Monty

Was on a class out west with the gentleman below, he seemed very knowledgable ...
Tony Tricarico
Captain - Squad Company 252 (Ret)
FDNY - Special Operations Command
631-514-1291
Of course there is also http://www.dragonrescue.com/ with Mike Dragonetti (who is on here) who has a wealth of knowledge.

Chris,
The park is Liberty State Park which is located off Exit 14B of the turnpike..... Any city along the river such as Hoboken or Jersey City offer good vantage points to see the tribute.... Here are a few photos of the walkway at Liberty State Park. I suspect it may be pretty crowded here this year.....

Looking south the LSP visitor center is to the right..... You can see several photographers lined up.....

Looking to the north..... I believe that is the Goldman-Sachs building on Exchange Place in Hoboken..... Again there are a few more photographers lined up....

And here is a shot looking straight across to Manhattan.
The other popular spot is at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge at the park referred to as "DUMBO" which stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass......

Here's what it looks like from DUMBO.....

And here is a shot showing both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.....I have been here when there were so many photographers lined up that I had to set my camera up on the rocks that line the river, and shoot with the rats running around my feet.....
Lastly, here's a few links about the tribute that you may find useful.....
Wikipedia entry about the Towers of Light Tribute and a few other articles......... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribute_in_Light
Good NPR Article - "9/11 Light Tribute Still Dazzles; Future Cloudy" http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=140154497
Trapped birds - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8005051/10000-birds-trapped-in-Twin-Towers-memorial-light.html
The Municipal Art Society of New York Tribute Info..... http://mas.org/programs/tributeinlight/
http://mas.org/tribute-in-light-nyc-wtc-memorial-future-funding-donate/
A quote from the organizers -
"As New York prepares to commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, MAS is once again setting up for its presentation of Tribute in Light. The majestic beams of light will illuminate the Lower Manhattan sky beginning at dusk on Sunday, September 11, and fading with the dawn on Monday."
Flikr group for TOL photos..... http://www.flickr.com/groups/til/

There is always a danger in labeling entire groups by the actions of a few. Those in emergency services should know that better then anyone. The media always sensationalizes that linkage. Look at the following examples. Anyone think they are representative of us in general? Below are three examples for each profession. They are all recent and took about 2 minutes to retrieve. My point is, I don't think any of these individuals below truly represent us as a whole? Do you? However, it's going to be these winners who make the news and provide a basis for the public to form a general opinion of us. An opinion that may take a very long time to correct.
Police:
(Child sex videos) http://www.northjersey.com/news/020311_Investigators_Paterson_police_officer_arrested_on_child_pornography_charges.html
(Perjury) http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18249280
(Aggravated Assault w/a Weapon) http://www.bradenton.com/2011/08/19/3432206/palmetto-police-officer-arrested.html
Career Firefighters:
(Pulling a gun on his wife and threatening to kill her, her young son and her mother) http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/San-Antonio-firefighter-arrested-for-4th-time/5lX4n77wIESvk5jjG7FPVg.cspx
(Drug Possession) http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/119493154.html
(Rape) http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18113753?source=rss
Volunteer Firefighters:
(Arson) http://www.firehouse.com/news/top-headlines/pa-firefighter-arrested-arson-charge
(Rape) http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/Firefighter_arrested_for_rape_in_Bryan_Co_114396884.html
(Rape) http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/150970/158/Volunteer-Firefighter-Charged-With-Raping-A-Juvenile
EMS:
(Child sex video) http://www.kold.com/story/13200230/benson-paramedic-arrested-on-child-p***-charges?redirected=true
(Sexual Assault) http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-paramedic-arrest,0,1856877.story
(Prescription Fraud) http://www.stategazette.com/story/1755849.html
And on a somewhat unrelated note, here are a few links/examples of Muslims in the U.S. Military who died fighting for us.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/hsmkhan.htm
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12607625
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/krkhan.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-393878/First-British-Muslim-soldier-killed-war-terror.html (British Military)
There might be legitimate concerns about the intentions of some Muslims, but again, many on this forum are painting them with a pretty broad brush.
And, while going down this slippery slope, should we discuss those who have committed atrocities in the name of Christianity? People like Timothy McVeigh, Anders Behring Breivik in Norway, Eric Robert Rudolph who purport to use Christianity as rational for their crimes don't represent the other 99.9999% of Christians, do they? I suspect they do not.

Come on now, who's going to publicize it? Same problem with blacks speaking out against violence in their community, democrats preaching fiscal responsibility, and republican's backing progressive social reforms. They exist in much greater numbers than anyone would suspect watching the news because they go against the stereotypes the media tries so hard to reinforce. The need villains to keep people engaged in the story. This is a gold mine. They've got both cops and Muslims to inflame their readers.

You mean like this:

or this:

I think you speak from a position ignorance, bigotry and intolerance rather than one tolerance, understanding and acceptance, and frankly that is just as dangerous.
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."-Martin Luther King Jr
"Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility for real peace"-Dalai Lama
"Fear always springs from ignorance"-Ralph Waldo Emerson

So by some peoples thinking here every Muslim is part of Al-Qaeda, so then by that reason every Italian is in the Mafia; every Irish person is a drunk; every Mexican is a border jumper.

If that is the train of thought some of you have? I find that very embarrassing that people in 2011 think this way. Yes I understand their beliefs and there way of life, and I am sure there are many that follow the religion but do not follow Sharia law. How many of you are Roman Catholic and how many of you follow the Ten Commandments.

A Post-Incident Review is in planning, until then I can only offer some information.
The original caller reported a raft in the water behind her house on Truesdale Drive (south of Silver Lake Park). The original assignment of E120, TL44, R18 and EMS was dispatched.
Car 2083 arrived and assumed the initial command. While investigating the vessel and asking bystanders, it was revelaed that this raft was occupied by 5 men, none of which were in the raft. At this point, Assistant Chief Vlad confirmed that this was a swift water incident and requested Yorktown FD's Dive/Water Rescue Unit (per our SOG) and E119 for additional personnel.
At this point, I was leaving work and heading back to town in my POV, sans a trunked radio, so I don't know the specifics of what was requested nor updates given by the IC.
As I was entering our area, one of my Past Captains was giving an "Urgent" on our fireground radio reporting our boat had overturned and we had 3 members in need of EMS evaluation at the Echo Canoe Boat Launch (south of the train station). At almost the same time, another Officer giving an "Urgent" reported members rescued additional victims near Maio's Landing off of Nordica Drive and also needed EMS.
When I got to our command post, I assumed command and kept 2083 in charge of the operations section. At this point, Croton PD made a grab of the victim that succumbed to his injuries. Personnel began CPR on him, but he did not survive.
As Yorktown FD M55, Croton PD Boat 2 and the TRT's Zodiac worked their way up to the scene, we confirmed that we could account for four of the five victims. While the boats searched the river, personnel were located on both sides of the river from as far up as Croton Dam to the end of the river where it meets the Hudson. At a point (not sure of the time) one of my other Past Captains and a member of the WCTRT radioed that he had a visual of victim #5. Despite valiant efforts by all boats, they could not reach this victim.
Members of the WCTRT then went upstream and made an in-water rescue attempt, which was unsuccessful. While they planned, made and terminated this effort, personnel began formulating additional plans to reach him. While another attempt using a portable ladder in the water as a better "reaching point" was being established, units started to advise me that the victim was now free of the tree he was grasping and heading downstream. Luckily, the 3 Zodiac units were all in position below his location, and CPD's unit grabbed him and brought him to awaiting EMS at the mouth of the Croton River.
As the IC, I can sum up the whole thing in two words: "pucker factor." I was nervous the entire time about the well-being of all the guys working their asses off trying to rescue this guy. When the transmissions came over that he was loose, I could feel myself clench up, hoping that we could not only find him, but rescue him vs. recover him.
I can not give enough credit to the Croton PD boat, Yorktown FD Water Rescue Team, County Tech Rescue Team and all others on the ground and in the air that worked together to bring this event to a close without any injuries or worse to emergency personnel.
Units that operated:
Croton FD: 2082 (IC), 2083 (Ops), E119, E120, TL44, R18, M32
Croton EMS: 55B1, 55B2
Ossining FD: 2332, 2334, E96, E99, TL42, R14, U51 w/ Zodiac
Ossining EMS: 7405, 36M1, 74A1, 74B1
Cortlandt VAC: 88B1, 88B2
Peekskill EMS: 7511, 75B1
Briarcliff FD EMS: 53B2
Sleepy Hollow EMS: 73B2
Mt. Pleasant ALS: 37M1
Peekskill FD ALS: 39M1 (2 Medics)
Yorktown FD: 2531, R55, M55
Montrose FD: 2271, E121, R51 (Lighting), U53 (Rehab bus)
Montrose VAFD: 2571, MA28 (Lighting)
Irvington FD: 2202, R49 (Divers)
Millwood FD: 2253, R36 (Lighting)
Pleasantville EMS: 7605 (Rehab)
Westchester DES: Car 5/EMS 1, Bat 10, Bat 12, R77, U77, Zodiac
Westchester County PD: Multiple Supervisors, M3
Ossining PD: M15
Croton PD: Multiple Cars, Marine 2
NYSP: Multiple cars, Aviation Unit
NYPD: Aviation Unit
Covering Croton
Peekskill FD: 2342, E131 (who covered 2 additional calls in our district)
Cortlandt EMS: 88B1, relieved by Sleepy Hollow 73B2.
I believe Verplanck 83B1 covered another incident in Croton during this call as well.
On a side note, unless one lives under a rock, this incident has been all over the news. The County and Village have shut all parks and access to the Croton River due to the ongoing currents... and TODAY, Croton PD had to remove 10-20 people - including children - from the Croton River. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?!
On behalf of the Croton Fire Department, we thank everyone for their assistance. We couldn't have done it without you.

With the hurricane expecting to reach a Cat 1 or 2 when it makes land fall, coastal communities can expect anywhere from 0-6ft of storm surge along with significant rainfall. Make sure your pumps, saws and any other mechanical equipment you need are gased, oiled, and ready to run.
If your department is going to run flood water evacuations, or other types of water rescues without calling for a water rescue team, be sure to follow the following guidelines (and by no means take this as "Ok, we're good to go for flood water and swift water response").
- NO turnout gear in or around the water - turnout gear, especially pants and boots WILL DROWN YOU. It is impossible to kick and try and stay afloat wearing it.
- Wear your life jacket anytime you are within 6 feet of water.
- Do not wear neoprene rescue suits in flood waters, this includes ice rescue suits. Gas and other petroleum based products that are found floating in the flood waters will break down your suit eventually reaching your skin giving you a nasty burn. They also not water tight, leaving room for water contaminated with sewer waste, oils, and other nasty stuff to get inside the suit and fester up against your skin for the duration of you wearing it.
- Always walk in flood waters with a prod pole that reaches feet in front of you (not directly in front of where you are standing), much like sounding the floor when VESing a room. Manhole covers, sewer drain lids and other items will be forcefully removed by the water, leaving a hole in the road filled with downward flowing water. You will get sucked in, and you will drown; it has happened many times before and a fireman recently drowned in Colorado.
- Swift water constitutes any water moving faster then 1kts.
- Remember the adage of "REACH, THROW, ROW. GO." Any rescue where we can stay warm and dry, is the most successful type. If you are unsure, call for a swift water team, in fact call for the swift water team anyways, it is far better to have them in route, then realizing 20 minutes down the line you need them in rapidly rising waters.. They have the training and knowledge on how to preform this most difficult type of rescue. The GO portion, should only be performed by individuals who reach the Technical or Operational level of swift water. Any member can stand on the shore and throw a rope, or shove a pike pole to the individual. DO NOT tie your entry team off to a rope that is tied to a shore, if they slip, they will be pulled under water by force and drown.
Again, this is by no means a training module or any release to say you are good to go for swift or flood water rescue. Use this as an awareness tool.

Some pictures of the incident http://www.firstonscenephotos.com/FDNY/FDNY-Queens-2nd-Alarm-Maspeth/18582710_BJbp3s#1435808374_f7QrB4g

Well it's been a little while since I put forth an installment of the ongoing "Life in Afghanistan" saga, so here's the latest.
It's been a busy couple of weeks here in terms of work and our unsolicited visits from the towel heads. First up is the work. We've had a number of working fires of late including 2 barracks, 2 small storage sheds, a food warehouse and a fire which consumed 10 seacans (connex's) and their contents. All of these have been on blue shift leaving red shift to only dream of putting out a fire, (seems all the white clouds have congregated on that shift). On top of those fires Blue has also had 3 car fires, 1 truck fire and 4 MVA's two of which were rollovers. Why we even had to do some extracation on one of them which landed on it's roof in a drainage ditch. All of these incidents were during the day except the connex's, which happened just as we sat down to dinner. The others were all middle of the day 125-135 degree ambient temperature events. Well if nothing else the pounds do drop away in turnouts at 125. In all instances injuries were slight and damage held to a minimum by the quick work of all involved. Another example of training paying off as we've been hammering the basics and the results have proven to be worth the effort. I do have pics but they will not load for some reason, (most likely a Hajji conspiracy to prevent news from reaching the outside world...LOL). As soon as our internet issues are resolved I'll get them up.
On to the other news. It's Ramadan which for those that don't know is a monthlong Muslim holiday, or should I say religious observance. It seems that although all devout Muslims will not drink, smoke or eat anything during daylight hours in honor of this observance, they sure as hell have no problem throwing the mortars and rockets our way. We've spent quite a bit of time in the bunkers, which being concrete retain all of the days heat well into the overnight hours. We've had numerous impacts on base including a couple in the ammo storage areas....alot of big booming things in there...but thus far the only really close ones were dudus save on phosphorus round which caught a tent on fire but was quickly handled by the staff. The fuel points still seem to be of intense interest as well, but again thanks to the Chinese made presents we get mostly duds. We did get a close call when a 107mm hit just outside a barracks in the Canadian compound. Two injuries which we treated prior to the ambulances arrival. Both will be fine with just some shrapnel to the legs and back. We did learn that our T-walls (think Jersey barriers on steriods) can hold up to the rockets pretty well. This one impacted and exploded against one and the wall held firm while taking the brunt of the blast, although a 4x4x6 storage box ceased to exist. That's not to say there was no damage, in fact the barrack suffered some pretty extensive hits. The main entrance was blown inwards in a V pattern for a good 4-5 feet and all the windows shattered. We also found the padlock from the disintegrated storage box implanted in a leg of a bunkbed, (being a Master Lock ™ it was still locked firmly a testament to American padlock ingenuity and integrity). This was one of many shrapnel holes which dotted the sides of 3 buildings altogether. Yeah when these things go off they can inflict alot of damage and pain. Anyway it does get better. The very next shift as two of my Blue crew "mates" (like the Brit influence...LOL) sat outside another 107mm rocket came screaming in and landed a mere 50 ft...yeah that's right 50 feet...away. No one saw it land, all that was seen was a cloud of dust followed immediately by the rocket alarm. Off to the bunker we went until the EOD guys arrived. The entire area around the firehose was cordoned off and the ARFF crews and rigs evacuated...structural had to hang around just in case...of what I don't know, but just in case. So in the end our near miss did not go off and EOD decided to leave it where it landed and came to rest...9ft underground through, as anyone who's ever been in a desert knows, hard packed almost rocklike soil. And this incomng has continued unabated with only 2 of the last 10 days being quiet. Today has been in and out of the bunker all day, (I think right now were at 6 times and it's only three in the afternoon). Ahhh Ramadan gotta love it!!
Of course we were all saddened by the loss of the 31 last week, along with another 8 or so recently..I know for sure 5 just the other day in a roadside bomb...they went home Thursday night I think. As always we pay our respects respectfully from a distance to honor the fallen.
On a lighter note I'm outta here and homeward bound for a monthlong R&R in four weeks and I can't f***ing wait!!!!!!!
Stay safe all and to all thanks for your efforts on the homefront
Cogs

I appreciate the thought of passing along my experiences and I don't have a problem with it, so long as it for informational or entertainment purposes. I am very familiar with some of the Red Horse guys as they oversaw the construction of our fire station at Leatherneck last year.
As far as British forcible entry goes, truth be told I have not gotten too deeply into that subject with my UK colleagues yet. Our only discussions have been centered around the Irons and they're use. As with most of what we do although there are differences in techniques or tools, in the end the same procedures need to be caried out. One big difference is that they do not subscribe to VES. Thre is no way a search team will enter a building without a charged hoseline (or more often than not the hose reel in their case), so venting, entering and searching is an alien and almost it seems suicidal concept for them. The other responsibilites of that position carry a similar unfamiliarity to the Brits as well since they're ventilation is most often done after or just as the fire is being doused, not as an integral part of the extinguishment process. Roofs are also generally cut from the "safety" of an aerial platform only, if at all, so it would be rare indeed to see a roof team actually on the roof. In fact verticle ventilation seems to have become a lost art (if it ever was one) across the pond, so any venting will be done horizontally after the fact by what we might call an OV team.
On a side note in a discussion with my British counterpart from the other (Red) shift this morning outlining some equipment changes I made to the rig, I was quite shocked to find out that most times his crew did not take tools with them off the bat. To me that is an alien concept for sure as I still remember and am a firm believer that, as I was taught, you should always have a tool, the proper tool, in your hand and ready to use at a scene. I explained that for me I designate jobs for the crew based on where a member sits on the rig. Can man sits behind me, so his extinguisher and hook are now readily available within easy reach. The Irons man sitting behind the driver has his set of irons now mounted directly across from his seat in the cab. In the event of a job the guy behind me takes nozzle and the Irons man keeps his tools and ends up as the back up or door man depending on our staffing. The middle seat or 3rd FF in the rear (when avaliable) acts as the gopher at smells and bells and the back-up man at a job. As the Officer I'm expected to remain outside and "direct", but in the work we've done thus far I seem to end up inside directing, and or searching as needed. I also subscribe to the belief that at a working fire our primary job when first due is to get water on the fire and as such the crew seating/assignments are designed to meet that goal. For better or worse that philosphy has now been adopted as defacto SOP because it has been proven by events to work here.
In closing let me just say welcome to the fire service, I hope you make a lifetime of it and gain as much from it as many of us have.
Stay safe
Cogs

Well another week has passed and that means I'm one week closer to getting home for R&R...6 more to go. Speaking of home I think this entry may be somewhat more personal than most because as I get closer to home I find myself thinking more and more about it. Now I'm not the emotional or sentimental type (according to my wife... ) other than the occasional angry outburst, but in keeping with the idea of giving a clear, albeit personal, view of life here for those that may want to embark on this path, I think in todays installment I'm going to share a little more on the trials and tribulations but equally important the positives and benefits of life here.
First off let me digress back to home and the universal malady that affects everyone here....homesickness. Yep even hardened firemen miss home at times, especally those of us with wives and children. For me yesterday was another reminder of what I'm missing. My wife attended the wedding of a friend and later after they were sent, I looked at the pictures. Everyone was happy, as they should be, and life went rolling merrily along except that I, perhaps selfishly, was,...well, saddened. This because of the fact that I was not the one standing beside my beautifully stunning wife enjoying the nuptials of a friend. As we all know sacrifice is a part of all of our lives, and we all accept that as a part of who and what we are. But in some respects it may be just a little bit more so for those that choose to work over here...we can't get relief guys to cover a shift so we can take half a nite or day off for a child's school play or big football game, holidays or birthdays or whatever. You give up alot coming here and again I'm not crying about that, I'm just making anyone interested aware that life will go on without you back home. And sometimes missing those parts of life can leave a large void. Some can't take it. I recall my first deployment to Iraq, my roommate, who also traveled to the camp with me, was there only 3 days and realized he couldn't do it, he couldn't become frozen in time and space in the sandbox. And in some ways that's what working here is like...we call it Groundhog day. At times it seems as if the clock is just spinning here and not moving forward, it stays the same for what feels like an endless cycle of days and nights simply repeating themselves where even the weather doesn't change. This sentiment invariably gets stronger for everyone here as events, good and bad, unfold back home. You quickly come to realize that you are not really an active part of the life back home anymore and have no control over it. Many accept this fact but for those that don't, most quit at their first R&R after they've arrived home and just can't come back because of that realization. Of course this epiphany is really only a minor inconvenience for us, as we can leave any time we want, but for the military it is a situation that is far more than an inconvenience and I am in no way trying to compare the two. In the end anyone thinking of coming over here must have the full understanding of what they will give up, and in some cases that sacrifce can extend all the way to wives and families as couples become lonely and grow apart. Many a marriage has come to a bitter end for guys here as the partners, both here and at home, seek solace to fill the voids.
Ok enough melancholia.
For all the trials and tribulations that have graced these last few installments there is a flip side to the coin. There are positive aspects and benefits to working out here which go beyond the obvious financial ones although that is a good place to start. This contract I'm currently on is one of the lower paying ones and I have no problem telling all that I stand to make just about 80K per year here as a Crew Chief (Engine Co. Officer). A firefighter can expect between 60-70K here at Kandahar. Not that anyone cares but the reasons I took this particular job are threefold of equal importance:
1. The pay, I do have a family to support
2. The desire to support and protect our troops in their mission here
3. The leave (R&R) package. We get 30 days off every 90 days with full pay. And for this family man that is a huge attraction and benefit of greater personal importance than the money alone.
Now as I said this is one of the lesser paying FD jobs out there, and for most guys out here money is naturally the most important motivator. Most jobs pay well over 100K a year with 30 days off annually. Crew Chiefs regularly pull in between 140-150K and Chiefs up to 200K. with 91.5 K being tax free for all. So as you can see this can be a lucrative means of making living. When done right a semi intelligent person can make their life here open doors that would have probably remained closed otherwise. And of course the money allows for many of the other "perks" that come from our efforts.
Travel, who wouldn't like to take long expensive vacations. Most firemen here do, especially the single guys. A single guy with half a brain can see the world and still have a good deal of money left over to build a life back home. Start a business, go to school, buy a house..I think you get the idea there. Or for the less prudent, splurge, go nuts and indulge every perverse whim that strikes your fancy in places like Thailand or the Phillipines, both of which hold the top spot as destinations for the single set here. A single colleague is going to Bali, yeah that paradisical island, for a month come October. Rio, Europe and Greek Isles or the Costa del Sol and Monaco, Japan, China and the rest of Asia, Hawaii...you name it and guys have gone there with the money they've made here. The possibilities are almost endless for the single. Of course for the more subdued or the family men, well it's really nice not to ever have to worry about paying a bill. Or better yet to work a year or two and pay off and OWN your house. How about treating the kiddies to all those things you never had as a kid and treating your wife to the things she deserves for putting up with you, because you can. Maybe take the family on a cruise at a whim. Here's another important one to any parent..college tuition in the bank. These are just some of the things made possible from the money earned working out here.
Self indulgences, yeah there's alot of that too. Cars, boats, motorcycles and all the newest, latest and greatest gadgets or electronic devices and toys out there have been bought outright by guys here. Clothes, jewlery, food, and "wine, women and song" along with just about anything else you can think of can be yours for your time and efforts. Here's one that tops the list for alot of the married guys...new boobs for the wife (thankfully I don't share that "need" as my wife is amply appointed in that department). Yeah that's right, all you plastic surgeons rejoice, I'll bet almost a quarter of the guys I've worked with over the years have invested in, as the joke says, that one of the two things fathers play with that's meant for the kids...the other being toy trains. But alas, of that quarter more than half have found themselves without that investment to play with after all as their wives have moved on to "bigger" and better things...maybe because as men we don't enjoy the luxury of being able to enhance our natural attributes. Well enough about that, as I'm sure you all get the picture as far as the money goes, other than to say that for me personally my time and the money earned over here past and present, has afforded my family and me the opportunity to live a modest yet relatively comfortable life..and that is worth putting up with any depravation as far as I'm concerned.
There are of course other far less tangible benefits to working out here which, depending on your personality, can be very rewarding. For most, supporting the troops is, if not tied with first among the reasons to be here, certainly one of the top five. Patriotism abounds out here especially with the Canadians, Brits and us Americans and I have seen it lived on every deployment I've been on. I too feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride in working for my Country and our military, even if it is indirectly. We regularly go above and beyond or to use the business term, "push the limits of the SOW" (scope of work) when dealing with the troops because to the vast majority of us they deserve at least that. Those that don't believe in "helping out" usually don't hang around too long, since they quickly come to find out (with a little help) that this isn't the kind of place for them.
Then there's the work. I love being a fireman and have since I was 16, (for those who feel that as a volunteer back home I am not one, well I won't even dignifiy that idiotic view with a response). Quite honestly it is probably the only thing I'm even remotely good at and I don't hold a candle to most of you. Anyway, while this isn't a major metropolis with fires and incidents every day, nor do I want to give that impression, all things being considered we do get relatively busy and we do a very diversified bit of work out here. Many guys (myself included) have taken advantage of this and the opportunites that have presented themselves. We have had both the good fortune and desire to take a number of training classes and attain certifications that we may not have otherwise been able to. These along with the work have been translated into practical experience both here and back home for most of us. For me, I have now spent a number of years as a Company officer out here as well, and this has put me in a position to deal with issues and gain experience to better serve back home. This again is a "perk" worth well beyond it's weight in gold, at least to me.
Another attraction, and to some of us a benefit, is the adrenaline rush of working in a environment which is full of dangers in addition to the normal fireground ones. Being in a war zone (and make no mistake this is an active one) is just the kind of lifestyle suited to those of us who, like me, thrive in crisis. I'm sure everyone here can relate, at least on some level, to the satisfaction we get from doing a good job while facing the life threatening dangers presented by our nemesis..Fire. You get that same satisfaction here along with the satisfaction of facing down people that want to maim and kill you at every turn. Again not to mislead, this is not the front lines and I'm not saying we face anywhere near the dangers of the troops, but the possibilty of an untimely death at the hands of a cunning, determined and fanatical enemy is ever present and doing our duty in spite of it can be, and for some is, very rewarding.
This job, like my previous tours has also given many of us an opportunity that I am positive we would not have otherwise had, the opportunity to meet and work with firemen from all over the U.S. and now the world. For some that may mean nothing and that is fine, but for others (again myself included) this work presents an opportunity to not only expand, but share our knowledge and experience far beyond what would have been possible at home. The work over here, by it's very nature, puts a variety of skill sets and methods together and forces them to meld into a working fire department. While some may see this as a drawback it is in reality a chance to build fire service from the ground up using the insights, knowledge and experiences of all of the personnel available. It may sound chaotic and in a sense it is. But I have been fortunate I guess in that for me, most times have found that for our efforts the results have been far more suprising and in the end rewarding than anyone thought possible. And in an extension to just the job itself, working these contracts can open up the world to those who want it in the form of friendships made out here. There are not many places with such a diverse population as there is stationed here where a firemen can spend the day making friends with a group of people from Romania in the morning, England at lunch and any number of other nations (including the locals), stationed here for dinner? The cultural and historical facets of all of these diverse groups is here and for those interested, open to exploration.
Well I seem to be getting a little (or alot) long winded so I'll cut it off there.
In closing I can only say that which I've said before...life here is, as it is everywhere, what you make of it. Guys that make it over here tend do so because they come in with eyes and minds wide open, so if the idea of working here is stirring in your brain, just try to remember that simple premise. To that end I have tried to paint as realistic and objective a picture of life here for you as I can, I hope I have done so thus far.
There is some news and I am still going to share the differences between UK and U.S. tactics, but since I've droned on long enough here we'll save those for another day.
As aways stay safe
and thanks for protecting the homefront
Cogs

As I said earlier this particular rig was destined for the Spanish Forestry Service so it was designed with the urban/wildland interface in mind, but much like all European rigs they try to fit everything into one nice compact little box. As you can see rarely if ever does such a plan work, something always gets shortchanged. According to my British colleagues their rigs while a bit larger are laid out basically the same. They ride with a 5 man crew and the 1st due takes on fire attack with the booster reel using the "pulse" method or quick short bursts to "cool" the superheated ceiling gases to get to the seat of the fire (much like we do to prevent flashover except they continue the process as they advance). The direct method which, at least in our neck of the woods is the norm, is not in their playbook, nor is ventilation as we know it. (This I know from yesterdays training in which we had a "discussion" on U.S. ventilation as part of fire attack vs the British method of it being done usually after the fire is out). I'll pass along some more of our regular "comparisons" of UK vs US fire tactics in another installment as that will take up a bit of space.
Back to the rig. Although difficult to see by the pics E-2 carries very little hose by our standards, 6 rolls or about 300ft of 45mm (1 3/4) and the same of 70mm (2 1/2), plus the 150 or so feet of the hose reel (our booster). Along with that there is an electric extrication tool built in Germany (weak at best), no preconnects other than the reel, a couple of extinguishers, air bags and various hand tool...but no Irons!!!!!!!! Driver and officer sit front, and the three FFs sit on a bench seat in back of the cab facing forward, but unlike E-3 the air conditioning sort of works..it's only 100 in there on our 130-140 degree days. It's a six speed that never gets beyond 4th gear, (usually only 3rd except on long runs). The pump is as simple as it gets and thankfully (at least to me) all the controls are still manual (no computer chip deciding if or when I get water). Other than that it's just a work truck built by Mercedes.
Being an American I am naturally far more familiar (and comfortable) with our designs, (which to my mind are becoming more and more European everyday). But you must remember that these rigs are designed to operate based on the tactics that will be employed by the FD. It is here that the differences and the validity of the designs contrast based on the differences in the way we do things. Overall E-2 is a servcable rig for here, but it is not designed to operate in the American fashion which employs our tactics i.e. direct fire attack ect. In the compartmentalized world of our European collegues their way works great (everything built of stone or masonary and compartmentalized to prevent or drastically reduce fire spread), but here the strctures are far more akin to an American town..albeit one that looks like it was built by kids making forts in the woods. My UK colleagues are coming to realize that our "way" is not as "wrong" as they once thought, just as I am coming to realize that I had alot of misconceptions about their "way". Working together we have developed some hybrid methods that work based on who gets to the scene first. and what resources are available. Fortunately as I've said before firemen are firemen the world over as is our enemy..so in the end we all want the same results..save lives and put the fire out. E-2 will help accomplish that task, it just takes a little getting used to in making that happen.
Til next time
Stay safe all and thanks
Cogs

Saw it and thought it was a very well put together documentary. With that said I think everyone in their heart wants someone to say that it was something medical that occurred but the facts keep pointing otherwise. Something went very wrong that day and unfortunately the only ones that know what truly happened all perished on that day. The only one is the boy and all he can remember is that she was in some sort of pain. Who knows what actually happened to cause the events that did.
Now in regard to some of the other comments.
1. I love how everyone blames him for taking out lawsuits when he wasn't driving or in the car but yet is getting sued via the "estate" of his deceased wife. He has been found liable in a couple lawsuits already and from what I have read elsewhere and others who stay up on that case...he is flat broke. He is suing the very brother in law whom sued the estate and from what I understand either has won or word is that the lawsuit is going to go through as appropriate. Like him or not he still has his son to care for both physically and emotionally.
2. Some of you say they were trying to "sugar coat" her as a person. How many of you actually knew Diane Schuler personally? If you don't..you can't make any comments on what she was as a person. You want to paint her with a broad brush because of one day that was extremely horrendous. ONe that I have no respect for either...that's fine. But for all extensive purposes she probably was an excellent loving mother who did something unexplainable and extremely grossly negligent in our eyes.
3. If they wanted to the pictures in there..maybe its to remind people that despite the actions that caused the incident..she was a human being in the end, just like the kids who lost their lives way to early and with such loss of potential. How can some of you even say it was in bad taste when persons from your own agencies take pictures of others in similar circumstances. And for what? To keep them on a computer or to show other buffs carnage? Ever watch european and latino news stations, they show much of the same. Don't let your predisposed tight a** puritan american press and censorship guide your feelings. I can see eve worse in make up on CSI or NCIS. Like someone said this was not TV...it was HBO and as with everything else you can just turn the channel. They've showed similar pictures on Dr. Baden's autopsy shows they did of crime scene/environment photos of cases he re-did.
I feel bad for the rest of the family who is left to pick up the pieces following this tragedy. And what the family is doing is an extreme form of denial during the mourning phase. Its sad..but no matter what is sent their way they can't accept what the facts in front of them are. That's their mindset and choice and I'm not going to judge them as I'm not in that situation. I'm sure what they are not letting on is that somewhere in their mind they doubt what their feelings are and I'm sure they are battling the anger they feel with that towards her. That I can understand and have dealt with on a personal level with a loss in my close family. The bottom line is 8 people died in a horrific manner which defies much of the logic we know. But she was also a human who just might not have been all that bad of a person...other then one singular moment in time. One with cost 7 other people their lives and left several families in shambles. That I can't forgive...that I won't forget. But I hope somewhere the kids are rested in peace...and that just perhaps she did enough in her normal life to get there with them when she repents for the actions of that day.

Here's a few more mundane pics showing the everyday here.
This is Blue crew saying goodbye to a nurse from the Role 3 next door. Role 3 is the trauma hospital and it is an excellent facility. They have a 98% survivial rate for patients that come in with a pulse.

Here we are at shift chage in the morning, that's blue crew with backs to the wall and I'm on the far right. This was taken the morning of Hector's B'day which is why he's the men at centerstage

Here's Nate (from DC) and Sharma (from India) in front of Engine 3 (my current rig). John (a Brit) is behind the wheel. He was the driver when this pic was taken but he's been reassigned to E-2 on the Southside. I'm still waiting for the E-2 pics from him.

These two are of me giving the lecture portion of a fly the wye drill. The "action" shots are unviewable...sorry.


Just a little bit of news. Yesterday (and it seems more to come) was a first even for me after years over in the sandbox. Temperatures topped 148...yes I said 148. That's the hottest I've ever been outside a fire and damn you can really feel the heat.
Anyway stay safe all and thanks for your efforts
Cogs

Here's some pics of where we live off duty.

Here's Crash 8 (9's in the background), Crash 5 and the HazMat truck on the taxiway apron at the station

The dayroom at the station

A small camel spider...they get much much bigger (about the size of the average man's hand) and while not venomous they give a painful bite

This one speaks for itself...needless to say when this hits the Talibastards they're having a bad day

An A-10 drill

Blackhawk training

Looking Northeast across the base from Crash 10 at the station

Looking North from our apron on the taxiway...Kandahar city is just over that mountain and this is where most of our incoming deliveries originate.

That's all for now as more become available and pass security I'll post them.
Cogs

The Hudson River has been a jurisdictional pissing match for fire departments for years. Police patrols of the river were slim to none up until 2-3 years ago, for the most part.
For what it's worth, the river is a large body of water that is well traveled by all kinds of vessels. The rules/laws of the river are probably not fully understood / enforced by local police departments, and because of this, IMHO, it should be left to WCPD and/or NYSP to patrol (on our side). For each smaller municipality, such as my own, to pay officers OT to patrol the local water, which for us is mostly off of Croton Point, ergo technically WCPD's area if you think about it, is a waste. Let local PD handle their roadways and, like us, if they have smaller bodies of water requiring patrol, then do it. I'm all for diligent enforcement and prevention, but a line has to be drawn.
For the fire side of things on the Hudson... 9 out of 10 calls we all get dispatched to could be handled by a police agency. Stalled boats, sailboats with mechanical problems, etc. are nothing more than a disabled vehicle and unless it is in a precarious location, then let PD boats handle them. Save the local FD vessels for fires and rescue calls. Service calls are getting 3,4, 5 or more agencies now which is an enormous waste.
I don't understand why every call on the Hudson River requires the response of three fire department boats, WCPD, usually Rockland Sheriffs and/or FD boats from Rockland - we're sending more stuff then is needed the majority of the time. And in addition to all of the stuff on the river, you have to figure at least 3-4 emergency vehicles are driving to their local docks lights and sirens for non-emergencies.
It's a recipe for disaster that needs evaluating.

Since it's my day off (Blue crew works the odd numbered days this month) I thought I'd throw a few tidbits out there for today's installment.
First off I left out one very common translation from my last post. To our British colleagues a call or run is a "shout". So when we return from a run we are often asked " you structural boys had a shout did ya? Tell us what was it all about mate"? or another often heard phrase from the PC (Platoon Chief) is "c'mon now crash guys, we've got a shout...let's get moving".
Well it finally happened, the Talibastards scored a hit with yesterday morning's 5:45 rocket barrage. Fortunately everyone working in this particular hangar/storage building had just left for breakfast as the first volley of 6 or 7 gifts came in. Due to the fact that the impact and subsequent explosion of one of them started a fire, we (meaning Engine 3), were dispatched before the all clear was given. When responding in these circumstances we enjoy the added comfort of wearing our 35 lb flak vests under our turnout coats...(although for my corpulent self a few extra pounds sweated off doesn't hurt). Anyway when called out before the all clear on the structural side only one unit is dispatched, this because we don't want the entire shift wiped out should a lucky or well aimed shot find it's mark. Anyway we arrived to find a 100 x 25 building with modest fire in the rear C/D corner storage area. We immediately stretched in with an 1 3/4 and got to work as I was sure our 750 gallons would easily handle the fire. And it would have except for one tiny little inconvenience. About 2 minutes in we were handed a lovely little suprise in the form of a rocket landing about 200 or so yards away. While not close enough to take shrapnel we not only heard the loud explosion but felt the concussion. At that I ordered the line and pump shut down and we all proceeded to the nearest bunker. An additional 3 rockets landed in rapid succession, but none as close as the first. After a a few minutes an Army Major and I deemed it safe enough and it was back at work. Luckily in our time away the fire had extended upwards and broken through the roof, but by this time our water was running short and all we could do was knock it down and hold it in check by hitting it everytime it flared back up. As often happens as time progressed the fire had become too deeply seated in the stored materials to allow for complete knockdown until the tanker was given the ok to proceed to the scene and we had adequate water. Some might be asking why not just let the place go and protect the exposures, and that was my plan after we had been so rudely interrupted by the Talibastards last shots, but one of the COs on scene made a good case for us to work to hold the fire in check....the multitude of sensative items stored within the building that needed to be removed. So while the Army took care of the salvage operation we held the fire in check. As it turned out as they completed their duties our tanker arrived after the all clear came over the Big Voice and we were able to knock the fire out and save most of the building and it's contents, much to the pleasure of those we are here to serve.
One thing I find that I have been remiss in doing is giving an overview of a typical day (after all the tiltle of this thread is Life in Afghanistan). So with that here it is:
On our days on, shift officially starts at 8am but in reality we gather at about 7:45. At that time all members on duty and all coming on duty meet in the bays and swap radios and get a quick briefing on what's importatnt for the group from the Chief or D/C (Deputy Chief). Once that 2 minute drill is over those going of duty remove their gear ect from the rigs and we that are coming on put ours aboard. Then comes truck, SCBA and equipment checks with all power tools started and run daily. All the daily paperwork is filled out upon completion of the checks and we'll usually have about 15-20 minutes to chill until our morning meeting with the PC (the shift commander) starts at 9am sharp. At this meeting specific duties and miscellaneous jobs are handed out for the crews to complete during the course of the day. These range from pump and bladder checks (these are emergency water points for our use which are spread throughout the base), to inspections to training and so on. Engine 3 also has the daily duty of picking up lunch and dinner from one of the DFACs as the crash crews cannot leave the airfield. Lunch is at 11 and dinner at 5. As you would expect we are not permited into the "day" room other than for lunch during the day. No TV, no personal compuer usage, no games ect ect. Since we have a gym at the station at some point in the day all on duty crews must do PT as well. Our work day in terms of actual duties usually ends with dinner and as such we are free to watch TV or do personal things within the station after that. Lately we've had some good volleyball games in the bays at night. There is no set lights out, but most guys are in their racks by about 11-11:30. That is my usual schedule as well although I'm good at about 4 1/2 to 5 hrs sleep so I'm an early riser. I'm up by 3:30 to 4 am every morning at which time I call home, take out the trash, start the coffee and wash down the invariably dust covered rig for the incoming crew. The official wake up time is 6:30am at which time we give the station a once over, restock the bottled drinking water, and make sure everything is hunky dory for the incoming crew. Usually though as I'm sure you've figured out by now, our real wake up call generally comes at about 5-5:30 from our pals outside the wire. On average we spend about 45 minutes to an hour in the bunker during these interludes of the daily rocket concerto.
Days off on the other hand are ours to do with what we please within the confines of the base. As I've said there is the Boardwalk with it's many gastronomic and commercial choices. There is our living area which has it's own small gym, TV room and, for those who don't own laptops, a computer room. Our laundry is usually packed up on days off and placed in the bin on the first floor. A company contracted to do the laundry picks it up and the usual turn around has the cleaned laundry back on your next day off. For alot of guys they choose to stay in their air conditioned rooms..and at a usual 130 degrees can you blame them? I am a walking wanderer using my days off to meet and greet at the many compounds on base while familarizing myself with them. Call it preplanning and community relations all rolled into one. But as with all days off they are over quickly and then it's back to the grind for another 24.
Well this entry is getting kinda long so I'll end it here with this thought, which comes about due to a converstaion had the other day with a soldier and a very visceral ramp ceremony that same night. I am a supporter of our mission here (beyond it being my job) and I do truly believe that it has helped make America safer, but what I am not a supporter of is sending our boys into harms way with their hands tied. The reasons I say this are too long and complicated to go into here suffice to say it's all politics. My thought is this very simple yet I think practical one. Maybe it's time we stopped nation building and time we started winning this war!!!!
Cogs

Yes... Lets close Indian Point and put people out of jobs, cut funding to schools and local FD's, and raise property taxes... Good plan! Can we have the blind guy back? The worst he did was gave us yellow plates!

I was a bit brief in my first response. It was a little late at nigh and I was sleepy...anyway...
More than specific training on one type of passenger car, training on rail operations should be (at least to a basic level) something that is part of a fire departments regular training schedule. I doubt there are many, if any, departments that don't have a piece of active rail in their response area. Westchester is served by 2 branches of Metro-North and the Northeast Corridor which is owned by Metro-North for it's New Haven Line operations and is used by Amtrak, CSX and the Providence and Worchester Railroad on a regular basis. The Hudson Line also carries a fair amount of freight daily, along with Amtrak Empire Service. All told, Metro North accounts for more than 600 trains per day and if you tack on a few dozen Amtrak trains, some freight and maintenance moves, we're probably in the ballpark of 700 railroad movements per day. That's gotta bring the chances of accident to a higher level. Some of these trains are moving at speeds approaching 100mph. Just consider the potential damage from something that weights nearly 1,000,000 lbs. moving at that speed. Do we have the Haz-Mat resources available? Are we aware of how to determine what cargo is aboard a freight train?
Everyone should have a loose familiarity with local rail operations. Sizing up a scene and determining what resources are needed and what's available will help to make the rest of the operation run a little smoother. After that, you can get into cargo mitigation, life-safety, lifting and anchor points, ect. ect.....and more stuff that's outta my scope of knowledge.

truly a great read. Do me a favor, hell do us all a favor and write a book. id def buy it!

Well it's been a little while since I wrote so I thought I'd give a quick update.
Overall things have settled down a bit. I've been reasigned back to the main station since my counterpart there went on R&R, and am now the Officer of Engine 3. Ths puts me back on the airfield which means lots of noise all day and all night. But this also allows for some intensive training on the various aircraft stationed here. A high point of that being the tour of an AC-130 or what we refer to as the flying death. Armed with a 25mm gatling gun capable I'm told of 6000 rounds per minute, a 40mm cannon and the big boy 105mm howitzer, this baby can really dish out the pain. And dish it out it does much to the dismay of our towel headed friends outside the wire.
Call wise it's been rather slow with only one structure fire the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately due to it's rather remote location on base and the delay in notification there wasn't much left to save upon arrival. Other than that nothing but a few dumpster fires and smells and bells.
On another front we have been recieving daily mail from the Taliban which usually consists of 6 or 7 rockets at about 5am. Some of the boys on the North side got a bit of a rude awakening the other morning as one of those rockets bounced not more than 50ft from their tent, careened over the runway and hit an unattended garbage truck without exploding. Maybe it was made in China. Seems there's a target of particular importance to our pals in the hills surounding the base on the North side and after a little research I managed to find out what it is...a fuel point with thousands of gallons of JP8 on hand. Needless to say with limited water and foam capabilities this is one of our "nightmare" scenarios. So far though their aim has been anything but true and the ordinance mostly duds..thanks again to the communist work ethic.
But for all that the seriousness of life here has come crashing home the past week with a number of our boys being sent home on their final journey. I don't wish to upset anyone or dreg up memories but the other day was an especially sad one here as 5 service members were loaded aboard the now way too familiar C-17. As I stood on the tarmac adjacent to the ramp ceremony and watched as one by one each flag draped casket was taken aboard I drifted back in time. With "Amazing Grace" on the pipes playing from the loudspeakers my mind went back to the many times I stood in that long blue line on a surburban street, in front of a church as yet another of the 343 was driven past on the way to his final resting place. Now over my years working here or in Iraq I've been to alot of ramp ceremomies and at all of them I would think of the 343, but for some reason on this particular day the emotion and anguish felt on those days so long ago swept over me like a tidal wave. I thought of the loss to the families of these young soldiers. How in a split second the lives of so many people were irrevocably changed and with those thoughts came the realization that for 343 families back home that loss, that void has never been filled, and it never will be. I thought of these young boys who have given their lives in defense of our nation and all that is good about it. And with that I thought about the sacrifice of the 343 and how they exemplified what it means to be a fireman, what it means to be a hero. Under vastly different circumstances the honor, courage and strength of the American spirit shown brightly through the acts of these brave souls on the battlefield here and in the Towers on that fateful September morning. Finally as the ceremony drew to it's conclusion I thought about the sacrifices made by so many and felt the anger well up inside. The fanatics here have brought so much anguish to so many famiies back home and for what. Blind hatred and ignorance.
Since that day last week I have often thought about the events of 10 years ago and what they have meant to me, my family and my Country. The anger persists, but it has been tempered by the realization that, be it the soldiers that I see here making their final journey home or the 343 brave heroes of 9/11, the world is a better place for all of them having been in it....even if only for a short time.
Life goes on as it must, but as we move forward let us not forget the sacrifices made by so many and let us all try to do right by those who have given all so that others may live.
Stay safe
Cogs

While the reasearch seems compelling I would caution against bashing people for following the protocol. I think it is more stupid and dangerous if we get people who decide to disregard the protocols based on the latest article they read.

What you are referring to is called a Hypoxic drive. Normally we breath because our bodies pick up on the concentration of CO2 in our blood on the arterial side of the system via chemoreceptors located in various, but specific parts of our body. High levels in our PCO2 will cause us to breath faster in order to 'blow off CO2' and low levels in the PCO2 will cause us to breath in deeper and at a slower rate in order to retain CO2 to keep our Ph in between 7.35 - 7.45. The body must maintain this range in order to keep everything working optimally, too high or too low and things can get whacky, esp if it's for a prolonged period of time.
(On a side note, COPDers problems lies in that the are chronically hypoxic, and they are CO2 retainers because their problem isn;t necessarily getting the air in, it's getting the air out, called 'air trapping'. )
A hypoxic drive is when the body has changed over and is now monitoring the PO2 instead of the PCO2. So theoretically if the person reaches 100 % saturation then you've knocked out the stimulus to breath because the body thinks, oh well I'm 100% I guess i dont have to breath. COPDers are as i said, chronically hypoxic, so their drive to breath is because their normal PO2 is low, therefore signals to the body to breath. This hypoxic drive accounts for a low percentage of the population something like 9-10%. Recent studies have no found that COPDers are not soley dependent on this hypoxic drive. So while this may decrease morbidity/mortality, you won't necessarily 'knock out' a COPD PTs resp drive by giving them high flow O2.
One more point, I agree with this research and the titration of O2. Too many people I have found will put a patient on 100% NRBFM because "It's the protocol" Well thats stupid, and dangerous. Not everyone needs 100 O2. If someone is 98-100% if you really feel the need to put them on O2 then put them on 2-4 L N/C. And if it's not even a cardiac or resp related call, and their SpO2 is 100%, then can someone please tell me why it's necessary to place them on 100% NRBFM ? Really? Sorry I'm just an ICU/CCU RN, I clearly don't know what I'm doing..lol

Briarcliff saving OVAC's butt? Please, go into details. Um, if OVAC doesnt run the fly car, then who does? Yes, the fly car does operate under a separate agency code (Tri-Community ALS), but is lettered Ossining VAC, turns out of OVAC HQ, scheduling is done by OVAC, medications/narcs are handled by OVAC, equipment is supplied by OVAC, OVAC Line Officers/Chief oversee the daily operations of the Fly Car, the medics are hired by OVAC.... So, once again who runs the fly car?
I'm not sure who you think you are threatening people on this board, threatening to "talk to your chief about you", threatening someone who was simply proud to be a life member of an agency, but if you have a problem with OVAC, it's operations, or the way they conduct EMS, there are proper avenues to address your concerns. if you would like to start airing out each agency's dirty laundry out here in a public forum, we can do that, just be careful what you wish for.