16fire5

I think this is the essence of doing it right. If you see dollar signs first and improvements to care second, you'll soon find out this won't work out. On the other hand if you put the patients best interest as your primary goal 100% of the time with all other benefits second to this, you'll likely succeed.
There are some fundamental differences between the types of EMS providers, that preclude us from using the service model of one as a business plan for another. Here's what I've observed in my microcosm of emergency services:
Private EMS services very often utilize transfers to offset the expenses of emergency work. For private-for-profit service to remain viable there must be some profit. This means the buses must be moving as much as possible and costs must be a low as possible. Keeping buses moving means trying to have just enough staff and equipment to cover all bases, which when done profitably limits what's available for emergencies. A local island used to contract with us for transport from the airport to the ED, but found a cheaper deal with a private for profit service, yet we still do 50% of the calls as the private ambulances are often tied up. Sometimes patient care suffers at the hands of low costs, while some services provide stellar service. There are few opportunities for advancement in all but the largest systems, personnel burnouts is a real problem, few people actually retire from private EMS.
Non-profit EMS services must still remain in the black to function and suffer from many of the same issues as for profit privates. Often the combination of career staff and volunteers make these somewhat complex and quality and response coverage ebbs and flows over time. One that I am most familiar with in my area has a large trust of money that allows them to run in the red, and still only charge local municipalities minimal contract fees for service. They also offer some very interesting incentives for their employees and part time staff like the use of a Northwoods camp, frequent EMS conference travel, company vehicles, etc. They still have significant staffing issues requiring multiple tones and mutual aid.
Municipal EMS services can use taxpayer dollars to offset losses and can often survive on emergencies alone, requiring less "on the road time" for their buses. Short career ladders often seem to plague all but the largest of these. Similar burnout and lack of long-term employees seems to be common. The only ones in my area utilize per-diem staff only and even getting personnel to work per-diem is getting tougher as more services start competing for the same human resources.
FD Based EMS utilizes multi-role staff and are often able to get "free" fire response staffing while the ambulance is sitting idle. The taxpayers pay the difference between the dept's costs and the EMS revenue. Where I work this means the taxpayers enjoy a 4:30 response time to any call fire or EMS 24/7/365. Without 1800+ EMS calls there would be few or no career fire personnel as the work load minus peripheral duties wouldn't sustain it in a good year. We now have two EMS only employees who's positions are paid for out of a contract for services with an adjoining community. Luckily this contract covers 100% of their personnel costs yet yields only less than 1 call every three days, so on average we get 24 hours (they work 12 hr days) of "free" coverage time that takes a FF/medic off the ambulance and puts him/her back on a fire apparatus.
Again, this is what I see in my little corner of the US and in talking with others around the country. Just like anything there are many exceptions to the rules.

I think it's risk management. The members here may very well have felt the situation they were in was safer without SCBA. The risks being off balance, and limited field of vision with a facepice that could lead to falling off the roof (especially one like this without the parapet) outweighed the risk of needing a scba. The age of the bulding leads me to believe the support system is rafters and not lightweight componets. As for going south the roof should have an officer if possible. The officer should not become involved in the work. That way an officer with their experince not only directs the tactical operation but more importantly monitors conditions and pulls the plug when necessary.

Date:05/24/2010
Time:~15:15
Location: Windsor Hwy. IFO Gallagher Trucking
Frequency:
Units Operating: New Windsor Fire & EMS, City of Newburgh Engine 3, Truck 1, & Car 4, 36-14, Vail's Gate E478 to set up a LZ, COH 1 Rescue standby New Windsor, City of Newburgh hire back for T10.
Weather Conditions:
Description Of Incident: Full Size van vs. Tractor Trailer with extensive extrication.
Reporters:
Writer:
Go easy it's my first IA.

As a young guy, I worked as a letter carrier in Westport, Ct from 1970-1975. For me it as a Great job. Single, living at home with Mommy and Daddy, good pay, and good benefits. But I think even in those days, the general attitude of most people there was that they were always better than everybody else. It was a completely different lifestyle than what I had known growing up about 15 miles away in Bridgeport. In Bridgeport, if a young guy had a job as a letter carrier, or a cop or fireman, it was looked upon as having a Great job. But it was sure different in Westport.
As I remember, the firefighters there talking that in Westport, people didn't have much use for public servents. I knew most of the firemen then because I would take my lunch break at the firehouses. With all those beautiful homes, fancy expensive cars, maids, butlers, and swimming pools, those people taught me a lot. I saw at a young age that money really doesn't buy happiness, because so many people there appeared to be UNhappy.
I do remember that there were some good people though, and they were happy. I delievered the mail to a guy by the name of Harry Ackley. He was the Fire Chief of the dept. A Great Guy. I think his son is now the chief. Great people. I also delievered the mail to the Fire Dept Union President at the time. I think his nickname was "Moose", and a few other firefighters and police officers. But none of them had the maids or swimming pools. But they seemed happy.
I hope the firefighters of Westport are careful when it comes time for them to perform. You could get hurt there and those people could care less. I respected those firefighters then, and I respect them now. But for me, I have no use for about 90 % of the people there. Just a very different lifestyle and priority for them. Just my own opinion I formed a very long time ago. Give me the ghettos of Bridgeport any day. At least I know where those people are coming from.

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 has nothing to do with volunteers. I was on a run where we were accused after the fact. It was investigated thorourghly until the occupant decided they misplaced the money/belongings. The only difference is no one was charged much to my dismay. What lessons can be drawn? Keep the standards high so we only have those with clear backgrounds. Never tolerate anything like this and when falsly accused stand up for your members.

First off excellent choice by the good captain to spin this off. When I saw Chief Flynn's paragraph about accountability I found it to be one of the best points made in a long time. Things really do change when you are promoted but you have to accept that and do the job. Your number one job is to take care of your men. Sometimes that's easy and sometimes it's not. Many officers are maybe too timid about making waves and want to be friends. I think your being their friend by making them wear all their gear and their SCBA. Maybe the relationship is more fatherly even if the boss like me is not that old.
M Ave. I'm with you 100% hands on senior guys are priceless you learn that quick when you cover. Good senior men bring the probies and junior guys up right and handle things right away. Good senior men keep things from getting to the office.

While this was the case with the rigs of the 90s the new rigs seem to be very tempermental without pads down. Without the pads we can't get the aerial out of the bed with any incline involved. While the rig can have both outrigers (we call them tormentors) and all 4 jacks placed simultaneously the controls are on the drivers side even with the pedestal so the officers side tormentor is blind to the operator and requires a second member to visualize placement.
As for the baker and now seagrave they make a very stable platform with room to rescue families at a time. The working load is excellent. The TL also make a great high point for tech rescue ops. In confined space incidents in particular it eliminates the legs of the tripod that are always in the way.

I think you're confusing me with someone else. I wouldn't want to take any credit for all the great work that our bailout rope committee members are doing. I am not involved and I have total confidence their efforts. These days I am mostly a paper pusher although I am a very interested observer of this issue.
I do think one common problem that most departments, including ours, are going to have after spending all this time and money on selecting bailout rope systems is providing mandatory, ongoing, realistic training, as well as mandating that the systems be worn at all times and inspected regularly. The only way to do this for our own members benefit is to not only provide the opportunities for regular training, but to mandate that all members participate, and hold people accountable for not completing training as well as not regularly inspecting and wearing the systems.
Accountability means someone has to be the "bad guy" and unfortunately too many fire service "leaders" are more concerned with being liked than with taking the necessary steps to increase firefighter health and safety...this would apply to many areas such as seatbelts, physical conditioning, regular, realistic training aimed at everyone not just at the junior guys who are still gung-ho, etc., but this is all a topic for another thread I guess....

Anybody using the CMI Guillotine (bad name for something used with rope)? Looks real simple to me.
http://www.rocknrescue.com/acatalog/CMI-Guillotine.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

In the FDNY an added element is that in a ladder company half my firefighters are not under my direct supervision since the roof, OV, and chauffeur may have assignments depending on the building that cause them to operate remote from me and even alone at times. This is where disipline and training really kick in members must know to contact the boss by radio when teaming up, leaving their normal position, and other improtant events. If firefighters keep it in mind that their officer must know where they are and might I add what they are doing and officers keep track of their firefighters that is what acomplishes accountability. All the tags in the world and guys outside with boards and rings don't help if the members don't have the accountability mindset. If you don't use seating positions and standard assignments and wing it for every fire accountability will be next to impossible. When you get down to it accountability is a puzzle piece that fits in with the other pieces ICS, SOPs, Safety. Without all the pieces meshing together all of them individually will suffer.
FYI the Resource Unit Leader is relieved by the officer on the Field Comm Unit and usually gets assigned a sector.

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

In the FDNY an added element is that in a ladder company half my firefighters are not under my direct supervision since the roof, OV, and chauffeur may have assignments depending on the building that cause them to operate remote from me and even alone at times. This is where disipline and training really kick in members must know to contact the boss by radio when teaming up, leaving their normal position, and other improtant events. If firefighters keep it in mind that their officer must know where they are and might I add what they are doing and officers keep track of their firefighters that is what acomplishes accountability. All the tags in the world and guys outside with boards and rings don't help if the members don't have the accountability mindset. If you don't use seating positions and standard assignments and wing it for every fire accountability will be next to impossible. When you get down to it accountability is a puzzle piece that fits in with the other pieces ICS, SOPs, Safety. Without all the pieces meshing together all of them individually will suffer.
FYI the Resource Unit Leader is relieved by the officer on the Field Comm Unit and usually gets assigned a sector.

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

Well this is a topic that can't be adequetely covered in a couple hundred words on here. Here are some things that come off the top of my head.
1. Risk Management-The whole thing will depend on if the place is opened or closed. If it's open some sort of interior attack will probably be necessary to attempt a primary search. After the joint has closed the only life hazard becomes us and any advanced fire the risk may very well outweight the benifit of interior attack.
2. Water supply- Lay in (don't count on somebody else to do it for you). 2 1/2 with a smooth bore is an excellent choice in commercial for a number of reasons. Great reach, absorbs lots of btu's, and is powerful so that is blows those ceiling tiles apart and penetrates to the fire.
3. Thermal Imaging Camera- The TIC is always important but at a commercial building where you have high ceilings it may be your first warning of heat build up above your head. A good tactic is to lift up a ceiling tile on entry and check the plenum for fire before you venture in too far below it. The TIC will help you stay orientated, find victims, keep track of your crew, and locating the fire).
4. In many cases we will be dealing with truss roofs so roof ops is out.
5. Consider using the search rope if you are entering without a handline.
6. A middle of the night fire in one of these buildings is a good canidate for a backdraft.
Most of the fires you will encounter in these buildings are duct fires which have different tactics. Lastly here is the link to a LODD report about a fire in a McDonald's in Houston Texas that occured in 2000. This tragic fire took the lives of two firefighters.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200013.html

1. Leave it to be said that certain persons and the last HFD Chief were not the best of friends.
2. If you have 6 story OMD's you need a ladder on the 1st alarm assignment. You call it fanatical, I call it nesessary. Note that the present Chief is also making sure there a ladder on the 1st Alarm assignment.
3. Yes, HFD had 2 ladders at one time. When one ALF went out for refurb, we bought one from WPFD so we would have a ladder. When the reurb was done with, we kept the other as a reserve. Why? Not because thhe Chief was fanatical about ladders, but because both Greenville & Fairview had spare engines, but none of the three had a spare ladder.
4. When there was no spare ladder among the three districts, plans were to make sure every dept always had a ladder on the 1st alarm assignment. Most times, this was done by assigning another FD's ladder to be first due via Automatic Mutual aid. A FF was usually assigned to that apparatus to act as a guide. There was a time that both Hartsdale's and Greenville's ladders were OOS. The Fairview ladder was then put at HFD Sta 2 because that station is centrally located, and covered three FD's.
5. The baker was bought when Mack just got out of the TL business. Baker Boom tried to do it like a general contractor and blew it. Many of us wanted to refuse acceptance, but the Board did not agree. They are rugged, and since there is only one set of outriggers, you can gain about 8 ft closer by putting that outrigger between two parked cars.
6. Yes, Barry, it takes at least two to operate the aerial one up, one down. We have to steal one from an engine. Do I like that? Of course not. But in the 2010 economy, I don't see NFPA manning in the forseeabe future. The action plan now is to avoid layoffs. (By the way, we professionals operate their buckets, we don't fly them.) Is consolidtion the answer? Maybe. But everybody has to do it for it to work. And the bigger the Dept, the bigger the layoffs.
I think I covered it all.

You should feel the pressue to do it right on all responses no matter who is watching. As an officer your thoughts on every response should be for the safety of your crew. If you try to act differently or rush because of the crowd you will undoubtedly trip up. Good companies handle car fires and water leaks with the same professionalism as they do a first due job with people trapped.

Just one for firemen and cops. Oh wait it's not a tax it's a condition of employment.