nfd2004

 
Yes, "SECTMB" is totally CORRECT. The problem then was there was NO HEATED Cabs to ride inside of like today. In most cases there wasn't even a place to sit. I can tell you, "it really was no fun riding that back step in the middle of some Sub Zero night coming back from a job. Trying to hang on for dear life with turnout gear (as it was called) and gloves covered in ice with frozen hands under them. "They didn't tell that story on those T-shirts".
 
  Then came those super hot humid days, and a totally different story. No nice cool air conditioned cabs to cool down in.
 
  Take it from a guy who "DID" ride the back step. It really didn't take too long to realize, "this really isn't that much fun anymore'. To my Brothers out there that did ride the back step, "you know exactly what I'm talking about". For those that DIDN'T, "just be very thankful for the simple things you have today". And just try to remember, it's not that those guys that rode the back step were plain stupid. It's just that there was NO OTHER OPTION.

 
Of course that is GREAT NEWS and THANK YOU for keeping us updated. Now, Seven more to go.
 
So what does this indirectly mean for other guys. In particular those that want to become career firefighters as well. By laying off these eight Port Chester career firefighters, the competition just got harder for those younger volunteer firefighters within the border of Port Chester. Actually, by cutting these career firefighters, their own volunteer membership actually may have, indirectly, have hurt their own membership. Just maybe one less opening for a Port Chester volunteer firefighter to be hired in nearby Rye and begin a very satisfying and rewarding career. And soon there could be seven other positions somewhere nearby in which more career opportunities could be lost for those volunteer members.
 
 Besides the fact of those Port Chester citizens lives and personnel valuables are being put at much more risk. Besides the fact that a fire leadership is willing to put their own members lives at more risk.  We now see another smaller price that a few younger volunteer members may end up paying. LESS opportunity for them to become a career firefighter. All because of a leadership within their own ranks that are more than willing to let them down.
 
  By the way, "how's Chief Quinn doing" ?

 
Of course that is GREAT NEWS and THANK YOU for keeping us updated. Now, Seven more to go.
 
So what does this indirectly mean for other guys. In particular those that want to become career firefighters as well. By laying off these eight Port Chester career firefighters, the competition just got harder for those younger volunteer firefighters within the border of Port Chester. Actually, by cutting these career firefighters, their own volunteer membership actually may have, indirectly, have hurt their own membership. Just maybe one less opening for a Port Chester volunteer firefighter to be hired in nearby Rye and begin a very satisfying and rewarding career. And soon there could be seven other positions somewhere nearby in which more career opportunities could be lost for those volunteer members.
 
 Besides the fact of those Port Chester citizens lives and personnel valuables are being put at much more risk. Besides the fact that a fire leadership is willing to put their own members lives at more risk.  We now see another smaller price that a few younger volunteer members may end up paying. LESS opportunity for them to become a career firefighter. All because of a leadership within their own ranks that are more than willing to let them down.
 
  By the way, "how's Chief Quinn doing" ?

Rye Brook has hired one of the fired Port Chester firefighters . Its a start !

Read that update and it still smells fishy to me. Mount Vernon is always going to be in ruins unless they just change the whole system up. The politics need to change and they need to bring in people to that fire department who know what they are doing and are willing to take the time to rebuild and fight for the necessities. The politicians can't be using emergency services as a political toy to bait with. Lives are at stake and those shenanigans need to stop. I don't know how many chiefs are retiring out of FDNY but maybe somebody with that level of experience should be running the department. That's just my two cents. If they don't take themselves seriously and try to make things better for themselves, nothing will change and they'll still be looked down upon. And that's not right to the firefighters who take the job seriously and to the people of Mount Vernon who rely on their services.

You can't make this up...

 
Yes, "SECTMB" is totally CORRECT. The problem then was there was NO HEATED Cabs to ride inside of like today. In most cases there wasn't even a place to sit. I can tell you, "it really was no fun riding that back step in the middle of some Sub Zero night coming back from a job. Trying to hang on for dear life with turnout gear (as it was called) and gloves covered in ice with frozen hands under them. "They didn't tell that story on those T-shirts".
 
  Then came those super hot humid days, and a totally different story. No nice cool air conditioned cabs to cool down in.
 
  Take it from a guy who "DID" ride the back step. It really didn't take too long to realize, "this really isn't that much fun anymore'. To my Brothers out there that did ride the back step, "you know exactly what I'm talking about". For those that DIDN'T, "just be very thankful for the simple things you have today". And just try to remember, it's not that those guys that rode the back step were plain stupid. It's just that there was NO OTHER OPTION.

 
Yes, "SECTMB" is totally CORRECT. The problem then was there was NO HEATED Cabs to ride inside of like today. In most cases there wasn't even a place to sit. I can tell you, "it really was no fun riding that back step in the middle of some Sub Zero night coming back from a job. Trying to hang on for dear life with turnout gear (as it was called) and gloves covered in ice with frozen hands under them. "They didn't tell that story on those T-shirts".
 
  Then came those super hot humid days, and a totally different story. No nice cool air conditioned cabs to cool down in.
 
  Take it from a guy who "DID" ride the back step. It really didn't take too long to realize, "this really isn't that much fun anymore'. To my Brothers out there that did ride the back step, "you know exactly what I'm talking about". For those that DIDN'T, "just be very thankful for the simple things you have today". And just try to remember, it's not that those guys that rode the back step were plain stupid. It's just that there was NO OTHER OPTION.

 
Yes, "SECTMB" is totally CORRECT. The problem then was there was NO HEATED Cabs to ride inside of like today. In most cases there wasn't even a place to sit. I can tell you, "it really was no fun riding that back step in the middle of some Sub Zero night coming back from a job. Trying to hang on for dear life with turnout gear (as it was called) and gloves covered in ice with frozen hands under them. "They didn't tell that story on those T-shirts".
 
  Then came those super hot humid days, and a totally different story. No nice cool air conditioned cabs to cool down in.
 
  Take it from a guy who "DID" ride the back step. It really didn't take too long to realize, "this really isn't that much fun anymore'. To my Brothers out there that did ride the back step, "you know exactly what I'm talking about". For those that DIDN'T, "just be very thankful for the simple things you have today". And just try to remember, it's not that those guys that rode the back step were plain stupid. It's just that there was NO OTHER OPTION.

 
Yes, "SECTMB" is totally CORRECT. The problem then was there was NO HEATED Cabs to ride inside of like today. In most cases there wasn't even a place to sit. I can tell you, "it really was no fun riding that back step in the middle of some Sub Zero night coming back from a job. Trying to hang on for dear life with turnout gear (as it was called) and gloves covered in ice with frozen hands under them. "They didn't tell that story on those T-shirts".
 
  Then came those super hot humid days, and a totally different story. No nice cool air conditioned cabs to cool down in.
 
  Take it from a guy who "DID" ride the back step. It really didn't take too long to realize, "this really isn't that much fun anymore'. To my Brothers out there that did ride the back step, "you know exactly what I'm talking about". For those that DIDN'T, "just be very thankful for the simple things you have today". And just try to remember, it's not that those guys that rode the back step were plain stupid. It's just that there was NO OTHER OPTION.

I've never been a fan of the Black Helmet garments.  I've always been a traditionalist preferring the maltese cross to scull and crossbones.  It seems to promote some over the top macho image I don't emulate or appreciate. I was in it to help, not draw attention to myself.
 
In the 'old' days, we had to ride the rear step as we didn't have the cab capacity we have today.  Went from hang on, to safety harnesses on the rear step and safety bars on the jump seats to all inside.  Only got the crap scared out of me once.
 
 

Season 2 premieres next Saturday, July 30th!
 
   

Premiering this Saturday night on ABC.

Video: https://youtu.be/ZFPFpn9kmbk

It's a one week vacation that never ends!!

Yesterday (7/21) I was contacted by the Norwich Fire Chief. He wanted to tell me that he believes there is some very positive action being taken to improve the system. He did not give me any specifics.
 
 Perhaps a large front page, plus an additional full page coverage had something to do with that possible improvement.
 
 Perhaps the fact that as of this moment, should those Norwich Firefighters NOT be called to a serious incident some Fire Commander could be held totally accountable for his actions resulting in some legal action against him.
 
 In the past, I have witnessed hand shakes and agreements that were broken at the next incident. This time it will be in writing, clearly spelling the type of actions that must be followed. If not followed, then be removed from that position. In addition a possible legal battle,
 
  I have witnessed discussions by five career chiefs and several elected volunteer chiefs. Also six or seven separate Union Presidents between several different volunteer fire chiefs over the years. Sit down and talk, talk, talk and more talk with absolutely nothing accomplished. What a waste of time all that was.
 
  Only difference is "this time" a newspaper story told citizens within the city, as well as those with family and friends living and working in that city, of a group of firefighters willing to turn their backs on its people rather than make a serious effort to protect them. Firefighters who were apparently willing to go against every rule in the book.  
 
  I hope whatever it is that this Chief and the Volunteer Chiefs have in mind will finally work out.  As I see it, they really have no choice. Lets put these years of old outdated thinking behind us with a future towards what way ALL firefighters can best serve the public.

After being involved and knowing the system for a very long time, it is my opinion (only opinion), that there was a conscious effort by those involved in the leadership of the Five Volunteer Companies to make the case that "they can prove" to this city, that they are perfectly capable of providing fire service WITHOUT ANY USE of those Career Firefighters.
 
I also believe it was also in the plan to eliminate twelve of those firefighter positions by closing an engine company and reducing the manning on another. They apparently were also working with one or two city council members, as well as one or two outside CAREER Firefighters who went against their own brothers so they could continue to be the heros within their volunteer organizations. In fact during one budget hearing earlier in June, one council member used many facts that seem to point in the direction of one particular OUTSIDE CAREER Firefighter. However, just as expected the Norwich Fire Chief had all of his facts well prepared to present countering those comments. That's how sure the members of that Norwich FD were that this Outside Brother Firefighter would be used against them.
 
 Then after that first recorded incident involving a nursing home, apparently most of my opponents thought this "old retired dinosaur" really has NO IDEA what he's talking about and we (Volunteer Chiefs) could just "write him off".  When the second serious incident occurred with no response from that closer, fully staffed fire dept., another email was sent out. This time word is, "I am going to the newspaper no matter who tells me not to". Between the time of my scheduled appointment with this newspaper reporter and this second incident - TWO more serious incidents get added to the story.
 
 When I do finally meet with that reporter we talk for about two hours. I remind her that she is certainly entitled to hear from the other side and she advises me of such. She tells me that she will be heading to the dispatch center to get some facts related to these incidents so she can start with the story. The next week she contacts me and shows me an email she received. It is apparently from someone who works there and that email basically states: "When you showed up to get the facts, (named individual) was in a PANIC MODE after you left". She was apparently referring to one individual that wears TWO Commanders hats and was directly involved in one of the incidents reported. To this day, I still have no idea who that person reporting this was. However I did see the email claiming to be J. Citizen who apparently was fully aware of what was going on.
 
 The reporter was instructed to come back in about a week to get those detailed reports. Once she did get that, those facts conflicted with facts I had given her. Through further investigation those documented facts conflicted with other witnesses and fire dept reports.
 
 That story was never mentioned. If that were true, that could very well be a MAJOR story in itself.
 
 I will add this as well. I have offered this story to readers of this site in light of what has been going on as posted with some other fire depts. Hopefully stories like these can be avoided BEFORE getting to this point. This is a perfect example how being a fire chief trying to maintain some type of ego has turned around putting them as the main cause of a serious problem. These were the Chiefs that were "Voted in" by their own membership. A leader they chose who is willing to put their own lives at risk rather than call that career fire dept. And now, not only are their moves being watched by some old retired guy who once was a part of this outdated system, but after that newspaper story, maybe those moves are now being watched by many more individuals OUTSIDE of the local fire service.

 
 
 One thing I've noticed about Firefighters. They have Great memories. They just don't seem to forget anything. Especially if it's about the fire service.
 
 As I watched that video, I would have absolutely no patience dealing with local politicians. There are periods in the video where two of the three sitting at that table are doing everything BUT paying attention to the speaker. I guess that's just a normal trait for local king pins.
 
 It sure takes a special kind of person to deal with those kinds of people.

 
I believe that is correct "somebuffyguy". All new members ride those EMS units as a start.
 
Also, only those who took the test will be able to tell what it was like. Otherwise, none of us have any idea on how easy or difficult that test was to take. Generally speaking, I think the first part of any testing process for any firefighter is the written. When those test are designed, they are designed to separate and eliminate the competition. It is really not designed so that everyone will get a high mark and pass.
 
Could we assume that most people taking that written test were below average. It is possible. However I had a friend who got the job last time around. I don't remember how many they hired but I do know there was a huge line waiting to get in to take that test. He came out Number 2 on the list. But really a great guy and I would say well ABOVE average intelligence. Besides already being a paramedic. I also know he was assigned to ride one of those EMS Emergency Units for about a year or so, until he got assigned to an Engine Co.

After being involved and knowing the system for a very long time, it is my opinion (only opinion), that there was a conscious effort by those involved in the leadership of the Five Volunteer Companies to make the case that "they can prove" to this city, that they are perfectly capable of providing fire service WITHOUT ANY USE of those Career Firefighters.
 
I also believe it was also in the plan to eliminate twelve of those firefighter positions by closing an engine company and reducing the manning on another. They apparently were also working with one or two city council members, as well as one or two outside CAREER Firefighters who went against their own brothers so they could continue to be the heros within their volunteer organizations. In fact during one budget hearing earlier in June, one council member used many facts that seem to point in the direction of one particular OUTSIDE CAREER Firefighter. However, just as expected the Norwich Fire Chief had all of his facts well prepared to present countering those comments. That's how sure the members of that Norwich FD were that this Outside Brother Firefighter would be used against them.
 
 Then after that first recorded incident involving a nursing home, apparently most of my opponents thought this "old retired dinosaur" really has NO IDEA what he's talking about and we (Volunteer Chiefs) could just "write him off".  When the second serious incident occurred with no response from that closer, fully staffed fire dept., another email was sent out. This time word is, "I am going to the newspaper no matter who tells me not to". Between the time of my scheduled appointment with this newspaper reporter and this second incident - TWO more serious incidents get added to the story.
 
 When I do finally meet with that reporter we talk for about two hours. I remind her that she is certainly entitled to hear from the other side and she advises me of such. She tells me that she will be heading to the dispatch center to get some facts related to these incidents so she can start with the story. The next week she contacts me and shows me an email she received. It is apparently from someone who works there and that email basically states: "When you showed up to get the facts, (named individual) was in a PANIC MODE after you left". She was apparently referring to one individual that wears TWO Commanders hats and was directly involved in one of the incidents reported. To this day, I still have no idea who that person reporting this was. However I did see the email claiming to be J. Citizen who apparently was fully aware of what was going on.
 
 The reporter was instructed to come back in about a week to get those detailed reports. Once she did get that, those facts conflicted with facts I had given her. Through further investigation those documented facts conflicted with other witnesses and fire dept reports.
 
 That story was never mentioned. If that were true, that could very well be a MAJOR story in itself.
 
 I will add this as well. I have offered this story to readers of this site in light of what has been going on as posted with some other fire depts. Hopefully stories like these can be avoided BEFORE getting to this point. This is a perfect example how being a fire chief trying to maintain some type of ego has turned around putting them as the main cause of a serious problem. These were the Chiefs that were "Voted in" by their own membership. A leader they chose who is willing to put their own lives at risk rather than call that career fire dept. And now, not only are their moves being watched by some old retired guy who once was a part of this outdated system, but after that newspaper story, maybe those moves are now being watched by many more individuals OUTSIDE of the local fire service.

 
As the saying goes; "You can run but you can't hide".
 
When the day comes to get the judges decision, that judge will look over the entire case given all the facts. If found that these firefighters were wrongly laid off given any written contract, that could be the deciding factor. As a result, Port Chester's residents/taxpayers could end up paying the price for those dictators wrongful actions. Add in the fact that 4,300 taxpayer signatures were collected to RETAIN those firefighters. Should that happen, once AGAIN the spot light will shine on Port Chester as a "Lesson Learned".
 
I would assume that it could later take place that some residents might then pursue some type action against those who made the final decision to lay off these eight firefighters. It just could happen that ANOTHER LESSON could be learned as well.
 
This story may NOT be ending now. It could actually be only the beginning.

Sorry, I misread the entire thing. I hope they fight the battle. In the meantime, I hope they are able to find a career firefighters job in a place much more welcoming than Port Chester, NY. A place where people actually care about its citizens and know the value of a quick response to a fire in the very early stages.
 
Perhaps a visit to Youtube can prove my point. Type in Youtube "Bedroom Fire Test" LancashireFire. There you will find a 3 min 57 sec video. This is just how things happen and it shows how quickly a fire can spread within a building making escape impossible. It shows how every second that goes by really DOES make a difference. Whether it is Port Chester or New York City, the heat and smoke is the same. What makes the difference is the response time. What would it be like being trapped upstairs waiting for that first hoseline to be stretched or that first breath of fresh air.
 
Better yet, I think this is it.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezJ6SorlpJo
 
Mr Mayor what if you happen to be that guy trapped upstairs. So Mr Mayor, "this ones for you".

 
Maybe that career should have never been started in the first place. 
 
As the saying goes; "You can fool some of the people some of the time BUT you can't fool all of the people all of the time". 
 
Those career firefighters need to get their jobs back, and I hope they go after everything they are entitled to get. 
 
Let the citizens understand exactly who is to blame for this.

This attack on cops as well as the blatant lawlessness has to stop. 

 Any updates on what's the latest news on these laid off Port Chester Firefighters. The fund raiser has reached $5,320.
 
With word that these firefighters have NOT been given their jobs back, have they filed for some type of legal action ? With reported 4,300 signatures filed to hire them back, what is the argument given for not doing so.  However, even if they did, that is going to take time. Of course the longer this gores on, the more likely it is to cost the taxpayers much more should those firefighters win their case. I assume they are collecting Unemployment right now.
 
Have any applied for other firefighters jobs ? I assume there has also been an increase in response times ? Does the Port Chester Fire Depts respond to medical incidents as well ?

In this case they have turned their backs NOT only on firefighters, but MORE IMPORTANTLY on the citizens they are assigned to protect. There is even a case where one career firefighter from a different nearby city has posted various statements on the internet going against this career department. All in an effort to defend the local volunteer dept that he belongs to.
 
 Will it take the death of a civilian to change this ? No, because that has already happened. The difference now however is that a newspaper article pointing out a past of no regard for human life by some fire commanders. That in addition to the fact that there is a record of several serious incidents now clearly documented over the last year and a half or so.
 
 Let me also add this, and Pete "FFCogs", you will understand this much better than others here will. Several years ago I was writing on a web site and commenting on some of the statements made which to me were totally inaccurate. I was contacted by that Norwich Career Chief at the request of some of the local volunteer fire chiefs. This was a fire chief that through a completive testing process came from another state. He had asked me to "tone it down" because as chief he was hoping to improve relations among the career and volunteer fire depts. I had never worked for this chief and I basically told him that I was not about to stop telling what I know to be true facts.
 
 My point is that if anybody tried to work with these individuals it was this chief. And if anybody read my earlier post here you also read how he tried to discourage me from going to the newspaper to report these incidents. Apparently it was his hope to try and continue to try and work things out after the first incident. That was unsuccessful and when three other serious events happened, it was time for some retired firefighter and citizen of this city to do something about it.
 
 Now as you read this, I also ask you to keep in mind the fact that I was a volunteer firefighter for five years as well. Coming from a very progressive combination fire dept that to this day, still functions using a group of volunteer firefighters. Of course not as many as there once was, just by the virtue of todays society beyond our control.
 
  In addition as some may know, I have a brother who retired from the Bridgeport (Ct) Fire Dept as Battalion Chief. He spent his entire career on the busiest companies in that city during a time when Bridgeport was burning every single day/night. Although not directly within the Norwich limits, his story is one of a nearby volunteer fire dept he joined. If I were the chief, I would think we had just won the lottery getting a guy like this. But that didn't happen at all. Apparently the chief there wanted no experienced career firefighters or chiefs around. As a result he no longer belongs to that small town fire dept. My brother was retired and willing to donate his time. He also lived within a quarter mile of that firehouse. He was willing to offer them his services but they apparently would rather not have it.  
 
  I can't put the blame on the Norwich politicians for that one. A place that has nothing to do with the issues involving the Norwich FD.
 
  What I find so different is how many volunteer fire departments throughout the state feel so different. For my friends throughout the state, as well as outside the state, who are volunteer firefighters there is a mutual amount of respect we share among each other. Just NO RESPECT for each other right here in my own neighborhood.