FDVA356

Capable of additional manpower from callbacks in good time. Usually have guys back in here ratger quickly. Initial crews would be 3-5.

Montrose VAFD has a Haz Mat/Decon truck (HM3). Trained staff (Advanced Haz Zmat Techs) manned 24/7

It's abuse and a waste of tax payer $$$. Districts/Depts. need better accountability and with that restrictions. It's issued for business and this shouldn't be mistaken with personal business.

As of Monday, November 5, 2012 a crew from the Montrose and Castle Point VA FD's were deployed under the OFPC EOC requests. The crew of 5 Hazardous Material Technician's (split between both dept's to ensure adequate station coverage), deployed this am at 0600hrs for the Nassau County staging area. As of right now, the assignment is for DECON Operations for other Hazardous Materials Teams operating in the effected area's. At this time, both campuses are maintaining staffing without compromising normalcy at both campuses. Be safe and the VAFD's from CPFD/Montrose are glad to be able to assist in this time of need. AC Ferguson: Montrose VAFD "Protecting Those Who Served"

I agree with seling the truck, but bank the $$. VFD doesnt need an aerial with MFD and PFD less then 2 miles away. Just saying.

The standard for non FD vehicles in reference to the standard is very vague. My interpretation is that the standard is for FD vehicles, but I believe it will eventually cover all EMERGENCY VEHICLES at some point. This was a question when I was involved in the committee for a new ambulance in CEMS. So to answer your question, the colors CPD has chosen doesnt relate to the FD standard and they are fine. I'm just glad they improved the safety by adding some more safety striping.

Wasn't me.....I came in on the recall. Great job by all!!!

In a way to better services provided to our Veterans and neighbors, the Montrose VAFD has recently completed the NYS Advanced Hazardous Materials Technician course. To assist the NYS Hazardous Materials Bureau, the class was conducted with 8 members of the Westchester County Hazardous Materials Response Team. The week long 40 hour+ class consisted of two mornings of class room time and the rest of the week was focused on suit time performing various grueling tasks, metering, Identification/Research, Evidence collection, Decon and other valuable educational ways to handle incidents. Various Simulators were on site to provide the students a hands on approach to utilize there skills which was provided by the NYS Haz Mat Bureau. Some of the new skills the course provides includes the following: 1) Chlorine Kits ( A, B and C kits)\ 2) Hot Tapping and Cold Tapping 3) Transferring Liquids and gases 4) Containment 5) Bonding and Grounding operations 6) Evidence collection The course was a success and I would like to the members of the Westchester County Team that were able to attend the class with the VAFD. I would also like to extend a Special Thanks to the NYS Haz Mat Bureau and there well educated/professional instructors. The class will benefit all who attended and will also provide a higher level of training and service to our Veterans and neighbors. Keep in mind FDVA is available 24/7 to serve anyone who requests. **Side Note: Castle Point VAFD (Dutchess County) also conducted this level of training 2 years ago as well.** James E. Ferguson Assistant Chief Montrose VAFD "Protecting Those Who Served"

Montrose VAFD: 607 incidents

Thats exactly what I was getting at, the incidents that happen at Croton Point, Georges Island, Croton Dam and the contracted Cortlandt area. So rather then getting a car from south end of county (county PD), they maybe coming from the closer Town of Ossining. Well, anyway thanks for your comments and I forward to see how the transition goes, but I'm sure it will be great for the community in long run. Consolidation seems like the way to go, save the tax payer $$ and cuts down on duplicating resources. Maybe EMS and FD can start doing the same in the future in this area.

The Village of Ossining PD dispatches Osisining FD, OVAC and the Tri-Community Fly Car not the Town PD. Question: Maybe Chris can answer this. In the event of the County PD or say Croton PD requesting additional County units to the Parks of our area, is this going to strip the Town assigned County units or will they come from the greater distances?

Glad the crew is ok!!! Note: while serving my term as Lieutenant at Croton EMS (after split from CFD) one of our first purchases and additions were CO meters for the 1st in bags that go in with the crew every call (or supposed to). In addition we also purchased the RAD 57 pulse oximeters/CO detection device. This day in age, we should have these neccessary items. No excuse!!! As a proactive agency I'm sure OVAC already is working on this as well as other ways to improve their already excellent operations.

Yes the box with the BLUE strobe on it is the knox box. Which CFD has equipped every piece of aparatus with. Hopefully the program will take off which further allows quicker access at incidents.

Mr. Flynn- in reference to your concerns, I totally understand but I have to say CEMS just like any other agency around us aims to provide the best patient care. If you need response times etc. you will have to get a hold of a CEMS officer as this isn't something I would have access to at this time. Prior to leaving the agency, times were being worked on and they were under the National standard of I believe 8 mins (if I remember correctly). I also have relatives and friends living in Croton and I can assure you that CEMS has put the community as the top priority, I can assure you of that. Just like Croton FD, CEMS is an excellent agency that delivers the best service to our neighbors. Like any other agency, items will always need attention, no ones perfect. If you have any other questions, check on the Village of Croton website and email one of the officers of CEMS if you have concerns or questions. I have to agree though, it maybe time to look at some alternatives/changes to handle issues at hand, and if it's hiring a emt or crew so be it. But I'm confident that CEMS and the Village of Croton will make the best decision for the community.

Staffing- well in the begining of the new agency, we discussed pager call vs. duty hours and actually were able to do both. Either yoy make I believe 7% of calls or 24 hours a month. The duty hours is a great concept but never really worked since most of the members of CEMS were so used to pager calls. At this present time the agency probably 40+ members I believe, and like any other agency 6-10 are really carrying the agency and this includes a Top Responder EMT who is 83 years young. I give him tremendous credit, but like I've always said, if every one of the 40+ members did their minimum at the least the agency wouldn't have an issue. Anyway, I give credit to any volunteer member these days, as training requirements have increased along with call volume and throw in our busy lifestyles of 2 or even 3 jobs. I hope I answered your staffing question.