JetPhoto

While I agree that we need to pinch pennies in Dutchess County I believe we are cutting funding in the wrong places.
Bill Steinhaus would rather pave the woods, (Rail Trail) than keep the streets and taxpayers safe... The Rail Tail is a great project, when we have the money. At this time we need to put that money being spent on the higher priorities. I see the construction workers working on the Rail Trail everyday. Lets cut that project for a while and put some of these Firefighters, EMS, Fire Investigation, and Police personnel back where they should be!!!!!
Scrooge lays off Firefighters, Police and EMS personnel just before the holidays. Shame on you Boob Kratchet.I hope you wont have to be visited by 3 ghosts. The Ghosts of Firefighter, EMS, and Police past!!!!!
Sorry watched it with the kids last night

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/address_mess_VtLGrLpuCbrgl2TmRVAwsM
Interestingly enough, a similar incident here in Westchester a couple years back for anyone who remembers it. A structure fire in Buchanan on Albany Post Road. At the time, Croton, Montrose, Buchanan, Peekskill, and Garrison, all had similar numbers along their respective stretches of Albany Post Road, and the FD was initially dispatched to the wrong one.

Don't put words in my mouth. We all know they have other duties, but when all these boats are staffed on weekdays, and the price of gas is high, there are hardly any vessels on the river and LE outnumbers the public. I'm stating that I believe there is enforcement overkill at times. In the same vain most weekends could use the high LE prescense.

No. I'm pretty aware that Enforcer 1 and Enforcer 2 have been used for many other roles. Supporting the DCSO dive team, effecting water rescues and search / recovery operations, and patrolling the River and Whaley Lake, among other things.
I know that the Port Authority of NY/NJ is putting up the money for this better, more capable boat...
STORY ON THE BOAT
The Port Authority is ensuring that local resources exist to address incidents in its best interest; ie, commercial aircraft ditching in the river while inbound/outbound from Stewart. I don't blame Dutchess County government for jumping on $245,000 of free boat money (especially when our county legislators can tout this windfall as the result of THEIR hard work). However, it will cost Dutchess County taxpayers $60,000 plus the continual increased maintenance costs that come with this larger boat. I'm assuming that until the DCSO got this proposal / offer from the Port Authority that the existing DCSO boats were adequate for DCSO's regular needs that don't involve aircraft crashing in water. If they weren't adequate, then, yeah, my bad.
Now, I know this isn't an "either/or" "apples-to-apples" comparison - it's not a question of either getting the boat or keeping the ability to investigate fires - but it is representative of the difficult choices that need to be made when government is operating in the red. As a member of the emergency response community and a taxpayer, I have to wonder about the reasoning in the decisions being made by my elected officials using tax monies. What was the tipping point? What made one issue more critical than the other? Was it the Port Authority's "Free Money" (despite the implicit mandate of maintaining the boat on the taxpayer dime from now on) that helped the county somehow "find" $60,000 during these hard times? Could the legislature not "find" money for the Fire Investigation Division? My concern is that while Dutchess County is stepping up to serve the needs of an agency based in Orange County using taxpayer dollars, it is simultaneously abandoning another important service to its own taxpayers. Sure, this boat will provide an enhanced service to Dutchess taxpayers; I have no doubt that having a year-round marine presence on the river is a good thing. However, with all the talk of brutal budget cutting, having to go without, and the consequences to public safety and service that these measures bring, I find it unfortunate that our esteemed legislators could find $60,000 to go toward addressing a "what if" scenario posed by an out-of-county agency as opposed to maintaining the capability to adequately investigate fires and address arson on a regular and concerted basis. I'm guessing that these "assets forfeiture funds" used to pay for the boat have some interesting terms of use.
If there is something I'm missing, please, explain it.

You've gotta think like a politician to understand the fractured logic. You see, keeping DCSO writing tickets on the river brings in revenue. In the eyes of a drooling pork addicted politico, the FID only ever costs money. The actual service rendered to the community is not important. What will be important is which county politician will include: "Secured essential funds for the purchase of a terroristwarfighting boat for to guarantee security of freedom for American Patriots" on his/her reelection mailings, which will be sent using your money as well. We are entering a new era in government; ask not what your country can do for you, but what fees you can pay a politician to facilitate the collection of other fees from you. Presently, the cart is racing up hill miles ahead of the horse pulling it. Luckily the horse is long dead yet still being beaten with great enthusiasm and at the highest possible cost to you and me by the most expensive talent a national candidate search could secure.
Remember: "It's for the children" "The taxpayers deserve nothing less!"

Photo #1- Engine 93 hits the hydrant and stretches a line to the structure
Photo #2- First on scene, prior to any police or fire units. Heavy fire Charlie/Delta Corner (fire through the roof). Minor exposure problem on Delta side of neighbors house
Photo #3- Photo from front door of neighbor’s house. Homeowners were notified of the fire and were requested to evacuate the house.
Photo #4- Engine 93 arrives on location (prior to hitting the hydrant)
Photos #5,6- Briarcliff Manor firefighters wait for water

Happy turkey day to you and yours, and for everyone working (including yours truly) be safe out there.........
Chris

Actually what you see in your photo is going to be very difficult to achieve in the future. As the 2010 EPA is an enhanced version from 2007 the distance from the turbo to the first containment vessel has been increased and some engine manufacturers are going to have a second containment vessel where at that point there will be an injection of liquid urea. Most designs now have a “turn back” that sends the exhaust back towards the front of the apparatus after it passes thru the first vessel and then sends it into the second. That vessel is located on the LS of the apparatus and then will turn back towards the rear and will have to cross back under the drive train and exit to the RS. This will be common on units with pumps, rescues and trucks can run both down the RS. The distance cannot be manipulated from what the manufacturer mandates. That’s with the urea system, I am not sure what the manufacturers that are using the dual EGR technology are able to do, but I think they have their limitations as well. The days of the “stack” may be over. If you want to reroute the exhaust gas you can still use the air operated “dump” or reroute valve, but there is going to be an extensive amount of piping involved.

http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-news/244700-hows-this-for-a-hess-truck/

All,
Im now working on filling out the Hose Reel trailer that accompanies the 1954 Willys Fire Jeep. Im looking to make it look how a dept might have a hose reel trailer, with associated equipment and the like, back in the day. It is basically nothing more than a big reel that holds 600-800 feet of 2.5 inch hose and a equipment box.
I think I have most of the 2.5 inch appliances from yester year.. From top left to bottom right, I have the following:
2.5 hydrant gate, stack of 2.5 double males/females, 2.5 to 1.5 leader, 2.5 inch nozzle used with the Elkhart ground monitor (pictured above)
2.5 wye, 2.5 water thief, 2.5 inch clappered siamese.
Also on the trailer is the following: shovel, sledge hammer, 2 axes, 2 4 foot pry bars, a Huxtool, tin roof cutter, hose clamp, hose jacket, Elkhart ground monitor mount "Hose Control", 2 2.5 inch play pipes, 2 spanners and a hydrant wrench. It's still a work in progress, with some appliances not totalled finished with rehab yet, (like the water theif), but we're getting closer.
Is there anything else that you can think of that might be missing?
I have attached some other pictures to give you an idea of the scale of the trailer.

Another small victory today.. The equipment basket above the hose bed is finally mounted, after getting the correct straps made up.
One interesting side note.. I got the straps that support the basket off the cross pieces made on a multi zillion dollar Flow Jet machine.. Why?? Because anyone can make them out of stock and a drill press, so I had to be different, and have a friend who happens to run the Flo Jet and other milling machines for a very well equipped company he works for. Cool stuff...
One step closer to being done and ready for Muster season!

I just read the IA for the Croton incident regarding the subject stuck in the mud.
I just wanted to say awesome job to WCPD Aviation for an outstanding job! That is a large area and would be very tricky for any sort of rescue or other emergency. AIR-2's assistance undoubtedly played a large role in the positive outcome of this situation. Just another great example of why WCPD Aviation is such an outstanding resource for the County. Job well done lads!
Also, kudos to all the responders on the ground; FD, EMS and PD. Great heads-up thinking by the IC to call in Air-2 and in such a timely manner. From the IA, Air-2 was in the area within 10 minutes of being requested.

Date:11/19/2010
Time:1531 hrs
Location: Croton Point Park - Tidal Marsh
Frequency: 46.26, Fire 10
Units Operating: 2081, 2082, Eng 120, TL-44, Rescue 18, 36- M1, 55-B2, Air-2
Weather Conditions: Cool, cloudy
Description Of Incident:
Subject and child stuck in the mud
1533: Dispatch for a person stuck in the mud
1534: Caller reports he is stuck knee to thigh high in the mud (victim is the caller)
1538: 2082 on location investigating -
1539: E120/R18 responding
1540: Updated location, behind the landfill, further towards the train station out on the point
1541: 2081 requesting County PD helicopter to locate victim
1546: Victim requesting Croton drive through the ball field to locate him and walk down the aqueduct trail
1551: Pt can see helicopter (Air -2) and is waving at them
1552: 2 individuals, 1 adult male, one 6 year old child (child not stuck)
1553: Croton FD can see victim, unsure how they are going to get to them
1554: Helicopter going to remove victim from the mud, adult in mud to his waist. Child just above ankles.
1555: EMS stage on the ball field for helicopter to drop victim off
1556: Air-2 made the pick, helicopter on way to the ball field
1558: TL 44 can return to service per 2082
1558: Air-2 offloading victim, situation undercontrol
Reporters:
Writer:

Date: 11/17/10
Time: ~23:15ish
Location: Mount Marion, 385 Churchland Ct
Frequency: UC Dispatch
Units Operating:Mount Marion, Cedar Grove, Ruby, Glasco, Ulster Hose, Ulster County C&O
Weather Conditions: dark, cool
Description Of Incident: Dispatched to a large building fire
Reporters/Writer: shadow12083
23:15 Mount Marion respond to a large building fire, Cedar Grove Fast Team to scene, Ruby 1 tanker to scene
23:18 Mount Marion 2nd alarm with possible entrapment, Glasco 29-11 to scene, Ulster Hose 61-10 Standby in quarters.
23:24 61-10 to scene
Update 12:30PM 11/18/2010
Daily Freeman News Story
Update 10:18PM 11/18/2010
YNN News

I am surprised that this was not posted here today but earlier today, as I am sure some of you are aware, US Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta was awarded this nations highest military commendation for bravery and valor, The Medal of Honor. He is the first living recipient of this award since the Vietnam War.
I would just like to take the time right here and right now to thank SSGT Giunta for his heroic actions on 10/25/2007.
It is said that the Medal of Honor is not won, it is earned....
Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.
In SSGT Giunta's own words..."And although this is so positive, I would give this back in a second to have my friends with me right now."
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/16/obama.medal.of.honor/index.html?hpt=C1

Forget about the rest of the Country, because I live in NY. I would like to say thank you to all the stupid people that live here. I really mean it. You make my life so much easier. Everyday I have less and less decisions to make. We allow our politicians to make intrusive decisions into our lives and again I would like to say thank you for being unable to make decisions for yourself. I don't have to worry what my food is fried in, what my popcorn is cooked in, what I can and can't drink, how much salt is in my food or God forbid to add a little, soon what Doctor I can see, how many calories are in the food I am eating, etc. Except where there is profitability for the government, like taxing tobacco (if it is that bad for your health then ban it not feed the governments habit). Thank God this is not a Fire Department issue, we would have another NFPA standard, OSHA regulation, or V&T law. When we can't look out for ourselves and make good decisions, take some personal responsibility and accountability, we leave it up to elected officials to make the decisions for us.
Happy Monday Morning!

I spent a weekend up in Potsdam recently (for those who don't know, it's entirely a college town) and really didn't see any difference than normal. If it isn't 4 Loko, it's something else. When we were in college, we used to take the 26 mile trip up to the beer store in Canada to get Molson XXX or Labatt's Maximum. The Red Bull drinks have been a staple at college bars for a number of years. The kids I talked to in Potsdam really had no great affinity for 4 Lokos, basically saying that these drinks screw up their plans to drink all night and .... ummm ... have "relations" at the the end of the night.
Quite honestly, I'm sick of government trying to legislate responsibility. 4 Loko is just another fad. It will go away as quickly as the last if people just let it be because most people agree they taste horrible.

here are some pics courtsey of Brandl's Towing(with permission)
some of you had questions about the stabilization and how the trucks were used etc hope these pics help

Tonight I actually did "experiment" with 2 cans of Four Loko, 1 grape and 1 friut punch. I can absolutely see how dangerous this crap is. If you can get over the taste after a couple cans your are pretty buzzed. I'm surprised I can still type...I see why they are pushing to ban this stuff. BUT you can ban this and something else will come along. I strongly believe the focus should be on enforcement of the laws and preventing the sales from minors. If your 21 and still want to act like a jerk after drinking the stuff then you are just immature and don't know when to say STOP!
Enough with my drunken rant, party on!

Tonight I actually did "experiment" with 2 cans of Four Loko, 1 grape and 1 friut punch. I can absolutely see how dangerous this crap is. If you can get over the taste after a couple cans your are pretty buzzed. I'm surprised I can still type...I see why they are pushing to ban this stuff. BUT you can ban this and something else will come along. I strongly believe the focus should be on enforcement of the laws and preventing the sales from minors. If your 21 and still want to act like a jerk after drinking the stuff then you are just immature and don't know when to say STOP!
Enough with my drunken rant, party on!

Tonight I actually did "experiment" with 2 cans of Four Loko, 1 grape and 1 friut punch. I can absolutely see how dangerous this crap is. If you can get over the taste after a couple cans your are pretty buzzed. I'm surprised I can still type...I see why they are pushing to ban this stuff. BUT you can ban this and something else will come along. I strongly believe the focus should be on enforcement of the laws and preventing the sales from minors. If your 21 and still want to act like a jerk after drinking the stuff then you are just immature and don't know when to say STOP!
Enough with my drunken rant, party on!

Tonight I actually did "experiment" with 2 cans of Four Loko, 1 grape and 1 friut punch. I can absolutely see how dangerous this crap is. If you can get over the taste after a couple cans your are pretty buzzed. I'm surprised I can still type...I see why they are pushing to ban this stuff. BUT you can ban this and something else will come along. I strongly believe the focus should be on enforcement of the laws and preventing the sales from minors. If your 21 and still want to act like a jerk after drinking the stuff then you are just immature and don't know when to say STOP!
Enough with my drunken rant, party on!

Date: 10-31-10
Time: 16:00 Hrs
Location: Rochelle Hieghts
Frequency: N/A
Units Operating: 2306
Weather Conditions: Cool
Description Of Incident:55 gal drum of radioactive material spilled, also producing a vapor cloud, contaminating hundreds of trick or treaters
Reporters: BN
Writer: BN
As of 21:00 hrs the spill was contained, no more vapor and all trick or treaters given candy antidotes.


Happy Halloween to all.

This was a department that had 14 career firefighters or 3 per shift. Due to budget cuts, on Jan. 1 2010 4 firefighter positions were cut and those. members were laid off. That left 2 career ff's on duty. On July 1, 2010 an additional 4 were laid off leaviing 1ff on duty in the department.
The proposal to switch came from the city manager who admits this was her idea and did not come from the Fire chief or the volunteers. The majority of the volunteers had not completed there 6 month probationary period by the end of July. When the 1st lay offs occured there were no volunteers qualified to drive apparatus.
The FD budget went from $2.4m to $1.8m due to the cuts.
To make up for the lack of personnel the chief has developped an automatic aid system that on all fire calls two FD's respond and a 3rd goes on standby. The CFD had an average response time of 3.43 minutes prior to the lay offs. The 2 mutual aid VFD's have an average response (in there own districts) of 5.97 minutes and 9.28 minutes. According to the chief all 1st allarm assingments now require 3 departments.
Here's an interesting fact: the fire chief reports that the city paid the volunteers were paid $200,000 to take over. THe chief also reports that response tims for the volunteer engine have incresed to 7-8 minutes.
The chief said they have 24 volunteers most have started training. It is his goal to “ramp up” the force to at least 40 active volunteers by the end of the year. He noted, however, that numbers aren’t everything.
Some FD stats: 2 fire stations (1 in the city, one in the town). 11,000 residence in the city and 5,000 in the town in 40 square miles. The FD responds to 900 calls/yr. Prior to Jan. 1 there were 21 volunteer, 14 (made a minimum of 25 of the 900 calls), 7 of those were interior qualified. None were drives. So they gained 3 volunteers after laying off 8 career ff's. According to ISO those 8 career memebrs will require 24 additional volunteers.
In 2007 the city hired a consultant to review the FD. the conclusions drawn were they needed an additional 5-15 career firefighters, particularly since attempts to increase the volunteer response had not been working. The city council approve the FD to apply for SAFER grants in 2006 and 2008. The FD was awarded the grants which were then rejected by the city council.
ALso of interest is the Merrill Hose Volunteer Fire Company, which is there volunteer unit. Its website claims to have over 100 members (but dept records show only 14 made it to more than 2% of the calls.) There is a 2nd volunteer company, but I could not find any info other then a mention of them in one of the studies (Erina Hose Co.) that they were recieving both tax money and 2% funds.

Time flies....I was looking through some old firehouse pics to post on another thread, when I realized I had quite a few pics of some Westchester houses that are no longer in service. These pics were taken 10 or so years ago...not really a long time in the scheme of things. Time marches on and so does progress.
old Port Chester House.

Briarcliff Manor house

Mamaro house

Mamoroneck ladder 20 house.

Ossining HQ/Patrol/dispatch

Ossining L41....with the old Maxim sitting there. An old timer was sitting outside on that chair.

here is Croton HQ under construction...another old maxim Ladder sitting there.

Port Chester "Tin House"