Bnechis

Its not unfortunate, its criminal that the state is so far behind the times on such a vital issue as firefighter safety but that is what the volunteer fire service (thru FASNY) has lobbied Albany hard for years to maintain.
So since the state is unwilling to step up to the plate the volunteer leadership has to; 1st be the chief, be the leader and make it a requirement of your department. Require minimum training standards that are realistic and protect the lives and property of those you swore to protect and most importantly to protect the lives of your members.
2nd be a leader and tell FASNY that lack of training standards is hurting the volunteer fire service and they need to fight to make the standards comprable to what NFPA & ISO require as minimums.

Badbox the problem is the leadership. They are afraid to make things mandatory because they either wont get re-elected or they dont want to lose people. Some are more worried about getting that big shiny trophy at the next parade to add to the dust covered ones allready in the case.

The requirements for fast at an incident begins at the moment the incident leaves the incipient stage and the atmosphere hes the potential for becoming ILDH. Remember 2 in 2 out? Well the purpose of that 2 out is fast.
When we hear an IC calling for a FAST TEAM from dept X and getting an ETA of 20 min, does that mean that IC has been operating up to now without a fast team and will continue to do so for at least 20 more minutes? I hope not, but if you listen to your scanner, it sure sounds that way. That's a far cry fromm operating with members on the first alarm assignment being designated as fast , and then designating an incoming company as fast. The IC that is operating without a fast team and something goes wrong needs two things asap:
1. He still needs FAST, but a bigger team
2. He needs a good lawyer

"And I waked in and sat down and they gave me a piece of paper, said, "Kid, see the phsychiatrist, room604."
"And I went up there, I said, "Shrink, I want to kill. I mean, Iwanna, I wanna kill. Kill. I wanna, I wanna see, I wanna see blood andgore and guts and veins in my teeth. Eat dead burnt bodies. I mean kill,Kill,KILL, KILL." And I started jumpin up and down yelling, "KILL,KILL," and he started jumpin up and down with me and we was both jumping upand down yelling, "KILL, KILL." And the sargent came over, pinned a medalon me, sent me down the hall, said, "You're our boy."

I heard that TransCare was taking it over...

Unfortinatly it often is the older rig, but we have found its not an easier life. In our case our front line engines are out of service between 10 and 20%. With 5 frontline engines and 1 spare (#2 died), the spare is inservice about 75% of the time.
The biggest problem with keeping rigs (including spares) to long in busy departments is costs. One study (South Metro in CO) determined the best economic model was no more than 8 years in front line & 2 spare. Selling the unit before it hits its 10th year (when the value drops drimatically). The maintenance costs after that start to approach the bond payments for its replacement and you have a less reliable unit.

There are a host of issues here.
1) In a large and busy dept. it is not uncommon for a rig (even a newer one) to be out of service 15-20% of the time. In a city the size of Yonkers, that would mean the squad would have to leave there quarters on the West side, drive across town to get the spare, then unload the primare rig and load the spare, then take the rig to the shop. All of this gets repeated when its done. This can take the company out of service for an hour or more. If the shop has a 2 hour job it means the crew may be out of service almost as long just switching rigs.
2) Our newest "standard" engines have been given additional equipment that we never use to carry (TIC's, gas detectors, FAST, Water rescue, more foam & foam equipment, more EMS equipment, etc.) It is very difficult to switch over to a spare and fit all the new equipment, since they have 1/2 the storage space. Much of the additional equipment gets left on the floor. Now add to that the squad equipment, YFD Squad 11 carries more rescue equipment than many of the large "heavy rescue" box units in Westchester. In Sq2 (NRFD E22) we carry all the equipment of a standard engine plus, Level A & B suits, Hazmat boots, reference materials, multiple gas detectors, radiation detectors, drager tubes, WMD agent detectors, Antidote Kits, 4 additional Hazmat SCBA's with 1 hour packs and 8 additional 1 hour bottles, PAPR's, Hazmat Skeds, 4 Hazmat tool kits, Extra foam and extra absorbant (plus a bunch of other stuff) if the rig goes out of service you need another rig with enough compartments to hold it all.
3) Most larger depts. have 2 different terms: Spare and Reserve. A spare is uniquipped and you switch over when a primary rig is out of service (particularly for long periods). Sometimes they do not even have hose, then that gets switched also. A reserve unit fills in as a spare, but also can be staffed with call back members to beef up the departmet during storms or other major emergencies. Most city's have fewer companies than they should and get away with that by beefing things up as needed. This is based on the city's wanting to base staffing on slow times and not busy times.
4) lastly in any larger department there is a greater chance the rig will be involved in an MVA than in a small village. I suspect Sq 11 response to 3 or 4 times the number of calls as your whole dept. plus its on the street everyday doing training and inspections. Plus driving in Yonkers can get very rough. There is a very good chance that it will get hit or hit something and go out of service for many months. In a busy dept you can not have critical equipment out of service for days or even hours, without a spare they could be out for months. And if the rig was ever distroyed it could take up to 2 years to get it replaced.
5) the finances in a big fleet will equill out as this spare will be used a little lighter than the other spares, it will require less maintenance, they may also be able to keep the front line rig without replacement for an extra year or two, because they have a good spare, and if its included as an "extra" spare, then the rest of the spares will also last a little longer.

There are a host of issues here.
1) In a large and busy dept. it is not uncommon for a rig (even a newer one) to be out of service 15-20% of the time. In a city the size of Yonkers, that would mean the squad would have to leave there quarters on the West side, drive across town to get the spare, then unload the primare rig and load the spare, then take the rig to the shop. All of this gets repeated when its done. This can take the company out of service for an hour or more. If the shop has a 2 hour job it means the crew may be out of service almost as long just switching rigs.
2) Our newest "standard" engines have been given additional equipment that we never use to carry (TIC's, gas detectors, FAST, Water rescue, more foam & foam equipment, more EMS equipment, etc.) It is very difficult to switch over to a spare and fit all the new equipment, since they have 1/2 the storage space. Much of the additional equipment gets left on the floor. Now add to that the squad equipment, YFD Squad 11 carries more rescue equipment than many of the large "heavy rescue" box units in Westchester. In Sq2 (NRFD E22) we carry all the equipment of a standard engine plus, Level A & B suits, Hazmat boots, reference materials, multiple gas detectors, radiation detectors, drager tubes, WMD agent detectors, Antidote Kits, 4 additional Hazmat SCBA's with 1 hour packs and 8 additional 1 hour bottles, PAPR's, Hazmat Skeds, 4 Hazmat tool kits, Extra foam and extra absorbant (plus a bunch of other stuff) if the rig goes out of service you need another rig with enough compartments to hold it all.
3) Most larger depts. have 2 different terms: Spare and Reserve. A spare is uniquipped and you switch over when a primary rig is out of service (particularly for long periods). Sometimes they do not even have hose, then that gets switched also. A reserve unit fills in as a spare, but also can be staffed with call back members to beef up the departmet during storms or other major emergencies. Most city's have fewer companies than they should and get away with that by beefing things up as needed. This is based on the city's wanting to base staffing on slow times and not busy times.
4) lastly in any larger department there is a greater chance the rig will be involved in an MVA than in a small village. I suspect Sq 11 response to 3 or 4 times the number of calls as your whole dept. plus its on the street everyday doing training and inspections. Plus driving in Yonkers can get very rough. There is a very good chance that it will get hit or hit something and go out of service for many months. In a busy dept you can not have critical equipment out of service for days or even hours, without a spare they could be out for months. And if the rig was ever distroyed it could take up to 2 years to get it replaced.
5) the finances in a big fleet will equill out as this spare will be used a little lighter than the other spares, it will require less maintenance, they may also be able to keep the front line rig without replacement for an extra year or two, because they have a good spare, and if its included as an "extra" spare, then the rest of the spares will also last a little longer.

There are a host of issues here.
1) In a large and busy dept. it is not uncommon for a rig (even a newer one) to be out of service 15-20% of the time. In a city the size of Yonkers, that would mean the squad would have to leave there quarters on the West side, drive across town to get the spare, then unload the primare rig and load the spare, then take the rig to the shop. All of this gets repeated when its done. This can take the company out of service for an hour or more. If the shop has a 2 hour job it means the crew may be out of service almost as long just switching rigs.
2) Our newest "standard" engines have been given additional equipment that we never use to carry (TIC's, gas detectors, FAST, Water rescue, more foam & foam equipment, more EMS equipment, etc.) It is very difficult to switch over to a spare and fit all the new equipment, since they have 1/2 the storage space. Much of the additional equipment gets left on the floor. Now add to that the squad equipment, YFD Squad 11 carries more rescue equipment than many of the large "heavy rescue" box units in Westchester. In Sq2 (NRFD E22) we carry all the equipment of a standard engine plus, Level A & B suits, Hazmat boots, reference materials, multiple gas detectors, radiation detectors, drager tubes, WMD agent detectors, Antidote Kits, 4 additional Hazmat SCBA's with 1 hour packs and 8 additional 1 hour bottles, PAPR's, Hazmat Skeds, 4 Hazmat tool kits, Extra foam and extra absorbant (plus a bunch of other stuff) if the rig goes out of service you need another rig with enough compartments to hold it all.
3) Most larger depts. have 2 different terms: Spare and Reserve. A spare is uniquipped and you switch over when a primary rig is out of service (particularly for long periods). Sometimes they do not even have hose, then that gets switched also. A reserve unit fills in as a spare, but also can be staffed with call back members to beef up the departmet during storms or other major emergencies. Most city's have fewer companies than they should and get away with that by beefing things up as needed. This is based on the city's wanting to base staffing on slow times and not busy times.
4) lastly in any larger department there is a greater chance the rig will be involved in an MVA than in a small village. I suspect Sq 11 response to 3 or 4 times the number of calls as your whole dept. plus its on the street everyday doing training and inspections. Plus driving in Yonkers can get very rough. There is a very good chance that it will get hit or hit something and go out of service for many months. In a busy dept you can not have critical equipment out of service for days or even hours, without a spare they could be out for months. And if the rig was ever distroyed it could take up to 2 years to get it replaced.
5) the finances in a big fleet will equill out as this spare will be used a little lighter than the other spares, it will require less maintenance, they may also be able to keep the front line rig without replacement for an extra year or two, because they have a good spare, and if its included as an "extra" spare, then the rest of the spares will also last a little longer.

There are a host of issues here.
1) In a large and busy dept. it is not uncommon for a rig (even a newer one) to be out of service 15-20% of the time. In a city the size of Yonkers, that would mean the squad would have to leave there quarters on the West side, drive across town to get the spare, then unload the primare rig and load the spare, then take the rig to the shop. All of this gets repeated when its done. This can take the company out of service for an hour or more. If the shop has a 2 hour job it means the crew may be out of service almost as long just switching rigs.
2) Our newest "standard" engines have been given additional equipment that we never use to carry (TIC's, gas detectors, FAST, Water rescue, more foam & foam equipment, more EMS equipment, etc.) It is very difficult to switch over to a spare and fit all the new equipment, since they have 1/2 the storage space. Much of the additional equipment gets left on the floor. Now add to that the squad equipment, YFD Squad 11 carries more rescue equipment than many of the large "heavy rescue" box units in Westchester. In Sq2 (NRFD E22) we carry all the equipment of a standard engine plus, Level A & B suits, Hazmat boots, reference materials, multiple gas detectors, radiation detectors, drager tubes, WMD agent detectors, Antidote Kits, 4 additional Hazmat SCBA's with 1 hour packs and 8 additional 1 hour bottles, PAPR's, Hazmat Skeds, 4 Hazmat tool kits, Extra foam and extra absorbant (plus a bunch of other stuff) if the rig goes out of service you need another rig with enough compartments to hold it all.
3) Most larger depts. have 2 different terms: Spare and Reserve. A spare is uniquipped and you switch over when a primary rig is out of service (particularly for long periods). Sometimes they do not even have hose, then that gets switched also. A reserve unit fills in as a spare, but also can be staffed with call back members to beef up the departmet during storms or other major emergencies. Most city's have fewer companies than they should and get away with that by beefing things up as needed. This is based on the city's wanting to base staffing on slow times and not busy times.
4) lastly in any larger department there is a greater chance the rig will be involved in an MVA than in a small village. I suspect Sq 11 response to 3 or 4 times the number of calls as your whole dept. plus its on the street everyday doing training and inspections. Plus driving in Yonkers can get very rough. There is a very good chance that it will get hit or hit something and go out of service for many months. In a busy dept you can not have critical equipment out of service for days or even hours, without a spare they could be out for months. And if the rig was ever distroyed it could take up to 2 years to get it replaced.
5) the finances in a big fleet will equill out as this spare will be used a little lighter than the other spares, it will require less maintenance, they may also be able to keep the front line rig without replacement for an extra year or two, because they have a good spare, and if its included as an "extra" spare, then the rest of the spares will also last a little longer.

Cities & villages are not required to provide water. We do not, even though its been proven to be a money maker for those cities that do.
Agreed.
While fire districts do not have a legal responsability, they have a moral one, see my response below from this thread.

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

Does it?
We pay more fore it.
We have poorer ratings than other areas...so we pay more for insurance
We need multiple depts to respond to a room & content fire
And as we get to see photes on EmtBravo, we still get the same roof burned off.
Does the job get done because of us or inspite of us.

Does it?
We pay more fore it.
We have poorer ratings than other areas...so we pay more for insurance
We need multiple depts to respond to a room & content fire
And as we get to see photes on EmtBravo, we still get the same roof burned off.
Does the job get done because of us or inspite of us.

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

Does it?
We pay more fore it.
We have poorer ratings than other areas...so we pay more for insurance
We need multiple depts to respond to a room & content fire
And as we get to see photes on EmtBravo, we still get the same roof burned off.
Does the job get done because of us or inspite of us.

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

"Mangled by the pro's"?
The pros have parades also and we enjoy them as well. But how can you enjoy them if you get demerits for talking, waving or laughing?
Yes parades are for everyone, we all enjoy both watching and participating, but if you follow all these rules, your priority is not protecting the community that you swore to protect. Your priority is to win a trophy.
I'm so sorry that I asked what makes the "best" and then read the rules.

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

Nope, just trying to figure if its the biggest, longest, most expensive most lights or one that actually was designed to fight a fire.
After reading the rules, thats not one of the requirements.
The rules are very interesting. NFPA and OSHA standards are easier and simpler. A lot of work went into these. Lets look at a few:
"Judging will not be performed within fifty (50) feet of any corner, at any sharp bend, at any steep grade, or at any encumbrance in the Line of March, except by those judging Apparatus. No judging will occur while a unit is stopped, stopping or starting."
So lets throw out safety and most dept. SOP's. Amazing that no judges have been run over.
"Talking, Waving, Laughing, Chewing Gum, Sobriety, Smoking. Ten (10) demerits each."
Yep, you never see these things at a parade.
"10- Haircuts and beards shall be neat and well kept. If the hair is not neat trimmed or is disheveled it is subject to five (5) demerits. There is no rule on hair length. The rule refers to appearance."
Beards are ok in the fire service?
"1 - All apparatus and vehicles must drive to rear of last group. Maximum spacing is twenty (20) feet from last group and twenty (20) feet between each apparatus and vehicle. Two (2) demerits each."
20 feet, sounds like tailgating to me, what does traffic law say on this one?
"16- Missing equipment will be subject to three (3) demerits each."
How do they know whats missing?
"17- Refreshments or non-firematic equipment are not permitted on apparatus or vehicles. Five (5)demerits."
So who carries the beer? THis also explains the MCI's that have occured at a few parades when everyone drops from the heat.
"18- Current dated inspection tags must be on extinguisher. Two (2) demerits each."
I guess these depts don't actually use extingushers to fight fires with
"21- Additional demerits for Pumpers: Covered hose beds Ten (10) demerits (Full covers need not be completely removed, but must allow hose bed viewing for inspection.)"
In violation of NFPA Standards.
And the one the explains why depts in Westchester can never consolidate: "Two or more Departments marching together as One Unit are disqualified."

This is something I posted in another forum on the issue, which I'll share here. It was in response to someone talking about combination departments in a semi-positive light.
As a member of one of those combination departments where career works EXTREMELY well with volunteer, I somewhat agree with you. But it starts with expectations. What do you expect your volunteers to be able to do? What steps are your volunteer organizations taking to ensure they can provide adequate coverage at ALL times? Because there are some really creative ways to do so OTHER than just hiring part-timers. (Hint: There are ALOT of fire science students out there between UNH and the community colleges who would love to help out other departments)
Those who claim that there will always be animousity between career and volunteer ARE the problem. There doesn't have to be, stop accepting the problem and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Everybody needs to lighten up and stop feeling so threatened by change that they freak out and circle the wagons every time a new initiative comes up. But it goes both ways, the volunteers need to respect the fact that the career department is in command (at least in most department by SOP) and the career departments need to recognize that the volunteers are (generally) there to help and stop crying the "DEY TOOK ER JOBS" song.
I for one think it starts with training. As Sun Tzu said, "For how you train, so shall you fight" if your career and volunteer staff train together on a regular basis, you will work together. If you put up walls between the two sides, that will come out on the fireground. Respect, humility, training and common sense is whats needed to fix most of these problems.
That being said, the issue in Stamford is that of a charter revision. If the state and city charters could get amended, the volunteer departments AND the career department could be folded into one chain of command and one set of SOPs, which would make sure everyone is one the same page and stop knuckleheaded decisions like this one from being made.

To start with, All ff's are required to have hazmat ops before they are allowed to respond on any calls. OFPC always ran it as a 15 hour course. But when they reorganized it under FF1, they dropped it to 6-9 hours (but they never told the instructors what material to cut out) and they still run it as 15 hours stand alone. This was considered ok because the law requires the depts and not NYS to provide the training and it must be customized to each dept. which OFPC can not do. Also every FF must have an annual refresher.

To start with, the OFPC training data base. Its amazing how many "firefighters" do not meet the minimum training standards required by NYS & Federal law.

Would you send untrained members into a fire or have untrained members operate an exrication tool? What harm could there be in that? What you do not know can hurt you. If those untrained ff's touch the double or triple action hatch it might release the remaining product. HM Techs are trained to not touch them, but to place dome cover clamps over them to prevent this from happening.
The law is pretty clear on this and allowing untrained members to do what you suggest is unacceptable.
1910.120(q)(6)(ii)
First responder operations level. First responders at the operations level are individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures.
1910.120(q)(6)(iii)
Hazardous materials technician. Hazardous materials technicians are individuals who respond to releases or potential releases for the purpose of stopping the release. They assume a more aggressive role than a first responder at the operations level in that they will approach the point of release in order to plug, patch or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous substance.
If you have to wait that long for Hazmat then maybe your dept needs a few techs to get started. What happens when you have something more hazardous than fuel oil? How can you determine if it is even safe to remain onscene or if you need to start a community evacuation or shealter in place?
Along the same line, do you send exterior only members in to start a search, because interior members are not ther yet?
What about intubating or start IV's on patients before medics arrive, because we cant wait till they get there?