ex-commish

Officer Osso suffered horrific injuries. This perp, no matter how troubled he is a perp who not only critically wounded a cop but also put other lives in jeopardy as well. This perp deserves more than 7 years in fact should do twice that. We have to stop justifying why people do things and make them accountable for thier actions.

First I would like to see Jet Blue go to Vegas non-stop

First I would like to see Jet Blue go to Vegas non-stop

Unfortunately the only "judge" some seem to worry about is the parade judge.

I have a gross distrust for most politicians and feel that the timing was right passing this bill and others being our state legislators are not exactly in good graces with the average NYS resident thanks to the recent budget mess. They know they are in trouble and are reaching for straws to stay in office and they know the majority of the voters are volunteers. I am not opposed to this bill but I don't feel it will be as effective as it is being portrayed but perhaps I am wrong and at this point we will have to wait and see as time goes on if the bill had an impact.

Badbox the problem is the leadership. They are afraid to make things mandatory because they either wont get re-elected or they dont want to lose people. Some are more worried about getting that big shiny trophy at the next parade to add to the dust covered ones allready in the case.

Your frustration is shared by many. It is funny how this government can piss away billions to banks, corporations, and other countries in need but when it comes to taking care of those who are willing to do what most people can't or won't do the well always seems to be dry. All I can say is rememeber those at election time.

I disagree on leaving out instructor level classes mainly because volunteer depts do not have MTO's and rely on the company officers to conduct the training. Even depts with training officers or supplemental instructors should not be without company officers who lack formal training on how to conduct training for the members.

I disagree on leaving out instructor level classes mainly because volunteer depts do not have MTO's and rely on the company officers to conduct the training. Even depts with training officers or supplemental instructors should not be without company officers who lack formal training on how to conduct training for the members.

How about we do away with the trophies and judging and just march and wave to the kids. Who cares if my firetruck is cleaner than yours?

How about we do away with the trophies and judging and just march and wave to the kids. Who cares if my firetruck is cleaner than yours?

How about we do away with the trophies and judging and just march and wave to the kids. Who cares if my firetruck is cleaner than yours?

Traditionaly when a person desires to become an officer he/she goes in front of a committee of ex-chiefs which is sort of like an interview. My issue with this is there could be some of the ex-chief's who were not compotent officers themselves but made it through the ranks because of a backwards system. It is also where the peronality phase begins because if the majority of them dimply do not like you for whatever reason you are done. You can be a clueless nitwit ( and I have seen a few in my day) yet if you are popular you will get the nomination and probably get voted in and will be responsible for making life and death decisions.

Tom once again you raise a good point. I have commented numerous times in other forums with regards to selection and training of officers. I believe the present system needs much improvement. I would like to see a forum on how to improve it. I believe a start would be to do away with elections. It is truly a popularity contest in fact an embarasment. We could do better.

I say no to censorship. People have the right to express thier opinions. I have always maintained the belief that being thick-skinned is part of this business. If you can't handle criticisms in a forum can you handle it anywhere else?????

Up to this post I have not seen any "monday morning quarterbacking" or " commentary." What I have seen is people simply asking questions. Is this a bad thing?

I miss the days when new members came in and knew thier place.
I miss the days when officers were leaders...not puppets who cater to the politically correct.
I miss the days when a simple thank you was all that was needed.
I miss the days when me and you could argue about something and it was forgotten about.
I miss the days when you could break someone's ba**s and not worry about hazing charges.
I miss the days when fire commissioners were fire commissioners...not commissioners who want to be everything else.
What I miss most is the brotherhood which is dwindling away...I hope to see it return.

Great job!!!!!

Fire districts are public entities that are subjected to FOIL. What about fire companies within a fire district that allthough are private accept donations that come from the public? Do they not operate under fire district guidelines? Don't people have the right to know how money that they donate is being spent?

I miss the days when new members came in and knew thier place.
I miss the days when officers were leaders...not puppets who cater to the politically correct.
I miss the days when a simple thank you was all that was needed.
I miss the days when me and you could argue about something and it was forgotten about.
I miss the days when you could break someone's ba**s and not worry about hazing charges.
I miss the days when fire commissioners were fire commissioners...not commissioners who want to be everything else.
What I miss most is the brotherhood which is dwindling away...I hope to see it return.

This is not targeted to anyone but I am a firm believer in "if you can't take the heat"...you know the rest. We all have opinions and should be able to express them without being accused of bashing. I have read many comments about volunteer departments such as training (or lack of) manning, response time, too much equipment, blue lights. consolidation..etc and you know what....most of them are true so I suggest either get thick skinned about and fix the problem or do something else. The politically correct tone is ruining the fire service. I am seeing it first hand and it disgusts me.

This is not targeted to anyone but I am a firm believer in "if you can't take the heat"...you know the rest. We all have opinions and should be able to express them without being accused of bashing. I have read many comments about volunteer departments such as training (or lack of) manning, response time, too much equipment, blue lights. consolidation..etc and you know what....most of them are true so I suggest either get thick skinned about and fix the problem or do something else. The politically correct tone is ruining the fire service. I am seeing it first hand and it disgusts me.

I am not a commissioner nor was I ever one but I am a former chief who had to work with a board of fire commissioners. First I suggest you maintain your integrity and don't let the position go to your head. Your are a public official with alot of responsiblity and are there to serve the public and not your own political or personal agendas. Read and understand section 176 under town law which explains the duties of fire commissioners. Listen, respect, and work with your fire chiefs and don't interfere with thier duties especially on the fireground. Don't adopt policies or sop's behind thier backs or buy equipment without thier input. Include them with all of your ideas.
You will also have to vote on things like hiring people ( if in a career dept) or vendors to preform to services for the district. You will also have to vote on appointments of fire chiefs and do so knowing this is truly the right person for the job, not just the "allright guy". Probalby the most important item is the budget and buying equipment. Don't buy equipment because it looks cool or the next department has one. Buy stuff that is practical. Remember you are spending taxpayers money.
Like any other elected official you will have to make decisions that may not be popular. Dont be swayed or play the fence. I have seen this happen. Stick to your convictions and do what is right. How you vote could impact your department for years. Treat all members fairly and dont play favorites.

I am not a commissioner nor was I ever one but I am a former chief who had to work with a board of fire commissioners. First I suggest you maintain your integrity and don't let the position go to your head. Your are a public official with alot of responsiblity and are there to serve the public and not your own political or personal agendas. Read and understand section 176 under town law which explains the duties of fire commissioners. Listen, respect, and work with your fire chiefs and don't interfere with thier duties especially on the fireground. Don't adopt policies or sop's behind thier backs or buy equipment without thier input. Include them with all of your ideas.
You will also have to vote on things like hiring people ( if in a career dept) or vendors to preform to services for the district. You will also have to vote on appointments of fire chiefs and do so knowing this is truly the right person for the job, not just the "allright guy". Probalby the most important item is the budget and buying equipment. Don't buy equipment because it looks cool or the next department has one. Buy stuff that is practical. Remember you are spending taxpayers money.
Like any other elected official you will have to make decisions that may not be popular. Dont be swayed or play the fence. I have seen this happen. Stick to your convictions and do what is right. How you vote could impact your department for years. Treat all members fairly and dont play favorites.

I am not a commissioner nor was I ever one but I am a former chief who had to work with a board of fire commissioners. First I suggest you maintain your integrity and don't let the position go to your head. Your are a public official with alot of responsiblity and are there to serve the public and not your own political or personal agendas. Read and understand section 176 under town law which explains the duties of fire commissioners. Listen, respect, and work with your fire chiefs and don't interfere with thier duties especially on the fireground. Don't adopt policies or sop's behind thier backs or buy equipment without thier input. Include them with all of your ideas.
You will also have to vote on things like hiring people ( if in a career dept) or vendors to preform to services for the district. You will also have to vote on appointments of fire chiefs and do so knowing this is truly the right person for the job, not just the "allright guy". Probalby the most important item is the budget and buying equipment. Don't buy equipment because it looks cool or the next department has one. Buy stuff that is practical. Remember you are spending taxpayers money.
Like any other elected official you will have to make decisions that may not be popular. Dont be swayed or play the fence. I have seen this happen. Stick to your convictions and do what is right. How you vote could impact your department for years. Treat all members fairly and dont play favorites.