SageVigiles

Especially if you're from the Boston area... no offense to your horrendous accent guys

Ummm..actually....once you start having supplemental paid personell...you go from being volunteer to combo...and who the hell wants CAC on the side of their buses!?
Change it to EMS and move on to what matters - people.

It's only a name. Can a fire department call themselves volunteer if they hire services like EMT's, or drivers? Heavens, we've been paying for services for years. We pay someone to clean the buildings, to service the rigs-- and a working rig is just as important to EMS as the EMT-- we pay someone to bill.... I think my home corps was even getting the rigs professionally detailed for parades for a while.
Does billing or staffing define volunteer? Perhaps it is time to call ourselves 'profits' or 'not for profits', though that said, I think most 'profits' aren't making much and most 'not for profits' are raking it in.
Whatever they call themselves, Brewster made a decision that puts patient care ahead of ego or tradition and for this they should be applauded. I am with those who wonder how this will affect mutual aid, however.

I'm a volunteer in Wallingford, and I gotta say it works REALLY well there between career and volunteer. Obviously each volunteer house is a bit different, but I'm very happy where I am.
The difference I've noticed between Wallingford and other combination departments that I've been a part of and/or observed. Yeah, the volunteer officers can be in command, but that's not what makes it work, and I feel like this article focuses a little too much on that aspect.
The reason the volunteers in Wallingford can be in command, and the reason that everyone gets treated equally there is because of training. Volunteers are held to a specific training standard. If you don't meet that standard, you don't get on the rig. Period. We also had a voluntary OSHA assessment to identify gaps in what we do and what we train in. Basically the way it works now is there is a database run through HQ with everyone's names. If you don't make your mandatory trainings within 1 year of the last one (365 days exactly) you go offline until you make it up. We have quarterly live burns, I believe you have to make 1 per year. Officers are required (according to what OSHA told us) to receive additional training above the Firefighters, so we do that too. Since everyone is held to a standard and that standard is non-negotiable, the Shift Commander and the rest of the career department knows that the guys stepping off the truck have a reasonable idea of what they are doing and can be trusted to make intelligent decisions. Not only that, but we train WITH the career department. That way we know what they expect from us and they know what our capabilities, equipment and limitations are. There are certain things we take active roles in, and certain things we take support roles in (some of the special ops stuff, specifically) simply because we lack the equipment and training to do proficiently. So we maintain our training in how to best support the career staff on such a scene (IE: proper sizeup of a tech rescue incident, setting up an initial system, etc)
But in all honesty, we don't make a big deal out of the "who is in command" business, we don't really care as long as the person knows what the hell they are doing. Which is the way it SHOULD be everywhere.
Just for informational purposes, Wallingford runs the following:
Headquarters (Career)
Car 4 (Shift Commander - Captain)
Truck 1
Engine 2
Medic 1
Numerous Special Ops and spare vehicles
Station 1 (Career)
Engine 1
Rescue 3 (ALS pickup, runs from 9-6 on weekdays I believe)
Station 4 (Volunteer - Cook Hill Company)
Engine 4
I believe the HAZMAT pickup/trailer is stored here as well.
NOTE: Station 4 only runs from 6PM-9AM, staffed by volunteers from Company 5, due to a lack of volunteers at that company.
Station 5 (Volunteer - Yalesville Company)
Engine 5
Squad 5 ("Medium" sized engine, used for EMS, rescue, brush, service calls, etc)
Station 7 (Volunteer - North Farms Company)
Engine 7
Rescue 7 (Heavy Rescue)
Tanker 7
Station 8 (Volunteer - East Wallingford Company)
Engine 8
Squad 8
Light/Generator Tower

NYS AG Opinions are non-binding on NYC, so it would literally be just that, an opinion.
But in general, if we all take off our tinfoil hats for a second, does anyone honestly believe NYPD would move forward with something like this in absence of the federal governments consent? And if they actually did do that on thier own, would they brag about it on national television?

Brother I agree with this but what does local staffing have to do with an animal rescue team run by the county or any team for that matter? I fail to see what the issue is.

Lets pretend for a minute that the county can step in and mandate functional changes to the EMS system. I mean we've all been around this board enough to be well versed in home rule and yadda yadda yadda to know that the county can do nothing to force change upon the EMS system. So, you're saying that until they get EMS squared away every other function should stop?? Public Safety, parks and rec, public health, transportation, etc should all cease to function or at least be ignored until EMS is fixed?
I get it that maybe one would want to be sure EMS, if its provision was within the county's span of control, received the maximum attention available but just because one program you deem superfluous is functioning does not mean that it is taking resources away from one that is floundering.

I'm going to have to report you to ASPCA for cruelty to animals. Its not right to beat a dead horse...

Maybe purely Red Cross run shelters don't, but if the Red Cross comes into New Haven county to run one of our shelters, there will be a pet shelter set up, regardless of ARC's policies. Red Cross may not OPERATE the animal shelter, but it really isn't up to them whether or not we run one out of the same location. They aren't an authority having jurisdiction, just a supporting agency. We have the State Animal Response Team (SART) supplemented by local Animal Control Officers to handle this side of the operation.
The idea is that people won't come to shelters if they can't bring their pets, who they consider part of their families. If we don't accept pets, those people will stay home, and we will have to send manpower out to get them as the incident escalates. Either that, or we can't send people out and they are put in harm's way. So pet sheltering (which operates under ESF-11 instead of ESF-8 like regular mass care/sheltering) does play an important role in shelter operations.
I cannot recall whether or not Pet Sheltering was required by FEMA post-Katrina, but I know it was strongly suggested. I would be wary of saying it was a "federal law" without actually citing a US Code that says so.

ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE.
Sep 20, 2011
0911-38
In June of this year, the Hazardous Materials Reimbursement bill on FASNY's Legislative Scorecard passed both houses of the NYS Legislature. This bill has now been delivered to the Governor for his consideration. The bill (S.5444/A.7672), sponsored by Senator Zeldin and Assemblyman Sweeney, permits reimbursement for costs associated with the clean up of hazardous materials spills.
Sounds good so far, but look at these excerpts from the legislation:
"An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to providing reimbursement to fire companies for costs associated with responding to releases of hazardous materials"
"Reimbursement shall be limited to expendable materials in the response, and be limited to $10,000."
My link
This legislation has been proposed by FASNY each legislative session since at least 2004
Why is this BAD Legislation?
1) Currently Federal law has allowed full cost recovery for the last 31 years.
TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 103--COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY (CERCLA)has allowed billing since December 1980.
Was ammended by Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act (SARA) in 1986.
2) Why limit it to "expendable materials" and $10,000..............The Federal Law says ALL Costs associated.
So if a FD responds and gets 10 sets of turnouts contaminated (and the product cant be deconned) You get $10,000 and your tax payers get to pay the other $25,000 - $40,000. What if you lose a rig?
The spiller is required to have insurance, let them pay for their mistake.
Note: We have had bills that were well over $100,000 and without billing many depts can not maintain their capabilities.
Please advise the Governor's office if you think he should veto this bill by calling 518-474-8390 or email:
NYS Governor Contact Page
Thank You

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Mike,
People who want to take their next deep breath should not be doing what this picture shows. As other members have stated, even IF Con Ed asked them to extinguish the wires, they had the wrong apparatus. Since nobody from the Dept has enlightened us as to why they did what the picture shows, members are stating their opinion.
From an earlier post of yours:
I however think that this being on FF close calls or wherever it was found was enough for this dept and the people involved and doesn't need to be taken on by emtbravo. We don't know the whole story so we shouldn't say omg wtf because as firefighters we have to adapt to the situation and also we really don't need to say he has to own up to everything that he did and take accountability for his actions. No he really doesn't, especially not to anyone on this website.
The member of the Dept certainly does not have to "own up" to his actions on this site. But he most certainly has to take accountability for his actions within his Dept (I hope).

http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php/topic/43158-brooklyn-fatal-electrocution-9-14-2011/page__pid__246353#entry246353
This is the link to the Brooklyn Fatal Electrocution. Take note that the victim was a Verizon employee. Even though Utility workers are professional and are usually very good at what they do, bad things sometimes happen to even them. Nobody, especially untrained (in utility services) firefighters have any place being anywhere near those wires, no matter, phone cable, electric.

I'm sorry, but I have to completely disagree with you here. I've heard Chief Goldfeder (the founder of FFCC.com) speak before, and he makes it very clear that the entire purpose if his site is to let us learn from others' mistakes and to generate discussion on issues of safety and survival, whether it be on the internet, on the rig, or at the station. He wants dialogue on these issues, and for good reason.

Wow. That's just plain stoooopid. Doesn't matter where it's from. The ONLY way that it would be okay (and just on the front of playing with electricity) is if there were power guys that they were operating with who told them face to face that the power was off. But even then, it's still not the best of plans. The fire doesn't need to be put out. Where's it gonna go?
But hey, at least they are wearing the federally mandated vests. They apparently made it to THAT class.

How about Oklahoma City? A lot of people aren't aware of the radical Islamic connection there... Terry Nichols was married to a Filipino mail-order bride and took a trip over there, bringing his buddy Tim with him to "meet the parents." Look into her family's affiliations, and who else was in the same city at the exact same time. The answers may surprise you. WAY too crazy to be a coincidence.
Anyway, on the actual topic, I'm glad the Rangers were not seriously harmed, particularly since one of them is a friend of mine. Sounds like much ado about nothing. They were told they violated rules and made a big incident by assaulting Peace Officers for media attention/lawsuits/whatever. I won't lose any sleep over the plight of these Muslims not being able to wear headgear on rides.

Actually the last line is what really gets me. They are supposed to be fine they are not supposed to take a beating. They are supposed to call for enough help to quell the situation. I'm really wondering what tactics you would advise to diffuse the situation? It's the same thing we hear about DJ Henry or an incident in Yonkers. A proper use of force and police procedure is not a pretty thing to watch but that dosen't make it wrong and it usually results after the offending party or parties fail to comply with numerous lawful orders. I for one am glad the rangers and all those there doing their job are fine.

Well this is truly amazing. According to lohud, over 60 police units had to respond from as far south as Tuckahoe to deal with this unreasonable and unruly crowd. Why? Because their "muslim sensibilities" were insulted? Give me a freakin' break. The rules are posted and for certain rides, there is to be NO WEARING OF ANY TYPE OF HEADGEAR period.
Why do these people think they are exempt from the rules, the laws? I know what they would like; Sharia Law. Their own version of a justice system implemented in the countries they emigrate to. I think that is a disgusting disgrace, as were the actions of these supposedly "religious" people at the Playland park.
Look, you people want to assimilate in this country, fine. I guess we have to let some of you in. But if you don't like the system, the rules in place... TOO F'IN BAD, go back to the place you came from.
The difference between these people and the ancestors of many of us here in this forum is our great-grandparents had a huge desire to assimilate into the American culture. That's why on my mother's side, they came from Italy, moved into the south Bronx and gave up teaching their native language to their children, my mother, and therefore I don't know Italian today as a result. I wish that part were different, but the point being these people were so anxious to "fit in" they even gave up their language. Italian was forbidden to be spoken in the house by my great-grandparents, as a result their great-grandchildren only speak English.
Now these muslims with their headgear, the hijab, they can't even get on the Dragon Coaster without starting a ruckus? Like Playland OWES them something, like WE owe them anything? They should kiss the ground of freedom they walk upon, shut their damn mouths, follow the rules, or else.
What a waste of PD resources to have to direct half the cars on patrol up to Playland because these freaking people were "insulted"! Enough! Fit in or GET OUT!
http://www.lohud.com/article/20110830/NEWS02/110830004/Police-arrest-15-Playland-dispute-over-Muslim-headwear?odyssey=nav|head

I don't think anyone is playing God, I think they appropriately weighed the risk of fighting with a suicidal EDP in the water while lacking the appropriate training and equipment to safely effect the rescue. They didn't say "oh he's an EDP who wants to die so we're not going to rescue him", they said, "oh he's an EDP who has a propensity for violence and we don't have the proper equipment and training to effect this rescue safely, so is it worth risking the safety of the firefighters on the scene".

This story makes me very happy about one point - I don't live anywhere near Chicago. This is absurd and totally demoralizing to all the men and women who took and passed the exam to become firefighters.
I wonder how the judge would feel if she was passed over for law school with a score of 89 so that a person with a score of 64 could take her seat.
I guess this means they better start passing out diplomas to those who failed out of HS also because apparently grades don't matter.

Keep in mind FDNY also has the squad companies, Haz Mat Company, all Ladders have set of Hurst tools on board, ten NYPD ESU trucks with 2 REPs with each truck.

Probably the same reason you see IAFF union stickers on the windows/bumpers on some fire apparatus. Its recognition of who you are.

Consider this an official response from the department involved.
VelcroMedic1987, After reading your post It is clear that you were not in attendance and should probably refrain from your negative comments as they are mostly inaccurate.
First off if you were there you would know that the rig was not in reverse, it was moving forward at about 3 mph getting staged by the event organizers. The 87 year old gentleman was bumped by the rig as he walked in front of it while it was moving and sustained a facial laceration when he fell down. Nobody was "run over" ! He was never in intensive care and was actually released by the hospital and is at home currently.
This was during the set up for the event and not after it was over. That being said, none of the public was even there yet so rest well, no poor children will be traumatized.
And by the way, nothing was "swept under the rug", It was fully investigated by the police agency within this jurisdiction.
The department has been in contact with the gentleman and wishes him a speedy recovery.
Nothing more will be said on this forum by the department involved and any questions should be directed to Chief Ed O'Connell at 914-227-0233.

God Bless the Special Operations warriors who undertook this operation. I hope they release their names and hold a parade for them.
Finally justice for the FDNY 343, NYPD 23 and PAPD 37 as well as all of the civilians who were killed that day.
They should drag his body from 10 House to Shanksville, PA to the Pentagon behind Engine 10 and 10 Truck.

In my humble opinion, this right here is why EMS will always be a job not a career like the FD/PD.