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Actually, I personally prefer a midmount, but they love their rearmounts down here. I don't understand how getting in the bucket is easy. Keeps the truck short with the ability to have a full large size pump and appropriate sized pump panel, which most midmount's don't have the space for. This Crimson rearmount is actually pretty versatile. It can sweep the 180 degrees with it's platform at the ground. It can be used below grade similar to an Aerialscope. It can be rotated easily 360 degrees when it the air. And during an extended operation, you can easily change out firefighters without having to move the bucket. That's nice with rehab cycles, especially in the Texas heat.

I'm reading a local fire service newspaper. Many of the ambulance dealers sell multiple brands, some are even the same in price points. How does a dealer pick which ambulance is right for you if they sell so many brands? Which one do they really stand behind?

It's been rampant speculation on the internet for the past year that the new "Orange County Choppers World Headquarters" in Newburgh was being foreclosed on. On the season premiere of AC:Senior vs. Junior, Paul Sr. mentioned he was looking for new space to relocate OCC to. They went and looked at the original shops on the show, but after years of being empty has taken it's toll on the building, it appears. From what I know, Discovery Channel helped finance the building. It was supposed to also be a tourist attraction in Orange County, and bring in some tax revenue. Although I've never been there, it looks like a really, really cool place. I'm told though, that many parts are vacant. Who is going to buy the current facility? I think this whole deal is ridiculous, and OCC's dealing's with this situation are shady. What a waste of money. Since Sr. owns all the land around it, I'm told a new facility is being built on the same property. Also, the Orange County Chopper Resturant was supposed to be built on the property, but I guess that fizzled with the downturn. His son, Matt, who he also doesn't speak with, bought out Orange County Ironworks, which had a showroom in the building. I'm told that Sr. owns a construction company "Full Throttle Construction" that is non-union and built the current facility. Anybody have claricication or more info?

Also, with the financial and other unpleasant conditions Newburgh is in, you'd think they would want OCC to stay there. I mean, in some form, it must attract people and sales tax to Newburgh. It's unique. Isn't there a development or holdings company that could help them out? Regardless, I think the only fame they have left is there conflict, and PJD will come out of this the winner. They seem to be more creative. HOWEVER, I hope they don't become OCC 2 and learned from their mistakes. Their building was a result of an overly optimistic growth model of their company during boomtimes. Now that the economy tanked and no one has much disposable cash to purchase motorcycles and their licensed merchandise. And, as far as OCC goes, I never liked that "Steve" guy they brought on as a business manager from Day 1. I think he helped to steer this to as much possible profit regardless of the Tetuls, and he could care less as long as it's still lining his pockets. BTW, does anyone know what happned to the Firebike, one of the ones that put them on the map?

As we kind of discussed in the other thread, they were closed down because the Insurance Companies didn't want to pay for them, despite them preventing millions of dollars in losses, therefore saving the insurance companies millions from having to pay out claims.

EVERYONE! Patrick's legacy still lives on. Please let everyone you know about the 2nd Annual Memorial Benefit on October 15th. The family doesn't want any family or friends to miss hearing about the event: http://www.patjoyce.org/benefit.html For for information on Patrick and his legacy, click on the link below: http://www.patjoyce.org/patjoyce.html God bless you, Patrick.

Thank you for sharing you thoughts with us during this difficult time. I don't know if I ever could be as strong as you. I admire your devotion and love, and it sounds like you two were made for each other. I'm glad you know she died peacefully after that heroic fight. I have had many friends and family taken from me by cancer, and I hope that one day they just make it into the common cold. It just seem the cancer rates are growing and growing. God bless you, and god bless your wife who will be looking down on you with pride until you two are reunited. My prayers are with you.

http://www.thedailysomers.com/neighbors/somers-fire-chief-steps-down He cannot act as Fire Chief unless he does things his way? I was under the impression that Somers wasn't a dictatorship, lol. Part of being a Fire Chief is working with others. If the Board Of Commisioners is who the Chief answers to, then he or she should know that before accepting the position. Sometimes it involves comprimises or moves your not happy with. I'm sure many Fire Chief's have had disagreements with their governing body, but stood their ground. A Chief is a leader. You don't do the hands on anymore. That's part of the manager's job...delegation. That's something that you should clearly know as you work your way up the ranks. Sounds like a lot of tension there. Maybe it's stuff like the above that the study is addressing..... The week before, same source, The Daily Somers:

As I've said, wait a couple of years and see where Somers FD is then. I would not release information that I deem inaccurate, or should not be released. Look at my past threads citing anonymous sources. All of that information I provided occured exactly as I explained it. I'm not in this to improve my credibilty or BS anyone, people come here because they want to know what's going on. There's a lot more that I know about Somers that I'm not or haven't posted because I don't think it would be fair to the department or most of it's members. Just the study alone is a very progressive move, and I believe it is something that should be highlighted to the rest of the County so they can follow along to see how this progresses and make changes in their own department. The report has not been accepted, because it is an incomplete report. A consultant can not make any reccomendations until they have complete data, including trends. I wouldn't think Somers FD would accept a incomplete report. Anticipating some of the other things into the report, the consultant studied requests and concepts provided, and will provide an answer to those as well. All in all, this is a study done by a professional nationally reconized consulting firm. It's going to make reccomendations as to what they think would work best for Somers, and may include several options. Your leadership will decide what will work best and implement the reccomendations as they see fit.

I don't think ATCEMS has an archery team, but there are numerous places to use your bow year around within an hour. You can even buy your own land to hunt, ride ATV's, etc. If we were'nt in a drought, you could even have a lake on your property. And many of your coworkers hunt. They also dispatch Starflight, the Medical/Rescue/Fire/Tactical helicopter. They also have Rescue Medic Units, Tactical Medic Units, etc and will frequently be dispatching an EMS sytem that handle large and complicated incidents routinely and is the response is structured like a fire department. They have numerous resources, and cover a diverse area. APD Dispatchers start at $16.60 an hour, and you are busier working one sector a shift then your department all day. You are guarenteed to have a pursuit, shooting, stabbing, armed robbery, etc frequently. (I must notate that the city is very safe, and most of the incidents are domestic in origin). The shifts suck, though, they are 8 hours- 6a-2p, 2p-10p, and 10p-6a and frequent mandatory overtime. You do get excellent city benefits and 23 year retirment though. Some suburban departments pay more, and have better shifts, but are difficult to get into. Austin Fire Department is dispatched by 4-5 firefighters and a captain using a "Locution" system. They work 24 hour shifts alternating sleep times. All three agencies dispatch from the same facility, which is heavily guarded.

Austin-Travis County EMS Austin, TX Civil Service. $17.53 - $23.08 per hour, MUCH lower cost of living in TX then NY "On-Call" day (once a month) which you are paid an on call rate. If they need someone to come in on your on call day, you get paid overtime. 12 hours shifts, rotating so that you have every other weekend off. 23 year retirement. Top notch EMS system, latest in technology and equipment. Uniformed position and member of the EMS union.

Manpower information will be available in December, upon conclusion of this phase of the study. The study, upon which reccomendations will be based, is not yet conclued either. Since the consultants are trying to get an accurate look at the way Somers FD is operating, they don't want to provide any details that may change operations to intentionally flaw the study, which now is too late to do. A LOT of this information was presented in a public meeting, with a question and answer session. I don't know how many Somers FD members attended this meeting, or regularly attend Board Of Commisioners meetings, and voice their opinion or pose their questions there. I get my information from a variety of sources, and none of which came from any Commmisioner. From what I understand, they are under a "gag order", so to speak. I also respect those who wish to remain anonymous. I confirm my information by using another independent source, and if what they say is similar, I do a few other things to make sure it is 99.9% credible. Wait a few years, and then see how credible my information is. I don't want to come off the wrong way, but through this website, I've come to know many, many people.In fact, that's how this website started. All I can say to all the volunteers I'm obviously pissing off in Somers is.....keep going to calls, and do whatever you can to inrease manpower while decreasing response times. And to those I am pissing off, which are you more concerned about the public, or politics? Let the ones you voted for and appointed to lead the department, including Chiefs right down the line to Lt's, worry about the staffing and response times. You guys should worry about keeping the equipment ready to go, keeping fit, and keeping yourself and the community safe, no matter what it takes. You're only as good as your last fire. Go and kick ass, and keep it up, no matter what happens with the study or anything else. And, "Career" is not a bad word, especially if Somers has a residency preference. Many current Somers volunteers can end up becoming Career Firefighters IN Somers, IF that becomes neccesary. They'd also be eligible to transfer to other departments. I know there has to be a few members of Somers FD that would enjoy firefighting as a career, right? Somers FD members: Check the ego about being a volunteer department at the door. Chances are, Somers could stay volunteer for the foreseable future. There are many people looking out for your benefit. Don't fight whatever needs to be done. Please show the county that one of your best assets is an open mind......and whatever happens, keep setting an example for other departments and blazing a path through tradition to progress. It will only benefit you and the community, and the fire service in the area as a whole. "If Somers can do it, we can do it".

NFD2004, I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your wife to a horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If I can do anything for you or your family, please let me know. My email is seth@emtbravo.com

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It's not about volunteer vs. career, and I'm getting sick of saying this....but since you emphasized "VOLUNTEER", it's not about that, it's about increasing staffing and decreasing response time. A very basic concept. By your profile, it says commisioner. I would assume Somers by your statement and profile. I would figure that the career decision is abour if you could get x amount of firefighters in x amount of minutes. Doesn't matter if they get a paycheck or not. I'm suprised you wouldn't want to open your mind to new ideas and concepts. But, after all, it's your decision at the end of the day to put the safety of your firefighters and citizens first, and politics second. Shake it off, nobody is trashing Somers at all, in fact, just the opposite.

Austin, TX FD NEW Rescue 20 2011 Piece Impel XM Serves South Austin. Resuce 14 serves Central Austin, and Rescue 28 serves North Austin. Responds with Special Operation Engine 20, if available. Short wheelbase, everything you need, nothing you don't. Fits snugly into the firehouse.

Let me know when you're down here, you'll probaly be somehwere to get photos of a newer rig. Rescue 20 is REALLY busy, so catching them in quarters can be tricky....

Why would it go to the Squad companies, though? Don't they have enough to do as specialty companies. And where would it fit? You would think it would go to an engine company, or stay with the SOC on Roosevelt Island. I'm sure Joe will have photo and Jack will have the info in the next issue of FAJ, if it hasn't already been finished.

For anyone luck enough to recieve BBC America,then you'll know all the awesome programming on there (hopefully abaduck can back me up here). My favorite is BBC News America, which is probaly the most objective, informative, and no-agenda newscast nowadays. Anyways, there is a 14 episode dcoumentary series on BBC America called "24 Hours In The ER". Basically, for those that remember it, it's like "Trauma, Life in the ER", but this one takes place at one of the busiest ER's in London, at Kings College Hospital. It was filmed 24 hours a day over 30 days with 70 strategically placed cameras. It's quite fascinating to see the differences between the UK and US, and the similarities. It's also very interesting to hear the insight of the staff. Check your local listings. http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/447/24-hours-in-the-er-about-the-show.jsp

I don't understand the numbers and equations of ISO ratings like you do, but I sure do understand that it's becoming less and less relevant and there are many flaws with ISO. The problem is, the community could end up spending more to become ISO compliant. And ISO can be very obtrusive to the way a department operates. To put a hydrant system in Somers would cost millions. I, personally, feel that ISO in the fire service is obsolete and irrelenant to modern day fire department operations. Look at Charleston, S.C. FD. They were a Class 1 FD, yet suffered the loss of 9 firefighters because of operational flaws. ISO has no expiration date. They got their Class 1 status 9 years prior. In any city, how many things can change in the period of 9 years? Buildings are built, etc, etc, etc. And, since there is no expiration date and so many things can change, when a fire department gets to Class 1, then what? Can they start slacking off, or report deterioration in services to the ISO, and raise their rating? Hey community, we're Class 1! You're going to save on your insurance! But, are they really going to benefit from that in the long term? With today's economy, how many departments are going to suffer from retrogression? How many departments are going to report it? What is the ultimate penalty? How much is it really going to cost in the long term? A lot of the stuff that will improve your ISO rating belongs in a firefighting musuem. They've really failed to adapt their model to the current equipment we have nowadays. Let's say Somers does build a hydrant system, and the town Water Department handles it. Or they contract with a company like United Water,, and says they will deliver the water and relieve the town of that responsibilty. Who ends up maintaing the hydrants? How much is United Water going to profit? What pressure are they going to maintain? How many firefighting positions will be lost because of the hydrant system? Also, try getting a map of hydrants and mains from United Water! I'm not singling out United Water, just using them as an example since I have experience with them. This could be any other company. Also, where do they bump heads with NFPA standards? I feel you can save more on your insurance by being compliant with building codes, having a hard wired link to a monitoring station for a security, carbon monoxide, and fire alarm system. A residential sprinkler system will drop insurance premiums even more. Heck, my insurance company abandoned ISO years ago! What will happen when a Fire Chief goes to the City Council and preaches how lowering ISO will result in insurance savings. Say one of those council members is a State Farm customer. How is the Fire Chief going to explain that? And firefighting should be rated on performance, not by highly variable statistics. Today, their are other orginizations I feel are much more relevant to become accreddited by. ISO has failed to evolve, they are not what they used to be, and failed to focus on modern day fire protection and saving lives. Today, ISO is just a selling point to justify fire department expenditures to the public. And, wih how complicated ISO is, it's almost impossible for the average citizen to really understand properly.

A majority, if not all, of Somer's engines have 1,000 gallon booster tanks. If they were to equip them with CAFS, that water goes even farther. Even without CAFS, if you conserve your water, that's enough to make a rescue or knock back the fire a bit, depending on the situation. Somers also has plenty of LDH on their apparatus. They can relay pump if needed, or pump off their 3,000 gallon tanker. They can draft off the numerous lakes, and they can also do a tanker shuttle. In addition, Engines have ground ladders should a rescue need to be made. They can also take the role of a truck company if needed, and vent, enter, and search. All of this could be accomplished with proper preplans for the area, and a structured response. This would allow for the dispatch of the proper apparatus right away. I don't care about ISO when I make my statements, I care about firefighter and public safety, and loss of property.

Never judge a book by it's cover. Say Tarrytown is committed at another working fire, and a similar structure comes in. The relocated companies may not know this property all that well. That's why a proper size up is always vital. And, Tarrytown has more than it's share of these types of buildings throughout the village. It's a good learning tool just to put a photo up, get people thhinking a little, what would they do if they approached something similar?

Does the local school district have a bus to donate?? (this bus was orignally on it's side, can't find the photos though.

That's where they got their start, but not anymore. They are heading in a variety of different directions. Billing and finances are still important, because agencies need funding. A lot of their work can be easily interchangable with EMS stuff as well. http://fitchassoc.com/questions-brownouts.html