CFI609D

As per the IFD's SOGs: "All Irvington Fire Department personnel are also expected to successfully complete the following training courses (or the equivalents) within their first three years: • Firefighter II • EVOC • Pump Operator • Aerial Device Operations" The key word above is "expected," which is very different from required. We have also seen most of our active interior qualified FFs also take Truck Ops in recent years, and many have also taken FAST. Personally, I would like to see FF-II mandatory for all interior firefighters. I also wish that the training portions of the SOGs were more aggressively enforced. Hope this helps.

Officers (LTs and Chiefs...we do not have the rank of Captain) must have successfully completed IFO and Officer I, and they must be able to maintain interior status.

All new applicants to the Irvington Fire Department (IFD) are first required to pass a medical exam with our appointed department surgeon. The Irvington Fire Department uses NFPA Standard 1582, “Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments” as the guidelines for determining medical clearance to be an interior structural firefighter and all new applicants must pass. Upon passing their physical and a fit test, a new applicant can then be considered for membership. This physical and fit test, by the way, are the same one all members must pass on an annual basis. Upon joining the IFD, all new Probationary Firefighters MUST successfully complete and pass Firefighter I within their first year. In order to become interior qualified, however, they must then participate in several departmental hands-on live fire training exercise. This enables the chiefs and officers of the IFD to observe and work with the Probationary Firefighters under realistic and controlled conditions before giving them interior qualification. The number of training sessions varries depending upon the candidate and their skills. A new member must also be 18 years old before being given interior status. They are also expected to complete Firefighter Survival within the first year, as well as Firefighter II and other training programs within the first three years. Failure to pass FF-I in the first year will likley result in termination. Once qualified, however, all IFD members must requalify annually in order to maintain interior qualification. In addition to passing the annual physical & fit test, all interior members are required to re-qualify on SCBA and interior fireground operations on an annual basis. The objective is to ensure that all operational personnel not only meet the minimum training requirements to attain interior status, but continue to maintain their skills and training to ensure the highest level of competency. Failure to maintain those skills and to keep up-to-date on the latest tactics & techniques puts all members at risk. In order to maintain interior fireground qualification, Irvington Fire Department personnel must each year: • Attend, actively participate in, and successfully complete no fewer than four (4) department training sessions or drills involving the use of SCBA under simulated fireground conditions, with at least one of those training sessions involving mask confidence evolutions as well as demonstration of both low and reduced profile maneuvers Or: • Attend, participate in, and successfully complete fire training courses offered by New York or another state (or another accredited fire suppression & training agency recognized by the Chief of Department) for no less than 16 hours of hands-on fire suppression and mask confidence training, which must include both low and reduced profile maneuvers (i.e.: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Firefighter Survival and FAST) , AND attend no fewer than four (4) department training sessions or drills, AND receive approval of the Chief of Department Or: • Be approved for interior fireground operations by a fire department, fire district, or other fire training authority with similar training and annual recertification requirements, and where approval has been granted within the past 12 months, AND attend no fewer than four (4) department training sessions or drills, AND receive approval of the Chief of Department

"Tell me it ain't so Joe": a debate over booster reels in 2008?? Forgive me but I cannot see any logic in an argument in favor of a line that limits water flow like the booster. Flow of water is the single most valuable weapon in our arsenal as firefighters and is one of the best means of protecting our precious posteriors. As I see it, any slight so-called "advantage" that a booster may offer in terms of less nozzle resistance is totally negated by the reduced flow. And in my book the ease of an electric hose reel vs. repacking a line is not an acceptable argument. Personally, I think we should spend more time discussing the advantages of using the 2.5" with a smooth bore over the 1.75" attack line in many circumstances. A well trained and experienced crew can stretch and mount an effective attack with the 2.5" with only slightly more effort. As to the argument that booster lines are useful for cleaning gear, equipment, etc., unfortunately if they are on the apparatus, they will be used in fire attack. All too often we see booster lines stretched to initiate an interior attack here in Westchester. If they are on the apparatus, chances are someone will use them. And that is simply unsafe in this world of lightweight construction and engineered building materials. Just my opinion. Stay safe!

Very good class. I would strongly recommend doing all of the reading, as the final is very comprehensive. Also, bring a notebook computer with you, as you will need to prepare a lesson plan and powerpoint. Start thinking now about what topic you would like to do. Good luck and enjoy!

Brothers & Sisters: In June of 2006 the Irvington Board of Trustees approved the Fire Chief's request to replace Engine 177, with the condition that we create a performance spec in order to ensure as competitive a bidding process as possible. With the assistance of a consultant, who was specifically engaged to assist in the drafting of the specs and providing technical expertise, a performance spec for a new rescue engine was prepared by the apparatus committee and the Chiefs. This set of specs was then presented to the Village Board via the Village Manager. While all phases of the purchasing and bidding process from that point forward were managed 100% by the Village Hall, we did include in our set of recommendations a performance bond. And as we understand a performance bond has indeed been taken out on all apparatus purchases over the past 40 years and maybe longer. The performance spec (as opposed to a "manufacturer's spec" written with a bias in favor of a particular vendor or manufacturer) was put out to bid by the village and last April Elite was awarded the contract by the Village on the basis of their bid, which was by far the lowest. Prior to that point none of us on the committee had ever had any contact with Elite. Subsequent calls to departments with Elite apparatus (including Montgomery County Maryland, which had nothing but good things to say about the quality of Elite's work) indicated that they made a high quality product and every department called and visited (and there were many) had only positive things to say. Bottom Line: there was no reason for the fire department to recommend disqualification of the bid on a technical basis. And it must also be note that the IFD's role in the process was exclusively preparing the spec, evaluating the quality, and overseeing the manufacturing process to ensure that the final product was compliant with our spec. Neither the Irvington Fire Department, nor its Chiefs, Officers, or Apparatus Committee were involved in the negotiations with Elite, nor were we consulted in the process. We were unhappy when we learned that the Village chose to pay 75% up front, limiting the amount of leverage we would have over Elite during the manufacturing process. And we were stunned to learn that there was no performance bond. At this point I cannot answer any of the obvious questions being addressed to Village Hall. But to answer Walter's question, no, I do not see how the fire department or its leadership can be held responsible for this most unfortunate situation. As to the leadership of the Village, the Village Attorney, Treasurer, Manager, etc., we are all waiting for the independent auditor's report. Whatever message it contains, however, we are unfortunately still awaiting a much needed new engine. And to the credit of the Mayor and Trustees, they have indicated their willingness to put the specs out to bid once again (see the statement issued yesterday by the Mayor, which appeared in the Journal News and is posted on the Village website: http://www.irvingtonny.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=112 J.P. Natkin Chief of Department Irvington Fire Department

We have been using Rescue Stuff in Peekskill for some time. They do high quality work and are very professional. http://www.rescuestuff.net/ IMHO, they are the best vendor we have used for these sorts of jobs. If you have any questions let me know. Good luck!

Irvington: E-177 will be replaced with a Spartan Gladiator Classic (10" raised roof)/Elite rescue engine. 2,000GPM/500 gal H2O/60 gal foam. 10k generator & light tower; FRD lighting. Hurst system & full complement of extrication tools. Delivery expected 1Q08.

I agree that they have succeeded in using space very efficiently. The only problem with the air bags, however, is that they are not supposed to be stored vertically. Vetter is quite clear that they need to be stored in a flat (horizontal) position otherwise they tend to break-down much more quickly.

They are very popular out West. Some years back, Rosenbauer, based in Austria and one of the largest European fire apparatus producers, acquired Central States in SD. They are well positioned in the Mid-West & Western states, and have a reputation for well-made and affordable apparatus. I know many guys with the Whitefish, Montana, FD, which has an all-Rosenbauer fleet and they are very happy. Several other FDs in their area also run Rosenbauer apparatus and are pleased.

Rescue 47 was the old IFD dive unit, a blue van donated by PepsiCo. It carried dive gear and other water rescue equipment. R-27 was retired from service in 1999 when Rescue 49 was delivered. Hope this answers your questions.

Word on the street has been that they were going out of business. Our department stopped dealing with them some time back due to poor service, billing problems, and a generally poor approach to customer relations. We are now dealing with Some's in Hackensack, NJ, and we are very happy. Good Luck!

All career/combination and most volunteer fire departments use NFPA 1582, "Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments." It clearly lists ailments and issues which can disqualify a firefighter from front line duties performing structural firefighting duties and using respiratory protection (SCBA). You can get a copy of the standard directly from the NFPA at: www.nfpa.org In order to prevent firefighters with physical limitations or medical restrictions from becoming "wall flowers", many departments allow them to perform "exterior" operational duties. In the event a qualified physician familiar with the NFPA's occupational standards determines that the medical conditions completely restrict a firefighter from any operational duties, they can be placed on "Administrative" status, which allows them to perform some duties involving limited physical exertion, such as dispatch, fire prevention & education, and other administrative functions. Hope this helps!

You need to schedule your CPAT directly with the CT State Fire Academy: http://www.ct.gov/cfpc/cwp/view.asp?a=826&Q=246722 Once you pass, you are given a CPAT Card, which is good for one full year for any CT FD. Do yourself a big favor: PRACTICE! It is a very challenging test, even for those in good shape. Technique is important, so prepare for the CPAT in advance. Good luck!

David A. Sanford, 62, retired Deputy Fire Chief of Westport, of West Redding, beloved husband of Barbara S. (Bonner) Sanford, passed away peacefully at Danbury Hospital, Tuesday January 30, 2007, after a long illness. David was born in Danbury, February 1, 1944, son of Marjorie (Evans) Sanford, of Chelsea, Vt. and the late John B. Sanford, Jr. He graduated from Joel Barlow High School, class of "62" and was a lifelong West Redding resident. He joined the U.S. Army in December of 1963 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he attained the rank of Staff Sgt. E-6. He earned the Army Commendation Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/devise. He was honorably discharged in May of 1969. David was appointed to the Danbury Fire Department, in July of 1969, as a career firefighter, through March 1973. He was then appointed to the Wilton Fire Department, in March of 1973, as a career firefighter and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1974 and then promoted to Deputy Chief / Deputy Fire Marshal, in 1976. He was appointed Deputy Chief / Training Officer of the Westport Fire Department, in May of 1980 until retirement in January of 1988. He was employed as District Sales Manager for Shipman's Fire Equipment Company, Inc, from March 1988, until retirement in December 2006. He was Fire Marshal for West Redding from 1978 to present and had served as a Past Chief for the West Redding Fire Department. He was the first to become certified as a Fire Service Instructor, in the State of Connecticut and went on to teach throughout his career. He was an adjunct professor at the Waterbury State Technical College from 1979 to 1990. He was an accomplished drummer, first with recording artists, Ward Wellman and the Kents and Mickey and the Ambassadors. He was most proud of being a member of the Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums, as Drum Sergeant, playing at fire service functions, including Governor M. Jodi Rell's Inauguration. He was a baseball coach for the Boys Club of Redding, where he coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. He was a Senior Hunter Safety Instructor for the State of Connecticut, as well as Deer Warden, for the Town of Redding. He loved to hunt and teach the sport, especially to junior hunters. He was a member of Fairfield County Fire Chiefs, Pootatuck Archers and Stamford Fish and Game Club. He cherished his wife, Barbara, of 40 years and adored his children and grandchildren. He is survived by a son, Brian Sanford and wife, Leslie, a daughter, Denise (Sanford) McKay and loving companion, Jeff Kopko, three grandchildren: Devin J. Sanford, Kyle D. Sanford and Jordan L. McKay, three brothers: John B. "Jack" Sanford III and wife Edith of West Redding, Donald Sanford and wife Sally, of Chelsea, Vt. and Bruce Sanford and wife Jackie, of West Redding, two sisters-in-law: Shirley Martin and husband George, of New York and Charlene Sullivan and husband James, of South Carolina; a brother-in-law, Ralph Nathanson and wife Cheryl of Bethel and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Charles and Sylvia Bonner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, Redding, Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Umpawaug Cemetery, West Redding. Friends may call at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. David was always a Soldier, Patriot and a True American Hero. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 9, West Redding, CT 06896, the Redding Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, 186 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, CT 06876, Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums, 276 Newtown Turnpike, West Redding, CT 06896 or the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, 1 School St., Bethel, CT 06801. Published in the News Times on 1/31/2007.

I can get you a disk with pictures from 2 of the 3 sessions. Let me know how to get it to you.