Capejake72

Hey Everyone,
Was down in Sarasota the last week visiting some family and managed to grab some shots while out and about. I only had my phone to take them with, so I hope they came out alright (just dont mind that guy in the door reflection...)

They do it cause its the way out. Those triple deckers are all built front to rear with a stairway on the left or right front side and a rear deck as second means. Half the time fire blows out the rear deck and then you only have your primary means of egress as your way out. They are taught to use ladders, not many people use them as much as they should.

Nobody throws ladders like Boston Fire, whether they are ground or aerial. I feel they set a great example of a task that should be done at every fire scene in multitude. By not only providing the obvious means of egress and rescue at every exit point, putting up as many ladders as possible makes everything else on the fireground go smoother, as far as I can tell. You can get more Truck Co. guys to the roof or to windows to ventilate, you can allow for more VES opportunities, and with more ground ladders up, you can get into many places aerial ladders can't, a huge plus for Boston with it's tight streets, alleyways, double-parked cars, and old frame buildings built close together. If the Truck Co. does it's job smoother and faster, it makes it that much easier for the Enginemen to advance lines and get water on the fire. I remember a retired FDNY Engine Co. Capt. saying that you always knew if the Truck Co. was doing their job if, when you were crawling down a smoke filled hallway on your stomach under the intense heat and smoke, trying to get advance a line inch by inch in tough, snotty conditions, you suddenly felt the heat and smoke lift and escape and you could go on stretching faster and easier.

Mutual aid is intended for you to help other depts. and other depts. to help you during those times when your district "blows up" and you have multiple calls at once or you have a multi-alarm fire or extraordinary incident that exhausts all of your resources.
Mutual aid is not intended for you and your municipality to ignore staffing levels and choose to not spend money to hire career personal, buy more apparatus, recruit more volunteers, ect and in turn just say "Why should we spend money on this issue when we can just call others every single time we have a fire, rescue or more than 1 call in the district?"

I have no idea if they need a truck or not, but this issue of height seems to confuse a large part of the general public and some of the fire service. I can imagine how many geometry teachers are rolling their eyes when they read this. On the other hand, if your FD can't easily educate the public of setbacks vs. height, etc...

Best thing to do is to ignore them and their ilk. They'll eventually go away into the shadows.

A 3/4" or 1" booster line is still a viable hose line on a pumper. The problem is it is not used properly now a days. Back in the day yes it was utlizied as an initial attack line, a hold over from the days of using chemical tanks for small fires for a quick knockdown. As years progressed, booster lines had either a smooth bore, Navy (SG-60) or Coast guard (CG-15) attached to them, then later adjustibles and even FMC hiogh-pressure nozzles (if you had a three-stage pump on your rig). As fire loads became greater, the booster line isn't usefull as an main fire attack line because you can't get the proper GPM to defeat the BTUs genreated at strucutre / room-and-content fires.
A booster line, though you don't get a lot of gpm out of it due to the size of the hose, it is still good for a lot of applications if used properly;
1 - Nussiance fires
2 - Brush fires
3 - Small trash can fires
4 - Chimney Fires (attach that good old under used chimney nozzle to it and send it down the pipe)
5 - Use as a secondary line for a car / truck / container fire by attaching a SG or CG nozzle using either a piercing attachment or a "pinapple wand" to get into those hard to reach areas (before a hood or an opening can be created). Again, doesn't take the place of the main attack lines, it an added resource.
6 - For drafting operations, the return recycle line to keep water moving back into a porta-tank so you don't waste a discharge and don't loose your prime
7 - DECON and REHAB for your firefighters, nothing like having a small line to cool you off on a hot day or to wash down your dirty gear. Again, freeing up another larger line or main discharge.
8 - small propane tank leakes - less than 20 lbs tanks (adjust the nozzle to a good fog patter and disipate that LPG)
9 - Use as an invesitgation line - The FM is trying to find the cause of a fire, got a few very small hot-spots or needs to wash down a small are without having the great pressure from a 1 3/4" line, the booster is your line. GRANTED it should not be the only line present, you should still have a main attack line present just in case! You have the poewer of both.
Those are just a few as there are many more uses still.
I rather pull a booster line for a nussince fire rather than having to pull 50 feet of pre-connect in a crossy lay or front bumper line for a little fire at 3 am.
Also too, a lot of fire comapnies are utilizing the "hose reel" concept with 1 3/4" lines as well. The Mortlake Fire Comapny in Brooklyn, CT has a pumper with two pre-charged attack lines on reels. Granted this is a differnet concept and can be disccused in a different thread, hose reels are still viable.
Mortlake FC's website: http://mortlakefire.com/mainsite/index.htm
Booster lines are still viable, its just departments get it in their head that it is old technology and no room for it any more. I say hogwash! You may not be able to use it as a main attack line for larger fires, but in the end, its a quick line thaty should be utilized if you have it. Just like the debate of fog nozzels vs. smooth bores, the booster line has it place in the fire service.

I take a few things away from this article :
1) New Yorkers have let their lawmakers trample their rights.
2) Don't drive when your license is suspended.
3) Don't drive your suspended licensed self around in a car with broken stuff on it.
4) When breaking two laws, try to avoid interacting with the police.
5) When breaking laws, don't be carrying a handgun and be shocked when the police ask to hold on to it for a minute.
6) Here in NY, don't be a test case for the SAFE Act, especially when numbers 2 thru 5 apply to you.

Here's some more from REMA Day:

Photos from today's NYPD REMA (Retired Emergency Man's Association) Day of Remembrance at Floydd Bennet Field. Wasn't feeling so great, so only got a couple of shots and then left. Got more shots, will try and post later.

While specialized units are important and needed in this situation,I do feel that again,this is a prime example of why training and adequate manpower are a must.The cop on the street must have the means with training, equipment and adequate manpower to be able to contain a situation.While in the end, an entry team of highly trained and equipped personnel would be able to enter and or control the situation,it's the everyday street cop that is going to make the difference. I fully support the concept of these tactical teams,but until they muster and arrive,it's the patrol cop/s that will be needed to contain the problem,and without theproper training equipment and staffing that makes it impossible.
Post 911, funding was abundant for all sorts of training and equipment,but the powers to be seem to have lost focus on this,show me a job that is staffed better than pre 911,and I would be impressed,I believe most jobs have been cut to the bare bones...

Our (Wassaic's) B.R.A.T has been taken around to area FD's that are interested in this multi use type vehicle and anyone that has seen it operating at a scene have been impressed with it's performance, it surely has exceeded our expectation of the vehicle, as a result several departments have either selected Firematic to construct a new vehicle for them or are close to signing a contract to have one built. Here are some photos (shared with permission of David Horton) of the Rhinecliff B.R.A.T which is near completion with a expected delivery of next week. Here are some the features of the vehicle;
2012 Ford F550 2 Door 4x4 Chassis w/ 19,500 lbs. GVW Super Single Continental 20" Tires, 6" Suspension lift Heavy Duty Aluminum Fabricated Flatbed with FEA Tested Roll Bar Pro Poly 500 Gallon Water Tank Hale HPX300 - BD26 Diesel Pump Stainless Steel Inlet and Discharge Manifold Electric Primer 1.5" Rear Preconnect Sidewinder Deck Gun One Rear 2.5" Hose Tras. Two Electric Hannay Reel Mounted under the flatbed. (3) Aluminum Diamond Plate Compartments with flip up doors. Whelen LED Lighting and Siren Package Whelen LED PFP Scene Lighting Warn 16,500 lbs Electric Winch Oil Pan and Transmission Skid Plate

The video games have ratings. No parent should be buying any game with a M (Mature) rating. Its insane. The amount of children on XBOX live is crazy all playing games with M ratings. 8-13 yo playing games like this. Crazy parents need to get their heads examined. When my wife and I met I told her I would never buy a game for my childern with an M-T rating because the game is simply not made for them for a reason. Granted Video game ratings is pretty new. Enough of the video game rant.
To the gun control. I am a firm beliver in making assualt rifles legal and that it might be the only way to get them off the streets. Make them legal and have the owners register them. If I'm not mistaken the ATF has a data base with pistol bullistics markings.

Prohibition didn't stop people from drinking. The war on drugs hasn't stopped people from getting drugs. Tell me how stricter gun laws will stop the violence. Look at Chicago and thier murder rate yet they have tough gun laws. If a law abiding citizen wants to carry he/she should be able to. As far as the massacres? Tough one. Better mental health awareness, tougher jail sentences ( the perp that shot the brothers in Webster was a convicted murderer and should of still been in prison) to start. Maybe curtailing some of the violence on TV? Video games? Internet? And i mean in the home. Do kids need Grand Theft Auto? With all the sports games out there why the need for such a violent game?

Making "assault weapons" legal? First, perhaps you could define this term? Many or most of the firearms that most banners are looking for are currently legal to own. In the most accurate means, a true assualt weapon is a selctive fire firearm, that is legal for some to own, with proper background checks, registration and a $200 stamp, the rest are merely semi-automatic firearms that look like many full auto military weapons, but are in fact the action system as many common hunting rifles. The true assault weapons are rarely the ones used in crimes, and the legally owned ones ha ve a nearly perfect record of not being involved in crimes, proof that some registration rules do work, likley requiring the extensive paperwork and an extra $200 per firearm limits the buyers considerably, not to mention the actual fiream itself is far more expensive.
As for an ATF database of all pistols ballistics markings? I doubt that very much, I think you may be confusing this with the UK's system? I can fairly easily agree with registering all firerms, I and anyone else who legally owns and have no ill intentions should have no reason to feear the US government. This would limit the sale between private parties where the seller can easily be duped if they even carea at all. As for bans of any type? I see that as yet again punishing law abiding citizens while failing to recognize that those intent on murder will not adhere to other lesser laws. In the end, those who want another or others dead can, will and do find many other ways.
I live a few miles from the town proper and police response to a shooting on my road (self-inficted) just today was over 10 minutes. I for one like the odds my firearms provide my GF while I'm on my 24 hour shift. She could probably take out a many adult males with her hands and sheer determination, but an alert Black Lab and a magazine full of 5.56mm makes it a nearly sure thing.

I've held off on commenting on the gun issue for awhile as it is a sensitive subject.
I am a proud, legal gun owner. I obtained my NYS pistol permit in 2008 and own several handguns, as well as long guns.
I am in no way, shape or form a gun nut, but i certainly believe in a persons right to carry.
As a legal gun owner, i will say that the gun laws are very flawed, especially in here in New York. The laws seem to vary County to County and Judge to Judge.
Personally, i think that the gun laws need to be re-vamped and updated, instead of putting new laws on the books.
Finger printing, background checks and references are great, but wheres the Psychological exam? As a gun owner, i would gladly adhere to such testing (god i hope i'd pass). In my opinion, this would be a good start.
Add a psychological exam to the process for EVERY applicant. Even better, make ALL Permit holders under-go a psych exam every 1-2 years. This would A) ensure the permit holder is of sound mind and 2) make the State some revenue as you could charge for such exams (i would gladly pay such a fee).
I feel that the basic pistol safety course could use some updating, but its certainly a good start.
If you are granted an unrestricted permit (full carry), you should be held to a much higher standard (IMO). On top of the existing process, you should have to qualify (such as LEOs do) on the range to be granted the unrestricted. You should also then have to re-qualify each year.
Many of my gun owning brethren may not agree with me or think this is overkill, but i firmly believe it would be a good start and would benefit us all.
I will give a quick example of how the law is skewed here in NY;
I work part time as a Court Officer and have been for several years now. I received my NYS pistol permit through Westchester in 2008 and changed to Orange when i moved here.
After living in Orange for about 2 years, i applied to amend my permit to an "unrestricted." I had to take the day off of work and go before a judge on a Friday morning. I was well dressed and nothing but courteous and professional. I spoke of my background, as well as my training in regards to firearms. After each pause in my speaking, the judge would say things such as "so" or "ok and?" By Monday afternoon i had a letter from the County denying me of an unrestricted permit. The judges "reasoning;" there would be one more gun on the streets.
I know of civilians with little to no training in firearms who have been granted unrestricted permits. Is this an issue? I certainly believe so.
Do i believe that a gun is the end-all, say-all for self defense and protection? Absolutely not. This is where maturity, common sense and experience come into play.
There will be times when and where a gun just isn't the answer. Your best line of defense will always be your brain. If you can walk away or talk yourself out of an incident, then you should do so. If and when an incident arises that warrants the use of a firearm, you better damn well be ready to not only use it, but deal with the consequences. There will be times when you are caught off guard and will not be able to draw your weapon in a safe and timely manner. Again, this is where your brain, common sense and training come into play.
All this said, i would much rather have the (legal) option to carry a firearm if i so desired than to be unarmed and defenseless.
Not to sound cliche, but i'd also rather be judged by 12 than carried by six.
In the words of Kenny Rogers, "you got to know when to hold em' know when to fold em."

In response to a friend's Facebook comment, in which he stated that the United States should 'take ALL guns away from everyone,' I posted this in his comments:
I bring this topic up in light of the recent event in West Webster, NY where four firefighters were shot at, killing two and injuring the others. And again in Alabama, where firefighters were fired upon...And New Jersey, where a prisoner got hold of a weapon and fire upon police officers. I have always been a firm believer in the Second Amendment, and I exercise that right as a law abiding citizen, and want to know others' opinions on the subject.
Are people on this site un owners? What is your take on gun control? What do you think is causing these massacres? What do you think should be done to make not only our job, but Americans in general, safer?

Chassis painted and the super single wheels installed

Found these 2 pictures the other day of Ashland Maine's Tanker from the early 90's

I think the term "working fire" has been overused as of late.... A structure fire is a generalized even to describe a fire at a structure... it could be oven, room and contents, chimney, OR working.... A working fire is one that is best described as a fire that is progressing beyond the point of ignition to involve other parts of the structure, rooms, etc....
One room off is not a working fire... a kitchen fire with extention to the floor above is a working fire.... JMHO

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.

The Chief of Sandy Hook VFD has gone on the CT Fire forum and said that if they require assistance dealing with these people, they will put the word out at the appropriate time. You can be damned sure if that call comes in there will be quite a response from CTs first responders.

I'd also like to recognize the Connecticut State Police again. Since this tragedy, CSP has had Troopers detailed 24/7 as Liaisons to each individual family who has lost a loved one, helping protect them from the vultures in the media and helping out in any other way they can. These men and women are amazing, truly CT's finest.

The first thing is a "Non - Deployed Reservist" (meaning never deployed after basic and advanced training to a hazardous duty / hostile fire zone or on active duty) is not classified as a "Veteran". Reservists that have only attended training, and never deployed or entered active duty do not receive points or other benefits (Civil Service) currently as the system is set up in most if not all states. A veteran is defined as one who has served honorably on active federal duty for more then 90 days for other then training. Not everyone in the military is cut out to be Infantrymen. I think the same holds true with the fire service, not everyone in the military is cut out to be a firefighter. Hell we have firefighters that aren't cut out to be firefighters.
What most people don't know is the unemployment rate for our returning veterans is 14-18 percent (DOL stats). This is accepted as a low figure, its most likely closer to 20-25 percent. These men and women are our nations most presious resource, your sons, daughters brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers. They stood up and raised their right hand and served in harms way when the nation called. With the best of intentions they are returning to there lives changed forever from what ever they endured. Some have sacrificed their lives, other their health and countless others presious time away from their families that they will never get back (missed birth of a child, birthdays, graduations and holidays) many have deployed more the 6 times. Its not easy to be told you can't go home because the team needs you. So if a veteran gets hired over another non-veteran by what ever system they use I vote yes for it. And I can't be sure but I'll bet none of them scored a 70 to get on the job. Yes some cities gets it, most do not. I tip my hat to the city of Boston and thank them for looking out for the next greatest generation.

This article is an embarrassment to the job and more so to this disgrace of a firefighter. The article would have you believe that this is a dietary issue and that the other firefighters are making him feel like an outcast because of his dietary choices. I've never worked in that firehouse, but we all know what the firehouse kitchen is like. The kitchen is sacred in the firehouse. It's where a group of firefighters, working together for 24 hrs, come together as a unit, cook and eat. Everyone coming together is key to the cohesiveness of the firehouse. Not everyone likes what is put on the table every night and no one is forcing food down your throat. Plenty of people I work with don't eat shellfish or cheese and some guys ARE cutting down on their meat intake for health reasons. That's fine, but everyone still pays and everyone still cooks. If nothing else, it's a highly important symbolic activity. We have a rule, if you're "out on the meal" then that's it, you're out.
Don't be fooled by the NY Post rhetoric or this guys nonsense story. The trouble didn't start because one person decided to change their diet. It began when that one person decided that the whole firehouse and a sacred aspect of it's culture had to change for him. We drill together, we laugh together, we eat together and we put ourselves in harms way together. You can't shun one of those things and expect everyone to maintain the same level of respect for you.
If any serious credence is lent to this story, it will be one more slide down the tube for society.

' An excert from the alert from the National Weather Service.

Pretty much sums it up. An absolutely terrible situation, but they only have themselves to blame.