nfd2004

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.

I don't know if this has been posted before, but if you haven't seen these photos from "mikeindabronx" they are what I consider to be some of the Best. There are numerous Color Photos from the FDNY busy 1980s. Go to his web site and checked them out. He just added Page 13 to it.
www.fdnysbravest.com

I don't know if this has been posted before, but if you haven't seen these photos from "mikeindabronx" they are what I consider to be some of the Best. There are numerous Color Photos from the FDNY busy 1980s. Go to his web site and checked them out. He just added Page 13 to it.
www.fdnysbravest.com

I thought this guy asked for ADVICE, not if we worked for the FDNY or not. I guess my expertise came in with giving ADVICE to many others to get on several career fire depts, INCLUDING the FDNY. Maybe you can go to www.ctfire-ems.com and look up what was written about a year or two ago on a thread called "I'm Proud of Them". It tells there, just some of the people that followed the ADVICE of myself and a few others. And by the way, I believe one of those now a career firefighter with the FDNY Special Ops.
I'm sorry for just trying to help. I wasn't aware that he was only interested in responses from FDNY members. And by the way, I am a full supporter of the FDNY and the FDNY EMS. Read some of my hundreds of posts over the last few years on this and other web sites.

I thought this guy asked for ADVICE, not if we worked for the FDNY or not. I guess my expertise came in with giving ADVICE to many others to get on several career fire depts, INCLUDING the FDNY. Maybe you can go to www.ctfire-ems.com and look up what was written about a year or two ago on a thread called "I'm Proud of Them". It tells there, just some of the people that followed the ADVICE of myself and a few others. And by the way, I believe one of those now a career firefighter with the FDNY Special Ops.
I'm sorry for just trying to help. I wasn't aware that he was only interested in responses from FDNY members. And by the way, I am a full supporter of the FDNY and the FDNY EMS. Read some of my hundreds of posts over the last few years on this and other web sites.

I thought this guy asked for ADVICE, not if we worked for the FDNY or not. I guess my expertise came in with giving ADVICE to many others to get on several career fire depts, INCLUDING the FDNY. Maybe you can go to www.ctfire-ems.com and look up what was written about a year or two ago on a thread called "I'm Proud of Them". It tells there, just some of the people that followed the ADVICE of myself and a few others. And by the way, I believe one of those now a career firefighter with the FDNY Special Ops.
I'm sorry for just trying to help. I wasn't aware that he was only interested in responses from FDNY members. And by the way, I am a full supporter of the FDNY and the FDNY EMS. Read some of my hundreds of posts over the last few years on this and other web sites.

Bridgeport, Ct total calls for "2011"....14,982 (Thanks to Lt Andy Ellis Bpts TL 5)
Eng 1...2928 runs
Eng 3...2691
Eng 10...2127
Eng 4...1865
Eng 6...1804
Eng 12...1737
Eng 16...1295
Eng 7...1210
Eng 15...934
TL 5...2196
L 10...1273
L 11...965
L 6...760
Rescue 5...1181
Batt 1...769
Batt 2...503
Safety Officer...401 (started August)

Connecticuts Busiest Cities for Workers taken from www.ctfire-ems.com . In order to be considered a "Worker", at least one line had to be stretched, and operating within a building fire.
1) New Haven - 74
2) Hartford - 68
3) Bridgeport - 55
4) Waterbury - 30
5) Stamford - 29
6) Stratford - 27
7) Meriden - 26
8) East Haven - 23
9) Danbury - 21
10) Southington - 19
11) Fairfield - 18
*12) New Britian - 17 (tie)
*13) Norwalk - 17 (tie)
14) Manchester - 16
15) East Hartford - 15

Connecticuts Busiest Cities for Workers taken from www.ctfire-ems.com . In order to be considered a "Worker", at least one line had to be stretched, and operating within a building fire.
1) New Haven - 74
2) Hartford - 68
3) Bridgeport - 55
4) Waterbury - 30
5) Stamford - 29
6) Stratford - 27
7) Meriden - 26
8) East Haven - 23
9) Danbury - 21
10) Southington - 19
11) Fairfield - 18
*12) New Britian - 17 (tie)
*13) Norwalk - 17 (tie)
14) Manchester - 16
15) East Hartford - 15

Connecticuts Busiest Cities for Workers taken from www.ctfire-ems.com . In order to be considered a "Worker", at least one line had to be stretched, and operating within a building fire.
1) New Haven - 74
2) Hartford - 68
3) Bridgeport - 55
4) Waterbury - 30
5) Stamford - 29
6) Stratford - 27
7) Meriden - 26
8) East Haven - 23
9) Danbury - 21
10) Southington - 19
11) Fairfield - 18
*12) New Britian - 17 (tie)
*13) Norwalk - 17 (tie)
14) Manchester - 16
15) East Hartford - 15

Connecticuts Busiest Cities for Workers taken from www.ctfire-ems.com . In order to be considered a "Worker", at least one line had to be stretched, and operating within a building fire.
1) New Haven - 74
2) Hartford - 68
3) Bridgeport - 55
4) Waterbury - 30
5) Stamford - 29
6) Stratford - 27
7) Meriden - 26
8) East Haven - 23
9) Danbury - 21
10) Southington - 19
11) Fairfield - 18
*12) New Britian - 17 (tie)
*13) Norwalk - 17 (tie)
14) Manchester - 16
15) East Hartford - 15

I certainly was not aware of that. I never knew Satellite 1 was located there. Also, the FDNY Fire Musuem is a Great place to visit.
Another excellent place to visit with the family is the FDNY Fire Zone located near Rockerfella Center. But most of my visits to the FDNY have been in the area "CBX4627" is familiar with.

From what I understand, The City of New Haven (Ct) will be doing a similiar tactic. They plan to close down Engine 8, which shares quarters with Squad Co 1 and replace Engine 8 with an EMS ALS Unit. EMS is now the priority of the fire service. Over the years, with the help of the insurance companies, we have talked ourselves right out of business.
When cities that were once doing 30 working fires a month are now doing 2 fires a month, its kind of hard to defend keeping those fire companies. Over the last few years we preached smoke detectors, Learn not to burn, and now its working. Insurance companies insisted on having everything from car fires to building fires investigated, so if there was any question, the insurance company didn't have to pay a claim.
Better building codes, the use of cell phones, and fire alarm systems for early detection have also played into it. Nothing wrong with any of this. Peoples lives are saved and they don't loose their property. BUT, from an Old School prospect, "we have been putting ourselves right out of business". Do you ever hear of a lawyer preaching to stop crime or accidents ? Of course not. They want job security.
Of course I disagree with putting an Engine Co out of service, no matter what hours of the day it is. But our very own efforts have cut our own throats.

My Sincere Condolunces go out to the Family and Friends of this very Tragic event.
I'm sure those Stamford (Ct) Firefighters did everything they could to attempt to try and save those people. But sometimes things are beyond our control no matter what we do. And for those family and friends, and those Stamford Firefighters, Christmas will NEVER be the same.

I had the privilage of meeting Chief Fitzpatrick last October. He gave us a tour of the Yonkers Fire Dept Special Operations Unit. "You just know when you see somebody who's really into the job". Such was the case when I met him for that one day.
I certainly wish Chief Fitzpatrick a Happy and Healthy, well deserved, retirement.

From what I understand, The City of New Haven (Ct) will be doing a similiar tactic. They plan to close down Engine 8, which shares quarters with Squad Co 1 and replace Engine 8 with an EMS ALS Unit. EMS is now the priority of the fire service. Over the years, with the help of the insurance companies, we have talked ourselves right out of business.
When cities that were once doing 30 working fires a month are now doing 2 fires a month, its kind of hard to defend keeping those fire companies. Over the last few years we preached smoke detectors, Learn not to burn, and now its working. Insurance companies insisted on having everything from car fires to building fires investigated, so if there was any question, the insurance company didn't have to pay a claim.
Better building codes, the use of cell phones, and fire alarm systems for early detection have also played into it. Nothing wrong with any of this. Peoples lives are saved and they don't loose their property. BUT, from an Old School prospect, "we have been putting ourselves right out of business". Do you ever hear of a lawyer preaching to stop crime or accidents ? Of course not. They want job security.
Of course I disagree with putting an Engine Co out of service, no matter what hours of the day it is. But our very own efforts have cut our own throats.

I had the privilage of meeting Chief Fitzpatrick last October. He gave us a tour of the Yonkers Fire Dept Special Operations Unit. "You just know when you see somebody who's really into the job". Such was the case when I met him for that one day.
I certainly wish Chief Fitzpatrick a Happy and Healthy, well deserved, retirement.

From what I understand, The City of New Haven (Ct) will be doing a similiar tactic. They plan to close down Engine 8, which shares quarters with Squad Co 1 and replace Engine 8 with an EMS ALS Unit. EMS is now the priority of the fire service. Over the years, with the help of the insurance companies, we have talked ourselves right out of business.
When cities that were once doing 30 working fires a month are now doing 2 fires a month, its kind of hard to defend keeping those fire companies. Over the last few years we preached smoke detectors, Learn not to burn, and now its working. Insurance companies insisted on having everything from car fires to building fires investigated, so if there was any question, the insurance company didn't have to pay a claim.
Better building codes, the use of cell phones, and fire alarm systems for early detection have also played into it. Nothing wrong with any of this. Peoples lives are saved and they don't loose their property. BUT, from an Old School prospect, "we have been putting ourselves right out of business". Do you ever hear of a lawyer preaching to stop crime or accidents ? Of course not. They want job security.
Of course I disagree with putting an Engine Co out of service, no matter what hours of the day it is. But our very own efforts have cut our own throats.

From what I understand, The City of New Haven (Ct) will be doing a similiar tactic. They plan to close down Engine 8, which shares quarters with Squad Co 1 and replace Engine 8 with an EMS ALS Unit. EMS is now the priority of the fire service. Over the years, with the help of the insurance companies, we have talked ourselves right out of business.
When cities that were once doing 30 working fires a month are now doing 2 fires a month, its kind of hard to defend keeping those fire companies. Over the last few years we preached smoke detectors, Learn not to burn, and now its working. Insurance companies insisted on having everything from car fires to building fires investigated, so if there was any question, the insurance company didn't have to pay a claim.
Better building codes, the use of cell phones, and fire alarm systems for early detection have also played into it. Nothing wrong with any of this. Peoples lives are saved and they don't loose their property. BUT, from an Old School prospect, "we have been putting ourselves right out of business". Do you ever hear of a lawyer preaching to stop crime or accidents ? Of course not. They want job security.
Of course I disagree with putting an Engine Co out of service, no matter what hours of the day it is. But our very own efforts have cut our own throats.

And on a side note, whether you are in Uniform or Not, what you say and do can hurt you. You are no longer John Q. Citizen. You are now Firefighter So & So, and represent that dept. You are held to higher standards than most citizens.
So In or Out of Uniform, you need to represent your dept well. Don't drag the other members through the mud if "YOU" happen to feel like making a FOOL of Yourself.

Many depts (police, fire, etc)fought hard over the years to be able to live outside the city limits. Whether it was NYC or others. Sometimes they had to give up other things in order to get that.
Police Officers and Firefighters die on the job whether they live in the city or not. And if people act in an UNcivilized manner, it doesn't matter where a police officer or anybody for that matter lives. You don't have to be a city resident to understand that some people are out to only cause trouble. And its not only police officers or out of town residents that have no use for them.

Thanks very much Frank for that Excellent Report. I appreciate that also. May the Brooklyn C.O Rest in Peace.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12533995@NO2/sets/72157603941305234/

I think this kind of puts a little prespective on EGO Thinking.
We can think that we are important with our titles and all the other so called important goodies. But there is probadly nobody more important in this country than the president of the United States. Now, these are the most important people in our country. Can you name them ? If you can then you're really good. Now, how about the Second most important people in our country, the Vice Presidents.
So if you think you're somebody important, just remember most people can't even name the presidents of our country.
And by the way, they pull their pants down to take a $hit just like everybody else does.
We all have a job to do. If its to be in the fire service, so be it. If its to be a LEADER in the fire service, so be it. But nobody is better than anybody else. And no matter how good you might think you are, there's always somebody better. I hate to bust your ego bubble, but it is a fact. So go home and think about that. You are only a small speck in the system.
So sorry if your feelings are hurt, but get over it and get over yourself.

In Connecticut, so far most places have been very lucky in the fact that they haven't seen the cuts like in New York State. However, many cities made many cuts over the years and have trimmed their depts to the point that ANY working fire now requires mutual aid, there by taking fire companies away from their respective towns and cities. It is now the norm, rather than the exception.
Politicians like to make funding available while they are in office to make themselves look good. When they leave, that funding disappears. Such is an example of where several police patrols were added in my own city. When the politician left to seek a higher office, they often explained how they INCREASED Service, crime was reduced etc. What they didn't tell the people was that the funding for that program would eventually dry up after cutting it 25 % per year. As a result, those Community Police Officers that were used for ones Political Future, does NOT exist as I write this. And we're back to the crime the way it was before.
And as was mentioned earlier, we should expect to see cuts due to the economy these days. Don't put the blame on the people who get paid to risk their life and who help us every single day of the year. Put the blame where it belongs. The Politicians that gave away money on Pipedream projects for the advancement of their own political future. And as a reminder, every contract that is signed by the city for police, fire, etc, MUST Be Approved by ALL Parties.
With that said, for me it doesn't matter if a cop sits at a coffee shop all day long, or a firefighter plays games in the firehouse every day of the year. But when I call that well known "911" phone number, "they better be ready to perform".

I think these are some Great words of advice. I my own case, the City wanted to borrow from Our Pension Fund. We wouldn't let them do it and our pension fund is actually doing quite well, NO THANKS to the City. It is our own adminstrators that keep an eye on it, and insisted we keep it in our own pockets.