M' Ave

Thanks.

I am very familiar with EFAS as New Rochelle FD also has it. And while SDI (the company that developed it, not the Navel Research Lab which they work for) developed EFAS, the EBF4 (electronic ride list) and the RFID system which is still in the testing phase with about a dozen FDNY companies. Our work with them has been a little different. We have EFAS, but the EBF4 was designed to work for FDNY and by design would be too costly to modify for any other dept. So with SDI, NRFD helped them develop EasyStaff which is a cloud based electronic riding list that is easy to customize, is designed to work with any size department from single station to multiple battalions and multiple divisions. Since it is cloud based we can make changes to the riding list from any device with internet access. It is also simple enough that we expect that a member who comes in on an early relief can change it at the watch desk without having to wake the officer. We decided right from the start that we had no need for the RFID technology. While the riding position and radio assignment are most critical in a smaller dept. knowing the members names becomes more important. An additional component in EasyStaff is the SCBA assigned is also tracked. Thus when low air or pass alarm goes off, we also know who it is (which is similar to the pak traker function, but we get more info to the CP).

With EasyStaff we can also see the members assigned in other departments when they come up in EFAS (if they have EasyStaff). Because it is a different source than the EBF4 when FDNY radio's come up on our EFAS (and our radios in FDNY EFAS) you only get the 7 digital code, which if you know the key, you know the assignment (i.e. 5005401 would be FDNY Engine 54

Interesting, thanks for the background. I didn't know that you guys were using EFAS as well. It's an awesome system, worked great everytime I've manned it when FAST Truck. That 7 digit code (as I'm sure you know) was all we used to get on the old FAST radio.

I also agree, that RFID system would be excellent for a volunteer outfit. As for the motivations behind our use......nefarious at best.....

Do you adjust the electronic riding list during the tour if personnel changes are made i.e. a member has an early relief or a stand-by etc.?

Yes, there is a provision in the system preliminaries when waiting for a detail from another company. Likewise, it is easily updated for early relief. However, the radio ID is associated with a riding position first and the name second. So, even if the name were somehow incorrect, the company and position of the member would be displayed.

I also remember reading several articles about technology in the fire service, specifically FDNY.....SCBA's were complained about when they first came out...thermal imaging cameras were "useless".......but now they are technologies we can't live without

It's quite true that the fire service, and often specifically the FDNY, are resistant to change. I agree completely. Tools ranging from the Mask itself to the TIC were cast aside as unnecessary. Clearly, those tools and a lot of others have proved to be key components of firefighting operations.

Resistance to new technology isn't a forgone conclusion either. Over the last couple of years we've begun using EFAS, the Electronic Firefighter Accountability System. At the start of every tour, each member is put on an electronic riding list that links with our radio I.D.'s. When a member broadcasts, their name, company and riding position are displayed on the MDT screen on any Battalion vehicle. This tech. was immediately embrace by the members. it's highly functional, makes our job easier and dramatically increases operational safety.

I think that the concept of a device that would locate a downed member within the fire building is also something that the members have a very positive opinion of. What's at issue is that the "PacTracker" itself is not very good. This really isn't about who wanted the device vs. who builds it, nor is it an issue of how useful the technology is. I think we can all agree that it's a great idea.

What we have here is the rank and file speaking out (almost unanimously) against the usefulness of this technology in its's current form. On the other hand, someone associated with the maker telling us we're wrong. The right move here, for the builder, is to take the word of the firemen who use the device, say it's lousy, and BUILD A BETTER ONE!

This was the quarters of Eng. 36, "Skells Angels". A busy and storied company shuttered by the Bloomberg administration. Thanks bloomy.....and thanks for 4 years without a contract

Lets agree to disagree. Its a tool like anything else. It has its +'s and -'s. and Yes, I am involved with Scott products and NYC.

Stay Safe

Usually the manufacturer and the end users don't, "agree to disagree". Doesn't help sell products......unless you sell to giant bureaucracies, like say, NYC?

FYI, The training suggests that system could cut the time to finding a downed firefighter by 50% if used properly. A little more then borderline in my opinion.

Stay safe.

We've been training with this tool for years now. We started when it was first assigned to Rescue Co's, and we've continued to use it in training evolutions, from both In house training and use during MOAD evolutions. It has an extremely rudimentary display, doesn't work well with concrete walls/floors and is little to no help if you're not on an even plane. What training suggests it could cut down search time by 50%? Scott's? I've never heard the number before. Is it a tool? Sure. Is it the first thing the FAST team is reaching for? Probobly not. It's just not that good! What.....do you sell them or something?

But....like you said, I guess we just need some more retraining(rolls eyes)

Trying to fix something that isn't broken

We do have the PAC tracker to help find a downed brother or brothers who's pass alarm is in full alert

Agree completely on your first point. System that isn't broken......

However, the PAC Tracker sucks.....talk about borderline useless.....

Total waste of money, solving a problem that doesn't exist. All this does is use RFID to identify who's on the rig or at the box. What for? We already know this. Before the start of each tour, the riding list (who's working and in what position) is entered into a computer terminal. This corresponds with the EFAS radio accountability system for the command post and FAST unit. So.....what's this for again?

FYI, we haven't used paper and and carbon in 6 years.

There is an agenda here, one that makes this system very unpopular....but I won't speculate any further on that.....

Really? The hat was making it difficult to subdue the guy? Were his socks making it difficult as well? The people on this site are so brainwashed in favor of fire, ems, and law enforcement that these cops could have shot this guy while he was laying in the street and they would still be patting these guys on the back in this thread! I just love how long it took for two well-trained law enforcement professionals to take one disorderly moron into custody! What did they even stop him for? J walking? Suspicious activity? Even though they outnumbered him two to one it took kicks to the head, pepper spray, and a taser in addition to 45 seconds of wrestling this guy to get him into custody. I just hope the liberal media gets this video front and center on the morning news tomorrow and we'll see what the public thinks about the actions of these troopers and not just the fan club here on this site! My vote is that their actions were egregious...as usual! Police view the public as the enemy! The old mentality of "protect and serve" is nonexistent nowadays! It's been changed to "command and taze."

Once upon a time there was a level of decorum that existed between the public and LEOs. Officers knew the people in their town, their demeanor, and their tendencies, and could diffuse virtually any situation with a conversation and some sound reason. It is a shame that "Protect and Serve" has been replaced by "Command and Tase." I guess we need extremes like the protests that occurred in Furguson, MO to combat the other extreme, the one being vocalized on this very thread. It seems that the Emtbravo "Fan Club" has taken the position of "whatever these cops do to this guy he had it coming." I know I would be pretty pissed if some degenerate with a High School diploma and a badge on his chest were screaming in my face like the trooper was doing to the "perp" in this video. Regardless of this guy's criminal history and whatever act brought the police there that day, these Super Troopers seemed a little too jacked-up on Mountain Dew and quick to that taser trigger for me to condone any of their actions. I know I didn't see what happened before the video started and can't prove that this guy didn't have it coming...but none of you did either and you can't prove that he did...From what I have seen here, the treatment this guy got didn't match the resistance.

I approved your comments because I didn't think they needed censoring......ignorance isn't against the rules. But....boy are you wrong.

I can only hope that someday you need LE assistance and they have to take an overly cautious approach, thanks to needless criticism from people, like yourself, who are in no position to question the actions of those who's shoes they've never had to fill.

In this video, I saw a constructive, calculated and restrained response that led to the apprehension of some moron who didn't listen to lawful order. He's lucky he didn't get roughed up worse and that level heads prevailed.

You guys done yet?

Thought we were here to find ways to IMPROVE things?! You guys are griping about what is under what roof. Enough already.

Yup.

The End.

Those are the hallway/stairway outlets. They're lacking the controlling wheel, as a lot of the real ones are.

its funny that guys that like this work at 60 control as trainers and like bashing the the volunteers they get paid to train?thats a big problem with 60 control and hurts the fire service.this needs to stop,

60 Control is a dispatch agency. They don't train anyone.

If you get a 95 on your next exam and a veteran gets an 85, you'll still be five points ahead and ranked higher on the promotional list. Does that make the vet more deserving of the promotion than you?

How is this a productive question? We score exams, the higher score gets promoted. We've decided as a society to give some preference to veterans and that preference comes in the form of 5 extra points. So no, a vet who is still behind me with his points is not more deserving. A vet who scored equal to or 4 points less is. Are we now going to debate Vet. Credits?

No, we're not. We're debating the fact that someone (who is a seemingly over qualified veteran) was passed over for what might be nothing more than political retribution. We shouldn't debate this? We shouldn't ask for reasons and clarification? Why should anyone related to the civil service take this lying down. It could be you cheated with no explanation.....or a son or daughter. Why are we not defending this guy......

There is another aspect to this which has nothing to do with the candidate's military service. He is related to a town official. Lately many municipalities have enacted very strict anti-nepotism laws. Those that have not done so yet, will soon feel the pressure to. I can see board members, although I would not agree with it, passing over a candidate who while qualified was related to an official simply to appear that they do not support nepotism. This is almost the same thing as the politically correct crowd, who will go to great pains to appear to not do something that they really were never doing in the first place.

I agree there is strong antinepostism sentiment out there.......however, his sister the trustee, abstained from voting on the matter. This is all the avoidance I would expect.

And it was his choice to make the commitment and he got 5 points for it! The point I'making is what about everyone else????? They chose different paths and should not be skipped because of him when they may have the same or better grade.

What are you talking about!? This isn't an issue of 5 points! This is an issue of denying someone a job without cause. This ALSO isn't about anyone else. This is a guy who had every endorsement from the mayor to the police chief and down to the citizens of the village. The outward appearance here is that he was denied because of petty political infighting. The veteran aspect helps draw positive attention to this issue, positive for the candidate and I'm glad he's using it to his advantage.

Could there be a valid reason for passing this guy over, legally? Sure could. If there is, then why don't these 4 trustees just come out and say it. From the outside looking in, the silence is awful telling.

Lastly, on a personal note....your comments thus far are quite telling of your character. Degradation of the commitments of those who serve in the military is disgusting. Self gratification? I work with guys who have multiple purple hearts....and the scars to prove it. Come on over and tell them about their self importance and see how long you stay standing on your two feet. Standing in the line of fire, taking bullets and shrapnel and living with the fear of death everyday seems like an awful lot to do for 5 measly points on some civil service test. Although....in your eyes, they don't deserve special recognition. Well, keep enjoying football Sunday and holiday's with your family....don't worry, no one had to sacrifice for you to have those comforts.

Veterans working on Wall Street....guess what? You put military service on an application for ANY job and you get a leg up....deservedly so.

Love how you threw a jab at Volly's in there too. That is a SYSTEM with some problems, but filled with a majority a well intention'd people.

Enjoy your comforts, paycheck and straight 8's in Eastchester.

Love,

The U.S. Armed Forces

This is an actual combat veteran. Unless you see combat overseas, you don't get the credit, or that's at least how I understand it.

The following says a lot:

Vet credits are actually given to anyone who serves in any capacity. Obviously, there is a differentiation of an additional 5 points for those who are combat wounded.

Saw ESU twice today, no flashing lights

Get over it!!!! What makes him so diff then anyone who works hard to get on the list? If he scored a 95 and got 5 points as a veteran credit is he more special then the kid who got no credits and scored a 98 or a 100???

Seriously get over it

To echo thebreeze above.....he IS different. He served this country in battle and deserves to be treated with special regard. Your response is cold, callus and devoid of reasonable consideration. This is a man who is as qualified as all and more so than most, it would appear. If the board has a reason, beyond cold-calculated political retribution, let them voice it.

There will certainly be a legal battle here, which the village will lose. They'll suffer shame and a waste of tax payer dollars to boot.

My score on future promotional exams will certainly be eclipsed by those with Vet. credits and they'll be promoted before me. This is good and right, they are more deserving than I because they gave in a way I never have.

Political B.S. Small town govt is embarrassing......

Probably better off leaving there anyway. Im sure he's making a lot more with less bullshit!

No way. He was collecting his FDNY pension, which must have been well over 100k, plus the 175k+ he was making in Yonkers. If he goes back to FDNY, he'll have to give up his pension, for the time being.

Definitely won't be Chief of Staff to the FC. That's a uniform position.....and would be a major step down.

Yes he has resigned going back to FDNY to be #3. The heat in Yonkers was more than he could bear.

When you say #3, can you be more specific? COD Kilduff isn't leaving yet, Chief of Ops Esposito isn't either. Chief of Training, Galvin hasn't announced anything either and that there is #1, 2 and 3.

Word is floating around the FDNY that Sweeney is coming back in some Staff Chief capacity. There's even a Sept. 1st date rumor. So, is there any more word in YFD if he's leaving?

The NYPD shot and killed someone, just because that person shot at them? Man, I hope there's a video out there that catches the last 1/4 of the interaction so Al Sharpton has something to latch onto for his next news conference. Surely the NYPD officer could have danced between the bullets, approached the perp and de-escalated (new progressive buzz-word) the situation.....you know....without excessive force.

Seriously though, thank god the officer and Marshall's are alive and I wish them a speedy recovery. Few agencies need support right now like the NYPD.

I do have to say though, its my favorite when people say "nothing showing" on a CO call.

Why? Being that it's a product of combustion......

That said, I don't think I've ever heard that used at a CO run.

The term n"nothing showing" is fine. Short sweet and to the point. It can be a helpful assesment in conjunction with other reports as well. Perhaps units operating at a 1sty. commercial taxpayer have a strong odor, an the OV Man gives a report from the rear that "nothing is showing", could it be buttoned up really tight? Could there be fire, just not visible, indicating that it is in an early decay (possibly very dangerous) phase?

Nothing showing is info, it means......there's nothing showing. At least for us, we wouldn't say "on scene, investigating", because they already know where on scene. Investigating, I'd think, is assumed. I don't think anyone's doing a cursory drive by.

I believe the course is called "FLSTP" (first-line supervisor training program. It is run by FDNY but it is for any NYS career firefighter promoted to the next up supervisory rank (usually Lieutenant, but it could be Captain or Chief, depending on the size of the dept.). When I went years ago, we had officers from Yonkers to Syracuse to Cohoes to Johnson city to Albany and buffalo. It was 4 weeks long, and the lessons were all taught in a generic manner, meaning they were relevant to any career dept., not just FDNY (there were only 2 days where the FDNY lieutenants were separated from the rest to teach specific FDNY admin matters). It was really interesting when we had a tactics class- each student had to explain to the class how they would handle a fire on the 3rd floor of a 5 story multiple dwelling. The small departments really showed us "big city" guys how they attempted to "do more with less". We all got a lot out of the class, and had a lot of laughs.

The FDNY Lts now attend for 5 weeks, one additional after the upstate guys are done.