x635

Awesome gesture!

There has been a lot of discussion recently about incident resources being requested, and the system-wide problems that are hindering them from being able to respond. But, at the time they are needed, it comes down to that one person. The Incident Commander. Whether it be a simple MVA w/ Fluid Spill, or fully involved Commercial Structure Fire, that person needs the skillset to make the resources work, whatever resources they are, available or not. Master of improvising. The one IC can make or break the incident. Our roles as non-Incident Commanders is to make sure that our leadership is competent, and has the latest proven standard tools and training to do their job. Career guys need to continue the never ending fight to make sure leaders are promoted on merit. Volunteers need to make sure leaders are elected based on training and experience, not popularity or "it's his/her turn". And the IC needs to respect the dispatcher, because, during that incident, that dispatcher will be the I/C's best friend or worst enemy, depending on the relationships that are built over previous incidents. So we need to make sure our dispatchers are trained and experienced properly, and given the respect they deserve and the opportunity to do their job, which is to make what the IC requests happen. And dispatchers, at least in Westchester, like Hap, Gina, Terry, Paul, Marty, Ray, Glen, Munson, Dave B., Jen, Susan, and all of the "legends" that have been there forever that have dispatched more diverse major mutual aid incidents then IC's have ever been on. That knowledge needs to be tapped and entrusted more, and they need to be given more authority to make decisions themselves. because they see things with resource availability that the IC's can't. For instance, they should be the ones assigning which apparatus covers what firehouses during incidents. The system's not getting fixed anytime soon. So let's work together day to day on the basics of leadership to at least get things done.

AWESOME shots, Eli! Thanks for sharing them here on EMTBravo.com. You have become one hell of an apparatus photographer! BTW, Croton Fall's Quint is the former Ardsley Quint 1 (later known as Ladder 50). I loved that truck. Thanks for posting that beautiful photo.

I know I'm just getting back into the loop of things, so this may be old news, but Katonah built an awesome new training tower and facility in the back of their firehouse! It seems very well designed to simulate a multitude of structures in the Town Of Bedford in one compact building. Always glad to see departments investing in training. (Photo credit: me)

I don't think it has to be done at the WCFTC. The leadership of the department is ultimately responsible, and can get "RIT Operations" taught and refreshed in house, and make training in it a monthly requirement. And departments like West Harrison and Katonah have training towers, so you don't even have to go to the WCFTC.

The filing deadline for the NYSP Trooper Exam is less then a few weeks away. Deadline for filing for the exam is September 8th 2013. Even if you don't think you want to be a NYSP Trooper now, or you are young and still not sure, maybe you will want the career in the future. If so, NYSP Trooper exams are few and far between, so I recommend filling and taking the exam now and deciding whether you want the job when you are called. Starting Salary: $50, 374 with excellent benefits and 20 year retirement with pension and healthcare. After one year, $,70, 261. Trooper for 4 years...take Sergeants exam....Sergeant for two years take Lieutenants exam. Numerous specialized units and opportunities for career growth. In Depth Information: http://www.nytrooper.com

Is there any way to come up with or pass legislation that would make essential emergency services costs exempt from the tax cap?

Who? I don't think it's warranted to call anyone else names, especially when this was no one's fault subjectively per the course of this discussion and no one should be insulted or called names for their opinion. If you have a rebuttal, post it. It's being discussed objectively as a problem with the system, and this is one of the many "perfect storms" that happen due to the way things are set up that should be openly discussed on here, as if it even the most minute thought is put into place, it could help at least a little. And a little is a big step in this county. And I've got Dinosaur's back. He is a frequent poster here and his contributions are valued like all of our established members, if that is who you meant.

Greenburgh PD Radio shops and DPW Street Lighting division recently moved from a cramped space at the Water Dept. shops on Knollwood Rd. to the Greenburgh DPW shops on Old Sprain Rd in Hartsdale, where a space was created just for them. Actually, the traffic sign and marking division got pushed over to make the space, which squeezed the Mack's in the garage annex a little tighter. This facility allows considerably more space for the talented and well equipped staff to work. Greenburgh PD and EMS does all their own car outfitting, striping, radios, repairs and bodywork in house. Don't worry, there's still plenty of space for the Macks. (most of the new Granites were all out at the time of photo.)

I'm not sure actually. All I know is New York. I really know nothing about the separate states of Upstate New York and Long Island, lol. I Googled it so I probably screwed it up and you are right.

@thecat My and ems-buff's post was regarding the actions of the EMS crew in treating the victim.

Date: 8-12-13 Time: 11:14hrs Location: 182 Astor Ct Units: (See below) Description: 2 story wood frame residential dwelling on dead end street, heavy fire on arrival, exposure issues. Incident Commander: Hawthorne Car 2192 Asst. Chief Joe LaGrippo Operations Channel: Fire 11 Battalion Support Chief On Scene: Battalion 11 Hawthorne: C-2192, E-155, Ladder 56, 63-B-1 Grasslands Fire Brigade: Car 1, Ladder 7, Engine 7, Utility 3 Thornwood: TL-1 and R-75 Valhalla: Engine 84 (and TL-49?) Pleasantville: R-47 (FAST) Briarcliff: Rescue 37 (cascade) and 2052 to scene, Engine 94 standby in quarters North White Plains: E-74 relocated Hawthorne Elmsford: E-237 relocated to Hawthorne, then redirected to scene Pleasantville VAC: 76-05 Rehab Team Mount Pleasant Police Transcare 37-M-1 11:44hrs: Knocked Down 11:52hrs: 1 Firefighter transported to WMC for minor laceration 12:04hrs: Using R-47 FAST team for overhaul NOTE: If anyone has updates or corrections, message me. It got really confusing real quick because numerous M/A units could not get out of quarters due to manpower and were retoned several times. Or units could not get the requested apparatus out of quarters but could get another one out. I/C had to keep modifying his initial and prompt requests because of this. Units listed are the ones that did get crews and got out. But again, please message me with any corrections. Great job by 60 Control keeping up with all the confusion that the above caused!

Date: 8-12-13 Time: 0941 Location: Katonah Jay St C/S Mustato Rd Units: Katonah FD 2212 (I/C) Engine 115, Rescue 17, Utility 21, KBHVAC, Bedford PD, WCDES Hazmat, DEC Hazmat, Bedford PD. Description: Units on scene of a large diesel fuel spill (1,000+ gallons) as a result of an MVA. Katonah FD retoning for additional manpower. UPDATE @ 1301hrs Katonah turning over scene to Envirostar and going back in service, Route 22 remains closed between Reservoir Rd. and Jay St.

Is it just me, or are the following incidents increasing in frequency, especially lately? -Wrong way drivers -Missing elderly -Hudson River Incidents Am I forgetting any? If so, is your department doing anything proactive to address these incidents, whether it be public education, training, equipment, dispatch protocol etc?

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/12/19984296-building-collapses-as-40-foot-sinkhole-opens-up-in-florida-resort-near-disney-world?lite

One of the most taboo subjects in emergency services is suicide and mental illness. Yet, it continues to take countless lives every year from our ranks, and I feel nothing's being done about it. And there aren't even any statistics kept because it's kept so "hush hush". Mental health awareness needs to become part of an officer's training to recognize signs. Additionally, the firefighter should be afforded the opportunity for counseling whenever he/she needs it, not just a "CISD" With it all built up, our job is one brutal job over the course of time. Lots of things can contribute to our mental health, such as divorce, failing tests, getting laid off, etc. How do you know that one call in particular has been on our partners mind for years, and they've been struggling with it, and are tired of it? We need to end the stigma, harassment, and discrimination of mental illness, especially around the "kitchen table", so that people can get the life improving and life saving help they need without being ashamed. I'm sick of seeing friends die because no one saw the warning signs or they were to ashamed to admit they needed help. Here's a great website for it, that is really working hard for the cause. It is championed and run by Glenn Close of Bedford. http://www.bringchange2mind.org/

On Friday, Ex-Chief Mark C. and Chief Scott B. were kind enough to take me down with them for their check of the engine they are building at the Firematic Plant in Shirley, NY (LI-Suffolk County). I had a great time, and thanks guys! Here are some of my photos. Mark is probably the best to summarize about them, and I apologize for not captioning them as it would take me a long time. Thanks again Mark and Scott!

Specifications and refurb info: http://www.fentonfire.com/ladders_and_quints/listing.php?lid=4409

Barry, you've outdone yourself again.

Thanks so much Mark for taking me, I had a GREAT time! What an awesome truck it will be! I did get a TON of photos, and will be posting them tomorrow. Here's the blueprint as a teaser:

Nassau Police Overtime Costs Worry Officials, Residents http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/Nassau-County-Police-Overtime-Public-Safety-Officer-Fatigue-218939681.html

OK, so I have a exercise regimen that works for me and is compatible with my illness. I don't like going to the gym and lifting weights. However, I want to lose weight, a nd gain muscle mass. I go to GNC.com and all the websites, but I am completely perplexed by all the supplements and vitamins out there. I'm not looking to be "built" or anything like that, I just want to look a healthy weight with proportionate muscle mass. Does Lipozene or similar diet drugs actually work? What about protein shakes? There seems to be a million of them nowadays. Would those counter losing weight? Should I be taking vitamins? My diet and eating habits such, I just don't have much or a regular appetite, and only eat once a day most days and sometimes don't even drink any water or beverage. I have mostly "stress fat" (belly, hip, thighs mostly), which is caused by a medication that I am now switched off of. Any advice is really needed.

What are the best places to buy these from at a reasonable price? I went to GNC, and almost fell on the floor at their prices.

Thanks again, guys. What do you think of the drink "Ensure", that they give to older people to help them maintain healthy muscle mass. Would that help in anyway coupled with the advice in the posts above?

.....should you decide to take the NYSP Trooper Exam. Application deadline one month from today. For more information on a career as a NYSP Trooper, visit the following website: http://nytrooper.com