nfd2004

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.

The last Westchester firefighter exam was ridiculously easy, resulting in over 300 candidates achieving 100%.  The test was 50 questions, and most of the test was reading comprehension. When I took the test that got me on the job in the early 00's, there was a variety of question, including math that correlated to pump operations, mechanical aptitude, and following orders.  There were well over 100 questions on that exam.
 
It seem like exams are designed nowadays to allow people to pass, for a probable multitude of reasons. It used to be the exam was designed to get the best candidates for the job, now it's designed to give everybody passing scores. With more and more college educated people that are taking these basic grade school exams, it's making it even harder for people to have an edge on getting the job. A lot of people taking these exams don't even know how to use a screwdriver yet are getting 100's, and I'm serious about that.
 
I have no problem with departments trying to increase their diversity, but with the way they do it. It should be done with recruiting efforts, public education, and prep courses, not by dumbing down tests.
 
 

Oh, there's absolutely an agenda in play with the FDNY testing.  It's blatantly apparent to anyone who's been following the litigation referenced in the article and other recent actions, like the female that was allowed to graduate despite not passing a required physical test.

Considering their recruit training program and probationary process, prior firefighting knowledge while likely beneficial, isn't specifically necessary for a recruit to succeed in that system.  To some extent, entry level civil service exams aren't specifically for testing job specific knowledge, but rather to evaluate a person's general knowledge, reading comprehension, ability to follow directions, ability to solve problems, etc.
 
Personally, I don't see a problem with this as long as the test is adequately assessing a candidate's mental aptitude for what is needed to complete recruit school and perform the job vs dumbing down the exam in order to achieve diversity at the expense of quality.

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.
 
  

I agree with nfd2004.  If the Lisbon has never had a truck, then the department isn't accustomed to conducting truck company operations.  Even though their firefighters may have training in truck company ops, simply doing driver training and familiarizing themselves with the rig isn't sufficient to place a new truck company in service.  If they were an existing truck company just getting a new-to-them rig, it would go in service much faster.  In this case, they need to revise their SOP/SOG's.  Evaluate their response order of apparatus.  Train their crews on how truck company operations will be incorporated into their firefighting tactics.  Evaluate how this rig will fit into their mutual aid obligations and how they will interact with whomever used to provide truck company ops for them.  Will they run a dual response for the first few months with their existing truck company provider while they work out their operations.  And finally but not limited to, getting out into their first and eventual second due and setting the thing up at various structures to see how it deploys at various types of structures before they have to do it for real.

 
 
 I am just guessing on this but this town (Lisbon) has never had a ladder truck and they figure that might be the required time to get the guys trained on it. Just a guess.
 
 This is a small town also and I don't see it getting too much use here either.

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 am just guessing on this but this town (Lisbon) has never had a ladder truck and they figure that might be the required time to get the guys trained on it. Just a guess.
 
 This is a small town also and I don't see it getting too much use here either.

 
 
 I am just guessing on this but this town (Lisbon) has never had a ladder truck and they figure that might be the required time to get the guys trained on it. Just a guess.
 
 This is a small town also and I don't see it getting too much use here either.

PERHAPS SOMEONE IS LISTENING ! ! !
 
Early this AM, December 31, 2016, a working fire occurred in a building located at 598 West Main St. That is considered to be in the East Great Plains Volunteer Fire District of the city. I am HAPPY TO REPORT that in this case, the Fire Commander (Car 5), DID request the services of the Norwich Career Fire Department, which was the next closest department. Plus they are staffed.
 
Responding from the Norwich FD was Engine 3, Truck 1, and Battalion 1 (five firefighters, one Lt, and a B/C). In addition, both the Yantic and Taftville Depts responded and I believe, the Laurel Hill Volunteer Departments as well.
 
Was the Norwich FD requested because it was the right thing to do ?
Were they requested for fear of a legal action to be taken against this fire commander if not requested ?
Or were they requested because of some of the social media critics these fire commanders were facing in the past ? Only a few short weeks ago, a fire occurred at a 99 Restaurant less than two blocks away. With NO Norwich FD response. To quote from that social media:
  First Poster - "It's amazing to me that they don't call out the career guys on these assignments automatically"
  Response by Second Poster - "It all goes by run cards"
  First Poster - "Oh I know. Just makes no sense not to have a fully staffed career department in the same city, on every single one of these runs".
  Response from A THIRD Poster - "It's all internal politics. Career vs Volunteer, vs Serving the public...makes sense to send any and all resources that get the job done for the residents".
 
 So at this point, whatever it takes, this incident proves it can be done.
 
  It was a fire at an occupied group home a while back, located at 401 West Thames St, the East Great Plains District, in which things were totally different. There, the Career department being only 1.8 miles away was NEVER called. While one volunteer dept rode right by the career firehouse and another volunteer dept was requested from 8 miles away.
 
 Is this story over now ? By no means.
 However, this fire commander has made the right decision and perhaps has saved himself the very good possibility of a legal court battle. With the upcoming meeting with the Norwich City Manager, this will be the FIRST STEP taken in the RIGHT DIRECTION. However, it is NOT over at all. This MUST become the written policy of ALL the volunteer departments involved. With failing to do so resulting in immediate removal of the fire commander position on the city's part. As well as the very good possibility of legal action taken on by this Topic Author (NFD2004).
 
 Also, please feel free to share my thoughts with anyone you feel may be involved with this. Thank you.
 
 NFD2004, aka Willy D.
 
 

During the 1970s, my brother and I were Volunteer Firefighters in Fairfield, Ct. It was a combination department of career and volunteer firefighters that got along very well together. Many of us as volunteers, were encouraged to become career firefighters and the fact is that many of us did just that. Some are retired now and rose through the ranks quickly.
 
 The Fairfield Fire Dept was ALWAYS very progressive in their thinking. EMT was encouraged when the term first came out and the Fairfield FD was one of the first in Connecticut to assume responding to medical emergencies. The use of air packs was another area in which the department emphasized to both it's career and volunteer firefighters, how important using them was long before todays everyday use.
 
 The Fairfield FD covers a large area which includes the very busy I-95, Merritt Parkway Rte 15, a large shoreline, many condos, large single family homes, office buildings and a busy commuter railroad.
 
 My brother and I are still very THANKFUL for all that the Fairfield FD taught us. We had fun and those career firefighters pushed us to do the right thing.
 
 I just hope the younger people of today get the same opportunity that so many of us had. The Fairfield FD gave us all a great start and NONE of us have forgotten that.

During the 1970s, my brother and I were Volunteer Firefighters in Fairfield, Ct. It was a combination department of career and volunteer firefighters that got along very well together. Many of us as volunteers, were encouraged to become career firefighters and the fact is that many of us did just that. Some are retired now and rose through the ranks quickly.
 
 The Fairfield Fire Dept was ALWAYS very progressive in their thinking. EMT was encouraged when the term first came out and the Fairfield FD was one of the first in Connecticut to assume responding to medical emergencies. The use of air packs was another area in which the department emphasized to both it's career and volunteer firefighters, how important using them was long before todays everyday use.
 
 The Fairfield FD covers a large area which includes the very busy I-95, Merritt Parkway Rte 15, a large shoreline, many condos, large single family homes, office buildings and a busy commuter railroad.
 
 My brother and I are still very THANKFUL for all that the Fairfield FD taught us. We had fun and those career firefighters pushed us to do the right thing.
 
 I just hope the younger people of today get the same opportunity that so many of us had. The Fairfield FD gave us all a great start and NONE of us have forgotten that.

During the 1970s, my brother and I were Volunteer Firefighters in Fairfield, Ct. It was a combination department of career and volunteer firefighters that got along very well together. Many of us as volunteers, were encouraged to become career firefighters and the fact is that many of us did just that. Some are retired now and rose through the ranks quickly.
 
 The Fairfield Fire Dept was ALWAYS very progressive in their thinking. EMT was encouraged when the term first came out and the Fairfield FD was one of the first in Connecticut to assume responding to medical emergencies. The use of air packs was another area in which the department emphasized to both it's career and volunteer firefighters, how important using them was long before todays everyday use.
 
 The Fairfield FD covers a large area which includes the very busy I-95, Merritt Parkway Rte 15, a large shoreline, many condos, large single family homes, office buildings and a busy commuter railroad.
 
 My brother and I are still very THANKFUL for all that the Fairfield FD taught us. We had fun and those career firefighters pushed us to do the right thing.
 
 I just hope the younger people of today get the same opportunity that so many of us had. The Fairfield FD gave us all a great start and NONE of us have forgotten that.

Regardless of who takes that job or whether the person fails or succeeds in it, as I look at the cost to this fire department, I have to wonder how is that allowed to happen.
 
 It is stated that this fire department cost is MORE than the police, sanitation, roads, and the library - COMBINED. Something is seriously wrong there. And it seems that this individual is clearly upset with that. I can't say I blame her. I think if she were to fail it would be that despite her best interest, she may run into a brick wall put up by others who would try to resist this change in an effort to defend their own interest.
 
 In many places today, the "Good Ole' Boy System" is still Alive and Well.

Regardless of who takes that job or whether the person fails or succeeds in it, as I look at the cost to this fire department, I have to wonder how is that allowed to happen.
 
 It is stated that this fire department cost is MORE than the police, sanitation, roads, and the library - COMBINED. Something is seriously wrong there. And it seems that this individual is clearly upset with that. I can't say I blame her. I think if she were to fail it would be that despite her best interest, she may run into a brick wall put up by others who would try to resist this change in an effort to defend their own interest.
 
 In many places today, the "Good Ole' Boy System" is still Alive and Well.

This actually brings back memories to me of my home town, Bridgeport, Ct. They were always trying to meet some numbers game too.
 
As a result of this policy, many of my personnel friends who were well qualified to become Bridgeport Firefighters, "GAVE UP", and became firefighters elsewhere. Many were also promoted and are leaders in these outside fire departments today. How many others that I don't know, also gave up and did the same thing ? The results being: "Bridgeport's LOSS is another City's GAIN".
 
Here is an article about the hiring of those "CONVICTED FELONS". One of the "STAR PLAYERS" had been involved in driving the Get Away Car during a DOUBLE HOMICIDE in that city.
 
https://forums.firehouse.com/forum/firefighting/firefighters-forum/45714-more-trouble-for-bridgeport-ct-fire-dept 

"We probably should just throw in the towel and give the streets to the criminals".
 
The cops don't have a chance out there. Maybe we should do away with the cops entirely and see how well we can all function together on our own.
 
If this keeps up, nobody in their right mind will even consider being a cop no matter what the pay or benefits are. Maybe we can just hire felons to monitor felons. Kind of like that saying; "the fox guarding the hen house".
 
I also must add this too. Of my younger friends, NONE, have any interest in becoming a police officer today. It's just not worth it. If that becomes a trend and that should happen, we may be left with no other choice BUT to eliminate our police.
 
"I JUST HOPE THAT I'M NOT AROUND WHEN THAT HAPPENS"

"We probably should just throw in the towel and give the streets to the criminals".
 
The cops don't have a chance out there. Maybe we should do away with the cops entirely and see how well we can all function together on our own.
 
If this keeps up, nobody in their right mind will even consider being a cop no matter what the pay or benefits are. Maybe we can just hire felons to monitor felons. Kind of like that saying; "the fox guarding the hen house".
 
I also must add this too. Of my younger friends, NONE, have any interest in becoming a police officer today. It's just not worth it. If that becomes a trend and that should happen, we may be left with no other choice BUT to eliminate our police.
 
"I JUST HOPE THAT I'M NOT AROUND WHEN THAT HAPPENS"

"We probably should just throw in the towel and give the streets to the criminals".
 
The cops don't have a chance out there. Maybe we should do away with the cops entirely and see how well we can all function together on our own.
 
If this keeps up, nobody in their right mind will even consider being a cop no matter what the pay or benefits are. Maybe we can just hire felons to monitor felons. Kind of like that saying; "the fox guarding the hen house".
 
I also must add this too. Of my younger friends, NONE, have any interest in becoming a police officer today. It's just not worth it. If that becomes a trend and that should happen, we may be left with no other choice BUT to eliminate our police.
 
"I JUST HOPE THAT I'M NOT AROUND WHEN THAT HAPPENS"

just goes to prove you can only have one princess in the palace...cop's lives put in danger while they play tug of war....

Thank you x635 for posting this. I will surely pass it around. 
 
And thank you to the members of the FDNY. Many members of the FDNY are still paying the price as well as their families. 
 
It was a day we will never forget. There are still people suffering from that tragic day. As one famous song writer put it, "Where were you when the world stopped turning". 
 
So much suffering day after day. Year after year as so many will never forget.

Thank you x635 for posting this. I will surely pass it around. 
 
And thank you to the members of the FDNY. Many members of the FDNY are still paying the price as well as their families. 
 
It was a day we will never forget. There are still people suffering from that tragic day. As one famous song writer put it, "Where were you when the world stopped turning". 
 
So much suffering day after day. Year after year as so many will never forget.

Thank you x635 for posting this. I will surely pass it around. 
 
And thank you to the members of the FDNY. Many members of the FDNY are still paying the price as well as their families. 
 
It was a day we will never forget. There are still people suffering from that tragic day. As one famous song writer put it, "Where were you when the world stopped turning". 
 
So much suffering day after day. Year after year as so many will never forget.

Thank you x635 for posting this. I will surely pass it around. 
 
And thank you to the members of the FDNY. Many members of the FDNY are still paying the price as well as their families. 
 
It was a day we will never forget. There are still people suffering from that tragic day. As one famous song writer put it, "Where were you when the world stopped turning". 
 
So much suffering day after day. Year after year as so many will never forget.