Alpinerunner

I recently attended the Putnam Northern Westchester Fire Police Association (http://www.pnwfpa.org/) annual Seminar on traffic control/ duties of the fire police. One speaker was New York State Police Tec./Sgt. Ira Promisel, who gave a lecture on "Quick Clearance". This program is in use up the I-95 corridor and in other parts of the country. NYSP is beginning to train its troopers in this program. Sgt Promisel spoke about the need to get traffic moving where possible, and the consequences of blocking traffic unnecessarily. Economic impact, traffic congestion, pollution, and even additional accidents as other drivers particularly on the opposite side of the road rubberneck the original incident. He spoke of "lane plus one" where you take the lane of the incident, and the next adjoining lane as a safe area to work, leaving any additional lanes open to move traffic out of the area. He even touched on scene lighting, recommending turning off forward facing emergency lights, as it just slow opposing traffic (which on a divided highway is not a good thing), and having only the rear most vehicle with its emergency lighting on. No need for two engines, a rescue, and god knows how many police cars with all the light bars on.It doesn't make you safer, but a bigger distraction to other driver who want to see what is going on., leading to bigger traffic jams, and more potential for additional accidents. Position the ambulance(s) in front of the accident scene, with tow vehicles in front of that, so that ambulances may depart the scene quickly utilizing the lanes that are already closed eliminating the need to pull out into traffic. This also allows tow vehicles to back into the scene to begin clearance. Here is a link to the Quick Clearance program, http://www.i95coalit...88/Default.aspx Take a look at the video titled "Seattle Wave" to see how one incident effects traffic flow, and the safety of responders working on the scene.

"batt. 12" -- Perhaps you could provide us with some of your empirical data that weighs the cost/benefit analysis of using SUV's in place of Engines/Trucks, accounting for fuel, wear/tear, insurance/liability, etc, etc...
You do have that, right? I know you wouldn't be making such declaratory statements unless you had supporting documentation after carefully evaluating all available evidence, right?
I eagerly look forward to specific links that you provide us so we can all become as educated as you are and make such broad statements.

Sounds good to me. They are helping the community and learning skills that will help them get a job on the outside, and not wasting away shanking eachother.

I dont know the specifics for this fire so I am clearly not speaking for these guys, but in my experience up here by me, driving into farms, fields, or logging roads is sometimes the ONLY way to get to the fire. I have driven in a fire engine into field and forest many times to extinguish brush fires that could easily have turned worse without water. We dont have choppers (aerial tankers?) so we have to drive it or walk it in.
SOme of our departments have 4wd engines, and some dont. We have brush trucks, but they only carry 250-300 gallons of water. If we can get the 1000 gallon engine close enough to use it as a fill station for the brush units than we do it, its an effective tactic, otherwise we have to drive the brush units long distance to a pond, creek, or other water source to refill. Having the engine, or even a tanker with a pump, close to the scene helps out in the long run.
Besides...every brush fire has the capability to turn into a major fire, threatening homes, businesses and lives, so the earlier you jump on it the better. Just saying that could be the reason they drove the rig into the field.
Hope that helps. Stay safe.

Just a visual of what fire can do to steel beams, attached is a picture taken by a Poughkeepsie DC at a vacant warehouse fire.
Imagine if these beams were supporting an OMD.

After giving it some thought, I probably reacted to the letter to the editor from Mr. Maonis rather knee-jerkedly. I have worked on negotiations committees and assisted in negotiating 2 contracts for my Local so I take any attack on the benefits we have very harshly. Like you said, the benefits we enjoy today were obtained by members who served many generations ago. We are in the fight of our lives to keep the benefits we have and we don't need some jackass telling the public that we are assaulting the system and getting carte blanche benefits. It sickens me.
I have no ill feelings against volunteers. Just some of the systems they may have in place to promote their own. Mr. Maonis' attack on our benefits is out of line. I know that they are all involved in a quarrel in Stamford and its none of my business, but this garbage spewing big mouth needs to knock it off and go back to his job and let us do ours.
And...for the record, I do hope that he sees my comments here.

Ossining FD (NY)
Tower Ladder 42
Washington Hook & Ladder Co. 2
2011 E-ONE

Ossining Fire Police
Rescue 14
1995 E-ONE

Engine 97
1990 E-ONE
Cataract Hose Co. 2

Engine 98
1996 E-ONE
Steamer Co. 1

I would just like to reconize the outgoing Chief of the Yorktown Heights Fire Department, Martin Mcgannon, for his many years of service as Chief to the department. During his tenure, he made numerous accomplishments and improvements to the Yorktown Heights FD, including switching back to the color red, spec'ing and purchasing a new Ladder, Rescue, FAST Engine, and first due Engine, building the dive team from one trailer into a full water rescue team, giving strong support to the Explorer post, and many other accomplishments too numerous to list.
I've known Martin both personally and professionally for over 10 years, and he is one of the nicest and most genuine people I know. I hope that he enjoys his "retirement" as Chief.
Congrats to all the new officers, and I hope all will lead by the example set by Chief Mcgannon.

Try lowering the air pressure in the tires.

Could you imagine what was going through the minds of the firemen whose station this boy was brought to?
The very same firemen who have been FIGHTING to keep their jobs and their firehouses open.
The VERY same men who already worked severely understaffed.
Now they get thrown into a situation as tragic as this.
Understaffed, underappreciated, and under constant attack by the general public and politicians, yet 100 percent professional. Job well done NFD. Know that you ARE appreciated by some, and so many of us have your backs.
Pay attention Brothers....as recent events have proven, it's no longer where; it's truly when.

Parades are a waste of time and money! Unless of course you are in the bar business! Lol

I believe that Seagrave submitted a bid that contained many exceptions and, while cheaper, it didn't meet spec and was passed over.
A rig is a rig is a rig....the engine and trans. are the same that Seagrave would have installed. I'm sure that the spec contains some very specific components and, would there-for be the same, not matter who builds it. It's all in the spec.
Could they turn out to be junk? Sure could! That said, I don't know what's so special about the Seagrave either. It's very loud in the back, it rides as though the air in the tires is the only suspension and it's out of service PLENTY. Never mind that it's not even 10 years old and there is rust you could put your finger through.
I have nothing to do with the spec or ordering, but I must say, from the sidelines Ferrara is pretty impressive and eager to show-off. The web-site and photos are encouraging. Looks like someone is taking some pride in their product.

My Department has 4 engines, a truck & a rescue. We usually only send 1 piece and our antique to a parade along with a van. We have about 150 members and average 35-40 at a parade. There is an EMS crew in quarters till most return, usually 1 hour after the parade. In addition to the members who don't march usually there is a dual dispatch with our neighboring department or a standby engine from another department in the firehouse.
Why do we have to discuss this every spring? BTW we have better coverage during a parade (5pm-8pm average) then we do during normal workday hours (8am-4pm)

(PRESS RELEASE) Scroll down for photos
Texas Forest Service Website: http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/default.aspx
Georgetown, TX (in Central TX, just outside of Austin in Williamson County) and down the road from me:
2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty 4x4/Siddons Skeeter
http://www.facebook.com/skeeterbrushtruck

Some drivers are accidents waiting to happen at 55. I've driven many many hours in Germany, cruising at a legal 110-120 - and watching out for Porsches coming up behind at 150-160! And, I might add, been and felt a lot safer than I've felt on pretty much any American road at any speed.
As always, rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.
Mike

85 MPH, Thats the right lane of I-684 !

Date: 4-7-2011
Time: 02:15
Location: 6758 S. Emerald Avenue
Departments: Chicago FD
Description: Working fire in a 2-story dwelling. Fire started from a 4-year old playing with a lighter. 3 of the 10 children in the apartment died. The children were 3, 4, and 9 years old.
Links: NBC Chicago
Writer: PFDRes47cue

We've been having some beautiful weather here lately, with crystal clear skies and temps in the 60's-70's. So, going to and from, I've gotten some photos inbetween. I know some of you are probaly sick of me posting Texas stuff. I also may have posted some of these in other threads, but all these photos are brand new.
First up is Temple, TX Quint 6, which comes out of the northwest portion of the city. It is a Spartan FF/Quality/RK 75'. It serves a large heavy industrial area. This is a Paramedic Quint, and does ALS first response.
All photos by me.

Temple FD just opened a brand new Central Station, which houses Engine 1, Truck 1, Booster 1, Hazmat 1, and Command 1. It does have poles.

Which is a HUGE improvement over their previous station, which closed last month when they moved:

Engine 1, a 2008 Spartan/Crimson responds from Station 1, and is a very busy engine, serving a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. As with all Temple Engine companies, this one is a Paramedic Engine.

A nice message on all their vehicles (taxpayers vote to approve these purchases):

And something to help with repacking the hose:

EMS in the city is provided by Scott And White EMS, which is run by a company in Michigan under some deal with the hospital. They just took delivery of this 2011 Chevrolet/Wheeled Coach Crusader:

Their supervisor responds in this:

The volunteer portion of the Taylor Fire Department runs this unit as Brush 333:

The career portion of Taylor FD has a new Central station, which also houses a Williamson County Medic Unit and EMS Hazmat unit.

Back to Taylor Volunteer Fire Department, they run this as Rescue 336:

Temple Truck 1 enjoys some breathing room at it's spacious new home. It's a Spartan/Quality/RK Aerial:

And, as posted in another thread, an ambu-hearse:

The City Of Round Rock, TX just took delivery of this 2011 Pierce Impel for Engine 5, which covers the western portion of the city.

Georgetown, TX runs this Ford Excursion as Battalion 1:

Round Rock FD just took delivery of this 2011 Ford F-550/AG Meir for Rescue 3:

Engine 2 had fun training on this school bus, donated by Round Rock schools. The bus was initially "t-boned" intentionally by a front end loader, and placed on it's side to simulate real damage:

The City Of Cedar Park just took delivery of this 2011 Spartan Gladiator/Smeal:

Austin FD runs this Ford F-250 as a Search and Rescue unit:

And this F-350 as Battalion 2:

While EMS supervisors use these police package Tahoes:

Round Rock uses this behemoth as part of their SWAT team:

Aus-Tex Towing operates this 2010 Peterbilt/Century 9055:

Austin FD Engine 2 and Battalion 1 cover the northern part of downtown as well as the UT campus from these quarters:

What kinds of training props are in your department? Forcible entry, pitched and flat roof cutting, mask confidence, through the lock, and wall breach are some of the first props that come to mind.
Whether homemade or manufactured, training props are a great way to keep your members sharp in skills that aren't performed in the field every day. Manufactured items seem to be hit or miss. You need to do your research on a product before spending potentially thousands of dollars on it. Homemade props are a great way for fire fighters to be involved from the beginning. They are also pretty inexpensive to put together most of the time and can last a while. Also having these props in and around your firehouse makes the training frequently available and easy to schedule and execute.
My department purchased the Multi-Force door from Firehouse Innovations Corp last summer and have had been very pleased with it. We also made our own pitched roof simulator about four years ago. It was a first generation for us and the next roof should be made this spring/summer.
Thoughts?
JBJ

Engine 88 is a ‎2010 Sutphen Custom Monarch Pumper

Hey Tim,
Ask Tex if he has a better picture of Old E-2, 1949 ALF. Some one out west just bought it and wants to restore it.

1964 Maxim engine along with White Plains patrol car # 10 -Photographer unknown

Factory photo 1964 Maxim first closed cab in the WPFD. 500 gallon tank , 1000 GPM Hale pump. Photographer , Maxim Fire Apparatus

Maxim WPFD Engine 1 on the ramp at station 1 , Old Mamaroneck Road in the late 1970's.

WPFD Engine 5 pumping at the Croton Point Park. This rig was refurbished then turned over to volunteers for parades and muster duty. Photographer Fire Apparatus Journal

Just thought I would share some of my photos from the 1st quarter of 2011.


















and two from my Tampa trip,


Comments and/or a rep are always greatly appreciated. Please do not take any of my photos without permission.

Dispatch the special operations trailer, pictured here:

Here's WTNH's article with a picture of the truck: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/litchfield_cty/kent-fire-department-loses-truck-in-blaze
By what is being told, the truck was driven up to this point and the fire had been moving in the opposite direction. The operator began experiencing some mechanical problems with getting the pump into gear and the wind then shifted pushing the fire towards the truck. They tried to get the truck going but the problems persisted so they had to abandon it. The good thing was no one got hurt.
Me personally, I rather loose a truck than loose a member.