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No need to apoogize, I completly understand that a lot of members aren't in the financial position to donate, and that's OK. You didn't let me or anyone else down.

Billy, Thanks for your support. Our donation portal can be found here: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?app=donate Or on the sidebar of the main index page. That tracks the donations we've recieved, our goal, and how far we are from reaching that goal. Donations are needed as soon as possible. If not enough donations are recieved, all donations will be refunded.

Where are you coming up with that figure? It is incorrect.

The outpouring of member support via this thread and email has made me reconsider. However, I am in debt from last months bills, and still need to pay for November, December, and yearly license fees. I don't have that money, and short of a flood of donations, and new advertisers, my hands are tied. The rest of the stuff stressing me out, I don't even have time to reconsider, figure out, or take a breather while the staff handles things. This site needs to be paid for and if I don't have the funding, it's the end of the road.

I would like to thank the members for their really kind, supportive, and encouraging emails about this site. I've gotten over 50 since making this announcement. I just want members to know that I've always felt obligated in a good way to keep going, no matter what, with this site. I know how much it means to so many people, and how people depend on it. I know that staff could take it over for a while. Short of a significant flood of donations and advertisers to meet the goal displayed on the main index sidebar, my hands are tied.

I just want to make a clarification. I don't want to do this to the members. I wish I had the several hundred dollars needed to keep this site afloat through November and December so I could figure things out and step back a little. I doubt I can raise those funds or get new advertisers, I doubt new people will step up, and I don't want to ask anymore. The stress of worrying about funding this site month after month has taken it's toll, and was the major blow. Considering I'm unemployed due to health reasons and have a new baby, I don't have the disposable income like I used to to cover the deficits and the debt. I'm emotionally and mentally beat up, partially because of this site, partially because of personal issues. For the record, this is NOT because of the whole Dutchess saga, and I've been thinking about and fearing this for a while. This has me really upset. I DON'T want to do this,I feared this, I'm going to miss the site as I enjoyed visiting it like a member too, but I'm broke and burnt out and this is my only option I feel right now.

Well, another fire service collectibles store bites the dust. Sad, they had a great selection and excellent customer service. I kind of saw this coming with the massive liquidation and all. http://www.fireandcopshop.com/

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23887963-last-chance-for-deal-as-london-firefighters-vote-to-strike.do

http://www.nyfd.com/history/23rd_street/23rd_street.html

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/10/17/2010-10-17_emergency_workers_practice_for_grand_disaster.html#ixzz12cx9xArU

I've moved members that haven't logged on since 12-31-2009 into an inactive members group. There's several logistical and technical issues that factor in if I was to straight out delete members. As for a trial period, there's a number of things I can do, which I'm considering. I can limit the members posting ability for a certain amount of time, and limit the amount of posts they make until they hit a certain mark. I also can make them pass a moderator approval before their content is visible for a certain time period. As mentioned, I'm trying to figure out which options make the most sense. I am also reconsidering instituting the Verified Member program.

I've seen some of the stuff mentioned a while back...pretty cool. Worth stopping by if you're in the area. http://www.lohud.com/article/20101014/NEWS02/10140326/Local-fire-police-history-on-display-in-White-Plains

This is why every EMS bag that goes into a residence should have a Carbon Monoxide monitor. There is a big section in JEMS on CO this month. Looks like they are starting to intergrate it into the Zoll's and Lifepak's. It's really important to monitor this in a patient, especially high risk ones, like firefighters. Great topic.

http://www.lohud.com/article/20101013/NEWS02/10130335/Merger-of-Westchester-police-emergency-services-put-in-doubt

I know that Columbus Day is a popular holiday to celebrate Italian heritage, but did he really discover America? I know there's a lot of academic debate, but the Native Americans were here first. And (the British, etc) basically destroyed their culture and land. Shouldn't it be "Native American Day"? Or, can't we have a "Patriot Day" like Massachusetts and Maine do instead? Just some thoughts after reading an article saying this is the "least celebrated holiday" and some states aren't even observing it anymore.

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words. Sometimes I don't even think people really care.

Does anyone feel this site is responding faster? Slower? Notice any bugs?

Photos reposted with permission. Thanks to the submitter and the original photographer for sharing this wake up call. Struck by tractor trailer while at a scene on Interstate 95. HME "Ahrens Fox" stainless steel body. More details in the Incident Alert: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=38703 *****NO MEMBERS WERE HURT******** Photos reposted with permission. Thanks to the submitter and the original photographer for sharing this wake up call.

The link to our Facebook page above has been corrected above as well. EMTBravo Official Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/EMTBravocom/40451344703

Updates regarding the server move can be found on our official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EMTBravocom/40451344703 Also, other site news and information regarding the site and related events are there, too.

I just want to point out what a strong brotherhood Stamford FD has. They've fought for safety measures. http://www.local786.org/ I only hope this brings Truck 1 onto I-95 as a barrier for the Engine. Also hope they don't replace Engine with another HME! Stamford should be a Seagrave or Pierce city!!

Most of the problems with ambulances are electrical problems. You can't spec them, only pick the manufacturer with the best one (unless you are ordering a lot like FDNY or LAFD who can say exactly what they want) The trend I saw in Westchester was Horton-Braun-PL Custom and now Lifeline. All the ones I mentioned before Lifeline agencies didn't go with mainly due to electrical problems they didn't want to deal with again. PL Custom has had problems with electrical schematics in their units, with each one being different or having none at all. I think their craftsmanship is great, paint is great, innovations are great, especially looking at their flexibility including the Rescue 1 side of the business. They had very strong service for a while, but lost a grip on that. Lifeline builds a strong module, almost as strong as a tank, with a great electrical system, and excellent dealer (Eastford) service, and that's why you are seeing them more and more. Multiplexing is going to be good in the future when it's more "plug and play", but mechnics are now electricians, even with the engine and all other OEM systems, and they need to be trained that way. Most other manufacturers who build the "old school" electrical systems are smaller manufacturers that don't have a good rep. Croton's ambulance looks awesome, much needed, and best of luck with it. Is this the FIRST true "new delivery" to Croton EMS? And this is replacing the Ford/Marque? Or didn't Croton EMS get one from Mount Kisco- is that being kept? And hopefully Croton EMS will establish a replacement schedule with the village!!

Saw this Crime Prevention Unit from the Brazos County, TX PD the other day.....

At the exit of almost all Texas DOT maintainence yards...... (Photo by me January 2008)

I've heard that Empire State College will convert a lot of your fire and EMS courses into credits. Is this actually true, and how does it work? Are their other online universities that have proven they do this? Thanks for any help! Seth