NoWestFF

You'll like Hose Company #3 in Bogota, NJ. Their last two engines have been white Macks: a 1965 Mack with a 1,000 GPM pump and a 1985 Mack also with a 1,000 GPM pump. Scroll down on the "History" section of the company's Web site for a photo of each engine: History of BFD Hose Company #3 Each of the four companies in the Department decides the paint scheme of their apparatus. One engine is all red, the second engine is white over red, the third engine is all white (mentioned above) and the 1993 E-One ladder truck is also white: BFD Hook & Ladder

In Golden's Bridge (one of the many towns intersected by I-684), our SOP requires a second large unit to respond to calls on the interstate to block traffic and provide a safer working area. Note that I did not say "safe" working area as you always have to keep an eye on the traffic when operating on a highway. Case in point: we had a car fire on I-684 this evening and had a few units operating. E-140 was first due and R-24 was second due in this case since the original dispatch said possible entrapment. Normally our tanker would be second due to ensure a sufficient water supply since you never know what you'll be confronted with on I-684. In either case, the first-due engine is backed up by at least one large unit that acts as a blocker. Aside from one or two chief's cars depending upon circumstances, we may run our Suburban (Rescue 25) onto I-684 to augment the fire police / traffic control detail.

For calls on I-684 in Golden's Bridge: Motor Vehicle Fire E-140 followed by T-1 and R-24 PIAA or EMS Call R-24 followed by E-140 and R-25 If northbound, KBHVAC usually responds If southbound, NSVAC usually responds Our two chiefs who have trucks that are striped & lighted will respond on I-684. The 2nd assistant chief, who uses his POV, responds to the firehouse as no one is allowed to respond on the interstate in a POV. Regarding responses against the normal flow of traffic and use of jug handles, we restrict both. Only when the OIC has confirmed to a specific unit that traffic has been stopped (not slowed, but stopped completely) will the unit respond against the normal flow or hit a turnaround. If we're unable to reach the scene from the on-ramp at exit 6A, our apparatus will turn around at exit 6 (Katonah) to head northbound or access I-684 from exit 7 (Purdys) to head southbound. And yes, we take an extra lane to provide a buffer for scene safety.

I would not have a problem with a second chaplain representing another faith. It's fairly common to have more than one chaplain work with an agency to represent the membership. Our armed forces, another agency that works on a hierarchy basis to manage operations, recognizes different religions and accommodates its "members" with multiple chaplains.

My department is giving serious consideration to equipping every interior firefighter with a personal escape rope kit and harness. The kit would include a 50' length of rope, an anchor carabiner, a second carabiner to attach to the harness and a descent device...all maintained in a small pouch that would sit on the harness. Each firefighter would be required to complete training in the use of the kit and "recertify" each year just as we require SCBA recertification. We've investigated several kits marketed by various vendors and have evaluated four kits using the facilities at the Fire Training Center. We're working through our deployment plan and have a few questions. Have any fire departments in the area, with the exception of FDNY, taken such action? If so, what are the details of your plan? Have you made any changes to your plan, your SOPs or the equipment issued based on experience? Who received the equipment? Was it mandatory for all interior firefighters? How did you handle interior firefighters who declined the training and equipment? What are your initial & ongoing training requirements? Thanks for any insight into your department's approach or first-hand experience you may have.

Golden's Bridge is accepting bids to replace Engine 139 (currently a 1976 Dodge Power Wagon with a 400 GPM pump and 250 gallons of water). We're looking to maintain the approximate size and capabilities with the new engine. The spec calls for a four-wheel drive, four-door crew cab chassis (think Ford F-550) with a 500 GPM pump and 300 gallons of water. Some departments have replaced their smaller engines/mini-attacks in recent years, but we believe a small engine still has a place in our firehouse. With some tight roads & driveways in our town, occasional incidents that require an off-road response and storms that require four-wheel drive operations the new engine will give us flexibility in response & operations.

Yes, Engine 138 was delivered to the Golden's Bridge Fire Department in 1968, but it was refurbished twenty years later so some of the critical systems are not as old as you think. Regular PM and attention have kept it in service as a front-line engine and will do so for another few years at least.

Golden's Bridge will have an open house 1:00 - 3:00 on Sunday, October 16.

We're thinking of asking our town to pass an ordinance requiring all buildings with an automatic alarm or sprinkler system to have a Knox Box. The proposed law would extend to residential and commercial buildings. I'd appreciate feedback from departments or FFs that have experience with the Knox Box system. Of particular interest are: (1) your experience dealing with elected officials; (2) convincing merchants and residents to comply voluntarily rather than relying on an ordinance; and (3) does your department secure the key used to access the Knox Box or is it stored on a key ring that is readily available in your apparatus? Thanks.

Thanks for the feedback and suggested contacts.

E-140 out of Golden's Bridge has 100 gallons of on-board foam and an around-the-pump foam system that can discharge foam through any outlet.