FDNY 10-75

We have people in our area who refuse to acknowledge that we can be hit by coastal storms (nor'easter, tropical storm, or hurricane) so their planning for those is inadequate. Do you think they're really going to plan for a tsunami?
We'd have better luck getting them to plan for Godzilla or the blob.

What I find interesting is we can cut to the bone American services in the interest of "balancing the budget" but out of that same bank account comes the "foreign aid" which remains uncut. We as a people should demand that the FIRST cut be foreign aid then domestic aid not the other way around. We have people going to sleep hungry and homeless within our own boarders for the sake of providing food and shelter to those in foreign lands. We as a people need to get our priorities in order and take care of our own first or at lease equally to those that we rush to. Watch late night TV and you are guaranteed to to see some actor or actress collecting for kids in some far away land. You don't see them collecting for the homeless kids in LA, the South Bronx, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, etc.
Just my two cents.

How much US money is being sent overseas in foreign aid every year? BILLIONS.
I'm not suggesting we eliminate it but if we reduced it by half and applied that toward programs that are sorely needed within our borders and to reduce the national debt. While I wholeheartedly support our country's support of developing nations, we must protect our own first and that simply isn't happening any more.
The tax code should also be simplified so everyone pays their fair share including the poorest right up to the richest corporations. Tax breaks for special interests are out of control.
Consolidation of duplicate or redundant government agencies needs to become a law. There's a federal and state Education Department but there're also local school districts. Why all three? Why are there so many independent school districts? Almost every one has a superintendent making around 200,000 per year. Why?
America's not broke but the government thinks it can just continue spending without a care in the world.
A balanced budget bill has been introduced in the US Senate. We should all lobby for its passage. How many of us are allowed to run up big deficits without any repercussions?

Congratulations to the DC HazMat Team, who, for the 2nd year in a row, won the NYS HazMat Challenge held at Montour Falls, NY!
Please see the attached .pdf for the entire article!
Volunteers are HazMat Champs 2 years in a row.pdf

Looking through Flikr.com I found these training photos. Credit to the photographers
My linkhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/uberzombie/330972313/
My linkhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/29847057@N03/4038800640/in/photostream/

heres what this type of pin looks like.

Safety boat in the water

Post drill assessment

clean up

A very interesting read. I agree with him. I know some people don't like Michael Moore and his style, but he uses it to get a message across. And I think this message is dead on.
FULL EDITORIAL: http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/mike-friends-blog/america-is-not-broke

I'm not trying to start any problems here...............but if we're gonna start talking FACTS and DATES, then let's get a couple of things clear................FDNY had ALWAYS been doing rescue work, but never had a DEDICATED unit to respond to these types of jobs prior to the formation of the first Rescue company..............FDNY Rescue Company #1 was organized on January 18, 1915, and was placed in service OFFICIALLY on March 6th, 1915.............over 15 years prior to the formation of ANY of NYPD's ESU units.......
And there's no jealousy or hatred here, as I started my career on the NYPD (4-8 Pct).........

A study was done on the different styles of police work back in 1968. Here is the quote from the study.
Given the broad mandates of police work, and yet having limited resources, police administrators must develop policies to prioritize and focus their activities. Some of the more controversial policies restrict, or even forbid, high-speed vehicular pursuits.
Three styles of policing develop from a jurisdiction’s socioeconomic characteristics, government organization, and choice of police administrators. According to a study by James Q. Wilson (”Varieties of Police Behavior”, 1968, 1978, Harvard University Press), there were three distinct types of policing developed in his study of eight communities. Each style emphasized different police functions, and were linked to specific characteristics of the community the department served. (Wilson’s field of study was in the United States, and it is not clear if similar studies have been done for other countries with different governmental organization and laws.)
Watchman. Emphasizes maintaining order, usually found in communities with a declining industrial base, and a blue-collar, mixed ethnic/racial population. This form of policing is implicitly less pro-active than other styles, and certain offenses may be “overlooked” on a variety of social, legal, and cultural grounds, as long as the public order is maintained. Smith and Cole comment the broad discretion exercised in this style of policing can result in charges of discrimination, when it appears police treatment of different groups results in the perception that some groups get better treatment than others;
Legalistic. Emphasizes law enforcement and professionalism. This is usually found in reform-minded cities, with mixed socioeconomic composition. Officers are expected to generate a large number of arrests and citations, and act as if there were a single community standard for conduct, rather than different standards for different groups. However, the fact that certain groups are more likely to have law enforcement contact means this strict enforcement of laws may seem overly harsh on certain groups;
Service. Emphasizes the service functions of police work, usually found in suburban, middle-class communities where residents demand individual treatment. Police in homogeneous communities can view their work as protecting their citizens against “outsiders”, with frequent but often-informal interventions against community members. The uniform make-up of the community means crimes are usually more obvious, and therefore less frequent, leaving police free to deal with service functions, and traffic control.
Wilson’s study applies to police behavior for the entire department, over time. At any given time, police officers may be acting in a watchman, service, or legalistic function by nature of what they’re doing at the time, or temperament, or mood. Individual officers may also be inclined to one style or another, regardless of supervisor or citizen demands.

Photo of Mount Kisco's new Tower Ladder 14

So, basically the comments about who did what first is what matters? Tradition and history dicate our roles, not what our community currently needs? Barbers used to do minor surgery, like remove tonsils? Since they were doing it first, should we send a patient with a tonilectomy to a barber because they were doing it "first"?
Is the standard nationwide nowadays for Fire Departments to handle motor vehicle extrications? When I worked Empress in the late 90's,WCPD ESU was still active and doing extrications....however it was only one officer and no protective gear. Yonkers ESU did a fantastic job at extrication. But what happens if ESU is tied up on a pin job and a hostage situtation comes in?
Rescue can be a combined function, but when you have two "competing" teams in one municpality, plus a third county provided service, then that's a waste.
And correction, University Of Medicine And Dentistry New Jerey EMS, in the City of Newark, provides Extrication, not Jersey City.
I always thought that ESU were SWAT trainined I guess I was wrong.
Given the vast array of infastructure and population density in the northeast, that plays into factor as well for more trained and equipped resources.
What if firefighters were trained to be police officers and carry weapons and make arrests, to help out the PD? Should we train everyone to be a Police Officer-Firefighter-Paramedic so we're all on the same level?
There are A LOT of differences between Law Enforcement in NY and TX.
I have nothing against cops, I just see a big difference in law enforcement, and I thought it would be an intersting discussion. I meant no offense to anyone. You want to give me a negative rep point for my opinion and point of view because it differs from yours?
I give up, I meant for this to be a compartive discussion of law enforcement roles in different parts of the country, but it got all skewed. But this discussion validated what I thought...it is different.

I've been a Law Enforcement Dispatcher in NY, and a Texas certified Law Enforcement Dispatcher here in Texas with a large urban police department, working the busiest sector. My father was a police officer and ran a police supply store, so growing up I was always around "old school" Police Officers who couldn't imagine todays world. And a large number of my friends are Police Officers. And, as a citizen, I'd rather have a police officer here ASAP if I got robbed, instead of having them delayed because they are duplicating the services of the FD. And the taxes I pay for PD are to keep my family safe. I pay taxes for the FD and EMS to provide their services. Where I used to live, a lot of the time, the cops were tied up doing EMS and the rest trying to fill in the gaps. Down here, I can't leave my house and go anywhere without seeing a police officer on patrol.
Not just here, but other places I have visited, i.e. Los Angeles, where "ESU" has another name...SWAT.
Exactly.
But why do they have to be cross trained if there is already an agency providing the service? Unless it enhances manpower for that agency.
Why is it healthy? All I've seen it do is breed hate and ego.
Agree, but shouldn't be that way. Your agency should get funding based on it's core responsibilities, not just duplicate services to get grant money and waste it. All and all, these grants don't come from anywhere. They come out of our taxes.
I can see Law Enforcement doing Search and Rescue and other types of rescue related to policing, but don't duplicate FD services.
VERY true. But Cops want to do cop stuff, and firefighters want to do fire stuff. Cops can grow into and do all sorts of fun Law Enforcement things like SWAT, Aviation, Marine, Detectives, K-9, Crime Scene, Instructors, Community Policing, etc etc. Firefighters can go onto be officers, work specialized units, arson investigation, fire prevention, intructors, etc. All of which keeps the respective jobs hands full. And cops use grants to buy cop stuff, and firefighters use grants to buy firefighter stuff. As I said, it's a very different mentality. I don't understand anymore why there is such competition to fill each other's roles when there is enough to do already.
Another example is internal with PD's. County PD has a large number of resources and experts to offer agencies, but yet some departments still feel the need to duplicate their specialized services.
I love cops, I love firefighters, it's just a breath of fresh air down here to see a cop actually loving being a cop and nothing else.It refreshing to hear a cop say "Let's hang around the house of this guy with a warrant....see if he shows up....informant said he's been coming and going lately" instead of "Let's take in that rescue call".

Having lived in Austin, Texas for over three years now after living in Hartsdale, NY for 28, and having worked with law enforcement agencies in both areas, I've noticed something.
THIS IS IN NO WAY A KNOCK AT POLICE OFFICERS, JUST MY OPINION AND OBSERVATION
Down here, cops want to be cops. They want to go out and make arrests, do felony stops, nab DWI and aggresive drivers, etc. They go out and find work, or are dispatched to it-work is plentiful. They follow up with previous victims, and take pride in the sector they work, and knowing it well. They'll help the FD when needed, but they don't duplicate any services. In fact, they get along quite well in most jurisdictions. Most have no interest in firefighting or doing anything the FD's doing. In fact, most people pursue either a law enforcement, EMS, or FD career. People just don't take tests until they are offered something.
It seems like Police Officers in NYC Metro area want to be into everything. Several muncipalities not only have ESU, but some have technical rescue teams, etc. Now, given the infastructure in NY, that's no a bad thing. But someone, seemingly an ESU officer, make some observations about a recent rope rescue Yonkers FD was involved in, which led me to thinking.
I believe STRONGLY in the ESU concept, however I think they should be more focused on tactical operations and supporting other law enforcement endeavors then tying themselves up with what the FD's already doing. These are highly trained police officers, with special equipment. Why tye them up on something the FD is already doing, and why is it a competition? Why are there more officers interested in getting rope certification then assualt rifle certification? Why aren't there more officers assigned to Hudson River patrols? ESU does a great job, but they should really be there for law enforcement work. I mean, I could understand having to rapell to get to a suicide victim or for SWAT purposes, but for rescuing stranded workers from a ledge...that's what the firefighters signed up to do.
Which leads me to wonder, why in the northeast, with less police officers, funding being cut, and crime rising, would officers want to deal with things beyond the law enforcement scope? Why would they want to direct funding towards equipment the FD already has and duplicate services? I know a lot is grant-funded, but if you don't need it let it go to someone who does. I think money would be better spent on having more K-9 units.
Why do officers down here have such a focused law enforcement different mentality, and in NY they want to do everything? I don't see firefighters wanting guns and handcuffs. Cops should be proud and excited that they are cops, and should take every bad guy off the streeet they can.
In certain situations, PD should work with FD, like in HazMat situations. And in certain places, like NYPD's Transit Bureau, should have confined space training, since going into tunnels to shoo them of transients and patrol, is part of their job.
Again, this is not a knock at LEO's, this does not apply to all LEO's, just some comparitive thoughts. I think cops in both areas do a great job at whatever they are assigned to do, I just see such a profound difference from down here to up there.

29th Annual
Lt. James Curran Memorial Training Seminar
Saturday, April 2nd 2011 beginning at 9am
FDNY Bureau of Training, Randalls Island, NYC
Heavy Vehicle Rescue & Fire Apparatus Extrication
Capt. Robert Morris, Rescue Co. 1, FDNY
Engine Company Operations & Tactics
Lt. Tim Klett, Engine Co. 88, FDNY
Private Dwelling Fires: Tactics & Procedures
B.C. Stephen Geraghty, Chief of Rescue Operations, FDNY
D.C. (Ret.) Peter Hart, Division 7, FDNY
**There will also be a special dedication ceremony held, including FDNY dignitaries and a performance by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes & Drums**
$25.00 includes coffee,doughnuts and lunch
Merchandise will be available for purchase
ALL Proceeds Benefit the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation
Visit http://nyffburncenter.com for more information

All,
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Acutally, aluminum wheels have benefits besides appearances. That's why you see them on city transit buses. They dissipate heat from braking better, and resist corrosion. Are very tolerating of punishing conditions. Amongst other things.Also, they usually put them on in the last steps, as they don't want them to get damaged during construction.
Thanks Andy for the shots! I know another one is scheduled to appear at FDIC in April.

They took delivery in November, 2010. I have yet to see it, personally. Hope to change that soon.

The first of the five new Ferrara rescues being constructed for FDNY is finished and will be assigned to Rescue 5. Here are a few photos of it on display at the Long Island Fire, Rescue & EMS Mega Show, which is going on this weekend at Nassau Coliseum. My apologies for the "cluttered" and blurry shots. Was very difficult to get a good shot with all the people around, and a "point and shoot" job doesn't always get along with sub-par lighting situations. But, until the rig is delivered and the "experts" get access to it, these will have to do.

Great turnout by PD, FD and EMS for the funeral of Poughkeepsie Police Det. John Falcone in Carmel.

The effort the Brothers put in to this project from construction through demonstration was outstanding. They passed out questionnaires at the conclusion, five or six quick questions with a circle 1 thru 5 for the answer format. And we got to keep the pens. Public relations 101; do it right and keep your department out there in a positive light, especially these days with all the crazy attacks on the job from coast to coast.
Lest I forget our Brothers In Blue, I leave you with this.....and yes they DO take transfers.

I am going to get on my very young and gung-ho soapbox right now and speak my mind. Feel free to let the flame war ensue since I'll be opening Pandora's Box right now.
Currently we have numerous, very active threads going on in the main board and that is fantastic. I am happy to be part of a very active discussion board that allows for open discussion on any topic we so choose totalk about. There is always a new post or discussion or someone chiming in on something that provides a new direction, or insight on the topic.
What does bother's me though, is the priorities that I feel many people have, as to what is actually important to the fire service, and it reflects on the types of threads posted and the activity of each thread. Currently we have threads about types of colors on chiefs cars, blue lights, other secondary/tertiary discussions as to who should have what. I have no problem with these threads as they enlighten others as to certain laws and other regulatory information.
What does bother me though is when you have a member post a topic about resources in the county and what department has special teams, only one person answers… Why? Do we really care so little about preplanning and foresight before an incident that we would much rather discuss the correct angle of chevrons over running an incident efficiently and smoothly? I know I personally was really looking forward to seeing what departments have around the county, so in case my department ever needs assistance to something we cannot ourselves handle butsomeone else can, they can be called upon.
We also have the "Tactical considerations" forum, which is a fantastic idea, but it rarely gets used, and when it does, only 2-5 people chime in with an answer. If you're wrong with an answer, who cares? It's only online training and you'll learn from your mistake. It's better done here, then out at an actual incident.
Sure I like to "buff out" every now and then as much as the next guy and get ideas from apparatus photos, but I think proactively talking and learning from other people about pre planning actual operations, or what an IC would have done differently at a fire is much more important then who won what at who's parade. There is such a vast wealth of knowledge on this board, it puzzles me that no one wants to actually release information for whatever reason they so choose.
Not a day goes by where I do not learn something new about the fireservice, and this board has definitely supplied me and numerous other people with a plethora of information. I can only hope that more people talk about the operational and tactical side of the fire service, as to me this is what truly matters and where departments stand out. The general population does not care about your roto-ray, or your undercover chief's car. They want their fire put out quickly and efficiently and their family member cut out of their car without any more harm being done. Sure things look cool, but to me, what is far, far more important is providing a homeowner or taxpaying company relief when we show up because operationally, we look like an organized, well oiled army doing everything in our power to help them out.
I'm not sure if I'm totally off base here and singling myself out, and this is no way a shot at anyone in particular but this is just an observation I have been making over the last few months and felt like it was time to share my opinion.
edit: transfered from M.Word and the format was screwed up

I guess the truth really hurts some of you guys.
I speak based on the irresponsible actions of the local chiefs and assistants with ghost lettering on their vehicles. Maybe south of here the Chiefs drive with respect and decency... But then again, I have seen plenty of Chiefs from Westchester, Rockland and Putnam drive around erratically with the lights and sirens blaring at the HVVFA shows 100 miles out of their response area, so maybe not.
Ghost lettering and blue LEDs on fire apparatus wasn't important to have until the cops got it. All of a sudden, everyone has to have it and it apparently has nothing to do with the police having it?
If you don't think I should be a moderator because I have an opinion that is different from yours, I am more than happy to give it up. However, I won't give up my opinion.

As was stated, it makes it much easier to abuse their powers. I guess they want to look like the cops too...

"Westchester County Stat-Flight " from the early days. Photo by TR54 at the Kensico Dam plaza for display to the public.