dashield

One thing you didn't bring up but is worth considering is if you keep single role vehicles can you staff them? You very well may have been able to when you make the purchases back 20 or more years ago but what's your manpower these days? During the day? If staffing is no issue and you ran lots of fires single role vehicles might be the way to go but lets face it no one has the manpower to get all those rigs out. If some of your stations are not going to get two rigs out i may be better to replace the pumper and tanker with a pumper tanker. Maybe your main station has more manpower they could have a pumper and a pumper tanker there that could also be the spare for the other stations.
As for the rescue pumpers I think the designs over the last few years have really done a good job of getting a lot of space into the new rigs. Also staffing again comes into play. Can you get an engine and a rescue out at 1000 on a Tuesday? All the time? 50%? Only if Joe is home? If not you are not alone. If you are only getting one rig out and it doesn't have both tools and a pump and water eventually you will be caught with you pants down. In the rural setting this can be a busy rig if you plan it right. It can not only handle all the MVAs but if it has a pump it can fill tankers and do supply and fill in for front line pumpers out of service.
One thing I commend you and your department on is actually having the discussion. Many places are increasing the number of rigs or replacing without thinking about this. Single function rigs may be better but they do no good if they are sitting in the firehouse.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

John,
Below is the section directly out of the NYS Fire code regarding knox boxes. In the town that I am a C.E.O. for we require the installation of knox boxes on any new commercial structure and we require the installation of a box on any building that the FD has had an issue waiting for a key holder. In the city I work for they have a city ordinance in addition to the state code requiring it on any commercial property.
Just make sure that you have a well spelled out policy covering how the knox box master key is secured, inventory of the master key and who has access to the master key.
KEY BOXES
§F506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the code enforcement
official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved
location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to
gain necessary access as required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar
barriers when required by the code enforcement official.
§F506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately
notify the code enforcement official and provide the new key when a lock is
changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

The NYS Fire code already allows the AHJ to require a Knox box. Are you asking about a more restrictive local ordinance?

We have gone through a similar situation in our area.
Our department purchased a "rescue-engine" ten years ago and when we specified an engine in 2008 we chose not to go the "rescue-engine" route.
Our concerns with the 2002 design was the very high hose bed and ladder compartments. We find ourselves going to other trucks for hose and ladders because of this. Also this vehicle is a rear mount pump but all of the plumbing comes off the rear side compartments and takes up more space than I think it should. While the truck has lots of compartment space for rescue equipment included four coffins on top it suffers from easy access to some of the "bread & butter" structure firefighting equipment. While that stuff is accessed less often we find it hinders us on structure fires. This vehicle is the same overall dimensions as our other engines so handling and scene access are not an issue. Could some of the issues be resolved at the design stage? Possibly but we did not follow it up. I was not a member of the department when this vehicle was designed but I was around when it was delivered.
In 2008 we designed a "engine" with a rear rescue tool compartment. On this truck we specified that everything be accessible from the ground or one step up to the tailboard/running board. Everyone finds this truck much easier to operate and get equipment off of. The rear rescue tool compartment has a cutter & spreader attached to a pump with 100-foot reels. We carry some cribbing and struts in other compartments and find this covers 99% of our extrication calls. Also we returned to the top-mount pump panel which our older engines have and the members prefer. I was a member of the design committee for this truck.
Since we run a heavy rescue regardless we found that the "rescue-engine" design really didn't help us out any and made access to some equipment more difficult. I do not foresee us making a return to that design although I would admit that some of our issues could be resolved if the apparatus was designed differently.
Regarding the pumper-tanker. One of our neighboring departments replaced a pumper and tanker with a combination unit. All that I will say is that they got a tandem axle pumper-tanker and it does not handle or maneuver like an engine. When I see it on scene the apparatus takes awhile to get it down the drives and into position. Be aware of impact of size of the apparatus on your response area and operator driving abilities.
If you have any other questions let me know.

Typo.... Thanks!

Ive been a member of this site for a long time now. In the past, there have been posts made by Chief Flynn that have gotten under my skin.
However and maybe its because ive grown up a bit, ive come to realize that he has opinions and is certainly entitled to them as is anyone else.
Chief Flynn has worked his way up the ladder of a very busy, pro-active and versatile career fire department. For that, i have nothing but respect for the man, as he has certainly earned it.
Chief Flynn is obviously a very intelligent man who has so much fire service knowledge and experience to share. For that, i have always enjoyed reading his posts as they are well thought out and written.
Maybe Chief Flynn indeed dislikes volunteer firefighters or the volunteer fire service as a whole, but you know what...who cares? Again, he is entitled to his opinions. Personally, i could care less who likes who and who doesn't.
Many of his posts and comments aimed at the volunteer fire service have merit. I guess maybe for some people the truth hurts.
Personally, i enjoy being a volunteer firefighter and helping the community (sorry if that sounds cliche). I have always tried to be the best firefighter i can be by taking as many courses as possible, training as much as possible and treating every day as a learning experience.
People need to worry about themselves and how they can be a better person, firefighter, etc and improve themselves and their agencies.
That said, stay safe and oh yeah, QTIP.
Now lets get back to the original topic at hand please.

The PD rides with one officer per car usually. The Mayor and a Council Member even attended the rally. The politicians routinely support the criminals more than the PD and FD. Two council members publically, on TV, declared the Officers involved in the shooting guilty, before the investigation even began. The Grand Jury found no wrong doing, but these scumbags continue to demand the Officers lose their jobs. These spineless politicians continually yes them, and let them get away with derailing council meetings, stop traffic, block off whole streets without any kind of consequences.
This last week, with the two (so far) mob ambushes have resulted in 5 officers injured, a police dog injured by a thrown brick, and several PD cars, a Chiefs's car, and a pumper damaged. The animals stormed headquarters and the police station (same building) and threatened the crews with more violence. No wide spread round-up of these criminals is allowed. The Officers present are, rightfully so, afraid to use any kind of force, and the only person arrested Monday night ( the ringleader) was released and given an apology by the judge as soon as he appeared before the bench. No bail, ROR. Business as usual for this judge, and no way to remove him. This city is in the porceline roller coaster and spinning faster.

We do not allow them to go in till they have 480 hours of training and then they are attached at the hip to an officer. Last week there was a thread asking how do you get the Sr. Members to train and teach the younger guys. And I am not assuming, I have read enough stats on the numbers of students taking FF1 vs. other classes. Last I looked it was 3 or 4 FF1 to one of all other classes combined. WHat does that say...it says that an overwhellming number of people are at the minimum, particularly when we know some individules are going to every class they can.
Its not often, but failing to understand it can be catistrophic. I remember an incident in New England where the 1st alarm started pooring water on a truck fire. As the Chief was being loaded into the ambulance he advised the 2nd alarm chief that maybe they did not use enough water (3 2.5" handlines). So the 2nd chief ordered deck guns and ladder pipes. The toxic cloud got even bigger and a large area of that city needed to be evacuated.
You may never have to handle a hazmat related fire or leak, but the one time you do, you had better get it right.
Yes the guy with common sense over class hours is better, but 1) you do not get that choice and 2) I hear from a lot of instructors and they all say that its rare to find new recruits with common sense.
The last 10 years? Try the last 30, it just took 20 to close the bars enough before many saw the changes had already been there. I agree that more could be done online, but the hours for hands on is a joke and needs to be a seriously reconsidered.
You have that backwards. NYS DOH in April announced the minimums will increase.
http://www.health.ny...rds_transition/
Transitioning to the National Educational Standards
These sheets must be used for all courses taking the NYS Written Certification Exam on or after December 20, 2012.
A general synopsis of the changes are:
National Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) will be the NYS CFR with some modifications. Estimated hours = 48 - 60
National Emergency Medical Technician will be the NYS EMT with some modifications. Estimated hours = 150 - 190
National Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) will replace the NYS Intermediate. Estimated hours = 160 - 200
NYS Critical Care (CC) will not change for now. This course will stay as-is.
National Paramedic will be the NYS Paramedic. Estimated hours = 1000 - 1200
CFR and EMT will be tested on the new Educational Standards beginning with the December 20, 2012 exam.
AEMT and Paramedic will be tested on the new Educational Standards beginning with the May 23, 2013 exam.

Except if water makes it give off a toxic cloud or causes it to burn hotter...but whats the chance will run into those exceptions...you do not need to know about them. And yes water puts out fire, so its ok to stick the nozzle in the window and push the fire around...or do we need more training than that?
So quantity is more important than quality?
We all know of depts with a 100 members, but only 20% have the ability to do anything. 20% is doing 95% of the work. If an individul has only minimum training, how can they judge who is competent.
With only FF1 training you do not even know, what you do not know.
The more and more training.......hmmm ISO has required 100's of hours of training for all firefighters for over 100 years. It was just ignored by many depts. who were too busy claiming they were the best.
Yes this is one of the biggest issues for the volunteer fire service, but how do they manage this in most states outside NY (where volunteers are held to the same standards). Really taxing ones life is if you get hurt/killed because you or your dept. do not have the skills to do the job.
Tell the fire that your too busy to learn all about it, fire will understand.............

Date: 08-12-12
Time: 2218hrs
Location: 30 Ricki Ln
Frequency: Base-5/OC911
Units Operating: VGFD Cars 1 (IC), 2 (op's), 3, 6, 7, E481, T482, E478, R480, T484, E479, City of Newburgh C4, E1 (FAST), New Windsor FD (stand-by), New Windsor PD, EMS & Fire Inspector
Weather Conditions: Warm
Description Of Incident: Working Fire in a type-II non-combustible commercial structure
Reporters: BFD1054, billy98988
2218hrs-Base-5 alerting Vails Gate; reported structure fire, caller see's fire in the building.
2220hrs-Base-5 re-sounding Vails Gate; confirmed structure fire as per PD units on the scene.
VGFD Car-1 arrived on scene, established Command and advised of a working fire in a single story commercial building.
Command then requested City of Newburgh FD to the scene as the FAST and New Windsor FD to stand-by for coverage.
E481 arrived, hooked a hydrant and laid into the driveway. Its crew then led off with an 1 3/4" line through a front door.
Truck-482 arrived and set-up on the #1 side. Its crew went to work checking for extension in the exposures which was (-) and started ventilation.
Truck-484 arrived and was positioned on the # 1/2 corner. Its crew assisted in ventilating the #2 exposures.
Crew's made a quick knock down of the fire, holding it to the area of origin.
As VGFD units took up, mutual aid was released.

Date: 07-11-12
Time: 2005hrs
Location: Route 9W NB IAO the West Point overlook
Frequency: OC911
Units Operating: FMFD Car-2, T/Highlands VAC, MLSS, T/Highlands PD, Cornwall FD, Cornwall EMS (standby at T/HVAC).
Weather Conditions: Clear/Hot
Description Of Incident: Motorcyle MVA
Reporters: BFD1054
2005hrs-OC911 alerting Fort Montgomery; reported motorcyle MVA with the rider reported to be down an embankment w/unknown injuries.
2012hrs-FMFD Car-2 on location. OC911 inquiring where the LZ will be, should a medevac be launched.
2018hrs-OC911 alerting Cornwall; request for their High-Angle Rescue Team to the scene in Fort Montgomery.
2019hrs-36-13 en-route to Fort Montgomery.
2020hrs-OC911 alerting the O.C. Tech Rescue Team; request all members to stand-by.
2023hrs-Cornwall R-403 responding.
2024hrs-FMFD Car-2 advising OC911 that they can stand down the Medevac from stand-by.
2035hrs-OC911 advising Fort Montgomery Command that they have a State Police Aviation Sgt on the phone who is advising that they have a full rescue team available at Stewart Airport with a Huey helo with winch capabilities.
2036hrs-FM Command advising that they have located the subject and are in the process of packaging her to bring her up.

I don't know, I mean like two people posted something negative about the photo, the actions of the Troopers as directed by the Incident Commander. I think the blow back comments from that were a bit much, but I understand.
We all need to remember the major differences between the urban operation of emergency service, and those occurring in the 'burbs or the sticks. When you work for an organization of virtually unlimited resources, the delineation of responsibility is necessarily more defined.
However in the outer areas of cities and beyond those lines of responsibility become more blurred toward simply a common goal of eliminating a threat, or rescuing those in need, treating them. However it must be done, by whomever is tasked with the immediate or secondary responsibility.
I remember a mailman helping on of our guys raise a ground ladder to effect a rescue.
An ambulance operator hooking up a hydrant for a one man engine performing a forward lay.
It goes on.
If these three guys had been a couple of carpenters working next door, and the mailman, this story doesn't even surface. There are everyday people out there who regularly come upon emergencies they did not ask to be near, yet still spring into action to help victims and first responders.
We as a people are loaded with angst these days. We've lost our collective sense of humor. Many are so economically squeezed the pressure is almost unbearable. People are going crazy out there; too many of them.
Thank God there are still so many people on the side of civilization, who step up, who help out. That is what we a people still are, despite all the chaos around us. Stay safe.

Umm, why is this news?
Maybe i am wrong, but arent we hear to respond to alarms? Yes, a high percentage of alarms are false, so what? Smells and bells and in many places EMS runs, make up a large percentage of responses. But again, this is why we are here, no?
There is a reason the alarm went off, this is why we need to respond and investigate. If we find it was "food on the stove" or dust or what have you, so be it.
What is the alternative? Send a PD unit or just a Chief to "check and advise?" Like the boy who cried wolf, there will be the 1 time its an active fire and you'll be caught with your pants down.
Im sorry if you get annoyed at false alarms, but its part of the "job." You dont like it, go join a slower department i guess.
Personally, i dont see how false alarms really can bring down morale. Maybe guys are getting burned out on these runs and if so, suck it up!
I look at it this way; every and any alarm that i respond to is a learning experience. Its a chance to gear-up and get out there and practice all the basics.
So what if only 1 in a 1,000 alarms are the "real thing." It will be that 1 time that counts.
Just my worthless 2 cents.

Chief, i could be wrong, but i havent read any posts that were "anti-career." Maybe i am missing something? I also dont think anyone has bashed you personally. Many have responded to your posts, but i didnt see any as an attack?
Ive always enjoyed reading your posts, even when i may not agree with them 100%. Hell, i even enjoy your witty sarcasim. Its been said on here before that you're anti-volunteer. Guess what, maybe im alone, but i could care less if you are or not.
I must say though that i agree with your post that i have quoted here. Whether you're anti-volunteer or not, you bring up an excellent point. The issue of reckless driving (on either "side") is a big problem.
In the article, it is hard to tell what kind of vehicle the Chief passed. It says that he passed another member who was en-route to the call. Was this another Chief or a member in a POV?
Either way, its safe to say that this Chiefs actions were reckless and downright stupid. I am not too familar with Harrison, much less the intersection where the accident took place. The article states that the Chief was traveling around 60mph. This was not a highway, so the speed limit was certainly not 55mph. So, he may have been in a 45mph zone at best, no? To drive 60mph through a congested Town, then blow a red light at those speeds is crazy. Any apparatus operator (or civilian driver for that matter) knows that you dont just blow an intersection, controlled or not.
Another member had posted that statistics show that theres not much difference in response times when going the speed limit versus going over it by a small ammount. This is pretty much common knowledge stuff that seems to go out the window. Even if this Chief didnt crash, he would have only shaved off seconds of his response time.
Because of his actions, somebody was seriously injured, while he apparently walked away unscathed. Because of his actions, emergency personnel had to worry and respond to this 2nd accident which he caused.
Maybe i didnt read it correctly. But the article states that the monetary damages are to be paid by the Town AND this former Chief. Safe to say that it was determined that the Chief was at fault, no? But nowhere in the article (unless i missed it) does it say anything about him being charged or ticketed for anything. Also, was he suspended from the HFD and/or "de-moted?"
Guys and girls, this should be a wake-up call to all of us, career, volly, PD or EMS.
Stay safe

As I read the IA about the 4th alarm with maydays in the Bronx yesterday (thanks ryang), I am confronted with strong concerns and reservations about how that would happen anywhere in the suburbs. This is not a paid/volunteer issue. This is a major incident response issue because no matter what your pay status, we've cultivated a recipe for failure in this region with absolutely no standardization, abysmal leadership/management training programs and experience levels, and no means to effectively coordinate the response.
Some are probably already cracking their knuckles and gearing up for a keyboard battle but before you do, take a deep breath and let me finish my thought.
Yesterday in the Bronx, a fire in ordinary buildings that we have all over our suburbs, resulted in the initial response of more than 40 "interior" (and I hate that distinction but more on that later) firefighters (4 E, 1 S, 3 L, 1 BC, S/C 1/1, plus 10-75 response). How many of our departments can honestly say we can put that many qualified, trained, and equipped FF on the road in the first three minutes?
Within five minutes, the 2nd alarm results in another TWO DOZEN fully equipped FF responding. All from the same agency, with the same training, SOP's, equipment, and leadership. Wow, who can beat that?
SIXTY-FIVE fully qualifed FF in five minutes with an appropriate span of control and properly trained supervisors for each resource. Imagine that?
I'm sure that some will argue that you don't need 65 FF for a job like that and they can do it in their agency with far fewer resources but my point is wouldn't it be nice to know that you have that many qualified guys at your disposal in a staging area a few blocks away and not 20 minutes and a dozen dispatches later?
Now, the other shoe drops. With all those resources already on scene and operating. With several highly experienced and qualified chiefs running the show, there's a collapse and multiple maydays.
What would you do as the IC?
What would you do as the attack officer supervising the missing FF?
Do you have training for that scenario?
Do you have a pre-plan for that?
Are there SOP's for the actions of everyone on the fireground when it does happen (and regrettably it will happen)?
In the Bronx, it resulted in the response of another SEVENTY-FIVE firefighters/company officers with at least another half dozen very experienced chief officers and support resources up the wazoo.
All this was coordinated by the County communications center (FDNY Bronx Radio). It wasn't the local police desk trying to coordinate all the requests from the field while answering the switchboard and trying to dispatch seventy different resources. It wasn't a dozen different PSAP's all doing it their own way. It was part of a plan! (Some will undoubtedly argue that it isn't a good plan or it is overkill or whatever but my point is there is a plan and a standardized response!).
The chief officers that handled this fire probably have at least 12-15 years of experience as an officer backed up and supported by alot of training, drills and exercises. (FDNY has one of the elaborate exercise programs I've ever seen).
What do we have?
What do we require of our officers?
How do we get them the experience they need for this type of incident?
How experienced are they?
Are there any SOP's so dispatch knows what to do when the mayday is transmitted?
The FDNY response and resources is without question unique but how would we handle this kind of response? In a simple 3 story frame house fire that spread to similar exposures. This wasn't a high-rise. This wasn't a big factory. This was a row of buildings like almost any town in the Hudson Valley, Fairfield, or north Jersey.
It's time to stop the petty bickering and organize. If we won't consolidate we should at least agree on training, equipment, and response policies so when the other shoe drops on you there's a fighting chance for the trapped members!!!
It's 2012. The time for 90+ different dispatch points in Westchester is long gone We need a single coordinated 911 center for police fire and EMS in every county with properly trained professional 911 call-takers and dispatchers doing their jobs.
Put the ego and attitide and bravado aside and start lobbying for what is best for not just now but the future!

Date: 04-10-12
Time: 1330hrs
Location: 106 Renwick St.
Units Operating: NFD Cars 1, 4, E1, E3, T1, Stewart Air Guard FAST, C/NPD, MLSS, Central Hudson Utilities
Units re-located to Newburgh Public Safety Building: Orange Lake E327 & Cornwall T402
Description Of Incident: Working Fire
Reporter: BFD1054
*Times are approximates*
1330hrs-NFD dispatch transmitting the Alarm of Fire, 106 Renwick St.
1331hrs-All NFD Companies and Cars 1 & 4 responding. Dispatch advises numerous calls, apparent working structure fire.
1335hrs-NFD Car-4 requesting a 2nd Alarm.
1337hrs-OC911 alerting Stewart Air Guard, Orange Lake and Cornwall-on-Hudson; Air Guard FAST, Orange Lake (1) Engine & Cornwall-on-Hudson (1) Truck to the scene.
1340hrs-NFD Command advising (1) L/S/O, main body of fire is knocked-down.
1342hrs-Cornwall-on-Hudson advising they are unable to man their Truck.
1343hrs-As per Command, M/A Companies to re-locate to the Public Safety Building.
1344hrs-OC911 alerting Cornwall; (1) Truck to re-locate to the City of Newburgh Public Safety Building.
1354hrs-Orange Lake E327 and Cornwall T402 out at the P.S.B.
1357hrs-NFD Dispatch advising Command that E10 is now manned. Command advising to release Orange Lake's Engine.
1412hrs-NFD Dispatch advising Command that Truck-10 is now manned. Command advising the M/A Truck can be released.
1414hrs-NFD Fire Investigators on the scene.

Date: 04-09-12
Time: 1020hrs
Location: I-87 NB
Units Operating: Vails Gate FD, Winona Lake FD, New Windsor EMS, Town of Newburgh EMS, NYSP, New Windsor PD, DEC
Description Of Incident: Tractor-trailer roll-over w/entrapment & injuries
Reporter: BFD1054
(2) Tractor-trailers collided, sending one down an embankment, leaving the driver pinned.
The Winona Lake FD was originally dispatched, but the incident was soon discovered to be in the Vails Gate fire district. Vails Gate FD was then dispatched and responded with Cars 2 & 7, R480 and E478.
Members of both WLFD and VGFD, along with EMS worked together to extricate the driver and mitigate leaking fluids.
A Medevac was originally requested, but was unable to fly due to high winds.
Upon completion of extrication, the driver was transported by ground to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Link to YNN:
http://hudsonvalley....ailers-collide/
Link to News12:
http://www.news12.co...&region_name=HV

So, by handling it this way, they certified you could what, drive the biggest rig?
How about knowing preventative maintenance procedures, tools and equipment carried, where they are carried, and how to set up and operate all tools? How about knowing capacities and limitations of each rig, OAH &OAL? How about amount and types of hosed carried, fittings, etc? Ground ladder lengths and types? Controls in the cabs, troubleshooting?
Any of this stuff seem important?
Even identical rigs can have something different, depending on what Company has it, and the neihborhoods it serves as first due.

Date:3/26/12
Time:2117
Location: 43 Ackerman St
Frequency:
Units Operating: City of Beacon, BVAC, Village of Fishkill FAST, Glenham, Rombout, Hughsonville FAST, TransCare, Mobile Life, Philipstown w/ medic, Putnam EMS (Idk), DC FID, CC17
Weather Conditions: Windy
Description Of Incident: Second alarm fire w/ victim inside
Reporters:
Writer: Jason S
Beacon BVAC and Village of Fishkill FAST for a structure fire with a person trapped
Poss 3 victims inside per DC 911
2 1/2 story with fire on second floor extending to attic
Command give me another FAST V/Fishkill will be going to work
1 victim pulled from 2nd floor 2 still inside
Second alarm- Glenham engine to relocate to Beacon St#2 Rombout 62-45 relocate to Beacon HQ
Hughsonville FAST to scene
2125-BVAC Second ambulance and ALS to scene
2133-TransCare w/ ALS to scene
2135-Mobile Life to scene/TransCare unavailable
Philipstown w/ medic disp
3 victims being treated
2152 - 28 Liberty St smoke condition in area Glenham disp from standby
2153- DC FID to scene
Mobile Life received a walk up patient /no amblance on scene for standby
1 victim with burns to back and forehead
1 victim with possible burns to respiratory tract
Unknown status of third victim
2215- Secondary search done/ No more victims found only the original 3
2358- DC 911 reports Rockland County canine enroute