billy98988

Date: 09/16/13
Time: 1740hrs
Location: 81 Steele Rd c/s Little Britain Rd
Units: VGFD Cars 1 (IC), 2, 3, E478, E479, E481, T484, T482, R480, NWPD
Description: Working Fire in a P/D
1740hrs-Base-5 -alerting Vails Gate; possible structure fire, 81 Steele Rd, smoke in the attic.
NWPD arrived and advised of smoke showing from the soffit.
VGFD Car-2 arrived and advised of smoke from the soffit and eaves.
VGFD Car-1 arrived and established command.
Car-1 advised E478, T484 and T482 to commit to Steele Rd. E481, E479 and R480 advised to s/b at Little Britain and Steele Rd.
VGFD Cars 2 & 3 quickly located active fire in the walls on the #2 floor, 1/2 corner.
T482's crew made entry and held the fire with a PWC while members opened up to check for extension. Other members threw ladders to the #1 and #2 sides.
E478's crew stretched a 1 3/4" line as a precaution.
Members then worked from the interior and exterior to open up on the 1/2 corner and quickly k/d the fire. Members then checked for extension which was (-).

Listen to the audio. That's all I have to say.

This is so sad!!! Our family has a house down there and this is heartbreaking Thank you to all the NJ FDs / EMS / PD for all of your efforts.

Here is where I do not agree with some of you guys...this is a bit wrong on all levels. If you are career in a combination department and you feel "threatened" by the volunteers that might "take your job away" there is more issues there then you know. If I was a volunteer in a career combination department I would not be trying to take anyones job. I would have my resume in for when there are openings from retirement or someone moving out of the area, but I would never try to back-stab a brother who is already being paid for the job. I am still going to be volunteer and have tremendous pride in being able to respond to calls and help where I can, but would never step on the toes of the career crew, or back-stab them in any way. If this is happening; SHAME on those members.
But on the other hand; SHAME on those career guys simply for thinking that just because a volunteer shows up, they are taking the "fork" out of your mouths. They are showing up to help you, back you up and make sure you all go home at the end of the shift so you CAN pick up that fork with your family. We should alll WORK TOGETHER, dont you think??? This thinking is all wrong and I am not trying to hurt anyones feelings here either, but those of us volunteers that take pride in our training and pride in our ability to help others only want to help; both the people we serve and our career brothers/sisters who are severely under-staffed and under-funded. I for one dont want to see any ONE career firefighter have to do EVERYTHING alone, I want to help, I want to make sure they dont get hurt, not back-stab them.
Maybe I am wrong in this line of thinking and i know there are those scum out there trying to take your job from you, everyone wants to be career firefighter and support their families doing a job they LOVE, but it shouldnt divide us...shouldnt it?

Staff Sgt. Todd J. "T.J." Lobraico Jr. 105th Airlift Wing of the New York ANG
Killed last week while fighting the war on terror was brought home today. He arrived at Stewart Air Base where a ceremony was held and then he was escorted to New Fairfield Ct where he will be laid to rest. Along his trip from the airport down Rt 17K to Route 300 to I-84 he was proudly honored by many Fire, Police, & EMS agencies along the way.
I stood with my department and with the following fire departments that were at the Toll Plaza, Beacon, Beekman, Castle Point, Chelsea, Dover, Dutchess Junction, Fishkill, Glenham, Hughsonville, New Hamburg, Roosevelt, Beacon Vol. Amb. town of Fishkill police, village of Wappinger Falls PD, NYSP.
It was an honor to do so and it was nice to hear of the other departments that did the same.

Pretty fitting here I think......

Do you recognize this man? Do you know his name?

Lots of people know he’s an actor, and that his name is Steve Buscemi.

What very few people realize is that he was once one of New York’s Bravest.

In 1976 Steve Buscemi took the FDNY civil service test when he was just 18 years old. In 1980 Steve Buscemi became a New York City Firefighter.

For four years, Buscemi served on one of FDNY's busiest, Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan's Little Italy. He later left the fire service to become a successful actor, writer and director.

After 9/11/2001... Brother Buscemi returned to FDNY Engine 55.

On September 12, 2001 and for several days following Brother Steve worked 12-hour shifts alongside other firefighters digging and sifting through the rubble from the World Trade Center looking for survivors.

Very few photographs and no interviews exist because he declined them. He wasn't there for the publicity.

In 2003 he also gave a speech at a union rally supporting higher wages for firefighters and to stop fire houses from closing. He got arrested along with other firefighters.

Also not very well known is that in 2012 Brother Buscemi showed up in Breezy Point, NY and quietly assisted in the clean-up efforts of the damage and mass destruction left by Super Storm Sandy.

Once a brother, always a brother!

Just so we're clear… this guy is a Badass !!!

Tip of the helmet Brother Steve!

Jonathan Lusk
Publisher ~ Brotherhood of Fire
Captain ~ Fresno Fire, CA ~ E18C

“Brotherhood Strong”

What defines a working fire?
When members of the department show up who you haven't seen in months for training, meetings, etc. and they are the first ones on the rigs and there throwing didicated members off. That's when you know it a working fire.

Date: 9/1/2013
Time:1340
Location:3 Vance Rd
Units:VGFD Car 1, R-480, E-478,479,481. New Windsor Paramedics and EMS, Air 2, NWPD
Description: 1 vehicle accident. Victim was trapped underneath vehicle. Removed prior to FD arrival.
approx times --
1340 - VG dispatched to the above address for MVA.
1343 - NW Medic 1 checking status of medevac.
1345 - Dispatch advises patient no longer trapped underneath vehicle.
1346 - VG Car 1 on scene.
1348 - Command requesting launch of medevac. Landing zone to be at Little Britain School.
1350 - 911 advising medevac ETA approximately 5 minutes. FD units arriving to stabilize vehicle.
1351 - 481&478 have landing zone established.
1355 - NWEMS command report patient being packaged. 15 minute eta to leave scene. Medevac on final approach.
1359 - E-481 advising medevac on the ground.

Date: 9/1/2013
Time:1340
Location:3 Vance Rd
Units:VGFD Car 1, R-480, E-478,479,481. New Windsor Paramedics and EMS, Air 2, NWPD
Description: 1 vehicle accident. Victim was trapped underneath vehicle. Removed prior to FD arrival.
approx times --
1340 - VG dispatched to the above address for MVA.
1343 - NW Medic 1 checking status of medevac.
1345 - Dispatch advises patient no longer trapped underneath vehicle.
1346 - VG Car 1 on scene.
1348 - Command requesting launch of medevac. Landing zone to be at Little Britain School.
1350 - 911 advising medevac ETA approximately 5 minutes. FD units arriving to stabilize vehicle.
1351 - 481&478 have landing zone established.
1355 - NWEMS command report patient being packaged. 15 minute eta to leave scene. Medevac on final approach.
1359 - E-481 advising medevac on the ground.

The opposite of an unemployed one?

Date: 8/31/13
Time: 3:35
Location: 250 Mamaroneck Avenue: YMCA
WPFD Units: E65, E66, E71, E67, L32, TL6, R88, 2512, WPPD, EMS
FFD Units: E174
HFD Units: 2171, TL15

Description: Fire on 3rd floor with person(s) down.
Relocates
WPFD HQ: Greenville E150 / Scarsdale L28
WPFD Sta. 2: New Rochelle E22 & L12
03:33 - E65, L32 dispatched to commercial alarm.
03:35 - 2512 reports fire on 3rd floor, one person down, EMS on a rush. Fill out the assignment.
03:39 - Per 2512 add TL6 to the assignment.
03:40 - 2512 requesting EMS immediately.
03:41 - Command reports units stretching a line, making entry.
03:44 - 2512 AGAIN requesting EMS to expedite to the lobby.
03:47 - 2512 requesting E67 to relocate HQ.
03:48 - 2512 requesting a recall for 1 DC, 2 LTs, 6 FFs.
03:53 - 2512 requesting 2 Engines & 2 Ladders into the City. Level 1 Callback ASAP.
03:58 - Fairview Engine & Hartsdale Ladder to scene. Greenville & Scardale dispatched to cover.
03:59 - New Rochelle E22 & L12 to cover at Station 2.
04:08 - Command reports fully involved apartment on #3 floor, water on fire, possible extension to #4 floor. Using all hands. Also reports at least one apartment is an active crime scene.
04:17 - Command reports 1 FF injured, need oxygen for multiple parties. Requesting one more Ambulance to scene.
04:19 - Battalion 15 responding.
04:25 - Harrison EMS to the scene, 2512 reports multiple FFs in need of oxygen assistance.
04:36 - Command placing fire under control, units opening up, crime scene established, using all hands.
04:40 - Command reports a total of 4 firefighters to hospital.
04:41 - Battalion 15 requesting Red Cross for approximately 60 displaced.
05:49 - TL15 in service.
05:52 - E174 and 2122 picking up.
09:00 - White Plains Police Commissioner is reporting this to be a possible Homicide Investigation. Two Fatalities.One Victim located on the fire floor, the other in the lobby behind the counter. Criminal/C&O investigation ongoing.

The newest addition...the 2013 Ford Police Interceptor. The first marked units have arrived and entered service within the last month. Here is a cell phone pics of one assigned to Highway 1 in the Bronx. The size of it surprised me at first, almost the size of the outgoing Ford CVPI. The inside looks well set up (no photos at this time)

Antiquefirelt, I do think you hit the nail dead center on the head.
Respect for senior firefighters and officers has been destroyed by self-centered arrogant cocky young pups fresh out of firefighter 1 training who think they know it all too. Technology has taken away that close knit family feeling, and then the younger age coming in today are all "know-it-alls" because their daddy was a chief or their whole family was in the department...wrong. They come in instantly barking orders and demanding respect...wrong.
When I first joined in Long Island, I kept quiet, listened when a senior firefighter or officer spoke, volunteered for every assignment even if it was cleaning toilets, we had to stand at attention whenever the chief entered the meeting room during meetings or drills, and I never let a senior firefighter pack hose after calls even if I were exhausted. I asked them questions and tried to learn something new every time, even if I was already comfortable with what we were drilling on. I never acted cocky, or arrogant, or touted my own horn. After time, I saw that I EARNED the respect they finaly showed me when I was around the station, and I was able to joke around more. It took time. Today; everyone expects instant over-night success and respect just because they joined. I fully blame that on what was already mentioned a few times; todays kids are getting awards for everything, even just for participating, and they never fail and do not learn that they have to work hard to succeed. They are now turning 18 and joining the fire service expecting to be rewarded instantly for everything, and they dont know how to earn anything. Its sad.
I guess old timers like you and I are a thing of the past...
Brotherhood is dead, I dont know when it was on life support or how it ever was allowed to slip away like it did, but people like me, and you (antiquefirelt, Firnatine, and others) will still try to pass on the traditions and share the brotherhood that we have still in our hearts. Its up to the others to accept it and practice it though and thats what bothers me...

Personally to me it is dead. Stabbed in the back to the point I left, and haven't looked back

I fear Brotherhood has lost out to technology. The ability to have one's personal life literally at ones fingertips 24/7/365 ensures that is the priority 24/7/365. The camaraderie , Brotherhood and sense of family I found as a proby is lost since gone, taken one small step at a time, though in pretty short order.
When I started at my career position we had two computers used for entering basic NFIRs reports and typing official letters. We arrived at work at least a half an hour before the shift to ensure the off going guys didn't get stuck on a BS run that would mess up their plans. We all gathered at the dayroom table to discuss any pertinent FD issues that arose in the past 48 hours, and then typically drifted to anything of interest we'd done, heard or seen in the same time period. We knew each other on a personal level. We were allowed one phone call home in the evening not to exceed 10 minutes (we had but 1 business line). You'd call home say good night and unless it was an emergency, hope that you didn't get a call from outside. We all gathered at every "scheduled" break and ate meals together. Strangely 15-18 years ago we rarely shared a meal as one, we merely ate our own things at the same table at the same time. That changed almost as a reaction to the loss of time together a few ears after I started. Nonetheless we all, had nothing better to do than keep each other entertained. We constantly played practical jokes on each other, frequently gather to smoke on the bay floor (designated area at that time, when we not as health conscious). We'd practically beg our Chief to regale us with stories of jobs and his war experiences (best story teller ever!). We'd watch the same TV at night and for the morning news. We were tight. Every shift was tight and due to stricter staffing rules we had to swap more often so we had reason to be tight with other guys too. When we came to work, we left everything else at home, very little from home affected us unless it was a personal issue that had an affect on a guys' focus (impending divorce, financial crisis, death in the family) the day to day stuff had to wait until the next day, period.
Of the past 15 years we first started to get better computers, which at first only allowed games, so we started to lose a few people to video games once in a while, but for the most part it was unnoticeable. Then came the internet, and that's when we started to lose guys for hours, sometimes whole tours we'd only share time on calls or community work. Maybe here's where we started to do the communal evening meal that at least brought all shift members to the same table for an hour or so. Then we seemed to find the end of the internet and people grew bored with it. It became a nice tool, but less exciting unless looking for something specific.
Somewhere along the way, cellphones became smaller and mainstream and suddenly guys were hiding on the floor at night arguing with the wife or other people. Our home lives came to the station. Suddenly, all the day to day issues, were confronting guys while they were at work. We struggled to keep up with the changing technology with rules that tried to at least ensure actual work was unaffected, but alas, that didn't work, changes were far too rapid. Requests for emergency time off for this and that increased, personnel were often scattered to the far ends of the building quietly dealing with their home/life issues instead of watching TV, sharing stories or otherwise congregating together.
And today all the technologies collide to nearly obliterate anyone's sense that they can come to work to get away from everything else. Facebook has inserted people back into to each other lives, but on a far less personal level. People know things about each other but given they can read this and get the info indirectly they have ample opportunity to express their true views without the person being able to explain or defend themselves. Now we see far more snickering and back stabbing amongst "brothers". Many Facebook users see the guys/girls spouses opinions and actions and suddenly have their opinion on that, something that used to be somewhat off limits. Smartphones ensure all of this takes place wherever/whenever the member is. Our crews still meet at the dayroom table in the morning and share information, as soon as FD interests are gone, it generally devolves to "did you see what, so and so posted?" or "if I was married to that .....I'd ....". Most mornings there's 8-12 people sitting around, but only 2 or 3 are talking and the rest have their faces buried in the smartphones. Firefighters are far less likely to come in early for another, instead coming in at literally the last minute, still chatting away to whomever was more important at 0658 in the morning.
We still eat the evening meal together but typically it's pretty quiet as one or two people text their way through dinner. We had to make a rule that talking on personal phones was done outside the dayroom otherwise you could watch TV or remotely converse. Yep, a rule that addresses common courtesy. Still in the evening those who have gravitated back to the dayroom to watch TV, now do so with an Ipad on their lap and constantly are convinced the rest of us need to see whatever stupid thing was sent to them or posted on a Facebook page, totally oblivious that others might actually not care.
Sorry, Moose, this wasn't a positive story of Brotherhood. Maybe I'm "old" or just don't find myself interesting enough to Tweet or be on Facebook, and while I think we the Brothers and Sisters allowed this to happen, it's technology that killed Brotherhood. While this is what I see from the career side, I imagine that on the volunteer/call side, the technology has become a time drain that hurts volunteerism, as people spend far more time using the web media to stay up on all things that used to be none of their business. The hardest part is that I now realize how much I miss the more personal interaction with those I work with and the job is becoming much more of a job. I used to want to go to work, now I'm ambivalent, I'd likely take far more time off if other duties wouldn't just pile up on my desk. I find myself looking for projects to reinvigorate my attitude, and this is a common feeling among many of members with 10-12 year or more on the job.

I think Firemoose827 it's because of the World we now live in where like many have said you can't offend anyone anymore and have to constantly be "politically correct" for fear of being sued and labeled a racist. Tradition in the F/S is practically dead which is sad. Like one member posted in the other forum also, everyone now receives a trophy and as a result can not accept failure and to be told their no good at something and if they are will head right to the powers to be to complain. This all trickles down to the moral on the job where nobody wants to participate in anything anymore. Another big reason why I see the Brotherhood disappearing is because of the quality of individuals Depts. are hiring. Depts. now seem to be more concerned with "Quantity" then "Quality" for fear again of being labeled racist/biased towards certain individuals and groups and have lowered their "STANDARDS" to attract these individuals. As a result those members who are 100% dedicated towards their Profession get discouraged having to work with these incompetent individuals who for the most part are just there for a paycheck and don't want to associate with them either on or off the Job, especially when these individuals don't get reprimanded for their unacceptable actions/mistakes on and off the Job but almost seem to be rewarded and left alone. After awhile it gets discouraging to those who really do care and try and do the" right" thing and as a result everyone is out for themselves and the "Brotherhood" is now in the toilet. JMO

I wanted to find out what everyones thoughts were on brotherhood in the fire service and maybe hear some memories of what a good strong brotherhood should be like.
Brotherhood to me is dead. I dont see it anymore and if it is claimed to be alive its fake and only for certain "Cliques" in the department; if you are not a member you dont exist.
The fire service should be a second family, which is why we call each other "brother" or "Sister", but you should MEAN what you say, and ACT as family and not just talk a big game.
When I was young and on Long Island with my father in my first department, I was constantly at the firehouse with him since I was in diapers. Most of the membership had actually changed my diapers or babysat for me or picked me up from school once when my dad was hurt bad in a construction accident where he works and brought to the hospital to my mother who was already there. Then a bunch of them STAYED at the hospital until my dad was stable, running errands for my mom, getting my mom, brother and I food...It was a true family.
When I became a member upstate it was a different world. I was a member for 9 years when my 2 year old son passed away, and only 2 members; thats right, only TWO members came to my sons funeral. None of them came to the hospital when he was there, or to our house to see if we needed anything...it was not a family.
I am in department number 4 now, and the last department I will be in because we just got our first house. But the department has very little "brotherhood" and as a chief I am trying to change that. I am trying to get more department functions, and trying to get the members to call each other more and help each other more. But you can't force something or order something like brotherhood on your members, it needs to be genuine and from the heart and meant for the entire department, right down to that annoying guy who keeps irritating the hell out of you at drills and meetings.
Brotherhood...Does it still exist in your area?

Ossining FD deserves credit for throwing the ladders as well. They're among a small percentile around the county that has strong Truck Company presence at a fire scene - whether it's throwing portable ladders or getting the Truck into position. I actually missed this fire, but can tell you I am proud of the guys for always doing the right thing.
Ironically, Monday night's FAST drill was a review of throwing ladders...

As x129k would say, "Strong Work"!
From the Bedford Hills FD Facebook Page:

I support Duracell, and will not buy anything else....they have always supported the fire service thru donations, so we should support them.
Couple years ago Duracell donated a couple cases of batteries (9volt, A ,AAA) to us to give out to anybody in the district that needed them for smoke alarms.
They are also a American company located in CT.

Had an older lady walk into the Transit Manhattan Task Force base to make a complaint that there were no donut carts on the streets, and that the same thing occurred on 9/11. She wanted me to notify the FBI and CIA, to prepare.

White Plains had 2 mid mounts back in the day. One was a 100' that ran out of headquarters.
The other was a 85' that ran out of old station 2 on Hamilton Ave. When the tiller was purchased around 1956 (57) the 85' was reassigned to Sta. 7 on North St. I think they both eventually found their way to Hartsdale.

The insurance ratings do not have a ladder minimum length. They rate a 55' stick the same as a 220' Bronto Platform
They do rate quits as either and engine and 1/2 a ladder or a ladder & 1/2 an engine (you get to pick which it is). So they do recognize you can not do both.
They also expect that to get credit for both they most carry 100% of the ladder co & 100% of the engine company required equipment. I know of no manufacturer that can build a quint that carries all the hose, water, ladders and other equipment required so your 1.5 units will get a percentage downgrade based on whats missing.
THey also still expect the manpower of an engine and ladder, so if you run with less than 8 its not getting full credit.

Date: 08/22/13
Time: 1450hrs (approx)
Location: 117 Harold Ave
Units: Cornwall Car-4 (IC) E400, T402, TA437, Vails Gate C3, R480 (FAST), West Point C2, E? (2nd FAST), 36-14, Cornwall VAC, Cornwall PD
Description: Structure Fire
1450hrs-OC911 alerting Cornwall for the possible structure fire, smoke coming from the house.
1447hrs-OC911 advising Cornwall units that they're receiving multiple calls reporting a structure fire.
Cornwall Car-4 requesting (1) Engine from Cornwall-on-Hudson to the scene and (1) Engine from Salisbury Mills to re-locate to Cornwall FD HQ.
Cornwall-on-Hudson then directed to re-locate to CFD HQ and Salisbury Mills to cancel.
1458hrs-Command requesting Vails Gate's FAST to the scene.
1459hrs-OC911 alerting Vails Gate; FAST requested to Cornwall.
1510hrs-Vails Gate R480/FAST on scene.
Vails Gate's FAST going to work, Command requesting West Point to the scene as the new FAST.
Fire was in the attached garage of a 2-story raised ranch style SFD. Quick knock down by 1st due companies.
Members then opened up and checked for extension which was (-).
Mutual-aid then released as companies picked up.

Back when West Nile Virus became an issue. I took a call from an older female that went like this;
Me: "Fire Department."
Lady: "Hello, there are two birds on my front porch and they won't go away."
Me: "OK mam, this is the fire department, what do you want me to do?"
Lady: "Well I already called the police and they said to call you. These birds have been in front of my door for over a half hour and won't go away. They are very menacing and keep staring at me."
Me: "Unless they're on fire, we really can't do anything. If they're still there in a half hour, call the police and file a harassment complaint."