x152

POSA glad you stepped in.......as usual there are far too many quarterbacks attempting to rewrite history here. Fire Fighter rescue is a labor intensive (i.e. time intensive) operation. If we do not have a cadre of personnel available to do the job, the concept of RIT/FAST/or (whatever buzz word we call it this week) is not going to work. Expensive tanden-axle Rescue Trucks (with 24" lettered "Rapid Intervention Unit" on the side), colorful armbands/scba covers, concrete cutting saws, all terrain vehicles, rescue cranes, or whatever..... are only good for the clever marketing of the equipment dealer that just sold you the goods.

The Stamford rig mentioned has been thankfully retired and was headed south of the border. The truck had seen far better days and its replacement as a reserve was well over due.

<<Lets face it, Paid firemen are paid firemen...they get a paycheck every week. So since they are getting paid to do it, a rule like "No beards' makes sense...that is there career, they are getting paid to do it, and that is where they are getting all the health benefits etc from.>> OK? paychecks and beards? = relevance? I have read on countless occasions on these boards that Vol. and career are supposed to be the same. Is that convenient mantra or do we actually live (and in this case potentially die) by our words? I was under the impression that the funny looking device with the air bottle attached to it was the primary reason why the issue of facial hair is an issue. Unless certain departments are solely exterior and maintaining a distance outside of the effects of radiant heat, then the argument should have been self-explanatory. Facial hair = poor seal = products of combustion = lungs/face/and other = hyperbaric chamber, burn unit, or funeral.....easy right?

JR has been busy in Bridgeport and the valley with several episodes of the show. He has been in Bridgeport several times, including the Captain's Cove Marina and the Ferry/shipyards near the old Steel Point (there was also a show at an industrial factory of some type). He has also been to Shelton several times doing the Wiffle Ball Company and a Packing Tape Company. It is amazing how the production of a television show can make some of these places look "quant" as mentioned by Cliff Claven. 762 - before I hear it from you, I am not a "buff" of the show............and they have not made it to Sandy Hook yet

X635's photo is an excellent example of Boston's "habitual" (not used in a bad sense) use of aerial and ground ladders. Having spent a lot of time and a part-time resident of Boston in the early 90s, their use of ladders was impressive. I am not sure if the SOG is still in effect, but they were required at one time to deploy the aerial ladder of the first due truck at all alarms (essentially have the jacks down and ladder out of the bed). Some would argue that this may be an extreme approach to aerial deployment, but it is clear that Boston uses the aerial trucks for what they are; a valuable tool (not a parade piece). My limited experience indicates that many departments will purchase aerial/tower apparatus that are far beyond the capabilities that they need 99.9% of the time. Often, the trucks are positioned away from the scene in some sort of "ready" mode. Granted most communities do not have the construction and occupancy issues as the densely populated Boston area, but their tendency to deploy the aerial prevents the complacency of aerial operators or officers. I am not sure what Boston's transition to Pierce will mean for their ability to 'sneak' into some of the alleyways as depicted in the above link? E-One is not known for their resiliency or quality, but they have certainly worked well as the aerial apparatus for the City of Boston.

An open house with children (almost visible in footage) watching as these idiots try and "season?" their gear. I am still amazed at how many Departments still fail to realize that there is a standard for this known as NFPA 1403. A live burn (under any circumstances) should be held with the highest regard for the safety of those involved.