Alpinerunner

Date: 12/13/11
Time: 02:42
Location: 54 Dewitt Place
Frequency: 33.96
Units Operating: NRFD Engines 21,22,23,24,25 Ladders 11,12,13 2301 2302 2303 MSU 3 EMS: 30A2 NRPD Con-Ed electric & gas.
Mutual Aid Coverage: Pelham engine & Mt. Vernon truck at Station 1.
Greenville engine & Hartsdale truck at Station 3.

Weather Conditions: Cold, 36 Degrees
02:42 60 Control dispatching 3 Engines & 2 Trucks 2302 54 Dewitt Place smoke from a basement apartment. NRPD recieving multiple calls.
02:47 Engine 22 on-scene light smoke showing
02:49 2302 reports smoke from exposure #4 possible 10-75
02:50 2302 transmitting a 10-75
02:50 2302 reporting fire on the 2nd floor of a 2 story OMD
02:56 2302 Req 3rd truck to the scene. TL-11 advises they are responding.
02:57 2302 transmitting a 2nd alarm
03:00 60 Control recieving an emergency alert from E-22Charlie
03:01 2302 reports negative problem with E-22Charlie
03:02 2302 Req Con-Ed Gas
03:08 2301 requesting which mutual aid is repsonding into the city. 60 Control advising 2 Engines & 2 Trucks for Stand-by.
03:09 2301 requesting call back of off duty members as well as an I-PAGE.
03:16 2302 reports visible fire on the 1st floor is knocked down. Roof is opened up. Units are checking for extension.
03:30 2302 reporting fire is now under control.
03:35 30A1 responding 41 Lockwood Ave ems call injuries from a fall.
03:38 Pelham engine 5 responding with a mutual aid ambulance EMS call 266 Pelham Rd
03:50 Engine 25 in service.
03:58 Engine 25 responding 114 Taymil Rd for a CO call which was called in by the alarm company.
04:01 Engine 5 in service. Patient being transported to Sound Shore.
04:07 TL-11 in-service. Ladder 63 returning to Mt. Vernon
04:12 Engine 17 in service at Station 1

Yes, really. " I had him sitting there for several days thinking it was just a harmless variety of snake...." That is leaving an animal to suffer. It does not protect your family. I do not question that a rattlesnake does not belong in a house and one caught in a trap like that needs to be euthanized.
That said, it is a sentient being who was near death and terrified. You could have dispatched it with a shovel, ended its misery and made your family and your trash safer. To claim it was necessary to watch it suffer to protect your family is foolish.

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

I happen to be a Fire Commissioner, who as you can see from my profile, is a female, and NEVER been a MEMBER of the Fire Department, much less a Chief. Two of my fellow Commissioners were Chiefs, the other two were never even Officers, one of which was an FDNY Lieutenant. Needless to say, as you can see, it is a fairly good balance.
By the way, I am up for re-election on Tuesday, and I would WELCOME a challenge!!!

The topic of warning lights for volunteer firefighters has been discused many times on these forums. Here are some examples...
POV's
Very expensive Blue Light
N.Y. Passes New Emergency Light Law
Warning Lights on Con Ed Trucks
Mounting Lights
Wanton Disregard of the Law?
Flashing Blue Road Rage
Rear Facing Red lights
Blue Lights for all emergency service vehicles
BLUE LED's on MTA Busses
Would you still volunteer.......
Volunteer POV's In CT- Courtesy Lights?
NYS Blue Light Law
Fed up with bad drivers?
Trooper Hits, Arrests Firefighter En Route to Call
New NYS Law- "The Blue Light Bill"
Green Lights for VACs Personal Vehicles
Volunteers with Red Lights
Blue Light Laws for NJ?

The Only reason anyone noticed this time from any other time a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department member has passed away because it was covered by the press. Anytime a member passes away thats what the department does. Do I believe it detracts from a LODD funeral, No. In fact hopefully this is the closest thing ever that the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department experiences to a LODD funeral. I can tell you if that sad day does come the men and women of the department will show everyone the difference between this funeral and a LODD. And this does Not slight anybodies efforts at doing what they can for any member who passes away for any reason.
On a lighter Note Happy Thanksgiving to everyone

Joey was a "plank holder" in Squad Co. 61 (Bronx), when we were "transformed" by DC Ray Downey (RIP 9-11-01) from an engine co. to a squad co. in SOC. As a newly formed co. we were constantly drilling and preparing to "go-online" as a squad, and many members of the hand-picked company were the original engine members. Joey loved going to the "Rock" every day tour for the months of training- he was always "up" for any type of hands-on activity. Especially when it came to "ropes". He was one of my "rope fairies"- guys who loved to take out the high-angle and confined space gear and rig up scenarios to drill on. I remember one "24" tour where we had spent the whole day training at the "Rock";came back to quarters for the night tour and had chow;drilled again for an hour on "firefighter removal" from the cellar, and then the brothers sat in the kitchem while I did paperwork in the co. office. Around midnight I heard footsteps (not Santa's reindeer) on the roof, so I climbed the scuttle ladder to check it out. There on the roof was Joey and the rest of the crew, setting up to do a "pickoff" from the top floor bunkroom. I was beat, and looking forward to lying down on the couch- but what could I say? I became the "victim" in the window for them to "rescue". You had to admire Joe's burning desire to excel at all phases of firefighting and rescue.
When I got promoted up a rank, he made me a "cutdown" halligan as an officers tool, w/ my nickname welded on it- that was the type of guy Joe was! His Dad (Joe,Sr) is a retired and well-loved Deputy Chief from the South Bronx (Div 6) and my heart gors out to him and the family, and the brothers who knew Joey on FDNY and LI where Joey was also a volly in his hometown. Sorry for this rambling message, but I'm surely going to miss Joey and his quiet but infectious smile and personality. Joey, R.I.P.,brother!

Engine 320. 1996 Pierce Dash. 1000 gallons, 1500 gpm Waterous pump, portable extrication equipment. 1st due engine.

Engine 322. 1987/2007 refurb Pierce Lance. 1000 gallons, 1500 gpm Waterous pump. 2nd due engine.

Rescue 323. 2010 Pierce Arrow XT walk around. Ice/water rescue, Holmatro core technology extrication and vehicle stabilization equipment. Hydraulic mounted on the front bumper and officer side rear compartment. Full compliment of pneumatic tools including air bags and on board compressor. Also full compliment of truck company equipment.

Truck 323. 2005 Pierce Dash 95' midmount tower ladder. No pump, strictly truck company.

As I refelect back on what's happened in Novembers past, I always remember "Tommy Sal". It's been almost 12 years since his passing, on November 26th 1999, almost 12 years ago this Saturday. (Where has the time gone?)
Tommy was a street Paramedic Supervisor for Empress EMS. I worked with him during the early years of my EMS career, back when I was an EMT and EMT-I. Tommy was alway laid back, friendly, approachable, and a great teacher. We did some calls I remember to this day, including my first esophogial verices call at the old B. Dalton in Yonkers, and cardiac arrest with extensive GI bleed in Mount Vernon. I remeber his love for his Supervisor's Tahoe, no matter how much it gave him problems! He always had a great spirit despite the valiant battle with Lupus and the health problems it caused him.
I remember the last time I saw Tommy, it was on a ventilator at Sound Shore Medical Center's ICU where I visited as often as I could (often would sneak over a few times during my MV-A1 shifts or when I was off), and then at the funeral home across the street from city center.
Tommy died of complications from Lupus disease. His death was a tremendous loss for the Empress EMS family, his own family, fiance, and friends, not to mention the EMS community as a whole.
There's a whole new generation at Empress EMS now who probaly have a whole new set of supervisors. I come from when the old Empress was ending, and the "new" Empress was beginning to emerge. I remember "306 on the back", but there was nothing like hearing "301" on the air. (300 too, lol) I reflect on a lot of the EMS lessons he taught me, and to this day remember the wide variety of calls we did together.
Tommy's fellow supervisors have gone on to new succesful careers now or have ascended up the Empress chain, but were just as awesome as him. I didn't realize it at the time, but it really was an era. I think about it, especially with all my fellow alumni who are active members of this forum.
I remember the funeral, Rory Lynch and I were working Mount Vernon A-1. Although we were technically in service, we at least got to be at the church which was standing room only. I can still hear John R. from Yonkers PD ESU playing the bagpipes.
The Empress EMS Family has dealt with more then it's share of tragedies over the years, but this one hit us all at the time particularly hard. And now being 32 myself, realizing Tommy was only 33, it reminds me how young he really was. And it's still good to see that the family spirit and support network at Empress EMS still exists.
Remember 301. Support the Lupus Foundation and research:
http://www.lupusny.org/
Tommy isn't the only one Lupus has affected in our emergency services community, and he would want to find the cure.

The Department has turned a corner. It starting to look like the administration, both uniform and civilian are on the same page and the union is looking to move forward. The rank and file and the public should see a difference soon.
Most of the battles are over and everyone just wants to see morale improve, among other things.

Just a few shots of the newly remounted F350 Turbo Diesel SOD Utility Vehicle. Equipment carried by this unit includes, 1 full set of ALS gear. Immobilization for up to 4 pts. Emergency decon items, PPE / CPC for 10+ providers (levelB), as well as EMS/USAR PPE, and a bit more.

All of the photos posted here are of Empress EMS personnel and were taken during a training and evaluation day. The day began with classroom instruction and testing, followed by practical evolutions. Practical exercises took place without HM PPE and then in non-encapsulated, and finally in level B encap.
THANK YOU - To all of you that participated in, and helped to facilitate the days events.
.....and thanks to all of you that decided to click on the topic and take a look......

Fir Na Tine (MEN of Fire)
I was actually going to write a defense of your post; I thought for sure you were being sarcastic. It's quite obvious you were not, you are dead serious. I think your post summarizes the mindset of what has taken hold in many of the locals in the fire service; hoorah for me and mine, screw everybody else. Did you ever think; what if the roles were reversed and it was your job on the cutting block? Wouldn't you hope that another job would consider taking on an experienced firefighter, with all the required NYS training and certification in the world? The Brothers who might be losing their jobs in New Rochelle did nothing wrong to be losing those positions. I would hope if I were in that position, some chief somewhere would still understand that Brotherhood extends beyond the ridiculous boundaries which still separate the smaller jobs in south Westchester.
As far as padding your pension goes, how much extra would you expect to be making without all of your slots filled on your job? Whatever happened to this thing we call "The Brotherhood"? Where everybody sacrifices just a little for the greater good? I'm glad I'm retired now, if your mindset is prevalent on the job.
And you of all people who always rail against "lowering standards". What exactly do you think you are advocating for in this post? To me, you have stated just about the lowest standard a "Brother" could stoop too.
"Men of fire" Fir Na tine....not "Boys of Greed."

We had 168 in 2008, with attrition we are down to 151, take these 6 positions and 3 more attrition positions in 2012 we will be at 142.
In 1974 we had 198 and they were responding to about 900 runs per year. We are now running between 8,000 and 9,000 per year.
If this budget passes, we will be at our lowest manning since the 1930's and our highest call volume in our history.
Speaking of History........2011 is our 150th Anniversary.

Why because its the Chiefs daughter? If it was some regular nobody civie it would be no big deal posting who it was and how that person should be locked up and pay for this terrible tragedy.

Remember when you are dealing with close tolerances like this, that the height of an engine with a tank full of water is less than an empty tank. Tools and hose also weigh a significant amount and can affect ride height. I was driving the old Pierce Snorkl at work once and changed over back to E7 in quarters. It cleared the door fully loaded, but once it was empty of equipment, rubbed the door on the way out. Luckily, the ramp at E7 is flat, otherwise it could have been pretty bad. Also, be careful of ice and snow buildup on the ramp, any buildup will knock out any extra room for clearance you have.

Roads here have a serious crown to them. You start losing a load, just grab the oh $hit handle and cover your head with your other arm, pray coffee is not hot!

Congratulations!!! You've just won a brand new can of worms!!!!
As of Thursday the official word from NHFD is that they have no idea what they are doing for residency requirements yet. The only absolutely concrete thing is that they give 5 extra points to residents under the city's civil service policies.
There is DISCUSSION (I repeat, discussion, NONE of this is concrete yet) of a cap on applications, that seems likely but the details of it are where we start wading into the rumor pool. It has been discussed at Board of Aldermen meetings to require 50% of the applications to be New Haven residents. It has also been discussed by certain advocacy groups that start with an "F" and end with an "irebirds Assocation" that 100% of the applications be NH residents, as in do not allow anyone from outside to take the test.
Again, what actually is going to happen regarding residency requirements is completely unknown, and that's the official word from the Asst. Chief/Executive Officer at last week's orientation for the hiring process. Stay tuned, because this is going to get REAL interesting.

I hate these firehouse.com articles. They spend zero effort on digging up details or any sort of truth with these stories. The find an exciting headline from a local paper and run with it. Why was the fire company found negligent? If the reward is public, then the judges decision should be part of that record. What did they actually do to mitigate the situation?
So in a few minutes of Googling, it appears that the victim and his wife were home when the wires came down. After checking the scene the FD turned it over to the utility, NJP&L. Around that time the couple attempted to leave their driveway and came into contact with the live wire. Their argument was the the FD never notified them that a hazard was present on their property. This award is absolutely getting reduced if not reversed upon appeal. Look for a final settlement of no more than medical expenses plus lost wage. Pain and suffering without gross negligence or depraved indifference is a tough sell.

It doesn't hurt to take the test, but there is a fee andn time involved. Anything is possible but FYI we have never even come close to exhausting the resident list and reaching the non-resident list.

Chief,
What if a guy was really interested and moved into Yonkers asap?

It's Multiple Choice on a Scantron answer sheet!!! It could be corrected statewide in a week.
They used to blame the time delay on the protest procedure. That ability to protest went away and the time delay got longer.
You and I could correct Westchester's FF exams (only 800 or so) Manually...only working half days...only on weekends...and you're Jewish so weekends are only one day. And it would take us a lot less than Westchester's average time of about 5 months.

Don't get me wrong, I agree that pulling over a marked police car is an exception to the rule but given the way that car was being operated, I would probably have stopped it too. This is a unique case, it's not just a speeding car, and I understand why the trooper thought it may have been stolen. High speed, erratic operation, plates don't come back to PD, failed to comply... all indicators that something more is going on. Add to that the frequent "warnings" about fake emergency vehicles being used by criminal or terrorist organizations and I think there's ample cause for a high-risk car stop. Were there tactical issues with how she conducted it? Well, that's an entirely different conversation.

I've never understood when police fire or EMS departments attempt to hold the municipality hostage by not doing their sworn duty. There has to be a better way to persuade them or save money. Better to lay off one officer than not respond to call. In fact, it appears to me the Chief would be a good place to start.
Being a boss when severe budget cuts come down has to be one of the most challenging times in anyone's professional life. Having to make huge staffing cuts, brown out companies or reducing minimum staffing hurts everyone involved, the citizens, the firefighters and the officers all the way to the top. Another thing I don't understand is the Chief's that flat out quit. I can see taking a hard stand, but getting yourself fired or quitting only leaves an opening for the same difficult position. Then what happens, they push someone from the inside up and force his/her into the same corner or hire an outsider to come make the cuts with no true knowledge of the particular department.

Date: 10/31/11
Time: 2345
Location: Palisade Avenue between Walsh Road and Ashburton Avenue
Frequency: YPD
Units Operating: 4th Precinct Patrol, 3rd Precinct Patrol, Housing Patrol and Street Crime, Detectives, ESU, Duty Captain, Empress EMS and Westchester County Aviation
Weather Conditions: clear
Description Of Incident: Person shot. Housing units must have heard the shooting because they put it over the air and were immediately in a foot pursuit of the suspects. Units advising to check aqueduct for additional suspects. Two suspects apprehended and firearm recovered. Victim transported to Jacobi by Empress. Suspects positively ID'd by witness. Crime scene established on Palisade Avenue. Shell casings recovered.
Reporters: VelcroMedic1987
Writer: VelcroMedic1987