x635

Get rid of it?? Anyone want to go in with me on this, lol!

NYS Career Academy's requirments are way outdated. Firefighter has grown, and things like EMT should be added, considering that is the majority of work in a lot of departments. A volunteer firefighter should be held to the same standards for certification, including CPAT. However, many volunteer firefighters don't have time to attend a full academy, and many volunteer firefighters continue their education throughout their volunteer firefighter service and drill more and more frequently then some career departments. I'm not questioning the dedication of volunteers, but given the enviroment of Westchester, volunteers are becoming harder and harder to come by and will some day fade away. If my city had a volunteer fire department, I'd love to join (if I was medically able). However, my time with my family is much more important to me, and my household chores take up a lot of time. If the department was desperate, maybe I would help somehow. But my taxes pay for a career fire department, and one that's damn good. If the choice is getting to the scene quickly with a volunteer firefighter with basic training, over having not enough volunteers, then it's up to somebody to make sure these people get training that is accesible. And please don't misread this, I do think that every firefighter should be held to the same standards. Just like a volunteer EMT and career EMT's initial certification training is exactly the same. Fire doesn't care what time of year it is. We're on our 50th day of record breaking heat around 107 degrees and 90 at night. And the firefighters still train and still work-in fact they are really busy due to the exceptional drought we are also experiencing. The trick...enough manpower to cycle and proper rehab protocols.

To my knowledge, they've been doing this for several years now. Sounds like a dog and pony show for Astorinio off the backs of other people who have worked hard to make this happen. Maybe he should comment on increasing funding for more training. Also, is the County Police Spokesperson now for DES as well, as noted in the article?

Looks like East Fishkill's new 39-97 Fire Police Unit has been completed by Gowans Knight. Looks awesome, and very well spec'd. http://www.gowansknight.com/eastfishkillpage.htm Amongst many other things, I love the grill! Never seen that done before, guess it's easier now with the F-Super Duty grilles. Great job by the comittee, and great job by Gowans-Knight to be able to build such a customized unit! Which firehouse will this truck be housed at?

Frank Becerra Jr got some awesome shots of the Mohegan fire this AM. http://www.lohud.com/article/20110802/NEWS02/108020368/Fire-damages-Mohegan-Lake-home?odyssey=tab|topnews|img|Frontpage I don't see a slide show or video yet, but I'm sure it'll be posted soon.

Awesome photos, Frank!

Send a message to your Senator's office! http://www.lohud.com...ext|Frontpage|s

Thanks everyone! My daughter, who celebrated her first birthday (yes she has the same birthday as I), and I had a great day!

Being in Westchester for the first time in a long time last week, I was able to make some comparisons to where I live now. One simple comparison, it seems like many stations down here have basketball hoops, and many stations I saw didn't. I know we had one when I worked in Hartsdale behind Station 2, but I don't know if it's still there. We never used it. Basketball is a great way to get some PT in, especially on a 24 hour shift. The PT is not the only benefit....I believe it breeds a healthy competitive spirit and builds camraderie. One simple hoop. As for the image of firefighters playing basketball while on duty, they are making productive use of their time.

Anyone catch this documentary on HBO? I know there are many people on here that responded who don't want to relive it, and I understand. Just very conterversial and has made national headlines again and I'm in the process of watching the documentary now. Official HBO site: http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/theres-something-wrong-with-aunt-diane/synopsis.html NY Times Review: http://tv.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/arts/television/theres-something-wrong-with-aunt-diane-on-hbo-review.html

RIP Your reflection reminds us all to always be thankful for those who "make it" and those who make the supreme sacrifice. I'm glad your father was OK, but I'm sure he was a changed man as were many. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts in your very well written piece. +1

In an age where having a Bachelor's degree is becoming as common as a high school diploma, and the economic climate giving a greater pool to choose from, should a college degree, at least an Associate's be required?<BR><BR>On the flip side, college isn't for everyone. We're losing a lot of skilled blue collar workers because of colleges.

Date:8-1-11 Time: 1840hrs Location: Football field opposite Nyack Hospital Frequency: Units Operating: Nyack FD, Nyack EMS, Rockland Paramedic Service Weather Conditions: Severe Thunderstorms Description Of Incident: Emergency Medical Aircraft forced to make an emergency landing during severe weather encountered during an interfacility transport from Orange County to Westchester County Medical Center. RPS was able to transport patient immediately to WMC with a Critical Care ambulance standing by. Reporters: Writer: x635

Date: 8-2-11 Time: 1020hrs Location: 3300 Block of Lakeshore Road, in the Town Of Yorktown Mohegan Fire District Frequency: Units Operating: Lake Mohegan- IC, Ladder 10 Engine 252 U40, Lake Mohegan EMS, Yorktown Height Engine 270 (FAST), Mahopac Falls Rescue 19-6-1 (Cascade, interior members put to work on arrival) , Yorktown PD, Westchester Cause and Origin Weather Conditions: 90+ degrees Description Of Incident: Fire in a two story wood frame residential dwelling, heavy fire upon arrival. Reporters: foreman1923, johnnyOV Writer: x635

The hoop is in the back of most stations, I notice. Firefighters have a reputation for being physically fit. Some people could argue they should excercise on their own time, but when you're working a 24, you don't have anything but PT time to excercise. And I'm sorry, but I feel fitness machines in a workout room can only do so much.

I've only had time to read some of the contributions to this thread, so excuse me if I'm overstepping anyone else's I just watched it last night. It's poorly done. Basically, the family admitted she smoked pot everyday "to help her sleep" and drank alcohol. Every time they told of something, it contradicted what they said previously. This incident occured the last time I was in NY. It happened 5 minutes after I passed that location enroute to Yorktown Heights. My kudos goes out to all the first responders. I wish they had shown how much this incident has damaged their lives, and the effect it had on them.

As the 10th anniversary of 9-11 grows closers, I'm noticing more and more products being marketed to commemerate the event. A lot of these companies claim that "some proceeds go to whatever charity", but in most cases, I don't believe it. Is this really respectful? IMO, I don't think that merchandise needs to be sold in the first place. I don't think that they are being sold for the right reasons, and I think that a lot of people are using the event to make money for themselves.

Absolutely awesome photos! Keep up the great work, Eli!

There are hundreds of communities that could use surplus equipment across the USA. Think about what you have laying around in the back room you're not going to use? Even it's broken or worn, these departments can make it work for them.

How many yes vs. no's were there?

Nice shots! I love the photos that shows Ladder 19 got right in there and positioned themselves to get the aerial into the right place.

No. It is housed there because it is the best place for the truck right now. Ideally, it should be kept inside, and this is close to WCPD headquarters and centrally located in the County.

Thank you guys, I'm flattered. But there are many, many photographers on this site that are much better then I am. I learn and get inspiration from Frank Becerra Jr, Michael Messar, Bill Johnson, Joe Pinto, Gus Stretz, Michael Martinelli, and all the other veteran photographers that share their work on here. Some of these guys have been shooting the Lower Hudson Valley and NYC for longer then I've been alive. I'm very appreciative they post on here. (Hopefully Joe's out shooting all the new deliveries today) I do try hard for unique photos, and I shoot in mostly any weather condition. I've got my own style, as does everybody. Thanks again! Very nice thread to wake up to!

Burnet (pronouced "burnit") is located in the Highland Lakes region of Texas Hill Country in Central Texas. It's largely rural, but has some really cool town centers and recreational activities. They have volunteer fire department that has their own suppresion apparatus, and they supplements staffing when needed. From what I was told, the FD is described as "An EMS agency with a fire truck". They do 4400 calls a year, 1200 being interfacility transports (they transport all over the state). The fact that they do interfacility transports is unique. For EMS coverage, they cover over 750 square miles. First up is Engine 3, a International/Pierce 4x4: The brand new Brush 2, 2011 Ford/Blanchat: Tanker 2: Medic 7 2010 Ford/Wheeled Coach: Medic 3 Dodge/Frazer Burnet PD: And found sitting alongside the road preserved along with a lot of '50s vintage cars:

Just a couple of bonus shots: Ardsley Car 97 from the back angle: Local 1586 Promotional vehicle: County PD Command Unit: