nfd2004

I never met Dave Russell, but I was a Volunteer firefighter when his father was a Captain in the Fairfield FD. Later he became the Chief of Dept. A Great and respected guy.
 
I later learned that his son had become a firefighter in the FDNY assigned to Eng 62/Lad 32. It was an area that was really picking up in activity, so it was a good area to hang out and buff. One day I decided to stop at that firehouse to introduce myself. I wanted to tell him how I had been a young volunteer firefighter and how his father was very good to all of us. When I stopped to ask if he was working the guys told me: "Oh you mean Rambo" ? I guess he was named after that movie character.

I never met Dave Russell, but I was a Volunteer firefighter when his father was a Captain in the Fairfield FD. Later he became the Chief of Dept. A Great and respected guy.
 
I later learned that his son had become a firefighter in the FDNY assigned to Eng 62/Lad 32. It was an area that was really picking up in activity, so it was a good area to hang out and buff. One day I decided to stop at that firehouse to introduce myself. I wanted to tell him how I had been a young volunteer firefighter and how his father was very good to all of us. When I stopped to ask if he was working the guys told me: "Oh you mean Rambo" ? I guess he was named after that movie character.

I never met Dave Russell, but I was a Volunteer firefighter when his father was a Captain in the Fairfield FD. Later he became the Chief of Dept. A Great and respected guy.
 
I later learned that his son had become a firefighter in the FDNY assigned to Eng 62/Lad 32. It was an area that was really picking up in activity, so it was a good area to hang out and buff. One day I decided to stop at that firehouse to introduce myself. I wanted to tell him how I had been a young volunteer firefighter and how his father was very good to all of us. When I stopped to ask if he was working the guys told me: "Oh you mean Rambo" ? I guess he was named after that movie character.

This is an EXCELLENT idea and an EXCELLENT opportunity.  It's been done in many other places across the country as well.
 
A chance to further your education
A chance to serve this community
A chance to have a place to live at no cost
A chance for those interested in the fire service to continue while going to school
 
A WIN/WIN for ALL. I just wish they had something like this when I was younger.

 
 It was a Lose/Lose Deal. Hopefully in time, that could change.
 
My guess is that at these Live In Firehouses, "someone needs to be in charge". Someone who is willing to make sure everything is under control within those four walls. A kind of Lt/Capt thing. Not just a title but with the authority and responsibility to enforce the rules. With the understanding that if things should go sour, this guy owns it. Therefore there should be some incentive for a responsible person to accept this.

 
 It was a Lose/Lose Deal. Hopefully in time, that could change.
 
My guess is that at these Live In Firehouses, "someone needs to be in charge". Someone who is willing to make sure everything is under control within those four walls. A kind of Lt/Capt thing. Not just a title but with the authority and responsibility to enforce the rules. With the understanding that if things should go sour, this guy owns it. Therefore there should be some incentive for a responsible person to accept this.

 
 It was a Lose/Lose Deal. Hopefully in time, that could change.
 
My guess is that at these Live In Firehouses, "someone needs to be in charge". Someone who is willing to make sure everything is under control within those four walls. A kind of Lt/Capt thing. Not just a title but with the authority and responsibility to enforce the rules. With the understanding that if things should go sour, this guy owns it. Therefore there should be some incentive for a responsible person to accept this.

This is an EXCELLENT idea and an EXCELLENT opportunity.  It's been done in many other places across the country as well.
 
A chance to further your education
A chance to serve this community
A chance to have a place to live at no cost
A chance for those interested in the fire service to continue while going to school
 
A WIN/WIN for ALL. I just wish they had something like this when I was younger.

The Rye, as well as Port Chester area seems to have some serious issues when it comes to it's fire service.
 
The fire service is a High Priority no matter where it is. With manning and response times being high up on the list. When we add in the contributing factors such as todays, flimsy modern construction and highly flammable contents in these buildings, that becomes an even much bigger concern.
 
 I'm sure this is already being recognized by the insurance industry.

 
MONROEVILLE VOL FIRE CO #5 LIVE-IN PROGRAM
 Operating for over 30 Years
15 Miles East of Pittsburgh, PA.
URBAN AREA – LOTS OF EMPLOYMENT OPPURTUNITIES
FIRE STATION AMENITIES INCLUDE:
Laundry Facilities, Full Kitchen, Large Dayroom, Study Area’s, Free High Speed Internet
VERIZON FIOS TV, Printers, Copiers, Access to fitness facilities
 
NO RENT ! NO UTILITIES ! NO EXPENSE TO LIVE HERE
 
HIGH CALL VOLUME BRINGS EXPERIENCE - TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
 
REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED 
 PRO-BOARD OR EQUAL  FIREFIGHTER 1 & EMT
*may change upon needs
 
General Live-In FF/EMT Requirements
 Full Time Live-In / Minimum 5 Nights a week
Work with fellow live-ins to maintain FIRE / EMS staffing as best as possible
Perform bi-weekly, and as needed, station duties
 
CLOSE TO NUMEROUS COLLEGES AND TRADE SCHOOLS
 
Point Park University - Duquesne University, University of Pittsburgh - Carnegie Mellon University,
Westmoreland Community College, Rosedale Tech, Wyotech, Pittsburgh Technical College,
Center for Emergency Medicine, Paramedic Program  
 
 
 
 
CCAC FIRE VEST COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
 
SIMPLE APPLICATION PROCESS
 
FUNDS UP TO 65 COLLEGE CREDITS 100%
SOME FEES MAY NOT BE COVERED
 
MULTIPLE PROFESSIONAL TRADE CERTIFICATIONS & DEGREES ELIGIBLE
PARAMEDIC / FIRE SCIENCE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / NURSING
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
MULTIPLE WELDING PROGRAMS
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TRADES
HEATING AND AIR
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
IRON WORKER / PLUMBING
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGY
PLUS MANY OTHERS
 
GUARANTEE OF 5 YEAR COMMITMENT
TO MONROEVILLE VOL. FIRE CO #5
FROM START OF SCHOLARSHIP.
 
“COMMITMENT”  
 
IS DEFINED AS MEETING THE FD ACTIVITY / POINT REQUIREMENTS
AS DEFINED BY THE FD CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
100 Points per year (Calls / Drills / Meetings)
 
THE COMMITMENT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE APPLICANT TO BE A LIVE-IN FF THE ENTIRE TIME
 
 


www.mvfd5.com

Contact Deputy Fire Chief Chris Grimes
412-372-7725 or 412-372-4444

MEMBERSHIP5@MVFD5.COM or cgrimes@mvfd5.com
 
SEE ATTACHED FLYER FOR INFO AND PICTURES
 
-- CURRENT -- LIVE-IN - QUAD FOLD - 9jan2017.pdf

The Rye, as well as Port Chester area seems to have some serious issues when it comes to it's fire service.
 
The fire service is a High Priority no matter where it is. With manning and response times being high up on the list. When we add in the contributing factors such as todays, flimsy modern construction and highly flammable contents in these buildings, that becomes an even much bigger concern.
 
 I'm sure this is already being recognized by the insurance industry.

I guess there next to get fired for calling in the state, hope not !

I think this leads up to many additional questions. A check of this town's total population shows in 2010 they had 4,247 people.
 
1) With a small community population such as this, "would there really be a need for this ladder truck"
 
2) What additional ladder trucks are available through a mutual aid system.
 
3) What types and sizes of buildings are in this town ?
 
4) How many members are certified to operate this piece of apparatus. More importantly how many are able to respond in a moments notice.
 
Based on a picture that was sent to me of the 4th alarm fire today (11/21), this building appears to be a 1 1/2 story frame, perhaps 20 x 60 from what I can see. At the time this picture was taken, it is totally involved.

On a follow up to this story, just got word of a 4th Alarm going on in this town as I write this (Monday, 11/21/2016 at 0900 hours).

 That's it ASF1970.
 
 Yes, the mini pumpers were a big selling point for being able to go into parking garages. Also as you say, I don't Remember any rescue 1 being there at the time.
 
 I didn't know that the telesquirt for Engine 1 came from E 71. Or that Rescue 1 was the old Rescue 66.
 
 Also, during that time Downtown Stamford became a large high rise cooperate headquarters area replacing the older buildings of the downtown area.

 
 Regarding Telesquirts, Stamford also had two. I think Engines 4 and 5. At one point, I think one of those pieces was also used for a period of time out of headquarters as Squad 1, part of a two piece mini/maxi company using a mini pumper as well.

I know at one time Connecticut also had snorkels. As posted above, I believe there was one in Stamford.
 
Also Bridgeport, Stratford, Groton, and I believe Cheshire also had one.
 
 My brother worked Bridgeports Snorkel out of fire headquarters as both a firefighter and as a Lt. If anybody knows where fire headquarters is, there is a railroad overpass just to the right of that firehouse. Because of the height of that snorkel truck, if it snowed and they needed to put chains on, that truck would NOT fit under that railroad over pass. It would require them to turn in the opposite direction and take a much longer route to the incident.
 
 In addition, although the bucket is able to go over wires and tree branches, "for every action there is a reaction". Sometimes it might not have been able to make the swing because of where the lower and upper boom section met. Like folding your arm trying to get through a small hole with your elbow extended.
 
 In addition, many snorkels had a long overhang extending beyond the front of the cab. Making it very difficult to turn onto many streets if light poles etc were in the way. I remember Jersey City's Snorkel and that must have had at east a six foot overhang of the resting boom in front of that cab.

 
Okay, thank you. I wasn't sure.

Here is a story about how things are going with the KMEs in Stamford. However, this article states HMEs.
 
www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Firefighters-concerned-about-fleet-4433913.php

Here is a story about how things are going with the KMEs in Stamford. However, this article states HMEs.
 
www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Firefighters-concerned-about-fleet-4433913.php

 
Okay, thank you. I wasn't sure.

Apparently SOMEONE IS LISTENING. Interesting that early Saturday morning (Dec 31) there was a working fire in the East Great Plains Vol Fire District of the city. The first help they requested was from the Career Norwich Fire Dept. That has not happened very often over the last couple of decades.
 
There is a new chief within that dept (EGP FD) and perhaps he realizes that he is not about to be the first guy to be held accountable for not calling the staffed, closer Norwich Firefighters. I commend this chief for making the right choice. That might not have gone over too well with those other chiefs, but I'm sure in time, they too, will get their chance to make the decision of whether to call those guys or an UNSTAFFED dept farther away. They will have their chance to show how tough they really are. as long as they are willing to present a very good case for not calling them.
 
 With no political support on this after two years, it is now time to take this a step further should the need arise.
 
 "TimesUp", I guess the best answer I can give you is that it basically is a form of mutual aid within the same city. The volunteer units come into the career area and it's supposed to be those guys go out to help them also.
 
 Here is the article from the local newspaper regarding the fire. www.theday.com/policefirecourts/20161231/early-morning-fire-badly-damages-norwich-office-complex-on-route-82

I had my meeting with the Norwich City Manager yesterday (Dec 4, 2016). When I reached city hall, the Norwich Career Fire Chief was also there. Apparently, this city manager had requested that chief to be there in attendance as well. I had no problem with that at all. In fact, I was glad to see him there. I never worked under this chief as a firefighter. I had retired before he got the job. But he was the FIRST Fire Chief hired from outside the city (from North Providence, RI). Of course, throughout this entire event, during almost a two year period since I started this campaign, he has always been advised of my plans and we DON'T always agree. But he is a friend and I have a great amount of respect for him.
 
 I think the meeting went very well. Much better than the previous meeting with the former Acting City Manager (who currently is under a Code of Ethics charge in an unrelated matter, and a possible FBI investigation). I later learned that former city manager was also a member of one of the volunteer fire departments involved, which seemed to me to be "a conflict of interest" in this matter.
 
 As I stated I think the meeting went very well with this city manager. The meeting was focused on IMPROVING the Fire Service of Norwich (Ct), NOT on any kind of take over. We talked about how this city needs the volunteer firefighters and I agreed. It has NEVER been my plan to eliminate any volunteer firefighters within the city. But to certainly create a better working relationship and to "PUT THE PUBLIC FIRST".
 
 We talked of the most recent fire (as posted above) and how I commended that volunteer fire chief of the East Great Plains Fire Dept in calling the Norwich Firefighters to the scene. That was the FIRST Dept he called to the scene. The Norwich firehouse is only ONE mile away from that fire scene, with one straight ride out West Main St (Route 82). I also told the city manager that had the Fire Chief NOT requested those Norwich Firefighters, things would be very different at this meeting. This was a commercial building that was NOT occupied at the time of the fire - 03:30 hours. I said but what if that was a residential building with people at the time inside there. And what if that chief did NOT call those Norwich firefighters. So who is responsible if someone gets hurt or trapped in there. I think the city manager and the fire commander is. A lawyer would decide that no matter what any department policy or by laws state. I assume public safety would prevail over any such case.
 
 The above mentioned fire was called in by an ON DUTY police officer over the radio. I told the city manager that when an on duty police officer calls in a building fire over the radio, "they are NOT lying". Then the ON DUTY 911 dispatchers SHOULD have the leeway to automatically send a second due company without waiting for a request from the chief. I also told him that those 911 dispatchers know when there is a serious incident going on. Most likely if they are getting several calls or a caller is in a building chocking on the smoke, "Those dispatchers should have the right to start additional help at the very beginning". Something that isn't done here.
 
 I also made it very clear to him that within 4-6 minutes death will occur if the brain does not get enough oxygen. Prior to death, the brain begins to die and there is less chance of escape. Any firefighter who has been around has seen the results of that.
 
  I told him very often the people die from the smoke, before the heat and fire ever gets to them. 
 
  I told him how todays plastics burn producing think black smoke. Making it impossible to find your escape. I said it would be like being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and trying to find your way back.
 
 The city manager lives in the East Great Plains Fire District. The city fire chief lives in the Yantic Fire District. I mentioned to both of them, "if there is a fire in your home and your family members are inside that building, SHOULD THOSE ON DUTY NORWICH FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND before calling a farther away, unstaffed volunteer fire dept.
 
 In the above article about the fire, there were one or two comments posted claiming that I am considered a "HATER" of the volunteer firefighters. I mentioned that to the city manager and he saw it also. I then told him that a few years ago, through a fairly popular Connecticut Fire Dept web site, I offered to give FREE classes to ANYBODY who was interested in becoming a career firefighter. That was open to Norwich Volunteer firefighters as well. in fact one member from the Yantic FD got the job as a career firefighter in Norwich. He thanked me for the help he received. Would that be considered as being a "Hater" ?
 
  I told the city manager, of those who attended that class, most were volunteer firefighters and most ended up getting a career firefighters job somewhere.
 
 The city manager explained to me how the volunteer fire departments have a strong pride in their departments. Of course I understood that and I told him this is NOT about doing away with any volunteer firefighters. I too appreciate what they do for all of us. I told him how I have many friends throughout Connecticut who are volunteer firefighters. I also have volunteer firefighter friends in Westchester and Orange County, NY, as well as Virginia, even Tennessee.
 
 The city manager has asked me to talk to him before I pursue this issue through other means (the legal system). I told him, if he is the guy that has the final say then he must act NOW. We can not roll the dice anymore. The game is over. But I did inform him that out of respect for him, as well as the Norwich Fire Chief, that I WOULD DO THAT before going ahead with my plans. But this is NOT about to go on for another two years.
 
 This may NOT be over, but it is my own feeling that the city manager will do his best to rectify this very serious issue that exist within this city.  I found this city manager to be very intelligent and very easy to work with. I appreciate the time he gave me. What I also learned about him is that his father was a member of the NYPD. I told him how I had a great amount of respect for the members of the NYPD, as well as the FDNY, and I think he was impressed when he told me his father worked on Mott St. My response was, "I know where that is, it's in lower Manhattan". I don't think he ever expected some "hick" from Connecticut to know that.
 
 I also would like to take a minute to thank this web site for allowing me to tell my entire side of the story. The readers here probably know more about what's going on, than the individuals directly involved themselves.
 
  

 
 Regarding Telesquirts, Stamford also had two. I think Engines 4 and 5. At one point, I think one of those pieces was also used for a period of time out of headquarters as Squad 1, part of a two piece mini/maxi company using a mini pumper as well.

 That's it ASF1970.
 
 Yes, the mini pumpers were a big selling point for being able to go into parking garages. Also as you say, I don't Remember any rescue 1 being there at the time.
 
 I didn't know that the telesquirt for Engine 1 came from E 71. Or that Rescue 1 was the old Rescue 66.
 
 Also, during that time Downtown Stamford became a large high rise cooperate headquarters area replacing the older buildings of the downtown area.