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Detroit was once a great, booming city that now is a haven for crime and urban deterioration. How did WE let it get like that? Heck, NYS and New England have similar cities that fell victim to doing it cheaper overseas and greed. Wal-Mart is one of them. They easily can support American made products and create thousands of new jobs in factories in the US , but they don't want to. And consumers are forced to go to Wal Mart for their every need because they can get stuff cheap there. I give Chrysler a lot of credit for the commerical last night. They barely featured their cars or promoted themselves in the ads. They are actively campaigning the "Imported From Detroit". It is their ad campaign, but I give them credit for promoting the city as well. Clint Eastwood wrote the words that he spoke in that commercial. Detroit can be reborn, and is. People are starting to move back because the auto industry is coming back. Americans need to demand more products produced by Americans. One of the main problems is that kids are expected to go to college nowadays, and their isn't a lot of the work ethic left by previous generations who built these companies and the City Of Detroit. But that can be changed and is a whole 'nother issue. And Clint Eastwood, highlighting the urban decay in his movie "Gran Torino", which was filmed in Detroit. It shows how some parts are terrorized by thugs, but there are good people in the city who are very loyal to it. And I find it sickening that some photographers mae "buff trips" to Detroit to enjoy the destruction of the City and chase fires.

I know a lot of departments have to justify apparatus replacement, and if it's not used often then it becomes an issue in some cases. I'm sure in most departments that run EMS first response, the Engine responds to more EMS calls then fire, putting uneccesary wear and tear on $400,000 pieces of apparatus, plus fuel costs. I'm seeing two concepts that are becoming popular. The first is the FD responding only to 911 calls that are not in a medical facility (doctors office, nursing home, etc) where there are verified trained medical personel. And prioritizing calls. In a lot of cases here, EMS arrives or beats the FD to the scene, and most of the time they are not needed. The other is the Squad concept. I know it's a different term wherever you go, but for this sentence I'm going with Squads. It's becoming increasingly popular here. Many departments are running light rescues, brush trucks, or even outfitted pickup trucks or SUV's. They respond to EMS calls, minor accidents, fluid spills, etc. Usually staffed by dedicated personel that will supplement the company they are with, or will contain two members from the company who will meet up with the Engine or Truck when needed. They are also used for general purposes, like going to the supermarket, etc. And they can be used to shuttle personel and equipment to difficult to access areas, or to fire scenes where only manpower is needed, and the apparatus can stay in it's home district. This keeps the fire apparatus available for fires, as well as reduces wear and tear and fuel usage. The replacement cost for a Squad is much less then an engine, and so is fuel usage. Just some thoughts and things to consider.

The Superbowl Commercial for Chrysler, which really wasn't even a full out commercial, was awesome and inspiring. The best part....Clint Eastwood and his voice. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PE5V4Uzobc

For those who've seen "Emergency" , it's kind of like the concept with Squad 51. For those who think that they have to go to the apparatus if they are out to "swap", that's not the concept I'm reffering to. Use two guys from the company (this only applies to a properly staffed FD) to run a truck like this, that runs concurently with the apparatus when needed. This apparatus could also be supplemental during storrms, and other needs. Engines are designed to supply water to a fire. In most departments that use their Engines for EMS, much of the mileage and fuel are the result of EMS calls. When you consider the costs of an Engine, like tires and other components that will need replacement several times duiring it's life, there's savings right there. And if you run a Quint or Truck to EMS calls, there's even more cost right there. Using a Ford chasis, it's a lot cheaper for parts, mechanics, and to take it to the dealer then an Engine. Many departments also have "Utilities", pickup trucks, used Chiefs cars, etc that can be used for EMS response. Nope. But I know a lot of departments that run their apparatus more conservatively with Squads and get a longer service life with a rig that's perfectly fine. Also, apparatus can be upgraded to meet some NFPA standards. I know of several departments that have well maintained Engines that are close to 20 years old. Keeping an Engine for 50 years is obviously not reasonable. It also keeps the Engine in service more. The Engine also should be busy enough tending to fire calls. Also, when it comes down to resale proceeds, trade in value, or going into the spare pool, you will have a decent piece of apparatus.

***THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL DISCUSSION*** http://www.firefighternation.com/article/news-2/president-obama-uses-arlington-firehouse-push-veterans-jobs-initiative I totallly agree with this initative. Veterans should not have to come home after fighting for this country and not be able to find jobs.

Reminder. Lt. Andy Fredericks/Elmsford FD Seminar this weekend. Saturday, Exhibits start at 0730 and program is 0900 through 1300. More info: http://www.elmsfordfd.com/seminar.php

Beekman's new 34-67. http://www.gowansknight.com/beekmanutilitypage.htm

http://www.carprousa.com/ford-econoline-discontinued-in-2013-car-pro-article

This convo' about Beekman's new utility. Let's try to keep this on topic.

A lot of Cops I know HATED the sightlines and cabin of the Dodge Charger. I wonder if anything in the redesigned 2012 model addresses that. I don't know if the police package has been released yet, maybe someone could fill us in.

This vehicle currently belongs to the Weir Fire District/Georgetown Medical Assist Team in the City Of Georgetown,TX but is not being used. Did not originally serve the fire district. Photo taken this morning. It's a Spartan motorhome chasis, with a Spartan-Gregory Lifesaver III body.

Good point, MoFire. With all this expansion, it's placing a higher workload on the Telecommunicators of WCPD. They should not be forgotten with all these mergers. They are professionals as well and should be treated as such. How many TCO's work per shift at WCPD? Besides the welfare of TCO's, Officer Safety is a big part of dispatching-simple things like getting Officers their returns or confirmations quickly can save lives. Heck, "blame it on the comm center" situation can make or break these mergers, so I would hope that a lot of this money is also being invested into expanding the core of the department's operations-more ongoing training, better facilities and equipment, better staffing, better pay, better schedules, etc. Because a lot of Officers are going to blame the Commm Center for "not knowing the area" to give reasons why the mergers won't work.....but the Comm Center should pull out every stop to proves themselves that they aren't complacent and are growing and adapting too. As far as the frequency, you would need more channels for safety and increased interoperability. Also, on the same note, the PSAP's would be reduced, potentially lowering calltimes and increasing the amount of Officers available.

Great shot! Especially with a Phone Cam! I remember working for Empress assigned to Rockland County....coming back from Rockland into Westchester onto the Tappan Zee Bridge, my partner and I saw a smoke plume similar. This was 1998-sh, and a fire in the same area. Also probaly the first fire scene I'd ever photographed, even though it was on film. I'll try to scan some shots. Now I see these plumes every weekend and they are controlled burns all over since our burn ban is temporarily lifted. Smoke like that usually means brush fire.

I just read about this very progressive move. Does anyone know how it is working out? It seems like departments in the Rochester and Syracuse areas of the State are very progressive. I wonder why similar departments elsehwere in the State can't follow suit?

For you "Southland" fans out there, it returned two episodes ago Tuesday nights on TNT http://www.tnt.tv/series/southland/ It's one of my favorite shows, and IMO, one of the most realistic cop dramas out there. I like how they focus mostly on the patrol officers on the street.

Please note, this is not something I agree with. According to NIMS, a Tanker is a plane or a helicopter. A Tender is what we think of as a regular tanker, or until NIMS told us otherwise. I know down here, the only reason is if you ask for a tender or tanker during a large scale event, you will get two different things if following Texas State or Federal interpetation. Is this something that would ever change it the LHV? I hate the word "Tender" for a Tanker.

I'm not sure I understand the above quote, or how it is aimed? I agree with americanpolice's comments above. For an Officer in a small village, this allows tremendous lateral specialized oppurtunities and promotional advancement. It would also let the "rookie" officers in these department to get more experience right out of the academy...which is already taught by WCPD. I mean, the only issue I seee, and I am completly PRO merger, is the different Town and Village laws. How is an Officer supposed to remember all the Town specific laws?

Thanks for sharing these shots! Look like some very difficult exposures (as is the case many times in Yonkers), especially the back of the building, and the location of the fire escapes. Hope to see some more info on that building...how many stories were below grade, and where did the fire escapes lead to?

IKEA is having a contest to give away a Firehouse kitchen remodel worth up to $25,000, in partnership with Family Handyman Magazine. This includes everything, including appliances. Information about this contest and how to nominate a firehouse is at the link below. http://www.rescueremodel.com/

Don't forget, this body has already been remounted once from another chasis, around 2002 if I remember correctly. It used to be that this unit carried all Scarsdale's extrication and other special equipment along with the Officer(as did Hartsdale Car 2172 at the time). With the new fire apparatus delivered, I think that took away a lot of the purpose of this truck and allowed a more conventional IC vehicle. However, I'm suprised Scarsdale didn't keep it for Special Ops, but I have no idea the condition of the body. It's obvious via the posting that the truck is in desperate need of a complete chasis replacement.

If I could afford it, I would love to go!

Apparently, it's up for sale upon further research. Here are some more detail shots and specs: http://www.texasfiretrucks.com/1266/rescue-trucks/1991-spartan-commandrescue/

I've always been very impressed by the very unique and custom apparatus that Alexis Fire Equipment builds. I find this truck particularly neat: http://www.alexisfire.com/FireEquipment/NewDeliveries/LongGroveS693/index.html

Interesting. Seems like most should be common knowledge, but it really isn't. I think setting a written "Code Of Ethics" (not a document written 20 years ago) would be a breath of fresh air. http://www.firehouse.com/news/10617345/group-creates-national-firefighter-code-of-ethics

Does your department have a SOG or policy for Fire Department Chaplains?