FFEMT150

Hey Christopher, keep it up, fighting the good fight. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! The door is open at FDNY Communications if you ever want to visit.
God Bless, and enjoy your Christmas.
Jimmy "JBE" Raftery
Supervising Fire Alarm Dispatcher
FDNY COmmunications

To the guys at HFD, you did a wonderful thing for Christopher. His story is very touching and I wish him the best. Christopher, it is my understanding you are a big fan of EMT Bravo and read it quite often, with that in mind, let me say this, Get well son and NEVER give up on your dreams. You will always have friends here.
Joe - Retired Medic and Proud member of EMT Bravo

Christopher,
Keep up the good fight! We will all be praying for you.
The Paladin Team

My prayers are with christopher and his family during his surgeries!! I hope christopher and his family have a very merry christmas! And job well done to the hfd on making a little boys wish come true and reaching out to the community!!

Great job lads! You did the entire fire service proud!

On 12/4, the members of Hughsonville FD in the Town of Wappingers helped make a little boys 11th birthday unforgettable. Christopher, the son of a close friend to my wife and I, has been diagnosed with "Leg-Calf Perthies", a bone disorder that has caused the complete deterioration of his right femur. Christopher has been confined to a wheel chair and has recently found out that he will be undergoing the first of several surgeries at Boston Childrens Hospital the week of Christmas. To celebrate his Birthday his family chose to rent the hall at HFD, seeing as Christopher has always loved the fire service. When the members of HFD found out what a fan of the fire department Christopher is they decided to give him a few gifts of their own. Sporting an HFD helmet and a huge grinn, Christopher was pushed through the engine room by the Captian of HFD and given his own personal VIP tour of the station. He almost jumped out of his wheel chair when the Lieutenant pulled "THE BEAST" (45-55 and Christophers favorite truck) into the back lot and sat him in the drivers seat. His eyes lit up as he was lifted into the bucket of the Tower Ladder and his smile could be seen for miles as the HFD members all accepted his challange to a "wheel chair race". Christophers perfect day came to a close with the members of HFD singing "Happy Birthday", having some cake, watching him unwrap his gifts and presenting him with his own HFD patch and T-Shirt (With a picture of "THE BEAST" on it of course).
From Christophers family: "To Chief Glenn Kramer, Assistant Chief Tim Laffin, Captian Ed D'Anna, Lieutenant Trevor Dhalla, Fire FIghter Ryan White and Fire Fighter Chris Baker:
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, you have no idea how much this ment to Christopher and how much you have just helped him. It was so wonderful to see him smile like that today. He was still talking about all of you when we got home. Thank You and God Bless!"
Here are a few shots from the party. I wanted to post this to remind all of us why we do what we do. As the members of HFD showed today, It's not all about getting on the big red truck and running into the devils play ground. It's about the smile on a little boys face when you hand him a helmet and say "blow the horn". Thank you again HFD for making Christophers birthday so special for him. Stay Safe!
If anyone would like to be kept up to date on Christophers journey PM me.

On 12/4, the members of Hughsonville FD in the Town of Wappingers helped make a little boys 11th birthday unforgettable. Christopher, the son of a close friend to my wife and I, has been diagnosed with "Leg-Calf Perthies", a bone disorder that has caused the complete deterioration of his right femur. Christopher has been confined to a wheel chair and has recently found out that he will be undergoing the first of several surgeries at Boston Childrens Hospital the week of Christmas. To celebrate his Birthday his family chose to rent the hall at HFD, seeing as Christopher has always loved the fire service. When the members of HFD found out what a fan of the fire department Christopher is they decided to give him a few gifts of their own. Sporting an HFD helmet and a huge grinn, Christopher was pushed through the engine room by the Captian of HFD and given his own personal VIP tour of the station. He almost jumped out of his wheel chair when the Lieutenant pulled "THE BEAST" (45-55 and Christophers favorite truck) into the back lot and sat him in the drivers seat. His eyes lit up as he was lifted into the bucket of the Tower Ladder and his smile could be seen for miles as the HFD members all accepted his challange to a "wheel chair race". Christophers perfect day came to a close with the members of HFD singing "Happy Birthday", having some cake, watching him unwrap his gifts and presenting him with his own HFD patch and T-Shirt (With a picture of "THE BEAST" on it of course).
From Christophers family: "To Chief Glenn Kramer, Assistant Chief Tim Laffin, Captian Ed D'Anna, Lieutenant Trevor Dhalla, Fire FIghter Ryan White and Fire Fighter Chris Baker:
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, you have no idea how much this ment to Christopher and how much you have just helped him. It was so wonderful to see him smile like that today. He was still talking about all of you when we got home. Thank You and God Bless!"
Here are a few shots from the party. I wanted to post this to remind all of us why we do what we do. As the members of HFD showed today, It's not all about getting on the big red truck and running into the devils play ground. It's about the smile on a little boys face when you hand him a helmet and say "blow the horn". Thank you again HFD for making Christophers birthday so special for him. Stay Safe!
If anyone would like to be kept up to date on Christophers journey PM me.

Hello Everyone.
After an overwhelming amount of E-mails and phone calls from some of the members here I have decided to let you all know here how Christopher is doing.
He leaves the first week of January for his first surgery and will return home a few days after. His spirits are high right now as he has just returned from doing a candy cane run with HFD riding in "THE BEAST" (HFD, you guys are great and I can't say enough about you! THANKS!).
Christopher has always been a HUGE fan of the fire service. I think the entire point of this post is this...
I would like to ask if you guys could take a few minutes out of your day as this holiday season rappidly approches and write an e-mail or send a quick card showing Christopher how much everyone supports him. This entire ordeal has been very tough for him seeing as he is confined to a wheelchair and cannot do what all the other kids his age are doing. He has been putting up a good front for everyone saying that he is ok and he is happy but we can see the truth in his eyes. The kind words from all of you in the photo thread I posted from his birthday made his day! What do you say guys and gals? Can we help this brave little soldier stay strong? I thank you all in advance.
E-mails can be sent to: wisker.pat@gmail.com
Cards, letters other items can be sent to:
Christopher c/o
P. Wisker
66 Trolley Rd.
Montrose NY, 10548
Thanks again everyone!
and to all who wished well in the other thread, Thank you from Christopher and his family!

Awesome job guys, and great story!

Hello Everyone.
After an overwhelming amount of E-mails and phone calls from some of the members here I have decided to let you all know here how Christopher is doing.
He leaves the first week of January for his first surgery and will return home a few days after. His spirits are high right now as he has just returned from doing a candy cane run with HFD riding in "THE BEAST" (HFD, you guys are great and I can't say enough about you! THANKS!).
Christopher has always been a HUGE fan of the fire service. I think the entire point of this post is this...
I would like to ask if you guys could take a few minutes out of your day as this holiday season rappidly approches and write an e-mail or send a quick card showing Christopher how much everyone supports him. This entire ordeal has been very tough for him seeing as he is confined to a wheelchair and cannot do what all the other kids his age are doing. He has been putting up a good front for everyone saying that he is ok and he is happy but we can see the truth in his eyes. The kind words from all of you in the photo thread I posted from his birthday made his day! What do you say guys and gals? Can we help this brave little soldier stay strong? I thank you all in advance.
E-mails can be sent to: wisker.pat@gmail.com
Cards, letters other items can be sent to:
Christopher c/o
P. Wisker
66 Trolley Rd.
Montrose NY, 10548
Thanks again everyone!
and to all who wished well in the other thread, Thank you from Christopher and his family!

Nothing worse than a guy wearing sunglasses, if it was part of the uniform it would be issued.

Hello Everyone.
After an overwhelming amount of E-mails and phone calls from some of the members here I have decided to let you all know here how Christopher is doing.
He leaves the first week of January for his first surgery and will return home a few days after. His spirits are high right now as he has just returned from doing a candy cane run with HFD riding in "THE BEAST" (HFD, you guys are great and I can't say enough about you! THANKS!).
Christopher has always been a HUGE fan of the fire service. I think the entire point of this post is this...
I would like to ask if you guys could take a few minutes out of your day as this holiday season rappidly approches and write an e-mail or send a quick card showing Christopher how much everyone supports him. This entire ordeal has been very tough for him seeing as he is confined to a wheelchair and cannot do what all the other kids his age are doing. He has been putting up a good front for everyone saying that he is ok and he is happy but we can see the truth in his eyes. The kind words from all of you in the photo thread I posted from his birthday made his day! What do you say guys and gals? Can we help this brave little soldier stay strong? I thank you all in advance.
E-mails can be sent to: wisker.pat@gmail.com
Cards, letters other items can be sent to:
Christopher c/o
P. Wisker
66 Trolley Rd.
Montrose NY, 10548
Thanks again everyone!
and to all who wished well in the other thread, Thank you from Christopher and his family!

Serious respect HFD...way to lead by example and set the bar high. Thanks for making his b-day one he will never forget.

Here we are once again. That wonderful time of the year where we exchange gifts, have huge meals, some good laughs with family and friends and wait for a jolly old fat man to shimmy down a chimney. Speaking of that red suited product of Hallmark, any departments in northern westchester or putnam have a candy cane run set up this year? If so, what department and if possible, post the schedule please.
Thanks in advance and please, STAY SAFE this holiday season! Remember, it's always great when Santa comes, but it's better when Mommy and Daddy made it home too...

Here we are once again. That wonderful time of the year where we exchange gifts, have huge meals, some good laughs with family and friends and wait for a jolly old fat man to shimmy down a chimney. Speaking of that red suited product of Hallmark, any departments in northern westchester or putnam have a candy cane run set up this year? If so, what department and if possible, post the schedule please.
Thanks in advance and please, STAY SAFE this holiday season! Remember, it's always great when Santa comes, but it's better when Mommy and Daddy made it home too...

Don't take toms words to heart. He is making a very valid point. Never did he say that YOU or any specific person is not doing their best. You must admit, the volunteer system is not what it was 10 years ago. I have seen quite a downfall in my 11 years with the same vac. It may verywell be time for a change. Pride can no longer be an issue, we must recognize we have a job to do and we aren't always getting it done! (the word "we" is used as a general statement for volunteer agencies every where and should not be taken to mean any specific agency)

On Sunday December 11th at approximately 11:16 PM Continental Village Fire Department and Peekskill Ambulance were dispatched to the Bear Mountain Bridge Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival it was discovered that a BMW was traveling westbound on the road when it left the roadway and went over a 20 foot embankment coming to rest on its roof in a stream. Firefighters and EMS personnel removed the driver from the vehicle, strapped him into a stokes basket and carried him up the slope to an awaiting ambulance. The driver was transported to Westchester Medical Center with a State Trooper riding along in the Ambulance. Fire units remained on scene until around 1 AM when the vehicle was safely removed from the woods.

On Friday December 9th at 10 AM the Continental Village Fire Department and Peekskill Ambulance Corp. were dispatched to the Bear Mountain Bridge Road for a reported tractor trailer rollover. Upon arrival it was found that a tractor trailer that was traveling east rolled over while rounding a turn and was blocking both lanes. Members put down absorbent pads and speedy dry on the leaking fuel oils and remained on scene until the truck was finally removed and road was reopened at 4:30 PM.

I've known you for a long time..so with that said...you know I'm open and honest with communication so here it goes.
Hate to tell you..but you're the one that is dead wrong. You just called someone out that you have no idea who they are..which I do...and you couldn't have missed the boat more on that one my friend. I have to wonder..I pretty much say the same thing he just did all the time...so why not call me out?
Now moving along...I always like when cute little quips come out. First...professional providers bust their rear just as hard...which by the way if I remember correctly you work as a professional in the field. Second...by raising awareness of issues that many other won't for the lack of a better term "man up" to, he is being part of the solution by using facts and caring about service. The public and those of us who are forced to wait for ambulances don't give a damn (sorry but that's the word I feel needs to be used) that you or anyone else feels they are busing their rear to do the best you can. This isn't making a delivery or service call to get cable installed or fixed...this is public safety which their are standards that should be adhered to. Most of us are understanding that mutual aid at times will take place...but to me this should be 1% or less of total call volume. So yes...I often do have a problem with substandard inconsistent service. So know what? Is it too bad for me? Or too bad for the public when there are agencies who can find money in budgets and have billing opportunities to have a more consistent service? But what do I know...I'm a professional who when I wake up tomorrow I will be focused on nothing more then my profession and as part of the solution raising awareness of coverage issues..will be labelled anti volunteer, and apparently now unknowing of the hardships of those volunteers trying to cover calls with limited manpower.... Oh wait..be part of the solution right? Here's a solution...stop worrying about control, pride or whatever else holds up progress and hire staffing.

Great job by HFD. He is going to be a happy person for Christmas. Be sure to get Santa over there if you guys do that.

May Christopher and his family have a very merry christmas filled with memories. If they need anything for the holliday let us know. All my prayers will be with him in January for his surgeries...Please keep us posted?

UPDATE: Christophers doctors have decided it best to move his surgery to the first week of january. This will allow him to be with his family for Christmas. Thanks everyone for your kind words and support!

With ya on that one Seth. That had to be quite an "oh crap" moment! Enjoy the west!!!!! I'll be here in Putnam where the worst I have to worrie about is my wife!

E-40-10
Make: KME
Year Built: 2009
Pump Size: 1250 GPM
Tank Size: 1000 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Attack Engine
T-40-20
Make: Freightliner/American LaFrance
Year Built: 2003
Pump Size: 1250 GPM
Tank Size: 2500 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Tanker/Secondary Attack
Specialized Equipment: 4 SCBA
3000 Gallon Fold-a-tank
3 - 10" Quick Dumps
E-40-30
Make: International/Tibotrac
Year Built: 1998
Pump Size: 1250 GPM
Tank Size: 750 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Supply/MVA/Brush Fire
Specialized Equipment: 2000' of 5" Hose
Brush Firefighting Equipment
500 GPM Portable Pump
R-40-50
Make: Ford/Amthor
Year Built: 1995
Pump Size: N/A
Tank Size: N/A
Primary Purpose: Light Rescue/Medical
Specialized Equipment: Extrication Equipment
4 Bottle Cascade System
5kw Generator and
640
Make: Ford/Medtec
Year Built: 2006
Pump Size: N/A
Tank Size: N/A
Primary Purpose: BLS Ambulance
Specialized Equipment: AED
2 Bottle Oxygen System
Retired E-40-10 (Currently in action at the Mohonk Mountain House Fire Brigaide)
Make: Spartan/Quality
Year Built: 1993
Pump Size: 1250 GPM
Tank Size: 1000 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Attack
Retired: 2009
Retired E-40-10 #2
Make: Sanford
Year Built: 1968
Pump Size: 750 GPM
Tank Size: 750 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Attack
Retired: 1993
Retired E-40-20 (Cuurently active in Grape Creek Fire Department, SC.)
Make: International/Quality
Year Built: 1988
Pump Size: 1250 GPM
Tank Size: 1000 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Supply
Retired: 2003
Retired M-40-30
Make: Chevrolet
Year Built: 1969
Pump Size: 250 GPM
Tank Size: 200 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Brush Fires
Retired: 1998
Retired E-40-40
Make: FMC
Year Built: 1979
Pump Size: 750 GPM
Tank Size: 750 Gallons
Primary Purpose: Supply
Retired: 1998

Really? What if my 16 month old daughter was in the garage and the snake got to her or my wife? As much as I love animals, including my dog which could have easily been killed, I love my family and dog more. This is a REALLY dangerous animal.
And further FYI, juvenille rattesnakes are the most agressive. They use their venom not matter what, where adult rattlesnakes conserve theirs more and may even "dry bite". This particular variety I spoke with a LEO who is a snake expert and he told me I did the right thing as this was an especially vicous breed. It's also important that the public know what these types of snakes look like. (You never know who up north is keeping them as pets)
If it wasn't on the sticky pad, IF I could capture it safely, I would put it back into the wild far away. But that was not an option. As mentioned, I love my family, and I don't want to possibly be severly injured or die handling this snake.