, there are alot of people hiding behind things like lol, jk, and the very vacant left side of the screen where it says: where you are from, real name, etc. People have alot to say when they are anonymous and I don't care who you are or where you are from or if you are paid or volly or a cop or whatever, who cares, the one thing in life is that you are you, and if you can't admit it, it might suck to be you.
This is a simple view of mine not aimed at anyone personally just everyone in general no excuses, not never.

I agree, but I think the whole QTIP thing is a bit overused. Sure, there are some who take things to a degree higher than what was originally intended, but you'll find that everywhere. But, there are some who hide behind it. It's like cursing someone off and then when they get mad, saying "oh, QTIP." Just because QTIP is something that you see all over internet message boards such as this doesn't necessarily mean that it's a catch-all for statements made in poor taste.

Psssst..... Tommy,you're at minus 9! Lay low for a while, that whole Mobile Life thread killed you. When you asked the question, I thought no one was rating you, and I was going to offer to throw a negative your way every once in a while.... now I see that everyone else did before I could.

Psssst..... Tommy,you're at minus 9! Lay low for a while, that whole Mobile Life thread killed you. When you asked the question, I thought no one was rating you, and I was going to offer to throw a negative your way every once in a while.... now I see that everyone else did before I could.

No more then fire labor unions catering to politicians to pass legislation favoring their causes. Sauce for the Goose.

I think it is fair to say that MLSS enjoys a favorable reputation generally. I don't think that anyone is saying that they will
be a vast improvement over Transcare, that will only be evident once they are on the ground and performing. From what little I
know, Transcare did a good job while they had the contract. What is safe to say is that they are locally owned, locally
managed, and very competent. They have taken over other contracts in the past from other providers, and some of the bad press
that the other providers used to get is not being generated about MLSS.
You are right, only time will tell, but if they replicate the job that they are doing elsewhere in the County, then everything will be
fine.

When you post on a string that refers to a new provider for the City of Poughkeepsie, Mobile Life is the provider, and you
conclude a long list of the positives that the previous provider offered with the statement "...something just does not add up
here at all", it can reasonably be inferred from the comments and the method of delivery that you are not happy with the
decision.
Do you have a factual basis for being upset/concerned/disappointed/whatever with the fact that MLSS is replacing Transcare, and
if so, would you please share it with us?
I have no beef with Transcare, I don't really know their operation. I do know MLSS very well, and I am very comfortable with their service levels.
My reading glasses are fine, thank you. You might also want to go easy on the exclamation points. :angry:

Let's remember a few points here. MLSS covers the Village of Fishkill, parts of fire districts in town of Fishkill, East Fishkill Fire District, Village of Wappingers and New Hamburg Fire District. Pretty active and populated territory ( at least for Dutchess County).
It is not uncommon for East Fishkill alone to drop two consecutive calls, let alone the other areas-sometimes 3. Factor in a 36 mile round trip from Village of Fishkill to Vassar (farther from much of the East Fishkill Fire District), and it is not uncommon that one or more of their busses is out of service on a call for over an hour. There is not an unlimited supply of these units, so sure, they may have a run underway in E. Fishkill, get a call in Wappingers, and have a third call in New Hamburg. They backfill with a unit from Orange coming across the bridge. Unless you look at the big picture, and how many units are already out on calls, it is out of context to talk about MLSS backfilling from the bridge.

You know it's all great to sing the high praises of the company that was awarded the contract however let's seriously look at things here. Transcare provided phenomenal service to the City of Poughkeepsie since they took over Alamo. The response times were between 4-6 minutes on an average. You had 2 Dedicated units that when they called out knew they were in the City! You had additional units at the drop of a hat and maybe just maybe when the city exploded a call was rolled over! You have an EMD dispatch and a well known station established in the heart of the City! The Dedicated City crews worked their butts off! I know contracts come and go and territory is lost and gained but something just does not add up here at all!!!! That is just my humble opinion and of course I too will be just singing a sour grape song to many on this board!!!

An amazing attempt at conserving punctuation marks....

Ok, all I did was ask a question. I really didnt mean to start a huge thread or a big pissing match. I was just wondering what the reasoning beyond it was. I was a simple question. And as for this whole reputation ranking thing on the site, I am just curious why I am at negative now for asking a question? I guess I now know my lesson and that is to not ask questions and your rep will never be impacted up or down. I do want to say thanks to the Chief from Highland for answering the question. He didnt have to but he did and I appreciate it.

Thank you for not taking this personally and engaging in honest debate.
First, I would like to ask you not to make this thread out as some sort of battle or comparison between career (what you refer to as "paid") and volunteer firefighters / fire departments. It was not intended as such. To elaborate a bit on my problem with you referring to career firefighters as "paid", I would remind you that it is volunteers who often insist on being referred to as professional and I have always understood the point. You most certainly can be professional regardless of whether or not you are a career member. By the same token, you can be unprofessional even if you are doing something as your career. However, career firefighters are not the only firefighters who are paid as we have discussed in the past...many volunteer firefighters accept pay in the way of pensions, tax breaks and many other financial and other benefits.
Again, I appreciate you providing specific information in regard to how the parade issue affestc your department and the public you are sworn to protect and I will take you at your word. However, from what I can tell, this is still a very serious issue with many, if not most, volunteer departments who choose to participate in parades, as attested to by many volunteer firefighters right here on this website.
Also, in just now rereading your post as welll as KCRD's, I am reminded of the importance of there being an adequate response of trained firefighters in the initial stages of a fire. Counting the number of responders who actually showed up at some point during a fire is not really an accurate indicator of the effectiveness of the response. You mentioned several incidents wherein you gave numbers of Firefighters who responded...do you have numbers for the actual number of fully qualified interior firefighters who showed up in, say, the first eight minutes after the original 911 call was made?
I really do appreciate your post. It was a breath of fresh air. However, sometimes things arre really not as they seem. I really do believe that you truly believe that "what we lack in paid (career) performance is more often than not made up for in brute size", I'm just not convinced.

A good question deserves a good answer. My volunteer department has over 100 active members, lots of associates. Some serve out of family traditions, some are adrenaline junkies, some believe in community service. There are even a few souls who come for the food, and my heart goes out to them. Yes, some people love to parade and those people go to parades. The last time I was at a meeting, which is a while ago, there was grousing from the parade people that so few people were turning out, it was a always the same few. Long after one has put on a scott pack for the last time, one can don a uniform and shiny shoes to go marching for the cause.
For every hour out at a parade, dozens of hours are spent in house, polishing, gear checking, maintaining equipment. Towns are extremely well protected when everyone is in house on a detail. I even remember a mutual aid call where not only did we make filthy the parade truck and the parade rack, we could have won best dressed department to a running brush fire.
It is hard to prove a negative. I can say without reservation that in my 20 years as a volunteer, my department never put parading above fire fighting. I cannot think of a time where service suffered when a truck was out of town, be it maintenance or a parade and I can think of many times a designated crew on stand by cut response time. I can remember the dozens of times that I was asked to stay home and stay frosty. I can remember the day of a department golf outing we handled back to back structure fires with over 40 members at scene. I can remember the night of the 2000 New Year's Eve gala when, party notwithstanding, we mounted an outstanding attack on a propane fueled house fire with easily 50 members at scene.
A volunteer fire department is a social enterprize. It is also a large and dedicated fire fighting organization. What we lack in paid performance is more often than not made up in brute size. If for 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon we are down 10 deputy chiefs with a combined age of 750 and one truck.... we still have 7 trucks and 80 members home cutting grass. Parades aren't on held on weekdays.
Here is a pair of questions for our paid brothers: How many fire fighters does a paid truck get to the scene.... 4 or 5?
Can our paid brothers point out times when participation at a parade has actually resulted in a negative outcome for a community served by volunteers?