Remember585

Well said! I have two gripes with this story. One, I can't believe a municipality would nickel and dime the deaths of two employees, especially firefighters killed in the Line of Duty.
Secondly, and I am only asking a question and not stirring a pot, do unions, such as IAFF Locals, have fund raising events to set aside funds for things like this? Don't a lot of IAFF locals have benevolents or something so they can take care of their own when something happens? If so, wouldn't this be a * issue?
Honestly, I am annoyed and sickened at the fact that expense is being discussed following two deaths. It doesn't matter who they were, what they did or how they died. What's wrong with society that everything has a price tag now? What ever happening to doing the right thing?

Well said! I have two gripes with this story. One, I can't believe a municipality would nickel and dime the deaths of two employees, especially firefighters killed in the Line of Duty.
Secondly, and I am only asking a question and not stirring a pot, do unions, such as IAFF Locals, have fund raising events to set aside funds for things like this? Don't a lot of IAFF locals have benevolents or something so they can take care of their own when something happens? If so, wouldn't this be a * issue?
Honestly, I am annoyed and sickened at the fact that expense is being discussed following two deaths. It doesn't matter who they were, what they did or how they died. What's wrong with society that everything has a price tag now? What ever happening to doing the right thing?

The Deaprtments that use the Trunked System "full time" are (if I remember correctly):
Ardsley - Fire 14
Armonk - Fire 16
Banksville - Fire 16
Bedford Hills - Fire 16
Bedford - Fire 16
Chappaqua - Fire 16
Croton Falls - Fire 13
Fairview - Fire 14
Goldens Bridge - Fire 13
Hawthorne - Fire 11 (EMS 11 for EMS)
Irvington - Fire 14
Katonah - Fire 16
Mamaroneck Town - Fire 15
Mount Kisco - Fire 16
Sleepy Hollow - Fire 12
North White Plains - Fire 19
Pleasantville - Fire 11
Purchase - Fire 19
South Salem - Fire 13
Thornwood - Fire 11
Valhalla - Fire 11
Vista - Fire 13
Yorktown - Fire 17
Westchester EMS (45 Medics) use EMS 13 or EMS 16 depending on where the call is)
Katonah-Bedford Hills VAC - EMS 16
Mount Kisco VAC - EMS 16
Pound Ridge VAC - EMS 13

Since I'm one of those guys who has taken multiple companies out of our jurisdiction for training, I can tell you this - every time I do it I can't help but wonder if it's a bad idea. But, every time we've done it, we have two Engines and a Ladder covering us, whether it's all Mutual Aid or a combination of our own units.
As a multi-company department, it is important for us to work together often and keep up our skills. We can only do so many drills in our own area, but we don't have much to use. The Fire Training Center is a great facility with so many options for people to fine-tune their skills. It is of the utmost importance to us, as a department, to drill on a regular basis, especially because our call volume isn't that high. We used to try "Department Drills" using only one or two rigs, and those from the other companies wouldn't come because they remained in town to staff their apparatus for any calls we might have. This is why we now have multi-company drills and department drills involving all companies, and depend on Mutual Aid help to cover the home turf while we improve ourselves.
It's a pain in the a**, I can't lie, because most of us here (volunteer and paid) don't have the proper facilities to do live fire training, so traveling out of town isn't an option, it's the only way we can do it.
We all want to be better firefighters, fire companies and fire departments, so if that means occassionally pulling companies out of service / out of town to train, that's what we have to do. Pulling resources out of town for a parade or other parties and not keeping people behind to mind the shop, that's just begging to get caught with your pants down. I have nothing against parades, I LOVE THEM, but what I hate is how to some people it's nothing more then a chance to put on their uniforms, get hammered and embarass those of us that actually still give a s***.
I've said it before on here, uniforms & booze don't mix. It's these public displays of stupidity that make all of us have to defend ourselves to everyone as not being a bunch of drunken firemen!
Be proud, but be smart. Remember our priorities in the fire service - response, training, prevention and education.

Since I'm one of those guys who has taken multiple companies out of our jurisdiction for training, I can tell you this - every time I do it I can't help but wonder if it's a bad idea. But, every time we've done it, we have two Engines and a Ladder covering us, whether it's all Mutual Aid or a combination of our own units.
As a multi-company department, it is important for us to work together often and keep up our skills. We can only do so many drills in our own area, but we don't have much to use. The Fire Training Center is a great facility with so many options for people to fine-tune their skills. It is of the utmost importance to us, as a department, to drill on a regular basis, especially because our call volume isn't that high. We used to try "Department Drills" using only one or two rigs, and those from the other companies wouldn't come because they remained in town to staff their apparatus for any calls we might have. This is why we now have multi-company drills and department drills involving all companies, and depend on Mutual Aid help to cover the home turf while we improve ourselves.
It's a pain in the a**, I can't lie, because most of us here (volunteer and paid) don't have the proper facilities to do live fire training, so traveling out of town isn't an option, it's the only way we can do it.
We all want to be better firefighters, fire companies and fire departments, so if that means occassionally pulling companies out of service / out of town to train, that's what we have to do. Pulling resources out of town for a parade or other parties and not keeping people behind to mind the shop, that's just begging to get caught with your pants down. I have nothing against parades, I LOVE THEM, but what I hate is how to some people it's nothing more then a chance to put on their uniforms, get hammered and embarass those of us that actually still give a s***.
I've said it before on here, uniforms & booze don't mix. It's these public displays of stupidity that make all of us have to defend ourselves to everyone as not being a bunch of drunken firemen!
Be proud, but be smart. Remember our priorities in the fire service - response, training, prevention and education.

We need to talk...

Since I'm one of those guys who has taken multiple companies out of our jurisdiction for training, I can tell you this - every time I do it I can't help but wonder if it's a bad idea. But, every time we've done it, we have two Engines and a Ladder covering us, whether it's all Mutual Aid or a combination of our own units.
As a multi-company department, it is important for us to work together often and keep up our skills. We can only do so many drills in our own area, but we don't have much to use. The Fire Training Center is a great facility with so many options for people to fine-tune their skills. It is of the utmost importance to us, as a department, to drill on a regular basis, especially because our call volume isn't that high. We used to try "Department Drills" using only one or two rigs, and those from the other companies wouldn't come because they remained in town to staff their apparatus for any calls we might have. This is why we now have multi-company drills and department drills involving all companies, and depend on Mutual Aid help to cover the home turf while we improve ourselves.
It's a pain in the a**, I can't lie, because most of us here (volunteer and paid) don't have the proper facilities to do live fire training, so traveling out of town isn't an option, it's the only way we can do it.
We all want to be better firefighters, fire companies and fire departments, so if that means occassionally pulling companies out of service / out of town to train, that's what we have to do. Pulling resources out of town for a parade or other parties and not keeping people behind to mind the shop, that's just begging to get caught with your pants down. I have nothing against parades, I LOVE THEM, but what I hate is how to some people it's nothing more then a chance to put on their uniforms, get hammered and embarass those of us that actually still give a s***.
I've said it before on here, uniforms & booze don't mix. It's these public displays of stupidity that make all of us have to defend ourselves to everyone as not being a bunch of drunken firemen!
Be proud, but be smart. Remember our priorities in the fire service - response, training, prevention and education.

Since I'm one of those guys who has taken multiple companies out of our jurisdiction for training, I can tell you this - every time I do it I can't help but wonder if it's a bad idea. But, every time we've done it, we have two Engines and a Ladder covering us, whether it's all Mutual Aid or a combination of our own units.
As a multi-company department, it is important for us to work together often and keep up our skills. We can only do so many drills in our own area, but we don't have much to use. The Fire Training Center is a great facility with so many options for people to fine-tune their skills. It is of the utmost importance to us, as a department, to drill on a regular basis, especially because our call volume isn't that high. We used to try "Department Drills" using only one or two rigs, and those from the other companies wouldn't come because they remained in town to staff their apparatus for any calls we might have. This is why we now have multi-company drills and department drills involving all companies, and depend on Mutual Aid help to cover the home turf while we improve ourselves.
It's a pain in the a**, I can't lie, because most of us here (volunteer and paid) don't have the proper facilities to do live fire training, so traveling out of town isn't an option, it's the only way we can do it.
We all want to be better firefighters, fire companies and fire departments, so if that means occassionally pulling companies out of service / out of town to train, that's what we have to do. Pulling resources out of town for a parade or other parties and not keeping people behind to mind the shop, that's just begging to get caught with your pants down. I have nothing against parades, I LOVE THEM, but what I hate is how to some people it's nothing more then a chance to put on their uniforms, get hammered and embarass those of us that actually still give a s***.
I've said it before on here, uniforms & booze don't mix. It's these public displays of stupidity that make all of us have to defend ourselves to everyone as not being a bunch of drunken firemen!
Be proud, but be smart. Remember our priorities in the fire service - response, training, prevention and education.

This is all to serious of a topic, and I am affraid as a proud vollie, that the paid fellows are correct with the exception that not every Dept. or company within a dept. is having problems, but some are more social than firematic and it is a sad and needs to stop - join the elks club or a yacht club to drink and party not a FIREHOUSE those days are over . I see and hear and have witnessed company's do more for a parade than pre-plans , training , rig checks and so on. When someone says something to them, you are a bad guy, or your trying to be a real firefighter or trying to be like the big cities. I would like to say that the people in my company and Dept. are not against taking classes at the different training centers or in house training just some of them. I think it is sad that we can't take parades and turn them into training or atleast the money put towards the parades to buy new equiptment , or the chiefs friends getting new gear without proving themselves to the Dept. and earning the stuff for once, like the good old days. This topic is great on so many levels but will fall on deaf ears like most of the problems. ( without going out on a limb I would have to say that paid and vollie Dept's alike all share the same problems just to different degree's and angles).

Bro,
Reread the chief's original post. Nowhere is having pride in service to your community or parades discussed in a negative way. The question is how do communities ensure adequete protection when they attend out of town parades? Remember QTIP? Career firefighters march in parades too. I always enjoy Marching up 5th in mid March. Sometimes I just have to find someone who's name ends in a vowel to work for me so I can assure coverage. Again QTIP. Pride and esprit de corp are just as important in career firehouses. Think about it we spend 24 hours together in close quarters.

I can't speak for any other departments, so I'll stick to ours.
In the past, certain Chiefs were more concerned with our appearance at parades then covering the home turf. This practice is finally over, as our current Chief has already made it clear that covering the home turf is more important than anything. (What a concept!)
We will only be attending parades in our neighboring jurisdictions, and the plan (unless it changes) would be to only send one rig to each parade, with minimal personnel, and keep personnel in quarters / in town to cover calls.
In the past I have responded back to cover calls either in my Chief's car, POV or on an apparatus because of dumb decisions made by "top brass." It's embarassing and it's dangerous.
While it wasn't a parade, we had our Biennial Dinner Dance in January, and we had our own personnel in quarters as well as a Mutual Aid Engine from Montrose to cover calls. This practice is also used when we go out of town for drills. At minimum, we always keep at least one Engine and one Truck staffed in town, whether we're at a drill, parade, etc.
And to answer the question about cost - yes, we looked at that. Some people wanted to do away with all parades, however because we live in an imperfect society, if you don't go to some parades, those Chiefs take it personally then don't call you for anything in the future. Same stuff happens when you don't go to Friendship Nights, etc. For whatever reason, some Chiefs / Departments take it personally and will remove you or move you down on their Mutual Aid plan.
I know others know exactly what I'm talking about. It's all a game - a stupid game - but it does happen!

As someone who has worked more EMS jobs then I care to remember, I can tell you this. Every VAC / FD-EMS has changed in the time I've been involved. Some agencies should be proud of themselves, others need to check their egos at the door and come up with a solution FAST! I'm not going to use any agency names, but I will share some examples.
One VAC that I used to belong to is almost not a VAC anymore, rather it is nearly all paid. Part of the problem here was that certain people seemed to want it all to go paid and made it almost fail completely as a VAC. Luckily, some of the volunteers are still there as volunteers and others are there to get paid. Either way, the level of care is one of the best in Westchester.
Another VAC I belonged to barely covered anything for a while. Then some new members came and they were the dependable ones in the area. A change of officers made some of the die-hards almost vanish, and Mutual Aid became more frequent. Another change of officers, back up to covering calls again. Yet another change, and probably one of the worst periods in this VAC's history. A recent change appears to be helping, but I really don't think it will sustain, simply because it seems like more of a "proving a point" thing then anything. Once these people get tired of what they're doing, it will be back to three tones and out.
My current EMS affiliation used to be FD based. People literally raced to get the ambulances out for calls and would stay at the firehouse waiting for them. Some leadership problems, personality conflicts and a lack of trying to resolve things by our leadership sent us down the toilet. I still believe that if certain Chiefs put forth some effort, we could of improved things, but I firmly believe there was always a personal agenda involved and now EMS is on it's own. Ironically, EMS is doing much better. In the beginning it was mostly FD people who were waiting for something to change in order to motivate them, so we were getting out all the time. The open membership started, and the new influx of people have been picking up the ball and running with it. The biggest problem, however, is that the call volume keeps growing, especially during the day when most people are working, and it truly taxes the agency. Especially when almost one call a day is Mutual Aid to someone else - you get tired of bailing others out.
If every VAC could crew every rig they have, then this wouldn't be an issue. It kills me to see VACs with 3 or 4 rigs that allow calls to go Mutual Aid 3,4,5 times a day. Why not sell a rig and hire an EMT/Driver?! ALS knows exactly who I am talking about, and so does anyone with a scanner.
My time in paid EMS revealed all kinds of agencies to me. Some VACs always covered their calls, others were almost non-existent. Sadly, this goes back about 10 years and in some places, IS THE SAME NOW!!!! I remember waiting over an hour once for an ambulance for a nose bleed when working in Heritage Hills. When we finally had an ambulance responding, the gentleman stopped bleeding and said, "Forget it, I'll f---ing drive myself to the ER."
I have heard and been there to dispatch calls that have gone as far as six, seven, eight and even NINE agencies until we covered them. But as long as the rigs are washed, people have new t-shirts to wear and they win parade trophies, they'll never see a problem. I've seen some VACs have 20-30 people at a parade, but two hours later they need Mutual Aid for a nursing home FDGB call. Nah, keep on wishing on rainbows and eating the magical cupcakes....everything is fine....
But I will say this. If ever a family member needs EMS, and that EMS doesn't respond and/or there is a major delay they couldn't avoid (bad weather, etc.) then I guarantee my name will be in a load of letters to the agency, municipality and media. This much I promise!
I know a lot of you commenting on this thread, especially ALS & JJB - and I know how tired of this s*** you are, and being the professionals you are, I know it's getting to a point where you just can't bite your lip anymore.
Stay strong brothers!

As someone who has worked more EMS jobs then I care to remember, I can tell you this. Every VAC / FD-EMS has changed in the time I've been involved. Some agencies should be proud of themselves, others need to check their egos at the door and come up with a solution FAST! I'm not going to use any agency names, but I will share some examples.
One VAC that I used to belong to is almost not a VAC anymore, rather it is nearly all paid. Part of the problem here was that certain people seemed to want it all to go paid and made it almost fail completely as a VAC. Luckily, some of the volunteers are still there as volunteers and others are there to get paid. Either way, the level of care is one of the best in Westchester.
Another VAC I belonged to barely covered anything for a while. Then some new members came and they were the dependable ones in the area. A change of officers made some of the die-hards almost vanish, and Mutual Aid became more frequent. Another change of officers, back up to covering calls again. Yet another change, and probably one of the worst periods in this VAC's history. A recent change appears to be helping, but I really don't think it will sustain, simply because it seems like more of a "proving a point" thing then anything. Once these people get tired of what they're doing, it will be back to three tones and out.
My current EMS affiliation used to be FD based. People literally raced to get the ambulances out for calls and would stay at the firehouse waiting for them. Some leadership problems, personality conflicts and a lack of trying to resolve things by our leadership sent us down the toilet. I still believe that if certain Chiefs put forth some effort, we could of improved things, but I firmly believe there was always a personal agenda involved and now EMS is on it's own. Ironically, EMS is doing much better. In the beginning it was mostly FD people who were waiting for something to change in order to motivate them, so we were getting out all the time. The open membership started, and the new influx of people have been picking up the ball and running with it. The biggest problem, however, is that the call volume keeps growing, especially during the day when most people are working, and it truly taxes the agency. Especially when almost one call a day is Mutual Aid to someone else - you get tired of bailing others out.
If every VAC could crew every rig they have, then this wouldn't be an issue. It kills me to see VACs with 3 or 4 rigs that allow calls to go Mutual Aid 3,4,5 times a day. Why not sell a rig and hire an EMT/Driver?! ALS knows exactly who I am talking about, and so does anyone with a scanner.
My time in paid EMS revealed all kinds of agencies to me. Some VACs always covered their calls, others were almost non-existent. Sadly, this goes back about 10 years and in some places, IS THE SAME NOW!!!! I remember waiting over an hour once for an ambulance for a nose bleed when working in Heritage Hills. When we finally had an ambulance responding, the gentleman stopped bleeding and said, "Forget it, I'll f---ing drive myself to the ER."
I have heard and been there to dispatch calls that have gone as far as six, seven, eight and even NINE agencies until we covered them. But as long as the rigs are washed, people have new t-shirts to wear and they win parade trophies, they'll never see a problem. I've seen some VACs have 20-30 people at a parade, but two hours later they need Mutual Aid for a nursing home FDGB call. Nah, keep on wishing on rainbows and eating the magical cupcakes....everything is fine....
But I will say this. If ever a family member needs EMS, and that EMS doesn't respond and/or there is a major delay they couldn't avoid (bad weather, etc.) then I guarantee my name will be in a load of letters to the agency, municipality and media. This much I promise!
I know a lot of you commenting on this thread, especially ALS & JJB - and I know how tired of this s*** you are, and being the professionals you are, I know it's getting to a point where you just can't bite your lip anymore.
Stay strong brothers!

Ok That's it! Can't you guys in Northern Westchester get a crew together to eat your own shrimp? I mean this is a "simple dinner" and you have to call for mutual aid? Geez- You guys spend all that money on big shiny kitchens with all the latest pots and pans, and then you can't assemble enough guys within your own department to eat one meal by yourselves? I say it's time for consolidation of all meals eaten and promoted to the masses. Take shrimp night, the Buchanan clambake and the Verplanck feast and hold it all on one night in one place so as not to duplicate services within such a small region. It seams like every year you guys have to call in mutual aid just to finish YOUR meal! The commissioners must be turning a blind eye to this. If you had a just one full shift of career shrimp-eaters in place when the dinner bell rang, I can guarantee that every last shrimp would be eaten. Don't forget the two-in two-out rule as there is only room for two at a time in the bathroom.

As Grumpy stated in his post # 37 Eric is a Mutual aid coordinator (that is our proper title) the designation of Battalion was created years back, prior to that the deputy coordinators were county car #. THe mutual aid coordinators are battalion 10 to 19 and we all are assigned specific areas. The position of mutual aid coordinator is basically that of a resource officer, to get the IC what they need. This post is titled Mohegan fire 2/8/10, however I will not take a shot at them or any other department anywhere career,vollie or combination. It has been said in this thread and several others about consolidation, when the hell is everyone going to wake up and see that numbers are dwindling both career and volunteer (not all departments, but many). Why isn't consolidation discussed seriously? A one word answer - EGO. Some people in authority need to pull the heads out of their a** and look at what they are REALLY providing everywhere. This is something that should be looked at from the inside before (like a lot of the regualtions & standards we have now) are forced upon us by outside or government agencies. This is all basically a turf war kind of thing from my point of view, personally I don't care what the name of the department is on the side of the truck that pulls up IFO my home as long as they know what they are doing when they get off their truck. ANother area where consolidation might help, look at all the different organiztions in Westchester (volunteer side) and we wonder why the volunteer service isn't heard by our elected officals. How about 1 organization with different branches or divisions, maybe we would get taken seriously. All this would be great, but let's face it fantasy island does not exist!

We're all human, and there isn't a single Medic, EMT, CFR, Driver or Attendant - paid or volunteer - that doesn't have their grumpy moments. I've had them, I've seen others have them, and I have heard people have them on the radio.
None of us should preach this or that when it comes to "professionalism," because we've all been guilty of our human moments where we let what we are truly thinking out.
Cops waiting on EMS know this.
Firemen waiting on EMS know this.
Dispatchers paging our over and over again know this.
And all of you EMS people know this.
So let's get over ourselves and stop acting better then anyone else. We have to provide the best care with the most professional attitude we can. If this means mixing it up and doing duty crews, chopping dead wood members, hiring people, firing people, WHATEVER - then by God put aside your feelings and do what is needed to provide the best service you can to those that depend on it.
Our calls may not seem like an emergency to us, but the person calling has their reasons for calling. Whether they're in pain, they're sick, they're afraid or they just plain need our help with something, we have to be as respectful as we can.
I always used to think to myself that every elederly person was someone's Grandparent and that someone loves them no matter their flaws.
I'm done... just my perspective as a "retired" EMT. Enjoy the weekend!

I'm not against anyone speaking their mind, asking questions or offering advice to improve things.
What I am against is the hypocratical nature that this forum was founded upon. "Your knowledge helping others." Asking questions that only instigate debates and hard feelings does nothing for anyone involved. For example, what, if anything, has the questions regarding Banksville's response done? My guess - NOTHING.
A general rule I abide by is that you should only type what you would say to someone's face. Way too many people hide behind their keyboards.
This is all going to turn into a pissing match, because one side will be convinced they're right, and the other side thinking they're right. It will lead to heated discussions and will rarely be of any use to anyone. Eventually people will tire of reading the debates and criticism on this site and find other avenues to vent. Unfortunately, it will be AFTER someone's feelings are hurt.
It's bad enough that certain people (not just on here) constantly make younger, newer and more impressional members feel inadequate and/or that their whole existence and/or organization is a joke. Some read what others post or write as gospel and become combative to the order within their own ogranization. I, personally, have learned A LOT from here, probably more so than most other things I read, yet I know the difference in spirited debate compared to others who see it as bashing.
I don't think censoring is permissable, but I do think we all need to remember that what we say here can and will hurt feelings, and the ramifications can be worst then a lot of people are realizing. A prime example that I am familiar with involves certain postings by some in regard to certain organizations that resulted in bad blood between several organizations. It's immature, I know, but this is the world we live in.
People don't know when to tune out certain things and when to listen. Like Chief Flynn says, Quit taking it personally, but for all too many this is impossible.
If discussion about incidents is going to be permitted, then everyone better grow a thick, THICK skin, because firemen are our own worst enemy and our biggest critics.
Game on...

I'm not against anyone speaking their mind, asking questions or offering advice to improve things.
What I am against is the hypocratical nature that this forum was founded upon. "Your knowledge helping others." Asking questions that only instigate debates and hard feelings does nothing for anyone involved. For example, what, if anything, has the questions regarding Banksville's response done? My guess - NOTHING.
A general rule I abide by is that you should only type what you would say to someone's face. Way too many people hide behind their keyboards.
This is all going to turn into a pissing match, because one side will be convinced they're right, and the other side thinking they're right. It will lead to heated discussions and will rarely be of any use to anyone. Eventually people will tire of reading the debates and criticism on this site and find other avenues to vent. Unfortunately, it will be AFTER someone's feelings are hurt.
It's bad enough that certain people (not just on here) constantly make younger, newer and more impressional members feel inadequate and/or that their whole existence and/or organization is a joke. Some read what others post or write as gospel and become combative to the order within their own ogranization. I, personally, have learned A LOT from here, probably more so than most other things I read, yet I know the difference in spirited debate compared to others who see it as bashing.
I don't think censoring is permissable, but I do think we all need to remember that what we say here can and will hurt feelings, and the ramifications can be worst then a lot of people are realizing. A prime example that I am familiar with involves certain postings by some in regard to certain organizations that resulted in bad blood between several organizations. It's immature, I know, but this is the world we live in.
People don't know when to tune out certain things and when to listen. Like Chief Flynn says, Quit taking it personally, but for all too many this is impossible.
If discussion about incidents is going to be permitted, then everyone better grow a thick, THICK skin, because firemen are our own worst enemy and our biggest critics.
Game on...

Mount Kisco Vac 955 calls

I don't think it's THAT common...

While I see the humor in it, I also see some serious negligence by the firefighters.
1. All of these apparatus are here, what is left for emergency responses?
2. Say an incident comes up that would require the use of that foam? Oops, we used it to prove a point, sorry.
3. Lighting fires in the streets? Come on.
4. Blocking streets and causing a public hazard, not smart.
Like it or not, public servants are held to a higher standard, and this is bordering on moronic. If it occurred here, people would of went ape sh1t!
But, I do think it is funny and probably got some peoples' attention. Hopefully whatever it is they're seeking is met and done so before more shennanigans occurs.

In my own opinion, it's cheaper and easier to use Dawn dish soap and water then to buy training foam.

While I see the humor in it, I also see some serious negligence by the firefighters.
1. All of these apparatus are here, what is left for emergency responses?
2. Say an incident comes up that would require the use of that foam? Oops, we used it to prove a point, sorry.
3. Lighting fires in the streets? Come on.
4. Blocking streets and causing a public hazard, not smart.
Like it or not, public servants are held to a higher standard, and this is bordering on moronic. If it occurred here, people would of went ape sh1t!
But, I do think it is funny and probably got some peoples' attention. Hopefully whatever it is they're seeking is met and done so before more shennanigans occurs.

Good job Chris! BTW - What's that fur on your face?!

Well put HFD23!
I also agree with you, Slayer61, that a FAST / RIT Unit should have minimum equipment, some form of SOPs and proper training. In the past, these items have been discussed on these forums but don't ask me where!
Just building on what the others have asked / replied, what equipment does your FAST carry and what equipment should be minimum?
I'll start... we use an Engine primarily because we have three of them, and because the majority of our trained Team members come from this company.
Some of what we carry:
(1) Stokes
(1) TIC
(1) Quick-Vent Chain Saw
(1) Partner Saw with wood (multi-purpose) blade
(1) Stihl Saw with metal blade (metal and concrete abrasive blades also on rig)
(1) Battery-powered Sawzall
(1) Electric Sawzall
(4) Steel hooks (6' & 8')
(3) Pairs of Irons
(1) 8 Lb. Sledge
(1) Hydra-Ram
(1) Man Down Pack
Several Search Lines & Tie Lines
Several Other hand tools (K-Tool, A-Tools, Closet Hooks)
300' Rope with 3:1 MA setup
Each man has a radio, PPE, SCBA & flashlight(s).
There's a lot more equipment on this rig, but these are the most commonly grabbed tools.
We always perform a 360 of the fire building, and will clear anything blocking egress points. Other tasks we do include throwing ground ladders and performing accountability (as best as we can). One Member is always detailed to the Command Post and monitors Fireground transmissions, and generally we put one team (at least two) in the rear of the building and keep another out front.