mstrang1

Code Brown! Code Brown!

Maybe I'm using my college education here, but why is it okay for private companies and the federal government to require some kind of further education, but municipalities are discriminating against certain individuals or groups if they require a degree? Why are cities so special?
I like the graduated post HS requirements of NRPD.
In response to your last point, those with law degrees are the smart ones...

So because Michigan does not require a college degree to apply, you feel that you should have one? Just because a state has certain requirements, or lack thereof, does not make it right. On my first day in the CT State Fire Academy, they told us, "the state of CT requires 10 weeks (at the time) of training to be a firefighter and 16 weeks of training to be a licensed hair stylist." Let that sink in for a second, and then tell me states have their priorities set. Also, while I am not a moderator on the board, please use spell check and check for grammar. Proper grammar and spelling help credibility immensely. Bad grammar and spelling in forums and texts and emails seep into everyday life and soon enough you are making mistakes on job applications.

Maybe I'm using my college education here, but why is it okay for private companies and the federal government to require some kind of further education, but municipalities are discriminating against certain individuals or groups if they require a degree? Why are cities so special?
I like the graduated post HS requirements of NRPD.
In response to your last point, those with law degrees are the smart ones...

In addition to what others have said about promotional exams, etc., college prepares you for a second career, either concurrent or post fd/pd career. What happens if, God forbid, 4 years into your career you must retire on a disability? Sit around all day? Or be prepared to find another job? I just heard on the radio yesterday that prospective employers do not want people that are not currently employed, no matter the experience. So employers are not hiring people with experience in the field already, how would you fare in the job market? A degree is something at least.
If you do 20 years as a cop and got hired at 22, that means you are retired at 42. What will you do the rest of your life, live off of a pension? Doubt it...
Whether you have a degree in fire science or criminal justice or basket weaving, the degree is most certainly worth more than the paper it is printed on. I get paid a (slightly) higher rate with the FD, due to having a bachelors degree. I imagine other jobs have similar wage scales. As much as I thought college was a waste of time while I was there, the further away from it I get, the more I realize how important it was. Not just from a communication and time management perspective, but from a general knowledge standpoint. While in college, I was required to take public speaking, philosophy, sociology, psychology, history and literature classes. All of these classes help create (hopefully) a well rounded individual. From job interviews to everyday work activities, these core skills come in handy.

In addition to what others have said about promotional exams, etc., college prepares you for a second career, either concurrent or post fd/pd career. What happens if, God forbid, 4 years into your career you must retire on a disability? Sit around all day? Or be prepared to find another job? I just heard on the radio yesterday that prospective employers do not want people that are not currently employed, no matter the experience. So employers are not hiring people with experience in the field already, how would you fare in the job market? A degree is something at least.
If you do 20 years as a cop and got hired at 22, that means you are retired at 42. What will you do the rest of your life, live off of a pension? Doubt it...
Whether you have a degree in fire science or criminal justice or basket weaving, the degree is most certainly worth more than the paper it is printed on. I get paid a (slightly) higher rate with the FD, due to having a bachelors degree. I imagine other jobs have similar wage scales. As much as I thought college was a waste of time while I was there, the further away from it I get, the more I realize how important it was. Not just from a communication and time management perspective, but from a general knowledge standpoint. While in college, I was required to take public speaking, philosophy, sociology, psychology, history and literature classes. All of these classes help create (hopefully) a well rounded individual. From job interviews to everyday work activities, these core skills come in handy.

They can happen to anyone, but shouldn't. I threw those speeds in there to try and sneak one by you. You seem to be very reactionary in this post. Just wanted to see if you were reading or just being defensive. Nobody should be driving that fast, especially in a tower ladder. Take it from me, getting in an accident in an engine sucks. I know this personally. Although there were thankfully no injuries, the woman who stopped short in front of me was pregnant and transported to the hospital for observation. Luckily, no one was in the crosswalk where the pathfinder she was driving ended up. Luckily my officer and crew had seat belts on and did not land on the pathfinder. Someone older and wiser told me afterwards, there are two kinds of drivers, ones that have had an accident, and ones that haven't had one YET. I just got mine out of the way early in my career. I drive carefully all the time, stop at all negative intersections no matter time of day, etc. I have actually had officers tell me to speed up. I refuse every time. If you have not done this yet, and I suggest this to every emergency vehicle operator, read every fatal fire apparatus (or ambulance/police cruiser) report you can find. Learn from other peoples death. Speed, inexperience, and bad weather are the three most common causes of fatal accidents. Take your time learning the job of the back step properly before getting in the front. Just because you drive more at 3am than a more experienced driver, only means you don't have to take a leak before you go on that call, or you live closer, or don't have to crack your back three times before taking a few steps toward the door. If you take the time to put on your turnout gear, another (more experienced) driver should arrive. If they don't, there are bigger problems ahead...

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

They can happen to anyone, but shouldn't. I threw those speeds in there to try and sneak one by you. You seem to be very reactionary in this post. Just wanted to see if you were reading or just being defensive. Nobody should be driving that fast, especially in a tower ladder. Take it from me, getting in an accident in an engine sucks. I know this personally. Although there were thankfully no injuries, the woman who stopped short in front of me was pregnant and transported to the hospital for observation. Luckily, no one was in the crosswalk where the pathfinder she was driving ended up. Luckily my officer and crew had seat belts on and did not land on the pathfinder. Someone older and wiser told me afterwards, there are two kinds of drivers, ones that have had an accident, and ones that haven't had one YET. I just got mine out of the way early in my career. I drive carefully all the time, stop at all negative intersections no matter time of day, etc. I have actually had officers tell me to speed up. I refuse every time. If you have not done this yet, and I suggest this to every emergency vehicle operator, read every fatal fire apparatus (or ambulance/police cruiser) report you can find. Learn from other peoples death. Speed, inexperience, and bad weather are the three most common causes of fatal accidents. Take your time learning the job of the back step properly before getting in the front. Just because you drive more at 3am than a more experienced driver, only means you don't have to take a leak before you go on that call, or you live closer, or don't have to crack your back three times before taking a few steps toward the door. If you take the time to put on your turnout gear, another (more experienced) driver should arrive. If they don't, there are bigger problems ahead...

They can happen to anyone, but shouldn't. I threw those speeds in there to try and sneak one by you. You seem to be very reactionary in this post. Just wanted to see if you were reading or just being defensive. Nobody should be driving that fast, especially in a tower ladder. Take it from me, getting in an accident in an engine sucks. I know this personally. Although there were thankfully no injuries, the woman who stopped short in front of me was pregnant and transported to the hospital for observation. Luckily, no one was in the crosswalk where the pathfinder she was driving ended up. Luckily my officer and crew had seat belts on and did not land on the pathfinder. Someone older and wiser told me afterwards, there are two kinds of drivers, ones that have had an accident, and ones that haven't had one YET. I just got mine out of the way early in my career. I drive carefully all the time, stop at all negative intersections no matter time of day, etc. I have actually had officers tell me to speed up. I refuse every time. If you have not done this yet, and I suggest this to every emergency vehicle operator, read every fatal fire apparatus (or ambulance/police cruiser) report you can find. Learn from other peoples death. Speed, inexperience, and bad weather are the three most common causes of fatal accidents. Take your time learning the job of the back step properly before getting in the front. Just because you drive more at 3am than a more experienced driver, only means you don't have to take a leak before you go on that call, or you live closer, or don't have to crack your back three times before taking a few steps toward the door. If you take the time to put on your turnout gear, another (more experienced) driver should arrive. If they don't, there are bigger problems ahead...

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

While there are many jokes to be made about this threat, there are many serious issues at work here.
1) It was stated in the article that plywood was on the windows, painted to look like curtains. This presents many complications including venting, egress, sizeup, etc.
2) Delays in getting water on the fire. It was not stated in this article, but I am sure the locks/doors were fortified heavily.
3) Entanglement issues. It was noted that there was a vast electrical system for the lights, etc. I am sure this was not installed by a licensed electrician, nor inspected by the BI. This could cause entanglement issues in the wires, plus electrical shock and the very hot bulbs could cause burns.
4) Traps/snares. People that make/grow drugs often booby-trap the houses where this is done as a form of security. Also, dogs and other animals are used for this purpose.
5) Preservation of evidence. Obviously this fire became a crime scene and Police officers do not like their crime scene upset too much (with good reason..). Making sure to document where things were, what order they were in, etc is crucial to a criminal investigation.
6) Know your buildings. Obviously this is an extreme example that no one most likely knew about beforehand, but take your time and look at the buildings around. At a wires down call, look (from the street) at the houses in the neighborhood. Look for multiple mailboxes, meters, heavy locks, etc. This stuff sinks in beforehand, and when the brown stuff hits the fan, we may have a slight lead.

Truck 45 could have been used at Deep Valley Trail fire, but, alas, the IC "did not want to wake up those guys at such a late hour".

And now to actually add to the topic. The can is a very important tool, as was stated before. As a minimum, the can does make a good door chock. At its most, it can put out a lot of fire. Or a little fire. I have used the can many times for small waste basket fires, smoldering fires, etc. In Stamford, the can goes on every investigation, unless the call deserves another extinguisher. Usually a water can or two makes it in for every call, with good reason. What may start as a grease fire, electrical fire, etc, will usually start class A materials on fire. If, during the course of investigation you discover a fire, the can is there to keep things in check until the next engine company or your partner can start getting a line in position. If the can get help you shut a door, use short blasts high up to darken the fire enough to close the door.
If you are assigned to the floor above, the can is essential if a handline has not been put in position on your floor. Any embers coming up through void spaces in a balloon frame structure can be held in check this way. Obviously a handline is the best option, but the Can can get there faster and is more agile.

And now to actually add to the topic. The can is a very important tool, as was stated before. As a minimum, the can does make a good door chock. At its most, it can put out a lot of fire. Or a little fire. I have used the can many times for small waste basket fires, smoldering fires, etc. In Stamford, the can goes on every investigation, unless the call deserves another extinguisher. Usually a water can or two makes it in for every call, with good reason. What may start as a grease fire, electrical fire, etc, will usually start class A materials on fire. If, during the course of investigation you discover a fire, the can is there to keep things in check until the next engine company or your partner can start getting a line in position. If the can get help you shut a door, use short blasts high up to darken the fire enough to close the door.
If you are assigned to the floor above, the can is essential if a handline has not been put in position on your floor. Any embers coming up through void spaces in a balloon frame structure can be held in check this way. Obviously a handline is the best option, but the Can can get there faster and is more agile.

Is the car cheaper than a trial?

Anybody have a photo?

Thankfully a no brainer is right up my alley. So your concern is the city is going to have to hire more career firefighters? Isn't the mayor trying to fix this by hiring more career firefighters?

It says Halliburton on the side, so one thing we know it does is waste taxpayer money

EMS- They did it precisely BECAUSE the GOP would vote it down. If they don't put it to a vote, it is their fault. If they put it to a vote and the GOP votes it down, then the GOP are the a$$holes who voted against, as W called them repeatedly, "Americas Heroes." It is just a political return-fire.

The Chief of LRFCo cancelled all units to a reported chimney fire before any units were on scene. Once he was on scene, almost 7 minutes later, he again, after being prompted, called for SFRD and TOR units to be called out. Some of those units had a good 10 minute, maybe longer, response time. In addition, LRFCo has no ladder company, and does not have, at least on the one engine that got in the driveway, a ladder taller than 24'. How was the Chief sure he had a ladder tall enough to reach the roof when he was not even on scene? By the time a truck company was called and on scene, it was blocked by 5 inch hose from reaching the scene.
BFXFD, this DOES have something to do with career vs volunteer. But not in the way that you think. This is about a volunteer department that will do anything to prevent losing any type of control over their kingdom at any cost. There is a history between LRFCo and city and union officials. Maybe someone who was on the job at that time will expand. The volunteer Chief expressly cancelled city units because he wanted to handle the call himself. By having the paid city units respond, he would be "ceding" to them. This is not about me wanting to get rid of volunteers in Stamford. In fact, SFRD Engines 8 and 9 were drilling with TOR Volunteers when this call came in. This is about a volunteer Chief resisting the idea that they cannot handle it all on their own. They needed HELP and lots of it, early, at this fire. It does not matter whether he called TOR, Pound Ridge or SFRD, he just needed more people faster. The Unions stance, and one that I very much agree with, is that the city units have a guaranteed response of personnel. The city ultimately had at least 3 engines, 1 truck, 1 rescue and 1 DC and Aide on scene. This response was delayed significantly by the Chiefs own hubris in the matter.
Rant over.