x635

Thoughts and prayers during this tragedy that affects so many people.

Most departments in the county contract with an ESD, usually for subdivisions and MUDS. Usually, the City Of Georgetown (or Round Rock, etc) buys the apparatus using City funds. For those wondering what an ESD is: http://texasesdlaw.com/ ESD #8 technically is not a part of Georgetown FD. Engine 1 was purchased by ESD 8 and I think that they wanted that prominent on the apparatus. More info: http://wilco8.org/about_us.php

Here's something I was pondering when I was reading something about a tri village response. I know I remember this was essential when I worked at 60 Control years ago, and wondering if it still is an agreement for automatic aid? With that said, and not picking on them just using them as a model, couldn't they benefit from some type of merger. For instance, does every department need three Chiefs? Or could a Unified Incident Command system work for all three agencies. Could the departments respond as companies, instead of departments? (Example: a Chief is appointed to oversee all three districts, and each company could have one Deputy Chief). Could resources be enhanced and streamlined through elimination of redundant equipment? Do the statistics justify that each department needs a Rescue, Ladder truck, etc, or could each "company" provide one well trained, well staffed unit? I don't know the stats on how often the apparatus functions are applied. As far as EMS, couldn't Verplank better serve as a first response agency, with Cortlandt VAC covering the entire district for uniformity? Could costs such as fuel, training, equipment maintainence, insurance, etc be lowered by reducing redudancies? Also, could firehouses be relocated to more central areas or condesnsed and put the properties back on the tax rolls? And, this is my wackiest thought- could CCVAC benefit from a merger with Croton EMS? Could the FD's benefit with a merger with Croton to create a "Route 9A" corridor unity? Again, I'm just using this situation as a model, and not attacking anyone or department just using this as a case study to discuss.

The ladder failed it's test. Is Hartsdale identifying this ladder as TL-15? Also, who is responsible for insurance, liability, and maintainence? Does Will Hartdale be applying Hartsdale markings? this fit into TL-15's bay? And will there have to be re-training and redoing preplans for a rear mount tower ladder? And do the taxpayers know that there sky high fire distrcit tax doesn't buy them a ladder (their own ladder), which in many cases in Hartsdale, can be a life or death situation?

I thought I had grown out of the acne stage since then. Empress provided me with the health insurance the completly covered the dermatologist and Accutance that got rid of that. I remember the time Dan and I were working together, and we had a door job at Saw Mill Pkwy and Executive, in the loop. Rob Barber showed up with the County PD ESU truck, and you and him went to work. I also remember you being responsible for putting the Empress website address on the doors of the newest Tac buses. You guys ran with 23 as your truck, right? Sadly, I also remember working with Bobby Delvechio on my "observation" shift when I was new, I forgot who else I was with, but we were on Post 4 and had a no hitter. And, with you and Frank, and me and Bill, and Mark B as 307 the antics that would go on at Post 1, especially during the snow. Also, I have no idea where he is nowaday, but Bobby Diller gave me the application to 60 Control and I always meant to thank him for that. Also, I met Jack through working with his wife at 60 Control. Jack is now a Forum Manager and also a great friend. Joyce and Jack were very supportive of me in the days and weeks after my father was killed.....I still miss Joyce's lasagna and remember the station wagon.

Down here they'd call that a Tailgating unit!!! Seriously, it's great to see Rehab units starting to become a reality in Westchester. Will it also have a warming tent for winter months? Thanks for the photo, Rob.

Thanks again, guys. It's amazing how many people you can bring together how many friends you can make, and how many personal changes you can go through in 8 years. Many people on this forum, especially several people who posted on this thread, helped me become what I am today. x129k introduced me to the "Tac" concept of BLS, and the importance of strong BLS skills and pride. Him and Frank were kick ass EMT's, and Yonkers fit them best. Bill gave my a solid foundation for my EMS-ALS career, and insights on life. We've traveled to Gloucester together, and saw who Bill really is. He is a great friend to me even to this day, who can be a devils advocate and make you think. All were part of the Empress family, and are just some of the people that makes Empress EMS the best agency around. Chief Campbell gave me the oppurtunity to become a 60 Control Dispatcher, which at the time was a dream job considering I had been listening to a scanner since age 9. It also provided me with excellent pay, schedule, and benefits for someone my age. His friendship and support of me to this day means a ton to me. He is one of the nicest and most knowlegable people around. It also provided my with the number "635", and the knowledge and friendships to start this site. Capt. Ferguson made me a Career Firefighter, and with his co-staff, tought me many lessons. I just told the "Goose Story" to some of my co-workers today. efdcapt115 and Joe T. have become friends who have been through similar issues to mine, and always keep such a great spirit Rob's my "CIA", and has always looked out for the best interests of this site, and I haven't given him enough credit. Pete and I were members of the original Code 3 forums from the start years ago, and helped me in various ways and has also been a supportive friend who I've never even met in person! These are just a few of many people who in some way, shape, or form, helped to inspire me to create and keep running with this site. There are many, many more members who are truly great friends and mentors, I just wanted to mention the ones who posted in this thread because they also have something to do with this website existing. I'd like more of you out there who have been in my life to post so I can include you in my story and how it affects this website!

Nicer day, nicer photo. The more water there is, the higher the hosebed..... Ready for the next run.....

Thank you for pitching in and providing us with some facts about your district. It is much appreciated when someone with firsthand knowledge adds to a topic. (This is partially in general) Here's another perspective that I have. When and what is "too much", and when does it start hindering the fire service? There are districts, departments, and communities similar to B-V-M in size, yet they don't have nearly as much equipment? Why? Because, in most places, it isn't neccesary. How much could your district save in insurance, preventitve maintainence, fuel, and other costs of redundant apparatus alone? Couldn't that save more money? Could a Central Station save money, unify the departments, and still maintain an acceptable response time? Why do departments buy apparatus for "mutual aid" purposes? Montrose has a heavy rescue. Verplank has an awesome ladder that can be set up where other aerial's cant. Buchanan has the Cascade truck. Add an Engine company from each district, a rescue pumper, a utility, a spare Engine, and 1 Department Chief Vehicle, and 1 for each 3 Deputy Chiefs, and wouldn't that work? Combined with the savings, and if some surplus apparatus is sold off, the three districts could probaly build a sweet training center. And, since the departments already have automatic aid for different types of incidents, the departments are already one in a sense. I think it comes down to what's most important? Generally, what I'm trying to ponder is when or what is too much? I'm not picking on these departments, I just think that they provide a good example for this discussion. It has nothing to do with any specific underlying issues or political motives. Personally, I feel it should be providing your citizens with the highest quality service at the lowest cost. I don't feel that excessive redundancy helps anyone, and actually hinders service.

I always wondered......why do the service trucks around the ramp (such as the pickups, vans, etc), even the newer ones, look so beat up? They look like they've crashed into just about everything. Also, incidents like this are becoming more and more common. Fortunately, this was just a very expensive "fender bender". From what I am told, the truck is being examined and tested by Pierce, and the damage so far only appears minor (turntable controls, cosmetic sheetmetal, rails). They are already pondering ideas for a new graphic on the truck. They get a lot of money from American Airlines, as they are headquartered in the DFW area and DFW PD-FD-EMS)is their main airport. Also, DFW is larger then some Westchester towns and cities, so these trucks run not only airplane related issues, but all airside structural, EMS, and all other types of responses.

I would say so, if not at least 750. This Engine is very basic. Actually designed to be an Engine. Georgetown, has, in general, an excellent citywide hydrant system. However, they do cover Interstate 35, which is a heavy truck route carrying through all kinds of incidents. They also have other areas with limited access as well as brush. This Engine carries only 5" supply line, and a couple of 3" donuts. They also serve a unicorporated area with limited hydrants. Also, just a quick bit of history. A while back, I did a photo feature on Quint 1, which runs out of Station 1. They have since made the Quint a Truck company (and has had it's lettering changed). It CAN run as an engine company, if need be. Engine 1 was added as well as personel, and until last week, was using an old Spartan/Quality spare. With another Engine due for replacement, and a new Station being built (actually 2, but 1 is a replacement), there will be two more Engines ordered in January-ish, different specs. Georgetown FD website: http://fire.georgetown.org/ Georgetown FD Fleet Description: http://fire.georgetown.org/operations/apparatus/ Truck 1 feature: http://www.emtbravo.com/apparatusprofiles/georgetownquint1.php

The truck was placed as per protocol at the airport (which they do many,many times with inbound medicals), in the fire lane. Keep in mind, the Quint is staffed with Paramedics who can access the plane much faster then DFW*EMS. The AA jet clipped the stationary quint while making a turn towards the gate. Unfortunately, these "clips" at airports are becoming far to common nowadays. Here's a photo of Quint 25, the rig damaged in the incident, pre damage: http://x635photos.com/displayimage-2412.html And some more info on DFW DPS: http://www.dfwairport.com/dps/index.php

POSTED FOR BELOW: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/medbill/92%20Camry/1013forGeoffjpeg.jpg http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/medbill/92%20Camry/1013forGeoffjpeg.jpg

Congrats to Elmsford FD Chief Syd Henry on the publication of his article, "The Effectiveness Of Class A Foam", in Firehouse Magazine March 2011. A copy of the article is attached. The_Effectiveness_of_Class_A_foam.pdf

Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated. Here's another weird question. My fingers have trouble with transmitting to the touch screen. When I use a GPS or certain devices with a touch screen, I have to use a stylet. Can you adjust sensitivty or size of the keyboard?

Scarsdale Fire Captain Daniel Purcell was published in the November edition of Fire Engineering Magazine, Page 101 "Training Pays Off At Gas Explosion" Here is the article: http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print/volume-164/issue-11/departments/what-we-learned/training-pays-off-at-gas-explosion.html And a link to the Incident Alert: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php/topic/24705-scarsdale-house-explosionfire-04-03-08/page__p__131113__hl__scarsdale__fromsearch__1#entry131113 Congrats to Capt. Purcell, great article!!

Last week, I was detailed down to the San Antonio area for training. During lunch and after class (half hour window before sunset and going back to the hotel), I managed to get some photos. Most of these were taken with my Canon SD990 IS “Point And Shoot”. Not top quality shots to to a variety of factors, but still I figured I’d share. Universal City, TX Truck 1 2010 Rosenbaeur-Central States 100'/2000GPM/500 Cobra Rear Mount Aluminum Aerial Shertz EMS Medic Unit- International/MedTec Selma FD Pump 1 Officers Side Pump Panel, Universal City Truck 1 UCT1 Nozzles Aerial Waterway valve with CAFS Tactical Communications Vehicle International Navistar Hybrid Electric-Century Flatbed H-E-B Fleet Response Team Grill of UCT T1 ???? San Antonio FD EMS- 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty/Frazer Bilt Former San Antonio Truck 1 Universal City FD Brush 1 Universal City FD Brush 1 Selma FD Front Bays Universal City TX FD Rescue 5-2003 Ford F350/Wheeled Coach Selma FD Pump 2 Fiat Former CT Limosine Airport Shuttle? Universal City Truck 1 Bucket Universal City TX Command Unit Universal City, TX Engine 3-Rosenbaeur-Central States Universal City TX Truck 1

Thoughts and prayers. What a tragedy. My heart goes out to Bobby's family and friends, and also his coworkers who are also working with Bobby that morning.

I've been listening on and off to Westchester feeds, and I keep hearing certain calls. These calls are for wires down, car fires, dumpster fires, simple MVA's etc. What is interesting to me is some departments in the volunteer sector will send 1-3 Chiefs to this type of call. In many of these departments, they have multiple Chiefs and multiple officers. When is it going to be the time to eliminate some of these "way too many" command positions? And, how are line officers supposed to learn when there's always a Chief on scene? If these line officers are being voted in, they should have the experience, knowledge, and training their fellow members have placed in the to handle the "simple" incidents. Since they are always being "babysat" or cancelled by Chiefs, how do they learn and progress? I understand that everyone is not available in district at all times in the volunteer fire service, and the redundancy is sometimes needed to ensure there is command staff available for each call. Also, shouldn't a Chief be an administrative position nowadays? This is not a knock at the volunteer sector, just an observation and an opinion and being posted to try and spark a discussion.

Since I've moved to Texas, I've kind of lost track of salaries. I was wondering what a Critical Care Paramedic, certified by a reconized EMT-P CC program, makes? Here's an example of an accredited CC program, actually one of the first: http://ehs.umbc.edu/CE/CCEMT-P/ Down here, most of the municipal EMS agencies will handle it like a 911 call if it is critical or if not, a urgent transfer. If the distance is far, any number of Air EMS agencies could handle. Paramedics down here, at least in my partof the world, start at $60,000 a year. All education is paid for by the agency, including CC CE's and travel/meals if needed. A large stipend paid at the end of the year depending on what salary step you are is compensation for the additional competencies that a CC cert requires. As I've said, I've kind of lost track of salaries. I'm curious to know how your system compensates for the CC cert?

Ummm....has anyone thought if this guy could get up there, people with evil intentions could probaly too. Someone needs to look at this issue. This bridge is critical infastructure, as anyone knows, yet is very lax on security as compared to other bridges. As far as making judgement on this individual, who cares? That's what we are there for. Yes, someone could get hurt in a rescue like this, but we put ourselves on the line everyday with every call. We knew this when we took the job. When we don't coordinate on these types of jobs, that's how people get hurt. Also, the number of aviation resources (Helicopters) in the area poses it's own risks.

This is something that needs to be, in the volunteer sector before elections, and the paid sector before promotions. Assess what your command needs are. Another aspect this is using your resources efficiently at a larger incident. First in Chief can assume Command until relieved, if needed. The Command location should be remote from the scene. The second Chief should be the Safety Officer, who asseses and continues to reasses the scene for any safety concerns and sets up or appoints another officer for accountability. Third Chief could stay available in district with mutual aid in case another incident comes in. Some incidents need this, but not the everyday ones. Also, some departments must request that when they call for an engine, that doesn't mean a Chief or two as well. Sorry if I repeated any comments above, I've been in class all week and am checking these before I study for tommorow.

Not too fond of the new graphics. I like AMR's current scheme. Nice, simple, and to the point.

Noticed this very sharp New Haven engine. Spec'd for Squad 2. http://www.firematic.com/trucksnew/newhaven11/index.htm Just out of curiosity, what does a Squad do in New Haven, and is this a new type of apparatus for them?

The Google Chromebook has finally been released. I'm interested to see how this all works out. Anyone getting or got one?