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Yesterday was "Doctor Day," my visit to the doctor's office. It's about a 40 minute drive toward Key West from where we're at in the Keys. There's a great fishermen's cooperative out that way, so after the doc's we headed over for their famous "Lobster Ruben." The location couldn't be more scenic; right on the Bay-side, with outdoor seating in the shade.
I wasn't initially surprised to see two servicemen in combat fatigues. What I was surprised to see was the "101st Airborne" patches on their sleeves. As we sat down, I nodded to them and they gestured back in a friendly manner naturally. Soldiers are like that.
After lunch, I couldn't help myself, so I walked over and said "excuse me gentlemen, I'd just like to say thank you for your service to our country." We exchanged handshakes, and I told them I was a retired fireman. They were curious to know, so I told them where I had worked. They were so genuinely grateful for a simple gesture of thanks, I could just tell as we had a simple chat.
I was curious myself. I know most questions shouldn't be asked regarding operations, etc, but I gingerly said "101st Airborne. You guys are a long way from home." One responded (I was able to see his Lt. bar in the middle of his blouse, the other's I couldn't make out) that they had flown down from Atlanta for the day on a training mission, and they were so happy to be at such a beautiful place for lunch.
I felt inside such a feeling of happiness for them. I could imagine what these two soldiers of the United States Army had seen in the past ten years, and just the fact that they were able to be there, in that spot, having a great lunch......well most of us here on Bravo have not forgotten what our service members continue to sacrifice for the good of this nation, so you know what I mean.
So here's a salute to the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles." God Bless them, and all of our other service members, out there STILL fighting the fight, dying for us, protecting us from the evils that exist in the world today. If you see a service member, don't forget to say thanks.
NEVER FORGET!
For information on the storied history of one of our country's most famous Army Divisions, check out wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/101st_Airborne_Division

May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to all in Port Chester FD, sorry for your loss.

I never met him, but it sounds like he was a great guy. The world could use more guys like him. RIP.

Andy was a nice guy and a great mentor to me and many others back in the late 70's. RIP Andy.

Today Fire Patrol & Rescue Co.1 [Rescue 40 PCFD] took a hard hit with passing of brother Andrew Fox, 57 years old. We joined together in 1972 as volunteers. He fought hard to get the Hurst Tool as we were a new Rescue at that time. He was a pro at getting victims out of cars and because we had the first tool in tha area many Fire Companys came to the Rescue to see how it worked. He was a Firefighter's Firefighter and a great friend and will be missed by all in the Port Chester Fire Dept. R.I.P. Andy

CC your passion for the love of Brotherhood/Sisterhood is truly inspiring. It's not too many news stories that will get me choked up, as this one did. The content I removed from my post was because it needed somebody like you to make this point the way you did. Stay safe Bro.

I am incredibly angry at the facts of this savage attack against PC Rathband and I am overwhelmingly saddened at the facts surrounding PC Rathbands tragic death. We have seen so many police suicides recently and they are ALL preventable. As PC Rathband's brother Darren tweeted to him in the days before his suicide, " Asking 4 help doesn't make you less of a man."
Please brothers and sisters, reach out, ask for help, you don't have to suffer alone.....
It's so important that the rest of us pay attention to any signs that our coworkers may be sending out.
God Bless you PC Rathband, you are gone but never forgotten

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2107888/The-day-exhausted-firefighters-battled-New-York-subway-blaze-1915.html

I just thought I would chime in re: Bnechis.
While we may not always agree, I always value an alternate opinion, especially one based on a wealth of education and experience. I often will check out a topic because I see he has posted on it.
The fire service, both locally and nationally is riddled with important issues affecting our delivery of services, not the least of which is manpower. Maybe someday the information and ideas exchanged and debated on this site will provide some practical solutions that get implemented for the benefit of the fire service and therefore the benefit of the citizens we serve.

Date: 2/27/2012
Time: ~1830hrs
Location: Newark Liberty International Airport (Runway 22L)
Frequency: Air Traffic Control, Port Authority Trunked, Newark UHF
Units Operating: Newark ARFF, Port Authority Police, Airport Operations, Newark FD, Newark PD, UMDNJ EMS, FAA, NTSB
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 52 Degrees
Description Of Incident: A United Express aircraft, operated by Shuttle America, from Atlanta to Newark reported landing gear problems upon approach. The aircraft, an Embraer E-170, was caring 68 passengers and 4 crew members. The pilot declared an emergency. Newark ARFF laid foam on the runway prior to landing. Upon aircraft touchdown, the front nose gear collapsed. The plane skid down the runway to a hard stop. Passengers exited the aircraft via the emergency slides and were transported to the terminal by bus. The airport was closed for a short time. However, runway 22 left will remain closed until the morning. All flights are running with delays. Newark FD and EMS responded as mutual aid.
Reporters:
Writer: firedude
Flight Details:
Shuttle America Flight 5125
Atlanta to Newark
Embraer E-170
72 people on board
WNBC Article
WABC Article
NYCAviation Article

I am currently searching for the location of our 1957 Seagrave, designated Quad 8. The department sold it the late 90's, and all people can tell me is it was sold to a fire apparatus museum in south New Jersey. I thought I might turn to my Protection from the Past crew for any ideas on how to track her down.
Thank You
JBJ

As it turned out, Quad 8 found us before we could find her. A few of our members made the trip to South Harrison Township, New Jersey after the heir to the estate of a private collector offered to return each piece to their original owners before going to auction. We were happy to bring her home and we're looking forward to sharing her with the public soon. Look for more information on Quad 8's return at www.purchasefd.com soon.

We idolized and memorialized Whitney Houston, yet looked the other way concerning her well known substance abuse and tumultuous life with singer Bobby Brown.
Charlie Sheen is 45 and his story is all over the news because he is a
substance abuser, an adulterer, sexually promiscuous and obnoxious.
Lindsay Lohan is 24 and her story is all over the news because she is a
celebrity drug addict and thief.
Something as frivolous as Kim Kardashian's stupid wedding [and
short-lived marriage] was shoved down our throats, While........
Justin Allen 23
Brett Linley 29
Matthew Weikert 29
Justus Bartett 27
Dave Santos 21
Jesse Reed 26
Matthew Johnson 21
Zachary Fisher 24
Brandon King 23
Christopher Goeke 23
and Sheldon Tate 27...
Are all Marines who gave their lives last month for you. There is no
media for them; not even a mention of their names.
Young Men who most likely came from rural America seeking a chance
to better themselves and to serve this county.
Rest In Peace, and THANK YOU,TROOPS.
This was an email i got and wanted to share it

just because you can sue, doesn't mean you should.

Another "PHONY STORY". About a month and a half after 9/11 in Norwich, Ct there was a parade. At least two groups of firefighters marched down Broadway there carrying banners that said; "WE JUST RETURNED FROM NEW YORK CITY". These guys were members of some of the local volunteer depts in the area(about 100 miles from NYC). I have several witnesses to my account. And we knew it wasn't true because all the depts in the area were advised NOT to go into NYC. They were told remain here in service in case the need would be to relocate to other closer Ct cities.
And as far as this Phony FDNY Firefighter who claimed to be from Ladder 133. I have been a FDNY buff for many, many years. Over those years, I have talked to probadly hundreds of FDNY members from "Probis" to "Chiefs". I have NEVER, EVER known them to Brag about themselves or look for "a pat on the back". It seems to be just one of the qualities they have. Maybe they've been taught that, I don't know. I think if I had ever heard this "Circus Clown" talk, that would have signaled a "Red Flag" for me.
That day the world lost so much, including some of the most experienced and bravest firefighters out there. We have lost others because of the effect of that World Trade Center dust. And as you read this, others are paying a very steep price with cancer, sinus, and resporatory problems.
And then I think about these PHONY WANNABE'S. The members of the FDNY went through enough and are still going through many serious issues. They certainly don't need any jerks like these to deal with.

I am vacationing in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina ( approximately 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach) and a different engine is outside of this firehouse is Garden City daily. I could not find what engine number this is, but it seems in good shape for the age it is. I believe it is still in service, although engine and ladders were responding right past it from the other bay doors every so often.
This is the only photo I have of it, but I plan on photographing other stations apparatus throughout the week.

Close to Little River...I beleive the spot we access the beach is in Mureils Inlet....been a few years since we have been down..maybe this year.

Close to Little River...I beleive the spot we access the beach is in Mureils Inlet....been a few years since we have been down..maybe this year.

It's not a complete trip to Arthur Ave without checking out the rigs or passing E88-L38 (Belmont btwn 182-183 Sts). Best Neighborhood in the city!

That sounds about perfect for cooking up one of those deer! I'd even come down and make you all a venison dinner to die for...bacon wrapped backdtraps...garlic potatoes..cesar sald...veggies....and nice cold....MILK! LOL

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2086028/Photos-1960-Brooklyn-airline-crash-sparked-new-era-black-boxes.html

One of the first in service !

These look awesome! Coming to a local AFB near you!
Full USAF Article on af.mil

Photo Courtesy of the USAF (AF.mil)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdDWdVDhGvc&feature=related

It's viewed by some (many) to connote racist/hostile undertones. Many may display it without those intentions, but the fact remains that a stigma does attach. I believe you should feel free to celebrate the symbolism if you so choose, but when it comes to public sector employment, even the suggestion of racism is problematic. You don't have to agree that it's fair, but the fact remains that it does.

I don't beleive it's putting out fires these days.