E106MKFD

Here are some photos I took last night in Mt Kisco. If anyone has other photos feel free to add them!

There's another thread that is running at the same time as this one. It's about booster lines. If you are leaning on your pike poles, why not pick up a booster line and wet down debris? After all you are both useless.
Of course, your IC will have to get another RIT only because OSHA requires it, and at no time can he have people in an ILDH without a RIT outside.
Also, do the guys that go inside (after all those guys are what this FAST stuff is all about) know that there is nobody there to help them if they get in trouble?
Sample radio transmission:
Mayday, mayday...I fell through the floor. I think I'm in the basement.
10-4 I'll see if there is anyone around who can give you a hand
Mayday, Mayday...Come get me. I can't get out from under the rubble
IC to Mayday...Can you hang on another 20 minutes? I've got a real good team coming, much better than the guys on-scene
If this little scenario looks like anything that could conceivably happen in your department, don't you think you would have to be dumb to go inside?

I've been giving something a lot of thought lately, and decided to post it here for discussion.
There's quite a few departments in Westchester running FAS Teams (or RI Teams). Rarely, unless I am wrong, do any of them train with each other or the department's they routinely run with.
I'm thinking that maybe it's time for those of us running these teams to perhaps get together and start working together towards a common practice. I think we all pretty much use the same equipment, require the same training and have the same mindsets on how we should do our jobs.
Firefighter safety is a very serious topic to me. I've been thinking of ways to increase our safety in my own department, and started to think about ways to help all of us get on the same page - or close to it.
Please note this isn't a debate about how they should run, etc. I just want to open up the discussion of other departments in the WC interested in starting to work together towards - dare I say it - a more standard approach to all of this FAST stuff we do. It all starts with every firefighter recognizing and knowing what to do to avoid / get out of trouble, and maybe as a united voice (all of us running FAST's) we can start helping our own avoid ever needing us.
Just food for thought - I'm more than willing to work on this and to use our station to play host for meetings / training.
Thanks for reading.

I could set up a tour of the FDNY Shops for EMTBravo sometime soon.
Most likely a Sunday morning. Anyone interested?

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! .

Final inspection is set for July 15, will post pictures from the trip!

It's getting closer! Should be heading out in the middle of July for final inspection! New photo's posted, go to the link or the Independent website to see the pics.
http://www.hudsonvalleyfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=32
or
http://www.ifco13.com/apps/public/gallery/?Gallery=new105

Thanks Chief for bring attention back on a piece of Major Emergency Service History within Westchester County. That specific event back in 1973 in Mount Venon certainly stretched the resources not only of the FDMV but the surrounding areas as well. As you outlined so well in your post, the Mount Vernon Fire Department were certainly tested many many times in the early 1970's, with not only the Train Wreck of June 8th, but as you said, the Pioneer Supermarket Fire, the A&P Supermarket Fire, as well as the massive Fanner Farmer/Bee Hive Restaurant Fire on 4th Avenue. Those were the days when FDMV had Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 5 and Engine 6, Snorkel 1, Ladder 2, Ladder 3, and Ladder 4, Rescue 1, Foam 1, and Ambulance 1. There was also a very impressive Volunteer Fire Department assisting the paid department in Mount Vernon during those days. Oh how have times have changed.
Finally, historical events such as these, just reminds us all how important County Run Disaster Drills, especially a Southern Westchester County Emergency Response Drill, having communities such as Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Eastchester, White Plains, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Greenville, Hartsdale, Fairview, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Rye, and Port Chester all participating, is so so important.
Really, when was the last time that the County DES led various "Multi Departmental Supported' Disaster Drills throughout various locations within Westchester County?
Maybe Chiefhac's post will light a fire under some in charge within the County DES and get these drills back going again.

Hey everyone! Hope all is well in the EMTBravo Community and the East Coast. Figured I'd give a lil update from my area here in good old Texas lol. Today a couple of our guys and myself went out to pump test our 2 newest trucks. Figured while we were out there I'd snap some photos
E-1 is a 2013 Pierce Velocity 2000gpm / 750gal. Dual Foam A/B with CAFS. This is our first CAFS truck. We also got the TAK4 front susepension . All Whelen series lighting and a Wilburt Nightscan light tower on the cab roof and a remote operated deck gun. Alot of other goodies on this truck too.
T-9 is a 2013 Peterbuilt / Pierce 1265gpm / 2100gal. All Whelen lighting side and rear cameras.
Hope you all enjoy the pics.

Some of the "Best" firefighters I know were and still are "Buffs"! Id take them any day over the s*** that's coming on the Job! It's as if your not allowed to have an interest in your Profession, God forbid you do that!

I know this sign would look hideous, but may be helpful.

(Photo public domain from failblog.org)

MTA Metro-North Railroad, Grand Central Terminal Fire-EMS Officer
Application Deadline June 19, 2013
Compensation Grade D Min: $51,557 / Mid: $64,446 / Max: $77,336
Position Objective This position is to provide full- time Fire/Life safety coverage involving Emergencies, Protocols, Inspections, Programs, Policies and Training within Grand Central Terminal (GCT).
Responsibilities Daily response to Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) emergencies and also lead volunteer members.

Perform Fire Drills with all tenants, employees and occupants within GCT, weekly inspections of all GCT Emergency Exits, and monthly/semi-annually inspection tagging and maintenance of Fire Extinguishers.

Perform daily fire inspection with retail tenants, for Fire/Life Safety.

Maintain records for pre-hospital reports, including incident reports per state and company requirements, daily inventory for medical and fire supplies, and Hazardous Materials (HAZ-MAT) Storage Facility, including manifesting for 90-day maximum storage of HAZ-MAT materials per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requirements, and coordinating disposal with Assistant Fire Chief.

Provide daily inspection of all Fire Brigade equipment and apparatus for safe, efficient operation under guidelines set by OSHA, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Metro-North Railroad policy, and coordinate approval and issuance of Hot Work permits as needed.

Perform daily zone inspections for Fire/Life Security in all areas around GCT.
Required Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent organization and coordination skills

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts, including FDNY, MTA Police, Fire Command Station Manager, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), MNR departments, etc.

Demonstrated ability to understand established FDNY and Metro-North Railroad procedures, regulations, protocols, as they relate to Fire/Life Safety in Grand Central Terminal.

Working knowledge of Federal Guidelines as they relate to the handling, storage and removal of hazardous materials.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and/or Access, or comparable applications, as well as familiarity with required NYS reporting tools.

Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and under pressure with emergency situations on a 24/7 basis.

Ability to make life saving decisions in emergency conditions.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Ability to work shifts on 24/7 coverage as required.
Preferred Qualifications Thorough knowledge of Grand Central Terminal's physical characteristics including exits, stairways, elevators, escalators, etc. Required Education/Experience Associate's Degree in a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of degree.

Minimum of two (2) years experience in the Fire / EMS field as a Firefighter / EMS

Minimum of two (2) years railroad experience preferred.

Medical qualifications by Metro-North Railroad Medical Dept. to OSHA/NFPA Standards

Emergency Medical Tech Certificate NY State

HAZ-MAT II Tech New York State Certified - within one (1) year of hire.

NYC Certificate of Fitness, Fire Safety Director - within six (6) months of hire.

NYC Certificate of Fitness Fire Drill/Fireguard Public Assembly - within six (6) months of hire.

Fire Fighter One and Two Interior Structural Fire Fighting to NFPA Standards. Other Information This is a safety sensitve position and subject to toxicological testing.

This position will be responsible to provide FIRE/LIFE SAFETY to our customers, tenants and employees with emergency and non-emergency issues, which routinely arise day-to-day. Also, this position will provide a first line of defense toward all emergencies involving Grand Central Terminal. This position will also act as a representative to Incident Command with Metro-North Railroad and other outside agencies, such as F.D.N.Y., N.Y.P.D. and MTA Police Department during emergencies at Grand Central Terminal.

Must be able to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis.

The hours of the position may vary depending on the department's needs.
Selection Criteria To be selected for a position, an applicant must: (1) meet the minimum requirements in the job posting, (2) pass a written examination (if applicable), (3) satisfy a background investigation (which includes credit, if applicable), and (4) pass an oral interview, during which the interviewers will further evaluate the applicant's qualifications for the position. Because the selection process is competitive, not all qualified applicants are granted an interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing.

For applicants who are current employees, you must be in active service and have worked in your present position for at least one (1) year to be eligible to apply for a posted position, and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, plus on-the-job training, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.) in order to be eligible to transfer. If you are transferred, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present occupation. In addition, Metro-North employees are subjected to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation of their safety and discipline records, their performance assessments, and of their time and attendance records (including early quits and late starts) for the preceding 30 months. During the 30 month review period, the maximum number of occurrences allowed is 15, and the maximum number of patterns allowed is 8. (An "occurrence" is any absence or consecutive absences of four or more hours, and a "pattern" is an absence preceding or following rest days, holidays, vacation days, etc.) For employees with fewer than 30 months of service, the entire period of their employment is reviewed, and the maximum allowable number of incidents is pro-rated. Absences excused in accordance with Company Operating Procedures are not included for purposes of assessing whether attendance is satisfactory. If occurrences and/or patterns exceed the maximums allowed, the employee's attendance is deemed unsatisfactory, and he or she is disqualified from further consideration, even if he or she has not been previously warned about his/her attendance.

As an employee of Metro-North Railroad you may be required to complete a New York State financial disclosure statement, if you earn more than $88,256 or if you hold a position designated as a policy maker.


We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info
Link to job:
http://www.mta.info/mta/employment/employment_out.html

MTA Metro-North Railroad, Grand Central Terminal Fire-EMS Officer
Application Deadline June 19, 2013
Compensation Grade D Min: $51,557 / Mid: $64,446 / Max: $77,336
Position Objective This position is to provide full- time Fire/Life safety coverage involving Emergencies, Protocols, Inspections, Programs, Policies and Training within Grand Central Terminal (GCT).
Responsibilities Daily response to Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) emergencies and also lead volunteer members.

Perform Fire Drills with all tenants, employees and occupants within GCT, weekly inspections of all GCT Emergency Exits, and monthly/semi-annually inspection tagging and maintenance of Fire Extinguishers.

Perform daily fire inspection with retail tenants, for Fire/Life Safety.

Maintain records for pre-hospital reports, including incident reports per state and company requirements, daily inventory for medical and fire supplies, and Hazardous Materials (HAZ-MAT) Storage Facility, including manifesting for 90-day maximum storage of HAZ-MAT materials per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requirements, and coordinating disposal with Assistant Fire Chief.

Provide daily inspection of all Fire Brigade equipment and apparatus for safe, efficient operation under guidelines set by OSHA, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Metro-North Railroad policy, and coordinate approval and issuance of Hot Work permits as needed.

Perform daily zone inspections for Fire/Life Security in all areas around GCT.
Required Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent organization and coordination skills

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts, including FDNY, MTA Police, Fire Command Station Manager, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), MNR departments, etc.

Demonstrated ability to understand established FDNY and Metro-North Railroad procedures, regulations, protocols, as they relate to Fire/Life Safety in Grand Central Terminal.

Working knowledge of Federal Guidelines as they relate to the handling, storage and removal of hazardous materials.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and/or Access, or comparable applications, as well as familiarity with required NYS reporting tools.

Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and under pressure with emergency situations on a 24/7 basis.

Ability to make life saving decisions in emergency conditions.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Ability to work shifts on 24/7 coverage as required.
Preferred Qualifications Thorough knowledge of Grand Central Terminal's physical characteristics including exits, stairways, elevators, escalators, etc. Required Education/Experience Associate's Degree in a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of degree.

Minimum of two (2) years experience in the Fire / EMS field as a Firefighter / EMS

Minimum of two (2) years railroad experience preferred.

Medical qualifications by Metro-North Railroad Medical Dept. to OSHA/NFPA Standards

Emergency Medical Tech Certificate NY State

HAZ-MAT II Tech New York State Certified - within one (1) year of hire.

NYC Certificate of Fitness, Fire Safety Director - within six (6) months of hire.

NYC Certificate of Fitness Fire Drill/Fireguard Public Assembly - within six (6) months of hire.

Fire Fighter One and Two Interior Structural Fire Fighting to NFPA Standards. Other Information This is a safety sensitve position and subject to toxicological testing.

This position will be responsible to provide FIRE/LIFE SAFETY to our customers, tenants and employees with emergency and non-emergency issues, which routinely arise day-to-day. Also, this position will provide a first line of defense toward all emergencies involving Grand Central Terminal. This position will also act as a representative to Incident Command with Metro-North Railroad and other outside agencies, such as F.D.N.Y., N.Y.P.D. and MTA Police Department during emergencies at Grand Central Terminal.

Must be able to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis.

The hours of the position may vary depending on the department's needs.
Selection Criteria To be selected for a position, an applicant must: (1) meet the minimum requirements in the job posting, (2) pass a written examination (if applicable), (3) satisfy a background investigation (which includes credit, if applicable), and (4) pass an oral interview, during which the interviewers will further evaluate the applicant's qualifications for the position. Because the selection process is competitive, not all qualified applicants are granted an interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing.

For applicants who are current employees, you must be in active service and have worked in your present position for at least one (1) year to be eligible to apply for a posted position, and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, plus on-the-job training, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.) in order to be eligible to transfer. If you are transferred, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present occupation. In addition, Metro-North employees are subjected to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation of their safety and discipline records, their performance assessments, and of their time and attendance records (including early quits and late starts) for the preceding 30 months. During the 30 month review period, the maximum number of occurrences allowed is 15, and the maximum number of patterns allowed is 8. (An "occurrence" is any absence or consecutive absences of four or more hours, and a "pattern" is an absence preceding or following rest days, holidays, vacation days, etc.) For employees with fewer than 30 months of service, the entire period of their employment is reviewed, and the maximum allowable number of incidents is pro-rated. Absences excused in accordance with Company Operating Procedures are not included for purposes of assessing whether attendance is satisfactory. If occurrences and/or patterns exceed the maximums allowed, the employee's attendance is deemed unsatisfactory, and he or she is disqualified from further consideration, even if he or she has not been previously warned about his/her attendance.

As an employee of Metro-North Railroad you may be required to complete a New York State financial disclosure statement, if you earn more than $88,256 or if you hold a position designated as a policy maker.


We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info
Link to job:
http://www.mta.info/mta/employment/employment_out.html

Believe it or not, what makes this country so great is the fact that everybody's beliefs and public assemblies, as righteous or as disgusting as they may be, are Constiutionally protected.
While I think that Westboro has some of the most hideous, disgusting beliefs out there, the mere fact that the Constitution allows for their existence, means that you, me, and everyone else here has the same right. So why spend all the time, effort, and money on a court case (because you know that's what will happen) to have them branded as a hate group? Instead, we as a community should come together, using the same Constituionally-protected rights, and block their protest. Let's get all of our engines, ladders, ambulances, police cars, and everything else together, make a ring around the cemetaries and churches, and keep them out as a community. It will not be a court victory; rather, it will be a symbolic victory that will speak many more volumes than something that cannot be settled in the judiciary.

How about we line the borders of Newtown with FireFighters and EMS so they can' t get in to the town, you know go ahead make my day.

I think the comment about knowing what you are getting is valid because as was also noted, there is no certainty regarding response level with the volunteer depts regardless of their proficiency and knowledge of the area.
That said, the choices of who are called for mutual aid are interesting in that some of the called departments are so 'small' and short staffed themselves, that in the event an all hands in their own district they'll need to bring in mutual aid themselves.

1) It would more likely just change the bias. 2) Under ICS, the coordinators are "resource officers" and the AHJ is the person with the responsability for those operating at an incident.
3) If a responder or equipment are injured or lost there may be liability that under your concept would switch from the requesting agency to the county.

Having sat on an NFPA committee, I can tell you that NFPA does not make these rules, the committees do and while the manufacturers are well represented, so are the depts., chiefs and IAFF. When the NFPA came up with the 1983 standard (rope) it was all based on an FDNY LODD (x2) incident. FDNY demanded that the standard included that rope must be destroyed after 1 use. Every manufacturer voted against that, but it past because of the fire service out voted them. I do not know if the 10 year issue of material breakdown is real when it comes to helmets. But I watched the testing of ropes that were stored in ideal conditions (kept on spools in a climate controled closet) and at the 10 year mark they lost 10% of their strength (because the air is slightly acidic). At what point does material breakdown pose a risk?

You are correct, they can not keep them, so why not let the members keep them. Its just a nasty little game to make some money off the member.

Title should read, "Cop saves his, and partners lives after threat by criminal".........

Time to move to duchess county.... They see more work there anyways lol :-P
Westchester County government is fooling themselves if they think they can operate with these levels... All it will take is for one person to die because of these changes and someone will sue...

Despite assurances that public safety, emergency services, and other essential functions will not be affected by budget cuts, the County Police will lose 5 positions in the 2013 budget and DES will lose 19. I can't imagine that there are 19 open lines at DES so these cuts must have an impact on operations and real personnel.
Where are these cuts coming from and how will DES be able to maintain their operations and support disaster responses (like Sandy) with almost 1/3 fewer people????
While discussing the roof is nice, the roof won't answer 911 calls or conduct training or staff the EOC!
I should add that there are no changes to the County Executive's or the Board of Legislators staffs proposed in the budget. They remain as is.

County: Westchester
City/Town/Municipality/Dept: Independent Fire Company, Mt. Kisco, NY
Unit designation/identifier: Engine 105
Chassis & Body (or Aerial) Manufacturer and model: Seagrave Marauder II/ Pumper
Pump size, tank size (water/foam), aerial type & length: 2000gpm/750gallon
Estimated delivery date: Summer 2013
Status: On order
Notes: Will replace current E105, a 1989 Pierce Lance Pumper
Truck Committee had the Pre-Construction trip last week. Final drawing should follow in a few weeks.

It's not going to hit us. Beach volleyball on Tuesday, anyone?

As the metro area braces for the arrival of Sandy, state and federal preparations are ongoing to support local efforts.
Federal Incident Management Teams (IMT) are on the ground or enroute, the State team is preparing to deploy as soon as it is clear where exactly it is needed, and other incident support assets are requested, responding, or staging as we speak.
With storm surge potentially reaching severe levels, this has the potential to be a long and drawn out recovery. Pace yourselves and remember you don't do anyone any good when you pass out from exhaustion.
Hey, Barry, you may not need the crane to get the boat off the top of R-4. Just park it outside!!!
Stay safe everyone!

The Mt. Kisco Ancient Fife & Drum Corp will be holding registration for new members on Wed. October 3rd from 7-9PM at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School. Registration is open to children from 4th grade and older. Parents must accompany children for registration.
The Mt. Kisco Ancient Fife & Drum Corp is a 75 year old band which was first started by members of the Mount Kisco Fire Department. The band has represented the Mount Kisco FD in parades, ceremonies, and other functions as well as played themselves in the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Kennedy Space Center, Colonial Williamsburg, as well as many other notable venues and events. During in the bands history the membership was opened to the children of the community who are trained and instructed by senior members/instructors.
Next month (Oct. 3rd) is the chance to join and to get involved in the community:
-There is a $25 registration fee (includes fife or drum sticks)
-No musical background required
-Mount Kisco residency not required
-Rehearsals are held Wednesdays 7-9 at Mt. Kisco Elementary (Starting Oct. 3rd)
For more info please call Linda at: 914-666-8460 or 914-666-5275
Visit us on the web at www.mountkiscoancients.org
*You can PM me with any questions as well.