nfd2004

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.

 
 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.

Once again, another page of photos has been added to the fdnysbravest.com web site.
 
This is Page 24 of a very busy 1980s for the members of the FDNY. Second only to their prior so called: "FDNY War Years" of the earlier 1970s.
 
I think it's safe to say, "some pretty impressive photos" to say the least.
 
Click on the link below.
 
www.fdnysbravest.com/page24.htm
 
 

Once again, another page of photos has been added to the fdnysbravest.com web site.
 
This is Page 24 of a very busy 1980s for the members of the FDNY. Second only to their prior so called: "FDNY War Years" of the earlier 1970s.
 
I think it's safe to say, "some pretty impressive photos" to say the least.
 
Click on the link below.
 
www.fdnysbravest.com/page24.htm
 
 

I have no idea how the operators of those two HUGE rigs were able to get them through some of those streets with cars parked on both sides.
 
 Then once they got there, came the job of being able to get that bucket up. That required the use of those outriggers to be come out and put down. The distance of the overall spread was much more than other aerials or tower ladders.
 
 What a GREAT JOB those guys did operating a truck of that size on some of those NYC streets.

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.

I have no idea how the operators of those two HUGE rigs were able to get them through some of those streets with cars parked on both sides.
 
 Then once they got there, came the job of being able to get that bucket up. That required the use of those outriggers to be come out and put down. The distance of the overall spread was much more than other aerials or tower ladders.
 
 What a GREAT JOB those guys did operating a truck of that size on some of those NYC streets.

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.

lots of "short" jacking

I have no idea how the operators of those two HUGE rigs were able to get them through some of those streets with cars parked on both sides.
 
 Then once they got there, came the job of being able to get that bucket up. That required the use of those outriggers to be come out and put down. The distance of the overall spread was much more than other aerials or tower ladders.
 
 What a GREAT JOB those guys did operating a truck of that size on some of those NYC streets.

Once again, another page of photos has been added to the fdnysbravest.com web site.
 
This is Page 24 of a very busy 1980s for the members of the FDNY. Second only to their prior so called: "FDNY War Years" of the earlier 1970s.
 
I think it's safe to say, "some pretty impressive photos" to say the least.
 
Click on the link below.
 
www.fdnysbravest.com/page24.htm
 
 

THANK YOU x635.
 
To the family and friends of Detective Steven McDonald my sincere condolences.
 
Your loss is shared by the entire country as this story is told. Detective McDonald as I see it is a Saint. His story of forgiveness and his suffering goes beyond what most of us would consider a Hero.
 
I can NOT imagine what it was like to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and not be able to move my arms or hands ever again.
 
From the time he woke up in the morning, until the time he went to bed at night, he was at the mercy of someone being there to do it for him. Doing the simplest routine things he could NOT do. Like getting dressed in the morning, brushing his teeth, feeding himself, changing the channel on the television, scratching an itch, or holding his wifes hand. But despite that, Detective McDonald FORGAVE THE YOUTH THAT SHOT HIM.
 
 Detective McDonald needs to be remembered for this. While here on earth Detective McDonald did his job well. From his days as a New York City Police Officer, to his final days of confinement in his wheel chair. With no ability to fend for himself.
 
 I never met Detective McDonald. I sure wish I did though. He will be one individual that I will NEVER FORGET. I will remember him for the HERO he was. I will remember him for the suffering he went through and for the kind of man he was.
 
 THANK YOU Detective McDonald for the job you have done. May you now Rest in Peace.
 
 Here is his story.
 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ6a3miemqs

THANK YOU x635.
 
To the family and friends of Detective Steven McDonald my sincere condolences.
 
Your loss is shared by the entire country as this story is told. Detective McDonald as I see it is a Saint. His story of forgiveness and his suffering goes beyond what most of us would consider a Hero.
 
I can NOT imagine what it was like to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and not be able to move my arms or hands ever again.
 
From the time he woke up in the morning, until the time he went to bed at night, he was at the mercy of someone being there to do it for him. Doing the simplest routine things he could NOT do. Like getting dressed in the morning, brushing his teeth, feeding himself, changing the channel on the television, scratching an itch, or holding his wifes hand. But despite that, Detective McDonald FORGAVE THE YOUTH THAT SHOT HIM.
 
 Detective McDonald needs to be remembered for this. While here on earth Detective McDonald did his job well. From his days as a New York City Police Officer, to his final days of confinement in his wheel chair. With no ability to fend for himself.
 
 I never met Detective McDonald. I sure wish I did though. He will be one individual that I will NEVER FORGET. I will remember him for the HERO he was. I will remember him for the suffering he went through and for the kind of man he was.
 
 THANK YOU Detective McDonald for the job you have done. May you now Rest in Peace.
 
 Here is his story.
 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ6a3miemqs

THANK YOU x635.
 
To the family and friends of Detective Steven McDonald my sincere condolences.
 
Your loss is shared by the entire country as this story is told. Detective McDonald as I see it is a Saint. His story of forgiveness and his suffering goes beyond what most of us would consider a Hero.
 
I can NOT imagine what it was like to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and not be able to move my arms or hands ever again.
 
From the time he woke up in the morning, until the time he went to bed at night, he was at the mercy of someone being there to do it for him. Doing the simplest routine things he could NOT do. Like getting dressed in the morning, brushing his teeth, feeding himself, changing the channel on the television, scratching an itch, or holding his wifes hand. But despite that, Detective McDonald FORGAVE THE YOUTH THAT SHOT HIM.
 
 Detective McDonald needs to be remembered for this. While here on earth Detective McDonald did his job well. From his days as a New York City Police Officer, to his final days of confinement in his wheel chair. With no ability to fend for himself.
 
 I never met Detective McDonald. I sure wish I did though. He will be one individual that I will NEVER FORGET. I will remember him for the HERO he was. I will remember him for the suffering he went through and for the kind of man he was.
 
 THANK YOU Detective McDonald for the job you have done. May you now Rest in Peace.
 
 Here is his story.
 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ6a3miemqs

THANK YOU x635.
 
To the family and friends of Detective Steven McDonald my sincere condolences.
 
Your loss is shared by the entire country as this story is told. Detective McDonald as I see it is a Saint. His story of forgiveness and his suffering goes beyond what most of us would consider a Hero.
 
I can NOT imagine what it was like to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and not be able to move my arms or hands ever again.
 
From the time he woke up in the morning, until the time he went to bed at night, he was at the mercy of someone being there to do it for him. Doing the simplest routine things he could NOT do. Like getting dressed in the morning, brushing his teeth, feeding himself, changing the channel on the television, scratching an itch, or holding his wifes hand. But despite that, Detective McDonald FORGAVE THE YOUTH THAT SHOT HIM.
 
 Detective McDonald needs to be remembered for this. While here on earth Detective McDonald did his job well. From his days as a New York City Police Officer, to his final days of confinement in his wheel chair. With no ability to fend for himself.
 
 I never met Detective McDonald. I sure wish I did though. He will be one individual that I will NEVER FORGET. I will remember him for the HERO he was. I will remember him for the suffering he went through and for the kind of man he was.
 
 THANK YOU Detective McDonald for the job you have done. May you now Rest in Peace.
 
 Here is his story.
 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ6a3miemqs

THANK YOU x635.
 
To the family and friends of Detective Steven McDonald my sincere condolences.
 
Your loss is shared by the entire country as this story is told. Detective McDonald as I see it is a Saint. His story of forgiveness and his suffering goes beyond what most of us would consider a Hero.
 
I can NOT imagine what it was like to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and not be able to move my arms or hands ever again.
 
From the time he woke up in the morning, until the time he went to bed at night, he was at the mercy of someone being there to do it for him. Doing the simplest routine things he could NOT do. Like getting dressed in the morning, brushing his teeth, feeding himself, changing the channel on the television, scratching an itch, or holding his wifes hand. But despite that, Detective McDonald FORGAVE THE YOUTH THAT SHOT HIM.
 
 Detective McDonald needs to be remembered for this. While here on earth Detective McDonald did his job well. From his days as a New York City Police Officer, to his final days of confinement in his wheel chair. With no ability to fend for himself.
 
 I never met Detective McDonald. I sure wish I did though. He will be one individual that I will NEVER FORGET. I will remember him for the HERO he was. I will remember him for the suffering he went through and for the kind of man he was.
 
 THANK YOU Detective McDonald for the job you have done. May you now Rest in Peace.
 
 Here is his story.
 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ6a3miemqs

 
http://nypost.com/2017/01/10/paralyzed-nypd-hero-steven-mcdonald-dies-at-59/

"Viper" thank you for keeping us updated on this latest ruling. Of course it will be interesting to see what the opposing side has to say about it. As they claim that their side of the story was not heard by the state authorities.
 
 The laid off Port Chester Firefighters have already been eliminated without any state hearing at all. Both sides of the story should have been told BEFORE any action was taken regarding those Port Chester Firefighters. It is similar to being sentenced to prison BEFORE having any legal hearing.
 
  It is my hope that should that be proven to be the case, those eight former Port Chester Firefighters seek justice for unfair treatment and unjust cause. They should seek their former positions back if requested, along with ALL back pay and benefits as well. A counter suit should also be filed for being subject to a hostile environment and harassment.
 
 The citizens as well should be made fully aware through the media should those Port Chester Firefighters win this case successfully. It should also be brought up about the Chief Quinn remarks of breaking windows of other firefighters.

"Viper" thank you for keeping us updated on this latest ruling. Of course it will be interesting to see what the opposing side has to say about it. As they claim that their side of the story was not heard by the state authorities.
 
 The laid off Port Chester Firefighters have already been eliminated without any state hearing at all. Both sides of the story should have been told BEFORE any action was taken regarding those Port Chester Firefighters. It is similar to being sentenced to prison BEFORE having any legal hearing.
 
  It is my hope that should that be proven to be the case, those eight former Port Chester Firefighters seek justice for unfair treatment and unjust cause. They should seek their former positions back if requested, along with ALL back pay and benefits as well. A counter suit should also be filed for being subject to a hostile environment and harassment.
 
 The citizens as well should be made fully aware through the media should those Port Chester Firefighters win this case successfully. It should also be brought up about the Chief Quinn remarks of breaking windows of other firefighters.

 
 I just wanted to add this.
 
Regardless of any additional points granted to residents, there is no law stating that those new firefighters MUST remain residents of that city or town once appointed. I could be wrong but I know of many places here in Connecticut where that is the case. Residents get the points added to their final score, but once appointed, these firefighters are free to move OUTSIDE of the city limits.
 
 For many cities it is purely an effort to boost the diversity numbers. Once that is accomplished the city doesn't care much if a guy/gal stays around.
 
 Things have certainly changed since my Probie Days. I was an outside resident and at my final interview with the chief of department, he told me I would be offered the job under one condition. That condition was that I was required to be a resident of that city. Just like all the other firefighters were required at the time.
 
 That is no longer the case. Anybody from Anywhere is allowed to apply to get the job. There are guys that live miles away now. However, there has been a growing trend on giving certain preference to hiring certain groups of people. The chief gets the final say on who he wants to hire. I can't speak for him but here is what I have noticed.
 
 1) Groups on candidates to meet a diversity hiring preference, particularly if the are residents. In this case, I know each one and they are all respected members of the department.
 
 2) Groups of local volunteer firefighters within the city's border. Again all well respected throughout the department.  
 
 With that in mind, today this policy makes it very difficult for someone such as myself, who got this job years ago, to have any chance of getting that job today.
 
 My advice is to take EVERY TEST POSSIBLE and don't give up. I took Six test before I got the job. And I know another guy who is now a Lt here in Connecticut who took "THIRTY ONE TEST", yes 31, test before he got the job. Another friend who is also a Lt now as well, traveled back and forth to Baltimore from Connecticut for each series of the test. He scored well but still didn't get it. But he's very happy now where he ended up.
 
 Best of Luck Guys

"Viper" thank you for keeping us updated on this latest ruling. Of course it will be interesting to see what the opposing side has to say about it. As they claim that their side of the story was not heard by the state authorities.
 
 The laid off Port Chester Firefighters have already been eliminated without any state hearing at all. Both sides of the story should have been told BEFORE any action was taken regarding those Port Chester Firefighters. It is similar to being sentenced to prison BEFORE having any legal hearing.
 
  It is my hope that should that be proven to be the case, those eight former Port Chester Firefighters seek justice for unfair treatment and unjust cause. They should seek their former positions back if requested, along with ALL back pay and benefits as well. A counter suit should also be filed for being subject to a hostile environment and harassment.
 
 The citizens as well should be made fully aware through the media should those Port Chester Firefighters win this case successfully. It should also be brought up about the Chief Quinn remarks of breaking windows of other firefighters.

"PCFD Eng 58", I just read your comment (12/31/2016) on page 2 of "The Fractured Fire Service of Norwich, Ct". It seems that the place you once lived in, Port Chester, isn't the same.
 
 As I see it, Port Chester FD took a big step BACKWARDS. So many places are finding ways of either hiring firefighters or contracting out to outside departments who do have an on duty crew.
 
 As an example, in Portland, Ct., an all volunteer dept,, they contracted out with the nearby Middletown Fire Dept to send at least one piece of manned apparatus to incidents.
 
 Another small town near me, Preston, Ct., hired three firefighters for daytime coverage and a fulltime chief. The fire dept also provides the ambulance service as well.
 
 Another small local town (Ledyard, Ct) just hired one additional firefighter to add to the Monday through Friday coverage of Three firefighters, plus a fulltime fire marshal.
 
To my north there are the small towns of Canterbury and Voluntown who do the same.
 
 In these examples presented, could they all be wrong in hiring full time firefighters ? I'm sure it comes with a price, but so does most of our other basic necessities in life come with a price tag. Our food, clothing, shelter. Our other public service employees that we all count on such as our teachers, police, public works, and our military.
 
 The City of Port Chester hasn't felt it yet. But I'm sure the day will come when SOMEONE WILL feel the effects of this decision, either in property loss or even injury or worse.
 
 After this decision was made:
 
1) Did all of those laid off Port Chester Firefighters find other fire dept jobs" ?
 
2) What happened to Chief Quinn after his comments to break windows on a firefighters home ? I can tell you this, "had those comments been made by career firefighters I know, they'd be looking at a few weeks suspension with NO pay had it become social media news".
 
 
 
 

I was a victim of Affirmative Action in Bridgeport, Ct. That was back in the mid 70s. Boston was also going through a similar case at the time.
 
Apparently according to these cities, some people just didn't look the way they wanted them to in order to do the job as a firefighter. So in order to do the job that I grew up wanting to do, "just like my father", I had to pack my bags and leave. Leaving my family, my friends, and the only city and home I ever knew.
 
 I had ended up in some city about 75 miles away. In a place I had never been before. As it turned out, it was my gain and Bridgeport's loss. Within a few months I was able to buy a beautiful home that I never would have found in that Bridgeport area.
 
 There were old buildings there just like Bridgeport and they even had a ladder truck with a driver on the back too, just like Bridgeport. With a little extra work, I was able to get promoted and today I enjoy my retirement after 30 years with that fire department.
 
 My father was a firefighter in Bridgeport too. And one of his captains was a guy who looked much different than the rest of the guys. But it didn't matter because he was very well respected by the members throughout the department. and unlike so many others who came later, he earned his promotion and it wasn't just given to him.
 
 I am totally AGAINST any type of Affirmative Action or job offerings based solely on the way a person looks. Although I am NOT any kind of racist and I have facts to prove that.

I was a victim of Affirmative Action in Bridgeport, Ct. That was back in the mid 70s. Boston was also going through a similar case at the time.
 
Apparently according to these cities, some people just didn't look the way they wanted them to in order to do the job as a firefighter. So in order to do the job that I grew up wanting to do, "just like my father", I had to pack my bags and leave. Leaving my family, my friends, and the only city and home I ever knew.
 
 I had ended up in some city about 75 miles away. In a place I had never been before. As it turned out, it was my gain and Bridgeport's loss. Within a few months I was able to buy a beautiful home that I never would have found in that Bridgeport area.
 
 There were old buildings there just like Bridgeport and they even had a ladder truck with a driver on the back too, just like Bridgeport. With a little extra work, I was able to get promoted and today I enjoy my retirement after 30 years with that fire department.
 
 My father was a firefighter in Bridgeport too. And one of his captains was a guy who looked much different than the rest of the guys. But it didn't matter because he was very well respected by the members throughout the department. and unlike so many others who came later, he earned his promotion and it wasn't just given to him.
 
 I am totally AGAINST any type of Affirmative Action or job offerings based solely on the way a person looks. Although I am NOT any kind of racist and I have facts to prove that.