billy98988

Why do they report who struck the Officer? Is it really neccessary to do this, knowing she's probably dealing with enough already?!
Focus should be on the officer and his recovery.
I almost feel like this thread should be deleted... it has no benefit to anyone involved.

When are you all going to learn that you can't come here and ask about ways to recruit / retain volunteer members without certain people making comments of the less-than-helpful type? Don't you know that all of us volunteer firefighters are the devil? C'mon!
If I may offer one idea for recruitment and retention, here it is.
Make your department one that people take pride in and are willing to be an active part of because it's their department. The subject of recruitment and retention came up recently when another volunteer agency near us started asking for money to launch a large recruitment/retention plan. Those of us in our FD had informal discussions about it and all agreed that if your department is one that actually looks out for it's members, keeps petty immaturity at a minimum, elects proper leaders and simply does the job asked of it without attached drama, then it will succeed.
Our department's biggest recruitment tool has been the same thing for 100+ years - REPUTATION. During our good times, like now, we see increases in our new member base. During the few times we've had less than par leadership, we've struggled to get some new members and at the same time, saw some good ones leave.
We can offer all the free s#it in the world, but when you really examine it, nobody is going to put up with the petty BS that ruins many volunteer agencies for some free gas or a membership to the gym. You need to make your agency one that it's members are proud to be part of and makes sure the concerns of the members are heard. Make them feel welcome, make them feel proud of what they do and most of all, make them feel safe by giving them the training and direction they all want.
Be safe.

Come join us for a full day of live music, great food and drinks, SUNDAY FOOTBALL, a raffle, and silent auction this SUNDAY from 12 Noon to 7 PM at Murphy's (355 Kear Street, Yorktown Heights, NY). All proceeds will go to aiding First Responders through 911 Health Now (http://www.911healthnow.com). This will be a great event to bring your family and friends to and will be featuring live bands and artists ranging from the School of Rock Westchester House Band (ages 7-17), to local singer-songwriters, to up-and-coming bands from NYC.
For more information, directions, and how to donate to the raffle/auction please visit:
http://invisiblemasses.com/911frbc
or
http://facebook.com/911frbc
See you on Sunday!
- Adam B.
911FRBC OFFICIAL FLIER.pdf

Today marks the 8th year that EMTBravo.NET has been online.
Thanks to all the members, staff, and everyone else who have helped this forum to succeed and become what it is for the past 8 years, and many more to come.
Seth G.
Founder and Executive Director, EMTBravo
seth@emtbravo.com
AKA "x635"

Bobby DelVecchio is probably one of the greatest guys I know. When first meeting Bobby as a volunteer at Harrison EMS, it was always impressive with his base of knowledge. You sometimes realize that some people just get it. Even as a young volunteer you knew that this kid just knew what he was doing. Having the privilege to watch Bobby grow over the years just made me realize what a special person he is.
His career, while shortened, was a varied career affecting many in the emergency services industry. Developing from a volunteer in Harrison EMS, Bobby became an Empress employee and one of the best dispatchers ever. While working at Empress (this chronological might not be perfect) Bobby went on to work at Sea Tow, TCD,volunteer at TMFD, LVAC, and finally work at the TM Highway Dept.
His caring and ability touched many of us. There remain many police cars, fire chief vehicles and EMS fly –cars that Bobby touched with his dedicated hands. I have the comfort of knowing he personally built 49-11 and 49-12, and never had to doubt the craftsmanship involved. He was the ultimate go to guy. With every industry he became involved with, he automatically became one of the most knowledgeable people in that field.
Not many of us have had as much radio experience as Bobby. His handles of TAC-1, Medic (whatever), Truck 202, “Central”, A-1, 430, E-51, Sea Tow 2, radio repair, or the many other radio names remained ingrained in our memories.
The privilege of knowing and working with Bobby will be forever ingrained in me. Even at a municipal job, not always known for the most productive workday, he stood alone. If something needed to be done, Bobby made sure the job was done well.
The privilege of working with Bobby over the years highlighted many memories and I cannot express the loss and sadness I now feel. However, the knowledge of his contribution to society and many aspects of the emergency services industry bring me great satisfaction of my relationship and experiences with Bobby over the years.
I cannot begin to express my sympathies to his family and friends. His legacy becomes one of knowledge and experience of working with one of the greatest persons I have ever known. We will always love and miss you Bobby, and never forget the myriad of favors you have done for all of us. I sincerely hope your son Milo has the chance to carry on the many great virtues your display.

The one thing that I don't think is a great idea is when a department calls for a fast for a working fire and then puts them to work. I think thatafter a fast is on the scene and is established, they should remain as the fast. If you need more manpower, then go m/a for manpower and not another fast. There is no sence in putting them to work after they are there and then waiting for another fast to show up. Kinda defeaats the purpose.

They should arrest every one of the protesters that allowed this unsafe situation to happen. They can then start a new occupy movement at Rikers Island.
Speedy recovery to the MOS injured.

For those of you that didn't know Hal he was a member of Fire Patrol & Rescue Co #1. Port Chester New York Fire Dept He was the man that changed our company from a Fire Police to a true Heavy Rescue company . In my Volunteer days we fought side by side in some of the biggest fires that hit our dept, riots of the 70's 3 story cold water flats burning on both side's of the street at the same time. He worked in the Media in the city and gave all his spare time to the company. He could not be tied down and because of this he got a job offer from Newsday to be a Politcal Journalist in Washinton D C . He also servied while in DC for the Chevy/Chase Maryland Rescue, He was one of the first on location at the Pentigon 9/11 driving that big Kenworth Rescue they had. When he retired the President of United States made him chairmen of the Fallen Firefighters Foundation because of his background in the fire servrce. He servied his Village, his Fire company, his job, and his Country ! His last trip to Port Chester he had a meeting in the city to give out monies to the NYC children and widows fund and took a Senator [?] with him to ride Rescue 40 [PCFD] for the day. My son[rescue40] had the privlege of taking them on a few runs that day and it was good to see him back in the saddle where he belonged . R.I.P. to a good Friend, and a great Firefighter. The Fire service lost a great one . Angelo

Westchester does not have a test, the test is developped and administered by NYS Civil Service. And on test day they run hundreds of simultanious tests statewide.

What I don't understand is most the surrounding Municipalities will only hire off a residency list but as soon as a person is off Probation or even while still on in some cases, they are allowed to move elsewhere. Maybe it's time for NY Depts. to adopt the same policies as many Connecticut Depts. and have one list. Who gives a rats a** where somebody lives, i want the best person for the job! Would you rather have an individual who was number one on an "out of town" list backing you up or some guy that got a final grade of a 70% and was 100 on the "in town" list? Like I said not too many individuals even reside anymore in the Towns, Villages or Cities where they work. It's not like years ago and some places have a very scarce legitamate picking pool to even choose from. There's many people who just don't want the Job, no matter how much you beg them to apply form it.

No one who is not on scene should overrule some one who is on-scene. That person is there, knows what is going on , both good and bad. I have had my dispatcher ask me if it was ok when one of the Lt's or Capt requested additional equipment ... my response was always, so and so is on scene, I'm not. he is in charge.
The only time a chief can and should [lets make that the senior fire officer responding] make decisions en route to a scene is when they are getting information from dispatch and no FD personnel is on scene. Size up begins when the tone/bell/whistle whatever hits. You need to know your response area, think time, occupancy, water etc. Think quickly about other resources needed - if needed at all.
When I started we had a chief who micro-managed from his bed. The tone go off at 3 a.m. for a fire in his district and the first thing he would do is cancel the 3rd due engine and tower. 15 minutes later he'd be screaming for those rigs, plus more. Needless to say, he has a few parking lots named after him.

Beer Response Team.

Everything in life is a liability issue.

Date: 11/7/11
Time: 1136
Location: Trails End Dr X 5th Street
Frequency: OC-911
Units Operating: Cuddebackville Car 1, Huguenot (1 Engine, 1 Tanker), Port Jervis (1 Tanker), Port Jervis EMS, Otisville (1 Tanker), Poctatello (1 Engine - S/B ), Wurtsboro (FAST),
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Description Of Incident: working fire
Reporters:
Writer: billy98988
1136 - Cuddebackville Fire dispatched - possible structure fire.. caller reporting house on fire.
1137 - Huguenot Fire dispatched for 1 engine, and 1 tanker to standby.
1140 - OC 36-3 dispatched.
1141 - Port Jervis EMS dispatched to standby in quarters.
1141 - OC-911 reporting add'l call, and PD on scene reporting working fire.
1144 - Huguenot Fire on standby.
1144 - Cuddebackville 805 responding, County reports "couple calls, sounds like a job"
1147 - 805 and Car 1 o/s reporting working fire.
1148 - Car 1 (IC) requesting 2nd Alarm for Box 1043
1150 - Multiple dispatches for m/a tankers to scene. fill site to be est.
1156 - Car 1 (IC) checking status on FAST team. County reports Wurtsboro FAST as been notified.
1157 - OC-911 reports all M/A requested to scene is on the road, waiting on a few standby's.
1159 - Wurtsboro Units on scene.
1200 - Poctatello en route to Cuddebackville for standby.
1201 - Car 1 reports 2 lines in operation, fire in a double wide trailer, Poctatello requested to move up to scene.
1208 - 36-3 req Red Cross - 2 Adults 2 Children
1210 - Fill Site is est as per Port Jervis
1213 - 20 minute status check - 3 lines in operation, fire is under control, requesting fire investigation to scene.
1215 - EMS transporting one firefighter to Bon Secours with smoke inhalation.

If anyone is basing their agency's operational decisions on whether or not a thread will pop up on EMTBravo they need serious help!
Seriously, there is a problem when there are multiple white helmets standing around one of the ubiquitous SUV's but they're not operating as FF and instead calling for mutual aid crews for fire suppression.
You're spot on that there needs to be an Incident Commander. That's ONE. Is there any reason that the other available chiefs can't/won't/don't serve in another supervisory position or even as an FF?

Agreed. Problem is that many people wearing officer's shields and chief's shields refuse to think they need to sit in on some classes to better themselves in the interest of the department. It's these people that I wish we could all just kick in the nuts.

I'll do my best to answer your questions with the understanding that the views expressed are mine and mine alone
On this subject I must say that it is unfortunate if your views in regards to my relating my experiences here have been skewed due to my fervent beliefs regarding my hometown situation, they are in fact unrelated. Stamford is in turmoil yes, and in part that turmoil is due to bad decisions made on the part of all the players invloved incuding your union brothers of L-786. Let me be as clear as I can about something, I do not now nor have I never advocated for or supported the loss of anyone's job from SFRD....period. In fact I will say once agian that the option put forth by a group of us did address the job situation and guarantees no layoffs and promotions as well as two new hires and all that within the confines of no increase in spending. But enough about Stamford.
Yes I believe this is our Nation's the longest war. As for when do we leave, well I say we leave when the threat to our Nation is eradicated. To that end I think that we will need to have a military presence in this part of the world for the foreseeable future.
We have made our Country safer by rooting out and eliminating those who seek to do us grievous harm where the are. The blood spilled on these foreign shores has not been in vain because I subscribe to what I know is a general feeling among our troops here who often express it with this sentiment: "we would rather be doing this here than at home". And I believe that if we desert these operations here we will face a dramatic increase in terrorist activities and violence which will require a military solution at home. America's strength since the early 20th century has been our ability to keep the fight off our shores, failure to meet violence with violence here will only encourage our enemies to attack us at home. And quite frankly as I see it they use what resources they have fighting us here, not using them to get at everyone back home.
1)Yes I believe the Taliban can be eliminated, but not by military action alone. Life must get better for the people here to lessen the draw of groups like the Taliban. But the Tailban is just a symptom of a much larger problem facing the World.....radical miltant Islam
2) I think the Karzai government is a rotted bloated corrupt corpse in need of burial
3) I do not have first hand knowledge of corruption, but the signs are pretty evident all around us
4) Drugs are a major source of income here, not only for our enemies but for the regular Joe ( or should I say Akmed) as well. The trade although illicit and despicable is how many people simply feed their families here. And in what I'm sure will cause consternation to some, I believe that in the end it is not the drug growers or even pushers who are to blame alone, after all for them it is a business, but more so the users. There has to be a demand for the product otherwise it would not be profitable to engage in the drug trade in the first place. Drug trafficking as a way of life needs to be eradicated here, but there must be something to replace it if we are to gain the support or at least acceptance of the people here. It will be next to impossible to convince people to stop engaging in drug trafficking if they have no other way to feed temselves.
This war could end in a relatively short time if we approached it as a war. The restraints placed on our forces are hampering their ability to win a war and are in fact prolonging it. I do not advocate killing innocent people, but I do advocate winning our wars by whatever means necessary. If villagers are not with us they are against us and as far as I'm concerned they are the enemy and should be treated as such.
The end game here is the destruction of the Taliban and their supporters as well as a stabilzed country that wll no longer harbor terrorists nor aid them in their activities.
Here is the problem with this option. Pakistan is a soveriegn nation and a supposed ally, attacks on their territory will only widen the conflict and feed the insurgency. Also wars are not won by long distance engagements. We must have troops on the ground and the infastructure to support them and help move this country forward to secure the gains we make..and we are making them albeit very slowly. The whole issue of this region is containing and eliminating radical Islamic militants. This is happening here in Afghanistan, but it is Pakistan that is the breeding ground for the majority of this scourge. Until we face that demon we will be holding back the flood at best, but holding back that flood is a necessity or it will only get worse. When the time is right we will have to deal with radicalism in Pakistan if thye do not do so themselves, but for now we must work on eliminating it here first.
Yes we do face a myriad of problems back home, but failure to address the enemies outside will only end up leaving us more vulnerable at home. The troubles back home are severe and it will take sacrifices on the part of every American to get us moving out of the morass we are in at home. Maybe some type of new "New Deal" is in order to help jump start that process, but we can't just leave here now no matter the burden. The consequences of that would be dire and such a move would end up creating a worse problem in the end as our departure would signal to our enemies that all they have to do is wait us out. We will have a chance in a year to change direction of things back home and hopefully this time we will make the right choice.
Which is why I didn't vote for him
Well I think I've covered this, but I will reiterate that as far as I'm concerned and in a nutshell our involvement here and throughout the Middle East is necessary to act as a bulwark against the spread of radical Islamic militancy. We as a nation and as Americans are a target in this world and to me that means that we must be ever vigilant and ever ready to use force to protect ourselves. I do not take the shedding of the blood of so many young and honorable Americans lightly, but I do believe that like their forefathers their spilled blood has made us safer in this world. For that they have my most hearfelt and eternal gratitude
Stay Safe
and thanks for all you do on the homefront
Cogs

Date: 11-05-11
Time: 0440hrs
Location: 925 Little Britain Rd - "Sunset Strip"
Frequency: Base-5/OC911
Units Operating: [Vails Gate Car-3 (IC), Car-4 (Ops), Car-7 (Roof), E479, E478, E481, T484, T482], [Newburgh FAST], [New Windsor Engine], [NWVAC], [NWPD (numerous)], [NW Fire Inspector]
Weather Conditions: Cold
Description Of Incident: Working Structure Fire
Reporters:
Writer: BFD1054 o/s
0440hrs-Vails Gate alerted for the possible structure fire, caller states flames from the roof.
0441hrs-Vails Gate re-sounded for the confirmed structure fire.
VGFD Car-3 arrived on scene, established command and advised of a working fire in a 1-story commercial building of masonry construction and requested a 2nd alarm.
-All FD units were clear of the scene at approximately 0830hrs. New Windsor Fire Inspector and NWPD remained on the scene for investigation.

Date: 11/02/2011
Time: 1550(approx)
Location: 28 Paradise Hill X Route 32
Frequency: 154.205
Units Operating: Cornwall FD (T-402,TA-437?, R-403,E-404) Vails Gate FD (R-480-FAST), Storm King FD (TA-415?), Salisbury Mills FD(TA-?), Woodbury Fire,
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Description Of Incident: Working Fire in a residential dwelling. House was a single story ranch, 25x30, approx 1/4 mile up from Rt 32.
Fire was quickly knocked down
Reporters: BFD1054
Writer: billy98988
anyone with further PM..
1557 - 2nd Alarm of Fire dispatched.

Date: 11/02/2011
Time: 1550(approx)
Location: 28 Paradise Hill X Route 32
Frequency: 154.205
Units Operating: Cornwall FD (T-402,TA-437?, R-403,E-404) Vails Gate FD (R-480-FAST), Storm King FD (TA-415?), Salisbury Mills FD(TA-?), Woodbury Fire,
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Description Of Incident: Working Fire in a residential dwelling. House was a single story ranch, 25x30, approx 1/4 mile up from Rt 32.
Fire was quickly knocked down
Reporters: BFD1054
Writer: billy98988
anyone with further PM..
1557 - 2nd Alarm of Fire dispatched.

Westchester EMS has no affiliation with the County Of Westchester. They are owned by Stellaris Health, a cooperative owned by Northern Westchester Hospital, Phelps, White Plains, and Lawrence Hospitals. (which is why the lettering is on the side of their ambulances.)
45-M-1: Mount Kisco (HQ) opposite Holiday Inn
45-M-2: Somers Lincolndale Firehouse
45-M-3: Lewisboro VAC
WEMS runs a transport ambulance, or if a supervisor is on duty, they can run as 45-M-4.
When one medic goes out, the other two are mobile and repostioned. As long as 60 Control EMD's each call, the first responders get there with an AED and solid CPR, that makes a HUGE difference.
The call volume isn't there, and the municipality's don't even want to pay for ALS in the first place. Often,the Medics arrive before or with the first responders.
Plus, with solid BLS and competent EMT's, they can do a proper patient assesment and cancel ALS.
Also, as a rule of thumb, Norwalk is sometimes closer and will send an ambulance to Vista IF available (Vista actually used to be in CT)

Date: 10-31-2011
Time: 21:55 (approx.)
Location: 435 Haviland Drive @ Irby Road (staging is @ Sacred Heart Church) Google Maps
Frequency: Putnam 911 (46.38); 60-Control (46.26)
Units Operating: [Putnam Lake FD: 23-1-1, 23-6-1, 23-3-1, 23-4-1, 23-2-3, 23-2-4]: [brewster FD: 11-2-4]: [Patterson FD]; [PCDES: Car 7, Car 8, Fire Investigation Team]: NYSEG
Units Relocated: [Croton Falls FD]; [Lake Carmel FD: 17-4-4]
Weather Conditions: Cold, clear
Description Of Incident: Working fire in a P/D. According to Google Earth, this is a 3 story wood frame.
Writer: PFDRes47cue
(all times are approximate)
21:55 - Putnam Lake FD dispatched to reported structure fire.
22:00 - Croton Falls FD requested to relocate one engine to Brewster HQ.
22:10 - Brewster FD toned out for 2nd engine to the scene.
22:12 - Putnam Lake ambulance needed to respond to fire scene for standby, EMT and attendant needed.
22:16 - Patterson FD requested for the rescue.
22:19 - Lake Carmel FD toned out to relocate one Engine to Patterson HQ.
22:20 - Patterson FD stating they are unable to staff the rescue.
22:23 - Brewster FD toned out for "wires arching" call on Millerton Road. Croton Falls is covering the call.
22:31 - Car 7 requesting the Fire Investigation Team to the scene.
22:32 - Brewster FD "wires arching" call is unfounded units returning to Brewster HQ
22:33 - Fire Investigation Team toned out for response.
22:34 - Lake Carmel 17-4-4 is relocating to Patterson HQ.
22:36 - Putnam 911 requests Car 7 give an actual address when possible.
22:40 - Car 7 reports, fire extinguished, overhauling.
22:42 - Fire Investigation Team toned out for additional manpower.
22:43 - Mill Plain FD tanker is relocated to Brewster HQ. Lake Carmel FD 17-4-4 is relocated to Patterson HQ.
22:47 - Fire Investigation Team 3rd dispatch for additional manpower.
22:49 - Car 7 advising that the address is 435 Haviland Drive.
22:50 - NYSEG is on location.
22:53 - Brewster PD on-scene @ 24 Prospect Street in Brewster reporting fire on the deck.
22:53 - Croton Falls and Mill Plain units covering for Brewster FD, responding to 24 Prospect Street.
22:54 - 24 Prospect Street - 11-1-2 on scene with a garbage can on fire on the deck, extending to the structure.
22:56 - 24 Prospect Street - fire knocked down, checking for extension.
22:57 - Carmel FD toned out to go on standby in their HQ, due to Brewster and Putnam Lake structure fires.
22:58 - 1 engine released from scene relocating to Putnam Lake HQ to standby.
23:04 - Carmel FD advising Putnam 911 that they have a full crew on standby in their HQ.
23:07 - 24 Prospect Street - negative extension, crews picking up.
23:22 - Car 8 putting Croton Falls FD and Mills Plains FD back in service from standby, Carmel FD to remain on standby.
23:44 - 17-4-4 released from standby in Patterson HQ as per Car 7.
23:53 - Brewster FD units released from scene.
00:04 - Carmel FD released from standby.

Even when dealt with a massive county wide emergency such as this weekend, you are always calm cool and collected on the radio. I personally would like to say thank you for making this storm run as smoothly as possible, even with the upwards of 120 backlogged calls you received on Saturday and the numerous working fires you were handling at any given time.
So, thanks guys... Be on the look out for a gift basket this winter

A doctor at WMC thought enough of a call that he called my agency to say something. I passed it along to the crew, but it's worth mentioning. It was a busy day and the call description didn't warrant a medic, but someone on scene thought that it did and called for one, then got on the radio to update the medic. The patient was packaged and ready to go. The decision was made to go to the medical center and no one complained. It was a smooth ride with good help in the back. Everyone chipped in, worked together and the result was solid, professional, compassionate care.
It was a low anxiety call--no heroics--but at the same time, it was a low anxiety call because everyone stepped up to do their job. Some days we forget how important teamwork and attitude can be. And then there are moments like this one, when it all comes together because half a dozen people are trained and dedicated and put the patient first.
So thank you Mahopac Falls. You guys did a really nice job out there.

x129 with his Redneck snowblower.
Dual stacks and a detroit diesel.