efdcapt115

I learned a long time ago that you are no "average Joe". Well said.

First thing I'll say is Pelham Manor is often faced with difficult situations on the FD side and the PD side thanks to that stretch of Boston Post Rd. Second thing is; if I'm on a Pelham Manor rig rolling up solo and this is what I'm faced with, you'd bet your *** I'm relieved to see the Army rolling across the bridge. Third thing; if Southern Westchester ever wants to put the capabilities together to have some type of adequate initial response to incidents like this one (which by the way aren't going away, and are going to happen again), they'd better dust off the consolidation study. Pelham Manor Brothers on the job that responded, I salute you for rolling into probably one of the more difficult fire scenarios that can be faced; with minimal manpower, I remember all too well the feeling in my gut (when I rode solo) knowing what had to be done, and looking next to me in the rig and seeing only my helmet hanging on a coat hanger. Nice job mitigating a catastrophic fire. God bless all; forget the nameplates on the helmets and rigs. That's why they call this a Brotherhood (Sisters too). All too often we get involved in the firehouse politic; who's cheatin' who, who's a square rooter, etc. Jobs like this bring it all home, that's why the busier departments maintain the love, and keep the BS to a minimum.

Date: 10/04/2011 Time: apprx. 1520 hrs. Location: FDR Drive at 34th St. Heliport Frequency: Manhattan Units Operating: See list Weather Conditions: Cool/ gusty winds Description Of Incident: Bell 206 helicopter with five souls on board crashed into the East River just off the 34th Street heliport. FDNY and NYPD responding for water rescue. NYPD Air-Sea Rescue responding, patrol and ESU also enroute. Reporters/Writer: Soho Truckin @nycfire, et al Manhattan: FDR Drive & 34 St Confirmed Helicopter in the water, With 5 people trapped. Emergency Personnel on scene. OEM Portable first unit on scene confirming job with people trapped requesting SCUBA and ESU. NYPD Rundown - Truck 1, Boy 1, David 1, Adam 3, Adam 8, Adam 19, Aviation 10, Aviation (Air-Sea Rescue), Harbor George, Scuba Launch 37, Launch 8, Launch 315, Highway 1 units for traffic control, 17th Pct Patrol Units Supervisors: ESU 2, ESU 3, Harbor XO, ESU 5, Aviation CO, Highway 1 Lt., Highway District CO OEM reports ESU in the water, helicopter submerged. One victim out of the water, additional rescues in progress. ESU supervisor requests TFR over heliport area during dive operations. 1532 - Divers deployed from air-sea rescue helicopter. Rescues still ongoing. NYPD Level 1 Mobilization to 34 St and FDR for helicopter accident. 1540 - All Hands transmistted, box 720, all hands operating at water rescue with divers in the water. FDNY Rundown: E-21, 16, 8 L-2, 7, 16 (water rescue unit) Batt 8 Sq-18 Rescue 1, 4 Division 3 Tac-1 Marine 1, 1A, 6, 8 Rescue Batt, Safety Batt Staging E34 @ 1st Ave E-65 L21 (water rescue fast truck) B-7 Live coverage:http://www.emergencystream.com/ Further info: Bell 206 Helo crashed, multiple FDNY/NYPD/Coast Guard marine units on scene, 2 NYPD helos landed at 34th St heliport, live coverage NY Channel 2 CBS/Channel 7 ABC (early tape of first responders diving into the water with life rings, wearing wet/dry suits, effecting rescues. Update: 5 confirmed victims, pilot and one male passenger at NYU Medical, both reported stable, 2 female passengers at Belleview, both reported cardiac arrests, both critical, one female passenger recovered D.O.A.

It's obvious by some of the impassioned responses this topic is getting, that there are members of this site that feel strongly connected to the happenings of this reality tv show. I can say I've never had much of an interest in watching it. But I do remember when they made the "343" bike, and delivered it to Al Ronaldson's son at a Bronx firehouse. Al Ronaldson was an FDNY member who died at a fire in the early 1990's I think. I remember his funeral distinctly because it was so cold upstate (I guess it was in Orange County?) that I went home and came down with the flu. And now his son has joined the FDNY and therefore the OCC guys brought the bike to the son. I remember seeing the OCC guys at the NYPD car show at City Island. It seems to me, through all of the drama that many of you have followed closely, that the OCC people have always been very respectful to the FDNY and the NYPD. Whatever personal issues the family is apparently going through, it's a shame they are airing it all out on television, and obviously making those of you who are loyal viewers choose sides in a personal family conflict. I think this show, judging by what I've read here in this thread, has gone beyond the scope and boundaries it was originally planned for; which was a bunch of guys building custom motorcycles. It seems to have taken a turn into a daytime soap-opera. That's a shame really. Just my opinion, but I think we should respect them for what they've done for NYC emergency services, and the family itself should come to their senses and get this stuff off the air. But fame and fortune become intoxicating, and even at the expense of apparently looking like a wacky dysfunctional family of kooks, they allow the cameras to keep on rolling, and naturally our voyeuristic tendencies compel people to keep tuning in. Sounds like it's way past time to pull the plug.

Just got off the phone with Brother Willy. He wanted to relay thanks to any and all of you who offer prayers and condolences. Regarding the Wake and Funeral information; there is none to relay. As per the family wishes the wake and funeral will be a private family affair. God Rest Mrs. Dennis, she was 54 years old.

Oh man, that's the worst news. Willy just lost a brother not long ago. He's been at his wife's side, tending to her needs, they've been together for many many years, and he loved her very much. I know this from conversations I've had with Brother Willy over time. We've developed a phone based friendship, and I have to say it's because of this site that started. He's an awesome guy, and I'm sure he's devastated losing his wife now. Please everybody, keep retired Fire Captain Willy Dennis in your prayers. God Rest his wife. And now I've got a sad phone call to make.

Look, most fire departments have been providing some level of EMS far longer than people even know about. In my district, the hospital used to provide the ambulance, but first response was always the cops and firemen. "Inhalator Calls." Matter of fact, it was members of the fire department that started EVAC. For decades the north end firehouse was home to the VAC ambulance. Now to the future fireman. Small piece of advice. You are pursuing a career in the fire service, yet you are trashing the IAFF's position on fire based EMS. It would be wise for you to begin purging those thoughts from your head, as if you do get on the job you aren't going to make a lot of friends coming into the firehouse and badmouthing the organization that works for your workplace safety and rights. And the IAFF's position on fire based EMS is their opinion. That's all. Just like other organizations have their opinions and positions. As much as the IAFF advocates for firefighters' rights and workplace issues, they ultimately do not make any decisions for any fire departments. Fire based EMS surely is the best system for many areas of the country. In other places, as some of you have mentioned, other systems in place may work better. There is no one answer, one size fits all, for the entire country. Again, the IAFF has an organizational opinion, and they aren't hesitant to put it on a video and make it available for people to see. But let's not get into this trashing of the IAFF, and this idea that they only advocate for things that will improve their membership. Many, many positive changes in the fire service have come about because the IAFF had an opinion, a position, and they advocated for it, lobbied politicians for it, and ultimately got improvements in the workplace implemented as a result. They did pro bono work in the aftermath of 9/11 that helped the FDNY locals set up funds for the victims families. They believe passionately in what they do, they believe they are advocating for what is best for the people the locals serve. Yes, it's a union, but union is not a dirty word in America. Don't believe what the Koch Brothers would have you believe; that unions are only out for their own self preservation. I'd fancy to say that the IAFF locals around this country do more charity work for burn victims, burned children's camps, fund raising for muscular dystrophy, the list goes on of things IAFF locals do for others while the Koch Brothers and the other billionaires who sit around plotting how to destroy organized labor in this country, do very little to nothing for others, except try to inflict more misery on working people.

If you are smart, you are taking notes being as the information being offered here for free, you'd have to pay for from a consultant.

Apparently not yet for one Ibrahim al-Asiri. His time is coming..... http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/qaeda_bomb_anwar_awlaki_killed_yemen_EIrdYX6JxOukfioLTrZQcJ

Talk about lucky Jimmy...... youtube credit: ITNNews

Since the SEALS took out Bin Laden, and walked out of his compound with a treasure trove of computers and information, Al Qaeda leaders/bomb makers/planners are being picked off all over the world. I think it's only a matter of time before they get Al Zawahiri, the number two guy, the Egyptian doctor with the ugly birthmark on his forehead (makes a nice target for one of our sharp-shooters). It took ten years to find Bin Laden, but what a gratifying feeling to learn our boys took him out. He was a crafty evil bastard, hiding in a Pakistani garrison town basically in plain sight, but in the end he wasn't able to outsmart the greatest military the world has ever known. And his over-confidence that he wouldn't be caught led to that mound of information he had in his possession about all of his lackeys, these sicko jihadis that multiplied like the cockroaches they are. The one guy that I yearn for the news of his imminent departure from the world is one Adam Ghadan; the American mouthpiece traitor who's been trash talking our country since 9/11, making his videos about how evil America is. Can you believe this P.O.S. is a native Californian? It's awesome to know how relentless our military has been in pursuing and bringing these terrorists to the ultimate justice they deserve; death at the hands of our soldiers. It's been a tough price we've paid in blood. We've lost thousands of soldiers, and tens of thousands more have suffered horrific injuries. But just like they initially named a camp early in the Iraq War after Ron Bucca, FDNY Fire Marshall K.I.A. on 9/11, the military has never wavered from the mission to get the miserable scum who attacked us; and took from us some of the greatest firemen and cops of our generation; and thousands of innocent people who just went to work on a bright sunny day in September, ten years ago. The message is; you hit us hard, then ran and hid. But one by one, you're all going down. It's hard to keep remembering year after year that our troops are still on the mission, and will not stop until the job is finished, and we get every last one of those responsible for attacking our country. Never Forget.

If the nuns at ICS could see how you spelled enforcing, they'd make you take some kind of test over.....

After the last FHP Trooper was killed as he sat in his patrol car on the turnpike; rear-ended, Crown Vic burst into flames, they got this law up and running. Amazing how many people are still ignorant of it though. These days the FHP is concentrating on nabbing people who flash their high-beams at on-coming traffic to alert motorists of a radar trap. The days of helping other motorists in this fashion are, and should be, long gone. For all you know you could be alerting a wanted felon to slow down (amazing how many drug-runners are busted because they are speeding to begin with). It's like the days of picking up hitch-hikers. Those days are long gone as well; for all you know and chances are the hitch-hiker could be a murderer on the run. The nostalgic days of "Smokey and the Bandit" and C.B. radios have long faded into history. The highways have never been more dangerous than they are now. Returning recently into the State of Florida from a trip to South Carolina; woman trying to flag down cars, with two men laying directly under the rear bumper looking at something under the car. suspicious looking (and no she hadn't just run them over) Now 20 years ago I might have stopped. Today the chances are just as good that the two guys laying down will jump up, rob you of your wallet and cell phone, and jack your car. Instead, we all have cell phones; dial 9-1-1 and let the cops handle it. The only thing I'll still stop for is flames or an MVA with obvious injuries and no first responders on scene yet. Some things we just can't let go of. Regarding the move-over law, I put my flashers on, move into the center-turning lane down here on the Overseas Highway and slow down to 25 in a 45 mph zone. Looking in my rear-view mirror it never fails to see idiots not moving over, not slowing down, etc. The last 7 Monroe County Sheriffs (the Keys are Monroe County) killed on the job have been vehicular related.

The way our economy is going, coupled with the fragile state of the world economy and geopolitical pressures, wars, famine, terrorism, natural disasters, wildfires.....tied in with the Mayan calendar and the supposed significance of the year 2012; a gig in Antarctica might be a great place to ride out the coming year.....

Firefighters, career or volunteer, are not a commodity that you "buy." Would you phrase your wording similarly if you were talking about firefighters who happened to be black? Would you still consider saying "buy a dozen?" I find your comment to be demeaning and degrading. No matter what our color; firefighters are not bought. We are human beings that perform in one of the few noble professions left in this country, along with police officers and other public servants. Contrary to your opinion, most people when asked still consider firefighters and cops to be well worth the cost of their salaries. The majority of our citizens know there are only a certain few professionals, who when called upon are ready to risk everything to help, to undertake the function of protecting life and property that we swore an oath to perform. You want to buy something, go to the grocery store.

And you have to pay for it yourself, out of pocket.

Can somebody explain to me how a fail-safe braking system, with an emergency back-up system ends up failing?

Once again, all WILLY D's work! Thanks for posting Anesti.

That's Willy D's work. He sent all of that to me on disk, and I was wondering how it could all be put up on the web. Kudos to whomever did it, GREAT work Willy. Thanks for the link!

Thanks for checking into that.

Chief Flynn asked to have his mistaken rep point taken away from the popular post in this thread (Somers looking to hire career firefighters?). His request was deleted, and I replied to his comment and that was deleted as well. That's fine, if the mods deemed the comments to be inappropriate for the thread, I accept the moderators discretion always. But his rep point stayed up. As a matter of principle he wanted it deleted, and I agree with him. So, can you delete his rep point? I don't think he'll mind me asking for him again. Thank you moderators, great group of guys that volunteer to help with this site, always overlooked and under appreciated. Not by this member. You guys are great.

Surprising wasn't it? (Somers Looking to Hire Career Firefighters thread)

http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2011/09/feds-agents-charge-ashland-man-with-targeting-pentagon-capitol-with-aerial-explosives/ECftBKY6IX6HQif2DlDiNN/index.html

Uhh...state and local taxes? Eskimo tax maybe?

Problem: The City of Fulton has numerous problems as evidenced by the article, and the comments from readers. The Mayor doesn't really know the ramifications of what he is saying. If he unwisely pulled the plug on mutual-aid, the first multi-fatality fire the department gets the lawsuits will put the City out of business. A Squad of 8 career firefighters cannot provide adequate fire protection without other avenues for assistance, period. Possible Solution: I think I understand where he is coming from about possibly contracting with the surrounding volunteer department protected areas. Creative idea for a new revenue stream. If Fulton is getting the first due work because the volunteer companies are having difficulty fielding a crew, then maybe those areas COULD contract with Fulton. This solves a couple of things; the unprotected areas get a faster attack crew on scene, then the volunteers get to the firehouses and respond with the rigs to the job. Nothing really changes except the outside areas sign a contract with Fulton, and presto they have automatic mutual aid BUT this should be for working fires only as confirmed by PD usually first on scene. This could be for daytime hours only, working fires only..there are possibilities they could negotiate something. Then they leave the mutual-aid system alone. The only change is Fulton gets a bigger first due area for fires during the day. Smells and Bells remain the responsibility of the home department. Got a fire and bang, there goes Fulton. It could work out, but the problem with these situations is somebody won't be happy and will throw the wrench into the process. It will either be the volunteers who don't want auto-aid nor their districts paying Fulton, or the Fulton local will raise the alarm about something, or politicos get involved, or unhappy taxpayers in the outside areas getting involved...then it's truly dead. Disclaimer: I don't know the area, have never been there. Have no idea if there are other career firefighters from these other areas; evidently there aren't. If there are, that's a different situation. Just throwing out an idea for possible discussion here based solely on what the article contains.