EMTbravo

I really don't have the energy to continue to address this complete and utter ignorance. Again, what would have been the constructive outcome of that post? What "important points" were made? Where were the FACTS for discussion? Please, enlighten me. Because I really don't think you actually read that thread, or are reading a different thread then I am. I can't delete the post that started the thread- that is the start and basis of the discussion!!!! I've seen that issue come up on this forum before, and it always turns into a rantfest/bashfest. I understand the issue, but it serves no purpose to continue to bash them on this forum, especially since many have general resentment of them, legitmate or not it really isn't relevant. How would you feel if I came on here and made a post and said I hate your agency, based on what may or may not be true, just because I didn't agree with the way you operated? This agency in particlar, I am familiar with but this board isn't going to be used as a place to just trash them. If there's a constructive point to be made based on fact, discussion with other members from that agency, or disscussion based on a media report, then that's fine, but you can't expect to come on here and specifically express your hate for an agency and for it to be tolerated- again, we are consistent with the rules. And I can take constructive criticism- when it comes from someone who actually is basing their criticism on FACTS and knows what they are talking about.

You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you even read that thread???? Did you read why I closed it?? Please, since you're such an (self-proclaimed) expert in the field of running a constructive forum, please enlighten me as to how "I HATE HATZOLAH", a thread that was obviously created to express just that, is constructive, and compliant with the forum rules that state that creating a thread with the intent of "bashing" a specific agency is not tolerated? It seems to me you are upset that I closed the thread, because, clearly, you wanted to bash that agency and didn't have the oppurtunity. Too bad. How about you create your own forum, and you can allow your members to rant and bash people and agencies. I'll keep up my work here to maintain this forum, as best I can, as a positive, constructive, and respectful place for those who make good and proper use of it and appreciate it.. As for the malcontents, those who want to stir the pot, and those who want to use this as their personal rant site.....and it's always the same group of select members.......get your own site or blog. It's not my fault you are ignorant to the CLEAR and consistent rules and policy of this forum. DO NOT blame me for members disregard for the rules!!!! And, as is apparent by your last sentence in your post, you're more interested in creating trouble and bashing this site then actually being a contributing member. Don't taunt me or make completly ignorant and false accusastions. This reply makes that remark look really, really valid. (PS: If you're going to bash this site via a public thread, I WILL respond in that public thread)

Members- Please be advised that dormant topics automatically lock after 30 days of inactivity, therefore archiving them. This is done so we don't have 3 year old threads uneccasrily being brought back up that could currently be irrelevant or cause confusion, etc. -EMTBravo

This thread's closed. I don't see a productive or constructive purpose to this thread. Once again, this forum is not to be used as a personal rant site, nor is it to be used to specifically bash an agency or person. Those have been the rules of the forum, and they were ignored, so don't blame me for locking this as it's not my fault. I'm displaying this message so that my intent is transparent, and I'm not accused of locking threads for no reason.

I'm proud to announce our first ever "Thread Of The Month" and the start of our "Thread Of The Month" program. July 2007 Thread Of The Month Goes To: Topic/Thread: Norwalk/Westport: Truck Fire w/ Deckgun Use 7-26-07 Section: Incident Workshop Link: http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=19532 Topic #: 19532 Verified Members Involved: jcoppola, Bill Dingee, antiquefirelt, dmccabe, lad12derff, e92l44, RWC130, LCFD968, mike172ny, Remember585, Jonesy368, BFD196, JetPhoto, bob803, LED138, Tanker 10eng, DOC22, CPAGE, Photounit, x635, mlcougar2001, Josh Rutoola, alsfirefighter Reason: This thread shows how we can all work together, and use this forum to learn from one another in a respectful and constructive fashion. Members from the agencies involved came on and openly shared their experience and told us about the incident, and many members learned from it. This thread exemplifies what this forum is all about. Please join me in congratulating all of the members above on making the thread our first "Thread Of The Month"!!!

What I don't think people understand is when they think of this site, they associate it with me. That's why I take things so personally. I have no agenda, only the responsibilty to keep this forum as respectful, intelligent, and constructive as I possibly can. Sure, I curse all the time, especially when I have to do work on this site, lol. But when I'm reading, I don't like to see it or I, as do other members, percieve it as hostility. I'm looking to get rid of tensions, not breed them and I don't think vulgar language helps that....I think it only escelates situations. I appreciate members input, I really do, but I'm not randomly putting these rules into place....they are developed for a reason.

This thread's about vulgar language. I'm sick having to address the completly false, uniformed accusation you make for the 1,000th time. Posting on here's a privledge, there are rules in place for a purpose- you can't just come on here, and use this forum with no regard for the rules that you agreed to follow when you registered, and then be suprised when your post is deleted. What are we supposed to do, have rules we don't enforce? Let this forum be a free-for-all??? It says you're in Law Enforcement- would you accept the excuse "Everybody does it" for speeding? Or allow people to commit criminal acts in front of your face, and take no action? You probaly use your discretion, although some people may not always agree with it, so why is it different here? This is a place for intelligent, respectful discussion where interaction is not face-to-face. This isn't a parade or picnic, so the comparison is moot. Therefore, cursing and using vulgar language adds uneccesary tension, and detracts from the post and thread. ONCE AGAIN, I could care less the way you speak to others in public, all I'm asking is that we refrain from the vulgar language on this forum. It shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Obviosuly, I do, for the reasons I mentioned above. No offense, but you guys (WolfEMT, ONEEYEDMIC) always have something negative to say about this forum, no matter what I do. If I said everyone's allowed to curse, then I'm sure that you'd find something to criticize about that. For me, it's like the story of the little boy who cried wolf. And, I don't appreciate the taunts. If you feel it's getting ridiculous, I could care less. I'll always do what I feel is best for the majority of the membership of this site. That's who I'm here for, those who actually appreciate this site. And those are the people I listen to.

So, cursing and using vulgar language would help that mission how?

Let me make something clear here. The profanity rule applies to THIS thread too. Anyone who wants to push it, consider youselves warned.

If you need to use extreme profanity to express yourselves, and can't talk respectfully to other members, then you need to find another forum. If you can't express yourselves without using profanity, then you have other issues to deal with. There's no need for it, and the use of it on a forum only adds to hostility and tension in this kind of enviroment. I used to tolerate it somewhat, but certain members chose to lace their posts with an extreme amount of profanity and vulgar language, especially directed at other members and also used symbols to intentionally break the profantiy rule of this forum. It was getting out of control, so the members who chose to abuse and push it caused this policy to go into effect.

Members- I've grown quite tired of myself and the moderators having to be the "referees" on this forum. I'm tired of always hearing complaints no matter what I do. I'm tired of seeing the same old topics come up over and over and over again, yet a resolution is never reached. So, we're instituting some policy and mission changes. There are issues that need to be addressed and talked about, and although there are some that discount this forum as insignificant, I have personally seen the effect that this forum has, mostly positive. We can use this board to bring to light the issues that have long been swept under the rug, and rally for change. Although we might not like what someone else has to say, we've got to stop crying about it and have accepting and open minds. It seems that if a member doesn't like what another member has to say, then that member immediately labels it as bashing. We all have our own opinions and views, and although we might not like another members, we have to accept it. The best way to respond is in a constructive, positive manner instead of a defensive one. It seems topics on this board run in circles- the same problems keep getting discussed- yet a resolution is never reached. We can- and will- use this forum to change that. To those who read this forum, complain about it, and never post- don't complain. You're part of the problem. Don't whine that "this person doesn't know what they're talking about" if you're not going to jump in to straighten it out. If we're going to talk about an incident, there are many people on here in the know who see incidents being discussed, yet are too selfish or egotistical to discuss the lessons they learned from it. People just want to say and hear "Good Job!", but they never want to explain WHY it was a "good job". Why is that? From this point forward, all moderation will be limited and consistent. We'll let topics go their course, and heated discussions ensue. However, we will not tolerate any member who's intent it is to cause trouble or "stir the pot". We won't tolerate any member personally attacking another member, specifically attacking a person or department on an unfounded basis, or immature behavior. We won't tolerate profane language, harassment, or the distribution of rumors. We won't tolerate extremely poor spelling and grammar. We want members, despite their differences, to realize that we all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and although we may not see eye-to-eye, we can treat one another with respect. In the next week, we'll be making several changes to the board to be able to take it in the direction of being able to bring problems to the table and into light, discuss them, and discuss a resolution. We'll also be instituting new initiatives to be able to take the discussions and use them to bring change. I just want to ask members to give us a chance here, we're trying for a fresh start and new mission. But, if you don't have an open mind or can't be respectful of other members, then don't bother being here. Welcome to the new EMTBravo Network. Change Starts Here -EMTBravo

I just looked into it-I, too am upset that it was locked and action will be taken, but I'm not sure why the thread was locked right now, and I am investigating the issue- it should not have been locked and I have unlocked it. I apologize for the error, which was brought to my attention by this thread, and I appreciate the member letting me know. Also, regardless, if a thread is locked an explanation should be given- considering the magnitude of this incident, there is no explanation reasonable.

I'm not sure I understand??? It's still there, at least as far as I can see. http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=19966

I know many of you are annoyed with the current state of the forum, as usual, but there are major changes coming and I wll announce them later this weekend. Sit tight. In the meantime, please list what you DON"T LIKE about this forum. Please include a suggested resolution. POST ON THIS THREAD-NO EMAILS OR PM'S WILL BE RESPONDED TO If you complain and don't have a suggested resolution, then don't bother posting.

Thanks for your input- this topic is now closed. Please read this message for further information and discussion: http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=19970

Members- We're proud to announce our first "Law Enforcment Vehicle Awards". There will be three categories open to active, front line patrol vehicles ONLY! Best Graphic Design/Striping Awarded to the Department who's lettering is the most visually appealling and professional. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Best Lighting/Safety Package Awarded to the department who's lighting and safety package in the cruiser enhances officer safety and visibilty 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Most Unique Awarded to the most unique ACTIVE front line patrol vehicle (ESU is included). 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Entries will be judged from select imparital EMTBravo members who are involved in Law Enforcment, Fleet Maintanence or outfitting, and coordinated by EMTBravo based on a set of specific criteria. The top 5 from each category will then be voted on by the general membership. View the entries here (as they are submitted): http://www.emtbravo.com/PoliceCarAwards07 How To Enter: Anyone can enter a vehicle provided they have the following. Send a GOOD, high quality photo of the vehicle in good lighting conditions, with a minimum size of 900x600 Please include the following: The photo, of course as an ATTACHMENT Your username The department and community it serves/precinct The Vehicle Specs: Year, Make, Model, Color Who Outfitted The Vehicle With Radios, Lights, Striping, Etc. Why you think this vehicle should win Other unique features of the vehicle Please send, via EMAIL, to EMTBravo@EMTBravo.com The department that wins any place in each category will recieve the honor and be featured on EMTBravo.com, as well as a certificate. The 1st place winner (department) will recieve a $5 gift card to Dunkin Donuts (for cofee!!) for the officer working the 8-4 (or closest equivelant) on 9/11/2007. Vehicle outfitter will also recieve a certificate and honorable mention. DEADLINE TO ENTER IS SEPTEMBER 15th, 2007. Winners will be announced on (TBD)

The Donation period is now officially CLOSED. I met with Jim yesterday to buy the ticket on behalf of the members who donated their points to this cause. The very generous members contributing points, allowing us to reach our maximum donation goal of $100 (please note the conversion rate above wasn't applied) and allowing us to therefore buy a ticket with the hopes of winning and increasing our donation, are the following: Member Points Ex-2114 89 LTNRFD 153 waful 7 DOC22 2,050 HFD750 400 wcr20 110 Oswegowind 350 Goose 350 ja3kfd 336 seanc 99 RescueKujo 1,275 ENG47INE 288 KFD236 178 truckie419 271 nickcabral 364 Monty 444 SageVigiles 350 For a grand total of 7,114 points & 17 contributing members. I hope I'm not forgetting anyone, and apologize if I am! Let me know so I can add you to the above list. Our ticket number (I asked for a random number) is No. 190. Hopefully we can win the grand prize so we can donate it right back to the J.I.M.M.Y. foundation. Special thanks to our sponsor, Buddylights,who made this financially possible. http://www,buddylight.com Also, funds from the EMTBravo Group Operating & x635 were also used. Tickets are still avaialble!! Call him at 914-403-1871 to get yours ASAP! Drawing is tommorow (Saturday 8/18) at 7PM. Don't forget to post to earn your points for our next drive!!!

I've just spoken with Jim, and we'll be purchasing a raffle ticket. Thanks to all members who donated points that allowed us to reach our maximum goal.

The donation period has now ended. We have accumulated enough points from members to meet our maximum donation of $100 (We're financially limited with this program, or else we'd donate more) We will be either: A: Donating $100 to the J.I.M.M.Y. Fund -OR- B: Purchasing a $100 J.I.M.M.Y. Fund Big Bucks Raffle Ticket. If we win, proceeds would automatically go back to the J.I.M.M.Y. fund. I'm waiting to hear back from ja3KFD with his preference......

Members- I'm considering condensing the number of forum sections to make it easier, quicker, and more streamlined to read and post, while at the same time having specific enough forums to keep everything organized. The reason why we have very specific forums is to cultivate more discussion, but at the same time we feel that a more concise forum would be easier to browse and for members to know where to post their topics. On the chopping block (based on a number of different factors): Fire & EMS Tools And Equipment -> Section would be deleted, equipment would be discussed in applicable forum (Fire, EMS, Police, etc) In Quarters -> Section would be deleted, would be discussed in applicable forum (Fire, EMS, Police, etc) Cars,Trucks,Planes,Boats,Trains, EMTBravo Book Club & Diecast Collectibles -> Sections would be merged with The Lounge Training, Health, And Safety -> Section would be deleted, training health and safety would be discussed in applicable forum (Fire, EMS, Police, etc) New & Upcoming Delivery Discussion- Would be merged with Apparatus forum. Your thoughts??? Please add to this thread.

Members- Since our Communications professionals stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Firefighters, Police Officers, and EMS personel, and are as much a part, if not more, of the response and incident as those on the scene, we have moved the Commuications forum section into the "Emergency Services Sectors" category. It is now right below the Law Enforcment forum. When originally created, the Communications forum was more for the scanner enthusiast or those interested in radio communications. This move is part of hopefully redirecting the forum as more of a discussion section for issues and sharing of information regarding Dispatching, Communications Professionals, etc. However, it will still be open to all topics regarding Emergency Services Communications and monitoring as well.

I'm currently evaluating the points program and plan to make some changes. The current point scheme was done quickly and for experimental purposes. Now that I can see how it's working, I can make some adjustments.

I feel it's confusing for the membership. It's too broad a category for the current forum, and and one I feel is and can be covered by the sector-specific forums that are broad enough to include Training and Safety for every line.

My issue with Training And Safety is that it can be redundant to the other forums. In its place, I would create a "Training Oppurtunities" section, where people could post various training oppurtunities.