nfd2004

And just alittle advice there young man. If you're smart, you won't put all your eggs in one basket. Yonkers is a Great Dept and if I was a young guy, I know how you feel. It certainly would be something that I would work for.
But, in the meantime, continue to take every test you can for wherever. I ended up taking six test and I didn't get the dept I wanted (Bridgeport, Ct). But I got on the job somewhere else. Did my thing. Had a Great time and retired after some 30 years.
I hope that you are lucky enough to get Yonkers. Just keep in the back of your mind, there's other depts out there that you should also be applying for.

And just alittle advice there young man. If you're smart, you won't put all your eggs in one basket. Yonkers is a Great Dept and if I was a young guy, I know how you feel. It certainly would be something that I would work for.
But, in the meantime, continue to take every test you can for wherever. I ended up taking six test and I didn't get the dept I wanted (Bridgeport, Ct). But I got on the job somewhere else. Did my thing. Had a Great time and retired after some 30 years.
I hope that you are lucky enough to get Yonkers. Just keep in the back of your mind, there's other depts out there that you should also be applying for.

Your daughter is a Credit to her generation. And certainly credit goes to her parents for raising such an Excellent Role Model to those younger than her. I Admire her for what she is doing. Congradulations to the Arena Family and I wish her a very Safe and enjoyable five years. THANK YOU.
Bill Dennis (aka Willy "D")
Norwich, Ct

"calhobs", I certainly didn't feel at all that you were singling me out. Not at all there guy. (got the pm too).
I guess you can go back there a few years yourself. Me too. It was a competely different time. Not to get too off track here, but there just wasn't a term called "politically correct". We never heard of a thing called "Road Rage". In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. We all went to the neighborhood school and nobody had to be bused from one side of the city to the other. Armed police officers or security guards didn't have to walk the school hallways. In most cities we left our doors Unlocked and didn't need security bars on the windows. These are just a few of the dozens of changes that occurred over the years along with "busting chops' as we once knew it.
So do most people think we've made successful progress over the years since we all now have a pretty good understanding of what we can say or not say. It seems at least to me that things like "Road Rage", "Home Invasions",or "School Shootings" are much more of a serious problem today than "busting chops" would ever be. I guess maybe one of the reasons that "busting chops" could be considered serious is that maybe it could lead to violence. But I don't remember any of Our "busting chops' leading to violence. Maybe a little ego destroyer, but thats about it.

"calhobs", I certainly didn't feel at all that you were singling me out. Not at all there guy. (got the pm too).
I guess you can go back there a few years yourself. Me too. It was a competely different time. Not to get too off track here, but there just wasn't a term called "politically correct". We never heard of a thing called "Road Rage". In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. We all went to the neighborhood school and nobody had to be bused from one side of the city to the other. Armed police officers or security guards didn't have to walk the school hallways. In most cities we left our doors Unlocked and didn't need security bars on the windows. These are just a few of the dozens of changes that occurred over the years along with "busting chops' as we once knew it.
So do most people think we've made successful progress over the years since we all now have a pretty good understanding of what we can say or not say. It seems at least to me that things like "Road Rage", "Home Invasions",or "School Shootings" are much more of a serious problem today than "busting chops" would ever be. I guess maybe one of the reasons that "busting chops" could be considered serious is that maybe it could lead to violence. But I don't remember any of Our "busting chops' leading to violence. Maybe a little ego destroyer, but thats about it.

I really can NOT disagree with you or anybody else on this. My point is that, in my opinion, we all just had clean fun at everybody's expense. Now to explain that, I guess is pretty diffucult to anybody who wasn't apart of it. Actually, I think it was GOOD FOR MORAL. Now try to figure that one out. There were certain subjects that were NEVER discussed. Family was one. Race and religion was another. No one ever had to have "Thick Skin" for that, because it was never an issue or even thought about. There was actually a Great amount of respect for each other, although in the firehouse it would sometimes seem to be almost that of a battle zone. And when we went out the door, those guys that had just acted like little kids in a Day Care, gave a service that was second to none.
I still keep in touch with many of my retired and active brothers, many who now live throughout this country. I certainly recieved my share, of a good Verbal Beating. In fact we all did. Speaking for myself, I'm glad I was a part of it from 1975 to 2004. Of course things started to change near the end. Instead of giving the old Verbal Beating in front of Everybody, I noticed there was more talking behind each others back.
So no longer is "thick skin" an unwritten requirement. Nobody takes a verbal beating at the kitchen table anymore. The verbal beating they take is behind closed doors, where an individual can't even try to defend themselves. At least I had a chance to speak my piece when the time came.
So today, we only speak of what is politically correct at that kitchen table. There is no need to have "Thick Skin". I guess if you happen to get a few strange looks during the day, it was your turn to get that Verbal Beating, "BEHIND CLOSED DOORS".

I really can NOT disagree with you or anybody else on this. My point is that, in my opinion, we all just had clean fun at everybody's expense. Now to explain that, I guess is pretty diffucult to anybody who wasn't apart of it. Actually, I think it was GOOD FOR MORAL. Now try to figure that one out. There were certain subjects that were NEVER discussed. Family was one. Race and religion was another. No one ever had to have "Thick Skin" for that, because it was never an issue or even thought about. There was actually a Great amount of respect for each other, although in the firehouse it would sometimes seem to be almost that of a battle zone. And when we went out the door, those guys that had just acted like little kids in a Day Care, gave a service that was second to none.
I still keep in touch with many of my retired and active brothers, many who now live throughout this country. I certainly recieved my share, of a good Verbal Beating. In fact we all did. Speaking for myself, I'm glad I was a part of it from 1975 to 2004. Of course things started to change near the end. Instead of giving the old Verbal Beating in front of Everybody, I noticed there was more talking behind each others back.
So no longer is "thick skin" an unwritten requirement. Nobody takes a verbal beating at the kitchen table anymore. The verbal beating they take is behind closed doors, where an individual can't even try to defend themselves. At least I had a chance to speak my piece when the time came.
So today, we only speak of what is politically correct at that kitchen table. There is no need to have "Thick Skin". I guess if you happen to get a few strange looks during the day, it was your turn to get that Verbal Beating, "BEHIND CLOSED DOORS".

I really can NOT disagree with you or anybody else on this. My point is that, in my opinion, we all just had clean fun at everybody's expense. Now to explain that, I guess is pretty diffucult to anybody who wasn't apart of it. Actually, I think it was GOOD FOR MORAL. Now try to figure that one out. There were certain subjects that were NEVER discussed. Family was one. Race and religion was another. No one ever had to have "Thick Skin" for that, because it was never an issue or even thought about. There was actually a Great amount of respect for each other, although in the firehouse it would sometimes seem to be almost that of a battle zone. And when we went out the door, those guys that had just acted like little kids in a Day Care, gave a service that was second to none.
I still keep in touch with many of my retired and active brothers, many who now live throughout this country. I certainly recieved my share, of a good Verbal Beating. In fact we all did. Speaking for myself, I'm glad I was a part of it from 1975 to 2004. Of course things started to change near the end. Instead of giving the old Verbal Beating in front of Everybody, I noticed there was more talking behind each others back.
So no longer is "thick skin" an unwritten requirement. Nobody takes a verbal beating at the kitchen table anymore. The verbal beating they take is behind closed doors, where an individual can't even try to defend themselves. At least I had a chance to speak my piece when the time came.
So today, we only speak of what is politically correct at that kitchen table. There is no need to have "Thick Skin". I guess if you happen to get a few strange looks during the day, it was your turn to get that Verbal Beating, "BEHIND CLOSED DOORS".

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it.
I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept.
Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing.
For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it.
I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept.
Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing.
For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it.
I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept.
Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing.
For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it.
I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept.
Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing.
For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it.
I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept.
Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing.
For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it.
I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept.
Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing.
For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

Thanks there NY10570. That is a True Statement. And everyday there are young people out there such as Our Great Military, Police Officers, Nurses, 911 Dispatchers, and EMS workers saving lives across the Country. I recently had a visit to a local Emergency Room and Hospital stay. I could not get over the very young, both male and female nurses, dedicated to saving lives. They did a Great job. And this goes on everyday of the year behind those hospital walls. They have picked up the ball and ran with it. And now its their turn to score the points.
But I do have to say, what was referred to as the "Greatest Generation" truly was the Greatest. They grew up in the Great Depression, fought WWII, and came back to build America. I often refer to the FDNY members that fought the historically high number of fires in NYC, during their so called "War Yeas", as the "Greatest Generation of Firefighters". Many were Vietnam Vets that returned to fight the highest number of fires in FDNY history. I feel, that they certainly were a breed in itself.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best.
Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action.
In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck.
When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

Another "PHONY STORY". About a month and a half after 9/11 in Norwich, Ct there was a parade. At least two groups of firefighters marched down Broadway there carrying banners that said; "WE JUST RETURNED FROM NEW YORK CITY". These guys were members of some of the local volunteer depts in the area(about 100 miles from NYC). I have several witnesses to my account. And we knew it wasn't true because all the depts in the area were advised NOT to go into NYC. They were told remain here in service in case the need would be to relocate to other closer Ct cities.
And as far as this Phony FDNY Firefighter who claimed to be from Ladder 133. I have been a FDNY buff for many, many years. Over those years, I have talked to probadly hundreds of FDNY members from "Probis" to "Chiefs". I have NEVER, EVER known them to Brag about themselves or look for "a pat on the back". It seems to be just one of the qualities they have. Maybe they've been taught that, I don't know. I think if I had ever heard this "Circus Clown" talk, that would have signaled a "Red Flag" for me.
That day the world lost so much, including some of the most experienced and bravest firefighters out there. We have lost others because of the effect of that World Trade Center dust. And as you read this, others are paying a very steep price with cancer, sinus, and resporatory problems.
And then I think about these PHONY WANNABE'S. The members of the FDNY went through enough and are still going through many serious issues. They certainly don't need any jerks like these to deal with.

Another "PHONY STORY". About a month and a half after 9/11 in Norwich, Ct there was a parade. At least two groups of firefighters marched down Broadway there carrying banners that said; "WE JUST RETURNED FROM NEW YORK CITY". These guys were members of some of the local volunteer depts in the area(about 100 miles from NYC). I have several witnesses to my account. And we knew it wasn't true because all the depts in the area were advised NOT to go into NYC. They were told remain here in service in case the need would be to relocate to other closer Ct cities.
And as far as this Phony FDNY Firefighter who claimed to be from Ladder 133. I have been a FDNY buff for many, many years. Over those years, I have talked to probadly hundreds of FDNY members from "Probis" to "Chiefs". I have NEVER, EVER known them to Brag about themselves or look for "a pat on the back". It seems to be just one of the qualities they have. Maybe they've been taught that, I don't know. I think if I had ever heard this "Circus Clown" talk, that would have signaled a "Red Flag" for me.
That day the world lost so much, including some of the most experienced and bravest firefighters out there. We have lost others because of the effect of that World Trade Center dust. And as you read this, others are paying a very steep price with cancer, sinus, and resporatory problems.
And then I think about these PHONY WANNABE'S. The members of the FDNY went through enough and are still going through many serious issues. They certainly don't need any jerks like these to deal with.