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I'm currently researching how I can accomplish this. Will advise. If you're concerned by accidentally repping someone by trying to see who repped them for what, you can view it under the "Reputation Given" tab in their profile instead. The topic was slit here as to not distract from the thread or derail it with potential inflamatory one liners that may occur from it. Please rebut your opinion with respect.

MODERATION NOTE As to not distract from the thread or derail it with potential inflamatory one liners that may occur from it, "REP POINT" TOPIC SPLIT INTO IT'S OWN THREAD IN THE "EMTBRAVO WEBSITE AND INFORMATION" SECTION

Looks great, thanks for the shots! If I'm not mistaken, the entire fleet is now Lifeline? And this replaces one of the Wheeled Coaches? I'm a Ford guy, but after using a Chevrolet Type III chasis, I would take that over a Ford. I find the handling to be better, the engine more responsive, better torque, better braking, and the ride to be much more comfortable. However, the cab space is tight. Is the retiring 69-B-3 going to be kept as a spare? I know there was talk a while back, but just that..talk.

Tragic. Rest in Peace.

Seems like an awesome, affordable Tablet using the resources of Amazon.com Amazon Kindle Fire At Amazon.com

I honestly can't see any drawbacks to this at all. The fire service used to have many companies in a city with firehousesspread out, because the horses and steamers could only go so fast. This evolved in modern day fire companies. There's a place for heritage and pride, but their also needs to be a place for progress. Best quote from that article:

I forgot to mention, Boston is sending a lot of their apparatus to a proper facility for refurbishment. Some to repair damage caused by the years of negligent care by the fleet staff. In most cases, this is to get a few more years out of the rig, especially in the reserve pool. The E-One Aerials have a huge advantage over their competitors in Boston....the outriggers work nice on tight Boston streets. I don't think any other manufacturer can provide such a low profile outriggers. They also have taken delivery of numerous new ladders and engines, which will increase the spare pool.

Probaly too late, but here are some resources: http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=CEL+Divisions&branch_id=CEL&pid=481&wid=6#List

Awesome show. There's been a lot of PD, Fire, and EMS related episodes.

Oh, and Ice Road Truckers which I love. No idea how it relates to history though.

Very interesting article. The few times I had visited the Boston shops, around 2003, the first thing I noticed is these guys can weld anything! They were also much better mechanics with the older apparatus, and weren't too familiar with the modern complexities. Boston FD's fleet takes a beating with rough tight streets and cold snowy winters and hot humid summers. It's sad. Personally, I feel a city fleet should consist of one or two brands. That way, parts can be stocked and EVT's can be trained by the factory. Plus, they would become familar with the rigs and thier problems. I know with the bid system that's not possible, but having severals makes and models of apparatus of diffent years and different chasis adds a lot of complication to things. From my understanding, that's why FDNY likes Seagrave. The mechanics are extensively familiar with them, and they have extensive parts on hand. Of course, especially now, that is changing. Also, different people have different sets of skills. Some are better with the ladder trucks, the aerials, outgirggers, etc and some are better with pumpers and the pump systems. Some are better with chasis and engine/transmission repair. I'm sure Sean can fill us in more.

From the Fitch Study: Calls have been analyzed for the past several years. They are currently 700-800 a year, on the fire and rescue side, not including EMS calls. The trend for both are growing, and man/woman power is shrinking. Fitch is continuing to study the numbers and analyze the trends. There will be an update to the recommendations in December. The first step, recommended, is to hire a Fire District Manager, which would handle the business and bridge end of the operation. This person would also do HR and payroll, amongst other things. Most likely, this will be a person with a Master’s Degree in HR, familiar with the fire service, with familiarity with NYS and Westchester Civil Service laws and procedure, and also manage the fire district. This is a big and important role to fill. Look for this early 2012. Let's remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. What I'm saying is that right now, Somers is building a solid foundation the right way. This will evolve over time, both in the near and distant future. They are taking it step by step, as I have explained in my posts. Also, keep in mind Fitch is a national Fire and EMS consulting firm, and has been hired by many fire and EMS agencies to address the issues, fix them, and create a plan for success. Fitch provides the Commisioners with reccomendations upon their findings and this is a continuous study. EMS calls are growing, and technology is decreasing structural fire calls. Cigarette smoking as a cause is down, but so is smoking itself. Fire education, prevention, codes, sprinklers, alarms, etc all have helped to decrease structural fires. But not and never completly. Somers consists of a large IBM and Pepsi corporate facility, a large residential community with wood frame garden style dwellings, dangerous roads, a large nursing home, numerous types of schools, retail, etc. Let's also not forget the resivoir and the hazardous materials trucked through Somers. The role of a firefighter is ever evoloving. Where fires have dropped, new construction methods and materials have made firefighting more dangerous then ever before. A lot of these facilities and community house people 55+, and some invalids, which are helpless in case of a fire, and in the nursing home alone, an evacuation could be a major incident. It's all a betting game-people think something can't happen and then suprise, it does. Firefighters are also tasked with saving peoples possesions and homes and businesses. While it is all "replaceable", saving structures and possesions from being completly destroyed means a lot to people. If we were to let every structure burn to the ground, insurance rates would skyrocket. A quick knockdown and removal of valuables has time and time again proven to be important to people. Also, think about the weather. That often causes havoc in Somers. Again, kudos to Somers FD, and the Board Of Commissioners for being proactive in providing top-quality service to residents of their fire district.

I remember meeting Jim and Gina Areana, one of the most kind,genuine,hard working people I know, of the because of Jimmyboy. When he first was diagnosed, a blood drive was announced on this site. One of our first posts. I remember visiting the Arena's numerous times at home and in the hospital. I remember their trips to the West Coast and doing everything they could for their little boy. I remember how Somers FD and so many people pushed for the Extreme Home Makeover, and how many people came out to volunteer. Remembering Jimmyboys death is really bittersweet for me, since I met my wife 6 years ago when Jimmyboy passed away. At the time, the two didn't conincide. But now, I have a wonderful wife and a one year old little girl. I don't think I would be able to handle it god forbid anything was to happen. I always wonder about fate and karma. One of the positives that came out of this was I became friends with the Arena family. Their strength, resolve, and support of me has taught me a lesson no one else could. I remember how many people rallyed for the Arena family, and you can read the whole story in the forum dedicated to him. Nothing will ever solve the pain for the Arenas, no matter what, and I pray for them often. It's not only the pain of his death, it's all he went through. From when he was really sick, to better days where they thought the cancer was in remission. It was a roller coaster ride for them but their stength never waivered. Jimmyboy had fought quite a battle. On the day he died, the medical part of me was relieved. He was in hospice, and his death was imminent. Jim and Gina couldn't do anything more, even hope and pray. They knew his fate and each second with jimmyboy they cherished in the final moments. It ended his suffering. He got to die at his home, with his family by his side, and not in a hospital room. And in many cases of childhood cancer, especially the brain, these children don't grow up to be healthy adults, and often don't have a long lifespan and suffer all kinds of illness including reoccurences of cancer, often before they reach adulthood.. I was glad that suffering, and his parents suffering, had come to an end-but started a whole new kind of suffering that will never heal. We all knew what was going to happen towards the end of the battle, and it was just a matter of when. I'm not going to say "Rest In Peace". Jimmyboy is still alive, his infectious spirit and courage looks after us all. He's not resting, he's in heaven meeting his ancestors, playing, looking forward to one day reuniting with his mom, dad, and sisters. He's looking down on his family, taking care of them. He is like his mom and dad, "paying it forward". His foundation also continues to help other children and families in the same predicament as him. Going to wipe away the tears now.

Here's some more info (condensed, info is from a Public Meeting and Fitch Associates): The District had a manpower study recently completed by Fitch Associates, a nationally reconized Fire and EMS Consulting firm. They pointed out two interesting points. On the EMS side, they are head and shoulders above most of the country in response time and number of responders. They are running less then a 3 minute response time and on average 5 responders at each call. On the fire side, thier response time is in the double digits and the number of responders is in the single digits. The Board of Fire Commissioners is charged by State law to provide adequate fire and EMS services to the residents of the District and right now using purely a volunteer force they are not adequate. Fitch is going to re-vist the numbers to the end of the year to see if the number of responders goes up. If it does not, then the District would have to seriously consider hiring firefighters in the near future. The staffing would be as such. They would need 1 captain, 3 lieutenants and 10 firefighter/EMT's. They would start with a system similar to Mohegan Fire Department. The paid staff would work 24/7 and all be stationed in Lincolndale were there would be one engine, one ladder and one rescue. There would be 2 firefighters and 1 officer per shift. If it is a house call, the engine and ladder would respond, a MVA the engine and rescue would respond. The hiring process is not yet defined, but it would be in compliance with the Westchester County and NYS Civil Service laws and procedures. All of this info was presented at a public meeting for the District, and by Fitch Associates. Good to see Somers is going to do this the right way and are accountable and honest about staffing. See the trend? TOTAL RUNS FOR 2010 = 2086 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2009 = 1947 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2008 = 1890 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2007 = 1868 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2006 = 1673 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2005 = 1729 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2004 = 1510 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2003 = 1436 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2002 = 1356 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2001 = 1158 TOTAL RUNS FOR 2000 = 1198

I've been advised by prucha25 that Paramedic Natoli passed away today. RIP. I don't know what effect this will have on the benefit, but I'm sure prucha25 will have that info when available.

I would think they would keep it to carry thier special ops equipment, which is housed in a variety of trailers and other assorted vehicles. Such as swift water rescue equipment, since it sits high and is 4x4 and can navigate through safe flooding easier then other vehicles. It would probaly be great in a snowstorm as well. Maybe it will go to the Greenburgh Technical Rescue team. Maybe it will got to Greenburgh PD ESU. I'd like to see it go to Hartsdale-don't know if they have room at Station 2, haven't been theres since 2007 before the renovation, or if it will fit in Station 1, but they are the only ones who don't have a rescue but a lot of members with a lot of knowledge and trainng. It does't have to be staffed, but it would be a good piece especially during storms and other incidents. It could also function as a high rise unit,and swift water and flooding equipment for when the Bronx River Parkway floods. Unless they need to sell it for the money. If they do and someone is willing to put up a lot of money to rebuild and replace vital components if it is a frontline piece, it's really a great piece. Also, I don't know if they even have space at Station 2 for it.

Nice shot! Wheelbase looks tough, though. Time will tell. Also, since they refer to it as FDNY EMS, why does it say "FDNY Ambulance"?

I agree. TLC, also a Discovery Company channel, is much worse. Good programming on either channel is hard to find or non existent at all. The only show I enjoy watching is American Chopper reruns, and American Chopper-Senior vs. Junior. Mythbusters has played itself out. There's a cool show that pops up on DiscoveryHD every now and then. It's called "Risk Takers", and, amongst other episodes, they do a ride along with the Phoenix Fire Department. Very thorough and accurate, and makes you appreciate HD! As far as History, there are still some interesting shows, like Modern Marvels.

Here's a previous thread about housemen that was discussed on EMTBravo a while back (it is locked because it is archived)

Thanks for the spy shots! I've been checking Fairview's website daily hoping to see a delivery shot, dying to see how they designed it. Side note, Fairvew has a TON of vintage photos on their Facebook page from times gone by. It's an excellent page to follow! Voters turned down a bond proposal to renovate and expand both obsolete and small firehouses. Rescue 3 would have been a bit larger and probaly on a larger chasis if that had happened, but you can hardly walk around in the bay at headquarters as it is. There is also a weight restriction. Voters also had a bad taste in their mouths after Greenburgh decided to build a $70 million dollars new library, and taxes went up. There were voters that came out to specifically vote "No" because of the library and not wanting to pay a very small, very reasonable fire district tax hike for a project that was very well researched, presented, and planned. Therfore, with Fairview being in a fire district where 50%+ of it is non-taxable, Fairvew has to squeeze every dollar out of their budget. The current Rescue 3, on an International 4x4 chasis and KME body, has over 100,000 miles on it and has had it's share of problems with the chasis and body. It was donated by Hebrew Home For The Elderly, which takes up a sizeable chunk of property in the district that's non-taxable- and also is responsible for hundreds of Fire and EMS calls each year. Rescue 3 responds with the shift commander and a firefighter. With Station 1 being so centrally located for the District, Rescue 3 could't be any larger then it is now. The Spartan Furion chasis, not having a "nose", actually allows more gear and more space in the cab, and allows for a larger body. Mechanically, amongst other things, it offers better turnning radius, easier maintainence with a tilt cab. They did a great job spec'ing it out with all the road blocks they had in obtaining funding for it and space. If you note two things in these photos, the need for extra space for the new 2010 Exhaust systems, and the rigging points on all four corners of the body. It will also have winch reciever hitches on all four sides as well. As mentioned, Rescue 3 has to squeeze into small bay space with weight restrictions, with Engine 175 to the back, and Ladder one on it's other side. There is literally no room to walk. And when it pulls onto the apron, the turning radius out of HQ is tight. CURRENT Rescue 3:

6th Street here in Austin, TX is really famous for the wide array of bars, pubs, resturants, and nightclubs. There are about 100+ in one area alone. Almost every one has some type of live music, including some top name musicians playing in very small venues. Hundreds upon hundreds decend onto lower 6th St. each night to enjoy the wide variety of entertainment options. The police officers there have a challenging beat. Also, besides 6th St proper, there is a convention center, several hotels, and numerous office buildings and other types of stores. The State Capitol building, University Of Texas, UT Football Stadium (capable of seating 100,000 fans) and a number of parks and other entertainment theaters, etc (note DPS patrols the Capitol building and Governors Mansion, and University Of Texas has their own PD. Add to this the Homeless Shelter which sits just one block south of 6th. During the daytime, it is quiet and filled with office workers during the weekdays, and on weekends, families, hikers, kayakers and whatever family-friendly event or race that is going on. It is very quiet during the day. At night, ONE area changes. In Austin, this in the "George" sector. Not only is this challenging for the officers, but for the George sector dispatchers. There are usually only two cars to four cars to patrol the outlying areas of the sector,sometimes with a bike and bike rack, and the rest are on foot, bike, or horse. They have no MDT's, no GPS locators, nothing. So the sector dispatcher has to do EVERYTHING for the officer, running numerous drivers license, plate, wants and warrant, etc. They also have to call in all information that normally would be handled over the MDT. Also, note that each officer must have 3+ years experience in patrol to work in George. At 2AM, all mayhem breaks loose, and it takes certain types of officers and one dispatcher to handle things. They use Clydesdales to round up and drive everyone out of the street and area. Then, the cleanup begins, pressure washing the sidewalks, etc. In the morning, you would not know anything happened there. And the cycle repeats iteself over and over again. Which is why I think this article is really well written: In downtown Austin, officers patrol a challenging beat http://www.statesman.com/news/local/in-downtown-austin-officers-patrol-a-challenging-beat-1879164.html

This is a really simple and relatively easy idea, and I wonder why it hasn't been done already. Who is actually responsible for riverbed maintainence?

Another trivial topic to some by me. Has the term "VAC" become obsolete? To me, volunteer ambulance corps doesn't reflect the modern day services. Does any VAC use "Volunteer Emergency Medical Services" or just EMS? Also, if ALS is in house or paid staffed, can the VAC term still be applicable?

Let's emphasize right here, right now, this isn't and WILL NOT turn into a "career vs. volunteer" debate. Any such discussion is subject to deletion [/moderator] The Civil Service status affords the firefighter numerous protections, included, gosh forbid, help to the firefighter and his/her family if he/she is ever injured or worse. And just because it's a career department, doesn't mean it is IAFF. The members of the career department have to create a local chapter (IF they want to), and the IAFF has to accept that. The union is not anti volunteer, but does protect labor and lobby for legislative matter that affects their agenda and their members agenda-and even things that benefit the volunteer service as a whole. It also creates a bargaining unit and other protection for the firefighters job. Even though it does spawn conflict to some people, and fails some. At this time, Somers is exploring it's options. A formation of a labor chapter, or joining a nearby local (such as Lake Mohegan) is a long time away, and has nothing to do with this issue, as the Somers Commisioners are wise enough to accept the IAFF as being a standard in the Career Fire Service and factor that in to their research.

Ardsley used to flood from the Saw Mill River big time until a project by the US Army Corps Of Engineers basically built a system that resolved the flooding. Except for VF Macy Park, which flooded during every storm until this day. It was kind of designed as a flood plain, anyways. From biking the old Putnam Railroad line through Ardsley and Elmsford as a kid before it was turned into a bike trail, there were a lot of places where the river got hung up on dead branches, debris, silt, etc and was flooding the railroad bed daily. (made for some very cool mountain biking). The lake at VF Macy Park (old Cantina Resturant side)was dredged because of Westchester County's failed attempt of making that a recreational pond. The material dredged was pumped over to the Saw Mill River Road half of the park to make raised athletic fileds, that were not prone to flooding. Due to Westchester's excellent insight, they thought the sludge would take a year to dry, when it actually took multiple years and is still not 100% dry. There is still a dam that was built there that is not properly maintained, and does nothing to help "flush out" debris nearby downstream. In Yonkers, the section of the Saw Mill that runs from the Hastings Border 'til about Executive Blvd. was dredged, cleaned, and rebanked several years ago. Also, supposedly the lower Saw Mill River that's been encased in a tunnel running under downtown Yonkers for decades is going to be reopended. Once they remove all the bodies and debris, I wonder how that will affect river flow? There are also some flood walls in Yonkers, mostly near Neppehan Ave. The only time, and this was Ardsley too, I remember the river filling up to the brink of the wall was during Hurricane Floyd in the late 90's. As for Babbit Ct. in Elmsford (Town Of Greenburgh, Fairview Fire District), it floods during almost EVERY storm. And every time, the Town Of Greenburgh and the residents seem suprised. I totally agree with you that some natural flood plains need to be maintained. However, the rivers in Westchester have really turned into just flood channels, and nothing more. And flood channels, the most famous is the Los Angeles River where many movies and TV action scenes are show, need to be maintained and cleared of debris routinely, especially in heavily wooded areas such as Westchester. Also, just a question-is the "swampy" area anywhere near the shooting range?