FirNaTine

Mant Depts. are lucky if they have enough guys to get the 1st hoseline in operation quickly and provide f/e and adequate and proper ventilation in a timely fashion so I can understand. Maybe if Depts could meet the above, along with hiring competent and able individuals to carry out same, and not lower their standards to meet an objective, "quotas" there'd never be a need for FAST/RIT teams. Let's face it fellows, Im sure if you did a little research many FF injuries and LODs were caused by complacency, human error, and even incompetence. Id rather see guys train just as much on getting the 1st hoseline charged as well as performing proper ventilation and strategy and tactics. I can't understand why so many people are so worried about who and how many ffs are standing by as a FAST/RIT while you have one guy stretching 6 lengths of hose by himself to a 4th fl JOB. But hey everything's Ok we have 4 guys responding in as our FAST/RIT. I've on numerous occassions also seen important jobs not getting done cause th IC is more concerned with having his FAST/RIT out front to cover his ass and have it on record, while the skeleton crew inside whose already taxed is left to perform these vital functions. Now Im not saying it's not needed cause yes there's always the chance of the unforseen occurring, but many times I guarantee it us as ffs that put ourselves and others in a situation that requires a FAST/RIT to be deployed. Stick to your Basics and your SOP's and most importantly put the fire out as fast as possible and everything else will generally get better and there wont be a need for FAST/RIT. Remember, as many FDNY Chiefs have always stated, a properly positioned and charged hoseline will save more lives then and ladder will. JMO

Mant Depts. are lucky if they have enough guys to get the 1st hoseline in operation quickly and provide f/e and adequate and proper ventilation in a timely fashion so I can understand. Maybe if Depts could meet the above, along with hiring competent and able individuals to carry out same, and not lower their standards to meet an objective, "quotas" there'd never be a need for FAST/RIT teams. Let's face it fellows, Im sure if you did a little research many FF injuries and LODs were caused by complacency, human error, and even incompetence. Id rather see guys train just as much on getting the 1st hoseline charged as well as performing proper ventilation and strategy and tactics. I can't understand why so many people are so worried about who and how many ffs are standing by as a FAST/RIT while you have one guy stretching 6 lengths of hose by himself to a 4th fl JOB. But hey everything's Ok we have 4 guys responding in as our FAST/RIT. I've on numerous occassions also seen important jobs not getting done cause th IC is more concerned with having his FAST/RIT out front to cover his ass and have it on record, while the skeleton crew inside whose already taxed is left to perform these vital functions. Now Im not saying it's not needed cause yes there's always the chance of the unforseen occurring, but many times I guarantee it us as ffs that put ourselves and others in a situation that requires a FAST/RIT to be deployed. Stick to your Basics and your SOP's and most importantly put the fire out as fast as possible and everything else will generally get better and there wont be a need for FAST/RIT. Remember, as many FDNY Chiefs have always stated, a properly positioned and charged hoseline will save more lives then and ladder will. JMO

Mant Depts. are lucky if they have enough guys to get the 1st hoseline in operation quickly and provide f/e and adequate and proper ventilation in a timely fashion so I can understand. Maybe if Depts could meet the above, along with hiring competent and able individuals to carry out same, and not lower their standards to meet an objective, "quotas" there'd never be a need for FAST/RIT teams. Let's face it fellows, Im sure if you did a little research many FF injuries and LODs were caused by complacency, human error, and even incompetence. Id rather see guys train just as much on getting the 1st hoseline charged as well as performing proper ventilation and strategy and tactics. I can't understand why so many people are so worried about who and how many ffs are standing by as a FAST/RIT while you have one guy stretching 6 lengths of hose by himself to a 4th fl JOB. But hey everything's Ok we have 4 guys responding in as our FAST/RIT. I've on numerous occassions also seen important jobs not getting done cause th IC is more concerned with having his FAST/RIT out front to cover his ass and have it on record, while the skeleton crew inside whose already taxed is left to perform these vital functions. Now Im not saying it's not needed cause yes there's always the chance of the unforseen occurring, but many times I guarantee it us as ffs that put ourselves and others in a situation that requires a FAST/RIT to be deployed. Stick to your Basics and your SOP's and most importantly put the fire out as fast as possible and everything else will generally get better and there wont be a need for FAST/RIT. Remember, as many FDNY Chiefs have always stated, a properly positioned and charged hoseline will save more lives then and ladder will. JMO

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

Captain Morris was my Captain at Ladder 28 and at Rescue 1. It was an honor and a privilege to have worked for him. As a "proby" in L28, I made a mistake at a fire and thought for sure he was going to rip me apart for it. Instead he said "do you know what you did wrong, did you learn from it, and will you never make the mistake again?". That is the essence of leadership. Last night at his "Last Tour Party", I reminded him of a conversation we had back in L-28 after he had turned down Battalion Chief for the final time and I asked him why and his response back then was "I still have 10 miles of hallways to crawl down and doors to force". Last night I asked if he had made the 10 miles of hallways and he said he came close but the clock ran out. I congratulate the Captain on his retirement and thank him for letting me serve in his companies. As a friend said to me the other day: "the man had a lot of influence on my fire department career".

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

While I agree whole heartedly about this topic I feel it's just as important to have some degree of high standards to be able to even join a Dept. whether it be Career or Volunteer. Do we really need to be working next to a highly trained criminal? It's time to raise the Bar and not turn the Fire Service into a handout Job. Better Sceening and an Interview process is just as important! JMO.

39 years ago I pulled up with Patrol 4 [ now Rescue 40] to find Gullevers fully invovled with engines 58 and 62 ingaged in a full atack on a bad fire. 24 died that night but little was told how over 100 were saved. Many firefighters went down that night going above and beyond the call. Most of us old guys think about this every day of our lives and wished we could have done better with our 3/4 boots two airpacks to a rig and red fireball gloves. There were no paper firefighters and keyboard firefighters that night! .

Sorry Brother but I have to take exception to this post. While covering both Engine and Truck Companies for close to 30yrs I must say "Truckies" truly are nothing but a Fireman's Helper. Your still Loved though! I'm always concerned for my Brother "Ladderman" about the inside stream striking them on the outside when they're taking windows! No seriously you Truckies are awesome you always have fresh cold bottles of water for us Engine Grunts when we come out for a "Blow" and a spare bottle waiting for us. "Tally Ho" Bro!

The Horses s*** in the Station cause the Truckies never left quarters and the only time they shut the door after the Engine goes out for EMS is if it's before 11pm! It's all good though buddy!

Were they ESU?

Truckies VS. Engine....
I can beat you all on this one, I happen to go both ways...
Your not a fireman until you are an "Iron Man Firefighter" and have to do both jobs at a moments notice.
Stay Safe out there...(truckies)...

Sorry Brother but I have to take exception to this post. While covering both Engine and Truck Companies for close to 30yrs I must say "Truckies" truly are nothing but a Fireman's Helper. Your still Loved though! I'm always concerned for my Brother "Ladderman" about the inside stream striking them on the outside when they're taking windows! No seriously you Truckies are awesome you always have fresh cold bottles of water for us Engine Grunts when we come out for a "Blow" and a spare bottle waiting for us. "Tally Ho" Bro!

The Horses s*** in the Station cause the Truckies never left quarters and the only time they shut the door after the Engine goes out for EMS is if it's before 11pm! It's all good though buddy!

A 20 yearold chief, drinking on duty, beer at parades...this would never happen here in Westchester would it?! ;-)

Sorry Brother but I have to take exception to this post. While covering both Engine and Truck Companies for close to 30yrs I must say "Truckies" truly are nothing but a Fireman's Helper. Your still Loved though! I'm always concerned for my Brother "Ladderman" about the inside stream striking them on the outside when they're taking windows! No seriously you Truckies are awesome you always have fresh cold bottles of water for us Engine Grunts when we come out for a "Blow" and a spare bottle waiting for us. "Tally Ho" Bro!

Now that we're all friends, could someone just click and like this post? It doesn't matter whether you are a cop, FF,EMT,man, woman, old , young, or even a dog, if he can hit the like button.. You see, I now have 899 points and would really like to hit 900 by the end of the day. Also, if you see I hit 900, don't hit the like button because I have achieved my goal and I don't know if EMT-Brave has a procedure for removing points that weren't earned.
Although, if you really liked this stupid post, I guess you would have to hit the like button. But then, how would I know if you really like this post or are just throwing points at me because I only needed one point.
See? It isn't easy being a Chief and making these decisions.

Where's the one about why Trucks are dispatched to the highway with the Engine? We are there to block the road for the Engine, just like traffic cones we are dispensable.
Who closes the door when you leave on another EMS call? Who finishes the meal when you go out for a tummy ache? The truck has been taking care of the engine since horses pooped in firehouses!!!

Sorry Brother but I have to take exception to this post. While covering both Engine and Truck Companies for close to 30yrs I must say "Truckies" truly are nothing but a Fireman's Helper. Your still Loved though! I'm always concerned for my Brother "Ladderman" about the inside stream striking them on the outside when they're taking windows! No seriously you Truckies are awesome you always have fresh cold bottles of water for us Engine Grunts when we come out for a "Blow" and a spare bottle waiting for us. "Tally Ho" Bro!

Your killing me here Moose! I said I was done and you pulled me back in!Your second sentence says it all. I like to think that most of the topics I post will and should be thought about and deciphered. Almost like the 24 hour rule replying to some touchy email received. Step back, read, re-read and think. It just amazes me that one person who is in a supervisory role here thinks that (A) I along with all FD members dislike cops. Absurd and totally out of line. ( B ) it is ok to be DISPATCHED to a call that you are not trained or suited for. I too am in a supervisory role and have had plenty of discussions with my superiors over calls I do not feel my men were prepared for. I know when I accepted the promotion that I also accepted the fact that I will do what it takes to return my Brothers home the next morning the same way they showed up the morning before.
Our Job as well as I would say the majority of FD's have written SOP's for all calls we respond to. Why do we have written SOP's? The FD works as a team to mitigate any and all calls we respond to. Wether you are first due truck ( forcible entry, fire floor and OV ) to second truck ( forcible entry, floor above and coordinated ventilation for the engines ) first engine ( line placement ) second engine ( water source, backup first line ) third engine ( second handline to back up ) and so on down the line.
What could a PD SOP dictate for the first due officer to a job? Do they even have an SOP or are they flying by the seat of their pants? I mean really? Do you honestly believe we are "attacking " the law enforcement community here?

No malice intended towards cops. I was just giving an example of how heroism is perceived. My point was that a FF who made a difficult search which turned out negative worked harder than the perceived "hero" that made a quick grab at the front door.
There may be differences in personality between cops and FFs. I would not even consider myself being a cop. I think I can usually predict how a fire is going to act. I never can predict how a person is going to act. For this, I salute you guys.
About a year ago, I passed a female cop who had a person pulled over. The person was big and tough looking and was sitting in the drivers seat with his feet hanging out the door. The cop, a lefty, had her hand on her gun and her knees slightly bent. Her posturing gave me the impression that she was concerned with this guy, so I turned down the next street and called 911 to make sure she had backup. We are, after all, brothers in blue.