CFD320

It was Washington Engine's favorite...

Back to the original point, all departments should abide by two in two out at all times. An outside FAST does have its advantages over an internal team. First, most of the time when a department has a working fire it's often the same old faces you see doing the bulk of the work. This even holds true in large departments, I frequently see the same faces at fires in departments with 500 members. It stands to reason that the firefighters on the outside, although equally vital to the operation MAY not be the "cream of the crop” interior qualified personnel. It makes a ton of since to have a specially trained unit (that work together on a regular basis) going in to rescue a down firefighter. I suggest that IC's that don't subscribe to the FAST/RIT concept to take a few seconds at their next notable incident to quickly survey manpower available at the height of the incident. Ask yourself; if a Mayday were transmitted would feel confident if you were transmitting that mayday? Are their enough good firefighters getting an updated size up, monitoring conditions, identifying egress points, monitoring radio comms? My opinion is that a dedicated FAST/RIT is a no brainier.... Second, the single hardest decision for any FAST or RIT to make: Is the operation rescue or recovery upon activation? A FAST/RIT unit not affiliated with the host department is much less likely to let emotion make that rescue/recovery decision for them. Internal FAST/RIT is much more likely to get themselves into trouble. That said, 22 min is a bit long, but it happens to everyone...And 6 members is not close to enough IMO. If you belong to a FAST/RIT it is my opinion that you should be a well qualified, experienced, and intelligent firefighter. You better know you are and not hope you are…

The one weekend I need good weather!!! Brutal

Seth, Any thoughts of setting up a donation chest, I heard something about the site going over the transfer quota. I'm sure some of us would be happy to make a contribution to offset some of your costs.

My company used to cover all of the cost for members to belong to our local gym. We got a very nice deal when it was a Golds gym. When it was bought out by NYSC the membership fees doubled and then climbed higher. We decided that it was better to put our own together and pledge the amount equal to 2 memberships per year for additions and maintinence. As a fringe benifit it keeps guys at the firehouse which benifits the community.

Grand Street Firehouse in Croton has a fairly nice fitness room. It includes an elliptical trainer, upright bike, 2 flat benches, power/squat rack, Powertech leverage gym (http://www.dumbbellbuddy.com/powertec/powertec_wb_multisyst.html really awesome all in one), cable crossover system, dumbbells 5-85lb, curl bars and various other stuff I cant think of now. I would be happy to show you around. I think we put it all together for about 3k (some equipment was donated).

Replaced my stolen 1010 (bourke, ess) that I wore for 9 years with an N5A with Bourke. Best choice I could have made! The N5A seems like it was made to fit my head, I would sacrifice the weight for the comfort any day.

I dont mind the LED's, but I dont care for the fit of the facepeice. We outfitted our engine with 7 spankin new packs on 1/02/06 and the batteries had to be replaced 1/23/06 on 5 of the 7. They came with Lithium batteries in them, if they die in 3 weeks time there is a major issue.

The N5A and N6A are great products, the Lion/Paul Conway "American Heritage" leather is nice and is $100 less expensive.

I use both terms, I tend to use "Hook" when Im talking about a short pike pole.

Just wondering how many board members are playing this weekend? Little roll call and what team you are playing for.. Obviously, I am in and am Playing for Chemical Engine Croton

As some may or may not know the opening day of the BOW ONLY hunting season is almost upon us. We all realize that we have an overpopulation issue with the whitetail deer herd here in Westchester county. I am an avid bowhunter with over 15 years experience and would be more than happy (and quite grateful) if any members have land (or know of someone with land) in the area where I can harvest deer. To make things easy; I have ready made permission and liability waiver (I waive any liability the homeowner would have as a result from any activities I engage in) forms. I am like a ghost on the property and have references from other land owners from whom I have permission. All animals I harvest areprofessionally processed and all the venison is consumed by my family or the landowner if they so choose. I am not strictlly a trophy hunter like many who give hunters a bad name, and am a firm believer in conservation and wildlife management. Please email me if you can be of any help, or have any questions. Thank You, Matt mattm@engine118.com

Im on this, Im sure we can fins a bunch of lod stuff to go down!!!

I heard 2 weeks.....

Thats gonna be a tough gig. Almost all of the dispatchers there think they are the HNIC. It wasnt a good situation a year ago....possibly it's different now??

Is there a reason why you guys wouldn't take you ear jelery out and wear a long sleved shirt w/ tie at an interview? I would stay away from any ink work on neck/face/hands, other than that you should be OK.

Anyone have the run down????

Patientce my young apprentice, Leary will deliver.

I did not realize this occured......RIP.

3K thats nothing! #-o

You guys remember the county parade we had a few years back? Without the street fair we had about 150 people along the entire parade route. Other than us firefighters it seems no one cares.

Anybody have a rundown of the awards......Was pissed I had to miss it until it started raining

How does a puke green engine take the Best Engine trophy? Blasphemy!!

Read before you type please

I thought some might get a laugh out of this.....I know of a guy in a department who has a license to operate ships up to 500tons, and has a degree from a Maritime college. His degree included a 6 credit marine firefighting class (100 hours). His department told him he "was not qualified" to be on their boat (like 25') when he tried to help out at a call.