Capejake72

City of Punta Gorda has all of its patrol vehicles assigned to individual officers (County sherrif is to some extent) so hence their names on the units

While on vacation in Punta Gorda Florida, I went to a festival where local Police were doing a K9 demonstration. 
 
City of Punta Gorda K9 Tahoe.  Notice the Officers name, as well as his K9 partners name on the front fender.
 

 
City of North Port Police K9 Tahoe
 

First and foremost, the incident, and the outcome, sucks.  I do not believe anything anyone did or tried to do last night would have made a difference.
 
Going back a few years, maybe 2009-2010, a Response Plan was developed by the "Westchester Marine Emergency Response Association" along with Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.  That plan basically called for a three-tiered response to all Hudson River incidents, meaning the area of jurisdiction - as well as the next closest agency to the north and south - would be dispatched.
 
From a MOS standpoint with my FD, this is an "OK at best" approach.  During my time as Chief we modified this to include Rockland units, since many incidents happen to fall on or beyond that imaginary line that divides Westchester & Rockland.  At the time, according to this "plan" we attempted to utilize Marine 22 (I think) as a radio channel for all FD, PD, etc. vessels to communicate during river operations.  When we had a river incident that fell under our Command, we always tried to steer everyone on to this channel, since we should all have this capability.  I could be wrong but this sticks out in my memory, and it was designated to keep Marine 16 open for emergency traffic.
 
Last night's incident is just another reminder that when someone dials 911 from a cell phone, it's truly a crapshoot as to where they really are vs. where they think they are.  And this doesn't just apply to waterways - a lot of cellular 911 calls for land based incidents require some searching to find them.  Because of this, it highlights the benefit of starting out resources from different angles.
 
Since Rockland switched to their new radio system, communications on the river have suffered.  But there's no reason why the four counties (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam & Orange) can't develop a plan to always work off the VHF Marine radios.  Afterall, as boats, we should all have them and the signal is decent.  Command vehicles should also install this capability.
 
The frequency of incidents, and the complexity of them on the Hudson River is only going to increase the demand for our services.  There needs to be a standard of training for boat operators, crew members and people responding and playing command.  If EMS is getting on a boat, they need proper training too.  It's 2016 and the fact that the same stupid stuff continues to happen irritates me, because we should be well-trained, well-prepared and have pre-plans developed where we can all work together and provide a professional-level of service.  
 
The days of letting the first people to the dock get on the boat needs to end, and the Chiefs of all of these FDs with river response responsibilities need to work all of this out.
 
Additionally, I think it's time for the FDs that are going to be in the marine operations game to seriously look into grants to get the training we all need and the proper vessels to do what is needed.  We all can't stand around, holding our d**ks waiting on County PD or someone else to get there when someone's life is in the balance.
 
 
 

There's alot of problems with operation north of the washington bridge on the hudson river.  The biggest is the correct rescources.... its not there.  I've seen the police and fire boats on the river.  They can't handle a large to major incident in 5 foot seas.  yes the hudson can and has experienced seas that big and alittle bigger.  Someone needs to get a 50-60 foot steel or alumiun boat similar to what NYPD has. Without a jet drive, either direct drive shafts.  A large 500 to 1500 GPM pump that can also be lined up to send a suction hose over to a vessel with a plumped fire monitor and a portable one. In addition to a manifold set up to run hand lines.  Along with portable pumps, gas, or electric, 3cm and 10cm radars, FLIRR, 2 VHF radios with DSC, ECDIS, DGPS two units, 2 trunk radios (since ems and fire are on different bands), radios for rockland and nyc NYPD avaition and marine units.  Below deck a "med bay" one or two M tanks, BLS supplies minus the drugs. a PAD. Rescue equipment: scoop with vertical and horizontal lifting straps, a PECU (portible exothermix cuting unit), 2 peri-jet dewater, Foam and lots of it. 500 gallon min. with appriorate nozels and attachtments for monitors. standard fire fighting tools, haligan, axes, crowbars, sledge hammers, wedges, cribbing, along with multiple fire extinguishers, co2, dry chem, pkp, 
 
this is just some of the things that should be availible at a moments notice on the hudson river.  think and prepare for the worst...  a loaded barge with gasoline vs a fully loaded ferry in a good storm.   it can happen don't say it can't.    its just a matter of time before agencies along the river get caught with there pants down and its not going to be good. yes FDNY and NYPD will step in but FDNY will take a while to get the big boats up the river, NYPD aviation will be on scene very fast with divers. and the NYPD patrol boats will come too in time, probably faster then the bigger FDNY boats. But there newer boats are fast now, not like the firefighter.  
 
you might say why only receational boats and some tug boats go up and down the river... yes they do along with some commercial ships from time to time.  how will the recources availible now assist a crew of 15 on a ship with a large engine room fire ?  anchor the vessel in the channel? put her in a soft bank? call for tug boats that have barges alongside?  
 
The new tappen zee bridge is going to be higher, that means bigger ships can come up the river.  they will no longer be restricted by air draft, the river is about 30-35 feet deep in the channel in the shoal spots... a litte dregging and that can become 50 feet.   I don't think a massive surge of ships will come up the river but an occationaly a big ship can and more then likely will.  plan on it. 
 
thats my rant for now, mind you i am in the merchant marine, a paramedic, and a vol. fire fighter for some years. 
B Fleming

First, I want to preface this by saying the dispatcher at 60 Control who handled this incident did an EXCELLENT job coordinating everything given the situation. It was almost mind boggling to try and keep track of everything and he nailed it.
 
For those that didn't monitor, there was a cardiac arrest involving a crew member on a tugboat in the Hudson River. The tugboats location was static, but had to be determined further. It was one worst incidents I've ever heard logistically play out just given the fact that there was no coordination by any unit with anyone else. Everybody was freelancing, and everybody wanted to play. There was no concrete information about which boat had EMT's or Medics. It was, literally and this was stated on the radio several times, whoever got to the boat first got the patient. No one knew who was the true incident commander, and there was no true command.  Rockland couldn't communicate with Westchester and vice versa in a timely or efficient manner. Both Rockland and Westchester were basically both working the same incident completely separate from one another with no idea of who was doing what.
 
It also should have been kept in mind that it was pitch black out, and the current very strong, with heavy winds. You had rescue boats swarming from each directions with limited to no awareness of anyone else in the area. Responders putting other responders in danger.

The inefficiency, to say the least, could have made the difference in the outcome of a cardiac arrest. I get everyone wants to help, but sometimes you're doing more harm then good.
 
And, at the very least, Westchester and Rockland need to develop a better system of interagency incident command and training, especially since there seems to be a very large overlap of jurisdiction. There should be numerous drills and tabletop exercises on a regular basis, as well as a single channel for Hudson River incidents that is primary and a dedicated tactical channel that both counties can access.
 
60 Control needs to be able to have the authority to control units, such as to stand down units or give specific commands in a situation like this where no one else is capable of taking charge over such a widespread area.
 
Another thought. Westchester DES needs to appoint a Marine Battalion that is familiar and capable of coordinating incidents on the Hudson, and capable of taking command of multiple jurisdictions and equipped with Rockland radios. Or appoint WCPD SOD as primary command and coordination since they have better resources.
 
Quite frankly....one of the major issues was that no one could take personal blame  for the situations....it was the circumstances at play.
 
AGAIN...EXCELLENT JOB BY THE 60 CONTROL DISPATCHER, who made the best of what and who he had to work with! It was almost mind boggling to try and keep track of everything and he nailed it.

The basis for this program is the "Red Card", which sets a (very high) standard for Wildland Firefighters. It was initially required by the Federal Government for wildland incidents, and now used by many states and local agencies.
 
http://www.firefighternation.com/article/wildland-urban-interface/red-cards-wildland-firefighting
 
One of the aspects of this particular program/certification that I liked was the requirement for continuing education. It doesn't allow IC's to become complacent, and I believe holds them to a higher standard.
 
The other thing I really liked was the simulation software, which allows for a more dynamic approach for learning and skills evaluation
 
If the Feds can set these standards for wildland firefighting, then why not structural firefighting?
 

For those that don't know. I have some sort of flu that's more or less made moving my muscles and joints immensely painful, and I've been battling that for the last week, and just yesterday started battling an 102 degree fevers. However, the one thing I hade couldn't get out of  scheduled for months was to get this website upgraded, and I was mucking my way through it via several naps.
 
So, I'm just was laying down, about to fall asleep, when, one of my best buffy friends called me. He said the truck was done, and looked awesome. I couldn't just sit here and wait any longer, I've been waiting for this truck to come out of the Greenburgh Central Garage Heavy Duty Body Shop. Everything mechanical, body, electrical including radios, etc has been done via the Town Garage. And they did a fantastic job on this pierce that will bring Greenburgh SOD to new levels. So, being this is literally 2 blocks from my house, I bundled up, walked like a stick amn, and even vomited a couple of times so I can get this shot for EMTBravo
 
Greenburgh PD has acquired this from NYPD surplus, it's a 2003 Mack MR/Saulsbury Ex-Truck 5. It will replace their current 1988 International/Hackney that was converted from it's previous life as a Poland Springs delivery truck for the Technical Rescue team, and/or be used to carry SWAT equipment.
 
Best wishes to all the officers in Greenburgh SOD who's lives will be made easier by this truck.
 
This truck is a prime example of what municipal cooperation can do, Special Thanks to msm232, Bob Errico , and the body shop guys for the shotperation can do, Special Thanks to msm232, Bob Errico , and the body shop guys for the shot
 
 

Although this article is written for military personnel,  it is quite applicable to the Fire and EMS service. It's an excellent article and read if I do say so myself. I think #6 is one of the most problematic to our local fire and EMS services, but the others hit the nail on the head as well.
 
 
http://taskandpurpose.com/8-symptoms-of-a-toxic-command-climate/
 

The latest batch of the FDNY Rescue Medic ambulances.
2016 International Terrastar/Wheeled Coach
 


 

Yonkers FD
New Tower Ladder 71
2015 Ferrara Inferno 75'
Replaces a 2008 American Lafrance 75' Midmount Tower

The Village in which I live, also where I grew up, has a premium Senior Living Facility in town. It's upscale, and costs several thousand dollars a month to live there.
Since it's opened, the local VAC has seen it's call level explode. They go there several times a day. This VAC, which was doing around 300 calls a year, is now doing well above 700. Listening to my scanner, 9 out of every 10 calls is to this facility, which offers various levels of assisted living. As a resident of the Village at the time this facility opened, I thought that something needed to be done to prevent taxing EMS resources, like contracting with Empress or WEMS for private emergencies for the less serious incident. It also taxes Greenburgh ALS, with Car 75 responding to every call. The only upside is everybody at this facility has insurance, and the ambulance corps gets to bill...but that doesn't help with volunteer burnout. I've got to give them credit though, they are a dedicated bunch.
The most common call, and the majority of calls, are for falls. How are so many residents who are spending a fortune to live there, and be cared for falling all the time? Many times, speaking to sources, it's due to staff negligence.
Now, a component of a good EMS system is elderly hazard reduction education. Although this really doesn't affect me, it annoys me listening to this unnecessary EMS calls for falls that shouldn't have happened in the first place.
Ah, it's 1AM and my brain is tired after worrying about a sick friend all day. I don't know where I'm going with this from here...someone pick this up for me. [/rant]

Some of the renditions of FDNY Rescue 2's new quarters:

More photos: http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/fire-rescue-2_o

Interesting article:

FULL ARTICLE: http://kalw.org/post/whats-beneath-those-brick-circles-san-francisco-intersections#stream/0

Awaiting more study o the idea. I'm not a fan of using compass bearings in any way. Noting to yourself in which direction you were travelling when you entered then requires you to correlate that direction with the known labelled side, I can see more trouble than good. A more advanced version that let you orient the "compass" to side Alpha or One before entering would then let you proceed in that direction with the labels in the unit being 1-4 or A-D?

VERY cool video on Tillers and FDNY Chauffeur School by ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
VIDEO: http://abc7ny.com/society/ride-along-to-find-out-how-the-fdny-navigates-nycs-toughest-intersections/1160367/

Boston, MA New Rescue 1
2015 KME Severe Service
PHOTO: http://www.massfiretrucks.com/Boston_Rescue_1_2016.jpg
Links from photos at MassFireTrucks.com

I know they aren't that new anymore, but I forgot to post them when they were. These are the new FDNY Haz Mat Tech units second pieces, produced by Ferrara on 2015 Ultra chassis. They are all paired with Squad or Engine companies, and for the most part, replace Step Vans. The one picture is going to Engine 165 on Staten Island, which has a Squad pumper....but isn't a Squad Company....yet.
Hazardous Material Technician Unit 165
2015 Ferrara Ultra

Definitely an interesting read, and very, very good and well written, informative article.
By Barrett Dorner, Toledo (OH) Fire & Rescue Department
PDF Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2d_Use5WcrQMWNiN1B4QU5Db0E/view

Probably because in training he was allowed to take them off to do things that required better dexterity or ease of operating. Train the way you fight, fight the way you train.
Why they were trying to send a lone FF a hose via a window is yet another question. But we could critique this all day.
The better question is... Could this happen to me?

Sorry, but no. Not why we need a bailout system. This is why we need ground ladders placed quickly and efficiently. Among other things.
Looking at that video, there were many things to do before bailing out.
Am I advocating for not having bailout systems, no?
But, that room didn't flash in a matter of seconds. It was free burning and finally got to him. Get to an area of refuge, close a door, do a window hang until the ladder arrives.
Bailouts and survival should be part of our training, but watching that video, my first thought was not, I wished he had a bailout kit. It was, I wished his boys had placed ground ladders like good operators and truckies should. But once that didn't happen...yes...It was time to bail.
Play heads up, don't get caught in the first place..

FULL PRESS RELEASE: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/insider/events/2015/121615a.shtml

I wonder if any will make it down to this region. One can only hope given the undermanned and underequipped plowing efforts in Westchester region last year.
FULL ARTICLE AND VIDEO: http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2015/12/nys_new_fleet_of_snow_plows_slosh_through_rain_on_first_day_of_winter.html

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thedrive.com/article/1333

sounds like someone who buys a house next to the airport then wants the planes to go away because it's too loud...if i had to guess i would say he was new to Delmar..by the way,been to Delmar many times...love the crab house,my 2 cents....

I remember when I was an officer in HFD that no one would show up for these calls. We could get L56 up there with a crew of 3 on average, and it was always awful. The kids never respected us, and we started to refuse a response until PD was on scene. We even worked with the staff to do fire prevention programs, mostly to prevent kids from pulling the alarms, but that had little effect. And the EMS calls are 99% of the time either EDP or assaults. No wonder volunteers stopped showing up for the calls....total BS....but a few of us kept responding because someone had to.
Now I'm seeing the effect with 1606 Old Orchard Street. No one wants to waste their time for another BS commercial alarm, and the County doesn't seem to care enough to fix that alarm.
The frequent flyer calls are a waste of taxpayer money and a waste of time for the volunteers that respond. And there is no way you're going to entice responders to respond if they know it's going to be the same old story. On one side you have this annoyance that you don't want to deal with, and the other there is still a duty to respond to make sure that the building is still not on fire. It's the very definition of crying wolf, and it's going to hurt someone someday.