IzzyEng4

Seth, just to correct something in your last post. the village had nothing to do with us selling our stick. we own are own trucks and so we can let them go when we want. As a matter of fact, the new tower ladder will be in on Fri nite and will out of here in ten years. The smeal was nice but by selling it we put ourselves in a good financial place. who knows, you just might see a spare truck in the near future.

All though the truck does the job and looks great... it still has its problems and normal wear and tear it has recieved over the past 20 years. It has responded to a lot of calls over that time period and it is definitely time to replace this truck especially that it is the only truck responding to all of these call when the engines can alternate. I think it is the right choice to replace this and move on to a newer tower ladder. Especially when it struggles to get up all of the big hills in the town.

Sage, he listed the communist manifesto amongst his favourite books, and he posted a video of a flag-burning on YouTube. So the right can make him out to be a commie-loving flag-burning nut job, and the left can make him out to be a right-wing nut job foaming at the mouth after listening to one too many shock jocks. Both are wrong and are shamefully using this for political ends; he was a nut job plain and simple, his insane motivations had nothing to do with what you, I, or any sane person would call 'politics'. This was a Cho, not a McVeigh. To those calling for the death penalty, I sympathise but to be honest I doubt he'll be found sane enough to try. If he is tried, he'll probably be found too insane to convict; he belongs in a a secure hospital.
(Oh and for the record, my politics tend to the right, but I'm really more a libertarian than anything else)

All politics aside, from 9 years old to 79 years old lives were lost and countless others changed forever include that of Congresswoman Gifford and her family. The only thing that sicked me more than this senseless act of violence and loss of life is the announcement just moments ago in the Huffington Post that the Westboro Baptist Church, the Topeka church known for its inflammatory anti-gay protests, plans to picket the funerals of the six people killed in Arizona on Saturday including that of the young 9 year old girl. What has this world come to?

I was deeply saddened to lear of this tragedy. This is NOT a partisan issue, this is a CRIMINAL issue. This motherless bastard committed a horrific crime and shot at people regardless of political affiliation, who knows if he actually wanted to kill the Representative or just wanted to make his crime a high profile one and this large gathering of innocent people was the first one he came across. No matter what his reasons were, I hope with every ounce of my being that his trial will be quick as will his being sentenced to death and then I hope his death is slow and painful. May God Bless Rep. Giffords and the others who were wounded and may those that were killed rest in eternal peace.

I've had a look around various news sites covering this story, especially the comments sections, and I'm profoundly depressed at the number of people (on both sides) who straightaway, before the blood was even cleaned up, made this a partisan political issue. The guy who did this was apparently a total bloody nut job; these comment-posting people who would make this political aren't nuts, they're simply *hateful*.

The whole thing is a tragedy all the way around- I for one feel there are more than enough gun laws on the books( many of them just make it more difficult for the law abiding citizen to own firearms or are just plain ineffective)- just not necessarily the resources to enforce them. This is one of the unfortunate byproducts of living in a free society- nut jobs are out there.
RIP to those whose lives were taken and my prayers to those fighting for their lives.

No matter what your politics this is a tragic event. The moron who did this will without a doubt fry for this and at least we can take solace in that fact. Whatever this idiots political ideals, he just set them back to the stone age with these senseless killings.

If you read this crazed killers writing and videos that have been posted by the major media outlets you will find a very distinct political sentiment that is expressed. It rails again many things crisscrossing the political aisle and spectrum, from education to the gold standard for currency to immigration. It seems apparent that at least some part of this tragedy was politically motivated, however it continues to remain unclear against who and why. Obvious Rep. Giffords, the Federal Judge and others were shot, injured and killed; what remains to be seen is why they were selected for this senseless action. This moron is clearly crazy, you don't shoot a member of the House of Representatives and a Federal Judge because everything is alright and in order up there, but what else is going on needs to be seen and determined for any real justice, closure and explanation. Let this event be the end of the vitriol, partisan, hyperbolic rhetoric on both sides otherwise this will only be the beginning of the bloodshed to come. (Think of the assassinations of the 1960's, the race riots of the 80's and Oklahoma City Bombing in the 90's as examples of when the vitriol of partisan politics have been taken to far like in this case.)

What the difference is between volunteer and career firefighter training standards. All firefighters salaried or on-call will be trained, equipped and held to the same standards.

and lack of curiosity and knowledge kills fire fighters.
The building and its contents are the enemy

The Haverstraw Fire Department recently took delivery of their 2010 KME TDA. The KME replaces a 1969 Peter Pirsch TDA which recently failed it's ladder testing. The 1969 Pirsch replaced a 1937 Peter Pirsch TDA which is now privately owned by a member of the Haverstraw Fire Department. Here is a historic photo of all 3 tillers. Will post individual shots later in the week. Photos are viewable on my website.

http://www.brianduddy.com/g/haverstraw

A very close reminder of what happened in Worcester when six firefighters were lost at a very similiar fire. This time NOBODY LOST. That's some of the BEST NEWS in the Fire Service today.

Look, in many cities (probably most), most media outlets have various political philosophy's. Many of them are not likely to say any good about what union firefighters do if they are an anti-union slant paper. Others may not want to do a positive story about an event that may make a mayor or other political figure of another cloth appear in a good light.
Others are just plain lazy and wont, or cant due to budgetary restraints, go out and do old fashioned reporting. How many media outlets use and reuse canned stories from other media outlets. Many events on a weekend go unreported due to news rooms being understaffed.Some just listen to scanners and write a short based on radio transmissions instead hit pounding the dirt. Most stories just get repeated and repeated to fill time and make it look like they're busy and out there walkin' the beat.
Many, if not most, seek out the "sensational" stories to stir viewers/readers and affect ratings. The management wants ratings because advertising rates are based on them.
If we want our stories told, many times we have to do it ourselves. Every dept should make friends with certain media players and court them and fill them in when things happen. Those who want the stories get them, those who are lazy wont.

Seems like every time that I go for an EMT refresher they change CPR.

Actually the Irish pre-date everyone in finding what is ow called North America along with the Vikings. The History Channel had a great special on the finding of America. The Irish and Vikings were here long before the first peoples crossed over the land bridge connecting Siberia and Alaska. Archeologist have been discovering a lot of settlement remains in Groton, CT area and other areas from Nova Scotia and New England that is supporting this theory.
As for Native American Day, yes there is such a celebration, however it is usually only celebrated and recognized by the Tribal Nations. The tribe that work for (Mashantucket Pequots) celebrate their holiday around Thanksgiving now, as it usde to be sometime in August. There was / is no set date to the holiday to my knowledge.
As for Patriot Day, I think as a country we should celebrate it like Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (yes that is RI's proper name). We tend to forget about the establishment of this country and the Revolutionary War. Heck people tend to forget the Memorial Day was created to honor all the Civil War veterans, originally known as Decoration Day.

Next thing we'll have a Klingon warship cruising around Uranus..........
Sorry, had too before someone else did!!!

As the driver of SFRD Engine 1 this morning I just want to say that ALL precautions were taken while we were operating at a fully involved vehicle fire. The vehicle that was on fire was located in the breakdown lane of I-95 southbound. CSP had two patrol cars on scene , both with their emergency lights operating, both blocking the breakdown lane. As we approached the scene I positioned the engine approximately 75' short of the fire and at an angle that took control of the center and right lanes of I-95. CSP had also put out road flares to warn southbound vehicles of the hazard. Second due SFRD Engine 6 arrived shortly thereafter and also blocked the right two lanes of I95. During the incident the left lane of I-95 remained open and vehicle traffic was passing the scene at full posted speed limit (55) and at much greater speeds, in my estimation.  After extinguishment Engine 6 was clesared and Engine 1 remained on scene. The crash ocurred as the damaged vehicle from the fire was being loaded on a flatbed wrecker. The impact was immense! The tractor trailer continued down I95 approximately 600 yards after impact. Fortunately all three firefighters and our Officer were unhurt by the impact or flying debris. One of the CSP Troopers was hit by debris and was transported to Stamford Hospital for minor injuries. The tow operator was uninjured. The impact from the tractor trailer lifted the rear of the apparatus 1-2' off the ground and forward approximately 4'. The vehicle's maxi brake was applied as well as the rear tire being  chocked. All members were wearing high reflective safety vests over turn-out gear. The cab and trailer suffered signifigant damage as well. The SOG's developed by the SFRD concerning apparatus placement at vehicle fires DEFINATELY prevented injury to SFRD personel. <br>

The Town of Groton (pronounced Grah-ton)is very unique as it has 9 separate fire taxation districts and they either contract or host a local fire department. They also have two industrial departments, the US Naval Sub Base Fire Department and Groton-New London Airport ARFF within the town boarder.
The City of Groton is a autonomous municipality located along the Thames River in the Town of Groton, just south of the Sub Base. They operate as a combination department from two stations ("G-1" & "G-2") with two engines, a ladder truck, a rescue (I beleive its still in service) and a reserve pumper. They only have 4 career person on a shift who can drop down to three on a shift. With the drop in the number of volunteers in the department, the career staff has been wanting a study concering their staffing, needless to say the mayor has been against any study. The CGFD covers the City of Groton and the West Pleasant Valley Fire District which boarders the Sub Base.
Poquonnock Bridge Fire District("G-3") operates a career department from two stations covering the majority of the township.
Noank Fire Department (Noank Fire District) (G-4) is a volunteer fire department located in Noank village located between Mystic and Groton Long Point.
The Mystic Fire Department (Mystic Fire District)(G-5) is a separate fire district that covers the southern area around the Mystic river in both the towns of Groton and Stonington. There one station on either side of the river.
The Old Mystic Fire District (G-6) operates from two stations covering the northern Mystic River area in both townsd of Groton and Stonington. OMFD has a paid chief, deputy, fire marshal and inspectors.
Center Groton Fire District (G-7) covers the northern portion of the town along boardering the G-3 district and the Town of Ledyard.
Groton Long Point Fire Department(G-8) operates out of one station in the Groton Long Point section of the township. They cover the Groton Long Point Association and the Mumford Cove Fire District.
Pfizer has its own fire department / brigades and is desginated "G-9" whihc covers the Pfizer industrial cetner in Groton City. They will respond to fires in the city when requested.
Electic Boat (aka "EB") where a majority of the USNs subs are made has its own fire department and has the county designation "D". Their firehouse is litterally across the street for City of Groton Station and they will respond upon request into the City of Groton.
The US Naval Sub Base Fire Department (C-1 & C-2) covers the northern section of the town of Groton, the base and off base housing areas. They have one station on the base and a second on Route 12 near the off base housing. Sub Base is also a regional mutual aid hazmat and fast unit for the area as well.
There are aso three separate police departments as well: City of Groton, Town of Groton and Groton Long Point. Plus Sub base police and security for EB and Pfizer.
Now before anyone starts on the who band-wagon about consolidation, do not mention it in this town and the residents, not the fire departments, will have a fit and fight you tooth and nail about it!!! Each taxation district under CT's "Home Rule" laws is considered a minicipal government.
All the Groton Fire Departments are dispatched by Groton Fire Alarm while teh SUb Base and the two industrial departments have thier own dispatch.

:angry: Another black eye for the fire service.

Wow. I don't know what is worse, old-fashioned pyromaniacs or these greedy losers?

"CAPT!!! YOU TOLD ME TO NOSE IT IN!!!!!!!

Just as the good Captain said in the previous post, there was a great turnout today at Lt. Velasquez's funeral. Unfortunately I too could not attend FF Baik's funeral but watching on the news there is still a great contingent of fellow firefighters in attendance.
A fitting tribute for both men and the show of support for thier families, friends and for the brothers and sisters of the Bridgeport Fire Department.

I just returned from the first service. Couldn't make the second one due to child care issues. There were many departments there that had members attend. Charleston S.C. must have had at least ten or more. Quite a few from DC and Kentland . A few from Toronto, Calgary. Along with Boston, Worcester. FDNY had a great turnout along with Yonkers and other Westchester departments. I would be surprised if any Ct. departments were there. So many others that came to show what a brotherhood we have (Policer officers were well representative in the crowd also). FDNY had a team there (along with Waterbury) that seem to run the funeral at the churches. Talking to one of the Lt's from that team he estimated that 3,500 to 4,000 people attendee the first funeral. The first mass didn't get over till almost one o'clock but considering the amount of people the transportation seem to go fine. It is always a sad day when we have to bury a Brother and two on the same day is worst. May the two brothers Rest In Peace and always watch over the rest of us!

Gentlemen and Ladies of the forum................
I think at this time with our recent loss up here in the Nutmeg State, I ask if we can have a moratorium of this discussion as our focus right now should be with our brothers and sisters in Bridgeport and the families and friends of Lt. Steven Velazquez and Firefighter Michel Baik.
I know this is a hot debated topic but I think right now, at this moment we should focus on supporting or fellow firefighters In Bridgeport, CT for the time being.
I pray this is something we can agree upon for the time being.
Izzy