x635

Date: 1-3-08 Time:1914 Location: 1700 Bedford St C/S Montgomery Ave (Former site of Ebbets Field) Frequency: Units Operating: Numerous FDNY Description Of Incident: Box 3762-Fire on 14th floor of 25 story OMD with 400 apartments. High winds and heavy smoke complicated evacuation and suppresion activities. Writer: x635, roofsopen 1929hrs: Battalion 38 reports Mayday transmitted, requests 2nd alarm, firefighter in cardiac arrest on the 14th floor. Lieutenant John Martinson, of Engine Company 249 passed away during this incident. Funeral information will be posted on EMTBravo.com as it becomes available. ONLINE CONDOLENCE CARD: http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=22642

Even if we did go with a Countywide fire department, which I think is a good idea in some ways, I don't think Yonkers would be a part of it. They have a very good system in place right now that serves them well. There is no incentive for them to "sell out" to a County Fire Department. If anything, the County or other fire districts should contract with Yonkers and New Rochelle in some areas to provide leadership and staffing.

I saw a commercial for this during the Lakers/Suns game yesterday on ABC, regarding Hummer owners making their vehicles available during disasters. Personally, I just feel this is a marketing ploy for General Motors, to reflect the "ruggedness" of their vehicles, as well as to make the look like they are responsible corporate citizens. Maybe it's just me, but the majority of fake Hummer owners around here at least wouldn't have a clue what to do in a disaster, much less be equipped to drive in one. Check out the program here: http://www.hummer.com/hummerjsp/home.jsp?g...;goto_nav=world And here: http://www.hummerhope.com/

I'm just curious to see if any departments consistently run relay pumping and drafting drills? Although some of us (like myself) are so used to hydrants, have we forgotten (or dulled) our relay pumping and drafting skills? I know I learned both in Probie school as well as during my probationary period, but have never had the oppurtunity to practice or apply those skills in a while. I'm sure many other FF/Apparatus Operators are with me here? As recent events have shown us, these skills can be critical even with a hyranted district. This skill should be practiced with all apparatus operators a couple of times a year. I know a lot of departments are into technical rescue training now, as that's the latest fire department "fad", but it's my opinion we need water to put the fire out. And with the ever-expanding scope of a firefighters duties, our primary role and most efficient way to keep ourselves safe and control the situation is to put the fire OUT.

I want to preface my comments by saying I'm in no way affiliated with YFD, and am just making this comment as an observer. I apologize if I am errornous in any of my comments, and hope someone from Yonkers will correct me if I am. Yonkers FD is the largest fire agency in Westchester County, and I think besides New Rochelle the only one that properly staff it's frontline comapnies. Yonkers FD will respond ANYWHERE, ANYTIME (You want them to go to Austrailia-they'll go!). When you call Yonkers, for an Engine, let's say, you are going to get 4 guys, very well trained, with experience. That's a great reassurance when calling for them, but it's also easy to see how that can be abused. One of the highlighted problems is, when they get to a scene in another jurisdiction, and when they arrive the (former) commisioner will send his own personel home to avoid paying overtime. It's situations like that that are a slap in the face. I THINK, and this is only my opinion- that Yonkers FD doesn't want to have to be a crutch for other departments, and is actually taking a stand against it. They're an aggresive department, and that pays off- if you look at their staffing and equipment, they know what they want and get it. That's a lesson right there. A typical house fire shouldn't require mutual aid, especially in Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon should have sufficient manning, but because of the politicians in that city, they don't. They think that every time they have a fire, everyone will come to help, therefore they rationalize that they really don't need to properly staff. I would also think that Yonkers FD wouldn't want to be repeatedly called to relocate, and strip the citizens of Yonkers from fire protection. The citizens of Yonkers don't pay taxes so their firefighters can go fight fires in Mount Vernon. I would think that firefighters in Mount Vernon wouldn't want mutual aid all the time either, that they'd like to handle their simple fires on their own, much like YFD does. How often do you hear Yonkers calling for MA? Mutual aid is abused, as mentioned. Mutual aid should be for large scale incidents only. EVERY muncipality in Westchester (with the exception of tankers) should have sufficient enough manpower and equipment to handle a bread and butter fire. If not, they should merge with another department who has the resources and other tools to protect their community. For example, maybe Mount Vernon should fire their fire commisioners, and contract with Yonkers for fire protection. All the Mount Vernon staff could be transferred to YFD, and get the better pay, benefits, and most importantly, proper staffing and equipment-that they and their citizens rightly deserve. And I don't think it's a financial matter when it comes to staffing and equipment, it's a leadership issue. Look at Scarsdale. Great bunch of guys, but lousy run down apparatus and low pay. It's one of the nation's wealthiest communities. You think they don't have the money to have good equipment and proper manpower? They do. With their new Chief, I believe these issues will begin to resolve. It's a double edged sword, it really is.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year. Hope everyone had a great holiday season. I, for one, am glad it's over though!

Bump. Jackpots (in points) paid out on the hour through tommorow!

You have to upload a bigger photo. Isn't this the same rig as pictured above?? I photographed it in November, even the background looks the same. I guess I just missed the "when new" part, lol.

I like this game idea! Is the answer Bristol, CT? Ha, Izzy, I beat you to it, lol!

Does the tax reduction also lower home prices in Tarrytown? In my opinion, for the average volunteer firefighter, 10% is nothing. The housing prices in Greenburgh (of which Tarrytown is a village of) are insane, and so are the taxes. 10% is not going to do much, and I don't think in any way encourage people to remain local. Even if I volunteered and got 10% off my tax bill (I'm a resident of Greenburgh), I wouldn't stay. The taxes and home prices are still too high, and the (Greenburgh Central 7) schools suck. Instead, the 10% off money should instead be applied to building affordable housing for the town, or hiring a supplemental career staff. These tax breaks and increasing incentives to encourage people to volunteer...at what point is the line drawn between volunteering and have to basically pay people to volunteer with incentives? And, if you get people to join just because they can save 10% on their tax bill, what kind of motives do the people have for joining?

Thanks for the reminder! Here's whats happening: Click here for details on EMTBravo.com's Special 5th Birthday Lotto Jackpot(s).

WOW. That is shocking. I was just thinking about this the other day. I had hoped YHFD would at least keep it as an antique. I really wish I had the money and space!!

Good luck JC! You deserve the promotion. It's too bad you have to go through all this to get what is rightfully yours.

To keep this thread on topic, Southfire has created a new thread regarding this issue. Please discuss the above issue there, and keep this thread as it relates to the title.

I saw Engine 55 sitting at Scarsdale DPW stripped a couple of months ago. I guess it's dead-for them. Interesting to see L-28 up for sale, now that's a classic! Anyone know if Scarsdale has awarded the bid for a new engine and ladder yet?

I'm looking to shoot the apparatus listed on the page linked below for features on EMTBravo.com: http://www.emtbravo.com/mostwanted.html Can you help? Please EMAIL me at x635@EMTBravo.com if you can provide me with a contact email or can arrange the photo shoot.

GO PATRIOTS!!!

I'm doing some research, and would appreciate any input. When reporting in for work, at what point are you considered "On Duty"? If you are reporting in for work, in uniform, and on department property, does or can that constitute being "On Duty"? If you are on property reporting for duty, and the Engine leaves for a fire, let's say, would you be required or be able to jump on to go to the incident? Especially if that has been the "norm" in the past? Does anyone know of any laws, written policies, or precendents regarding this?

Thanks guys. My questions have been answered, and I don't want to think about this and want to relax this weekend, so I'm closing the topic. Thanks to everyone for their input. (P.S. Any member who started a topic/thread can request for it to be closed-any member)

I passed by Hartsdale Station 2 just a few minutes ago, and TL-15 was in the back and they were flying the bucket. That's what they usually do after it comes back from service to make sure everything is working right. If all systems are go, I would assume that it will be back in service by tonight.

RIP Chris, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I've know Chris for many years, he was from Ardsley at one point and was even a friend of my family starting with my grandmother. His we be sorely missed. I know he's been sick for years, and I hope now he can rest peacefully and comfortably.

I know Detectives in many PD's have to wear business attire, suits or streetwear for undercover. Are the atire issued by the department, or reimbused, like a Patrol Oficers, or is it the detectives responsiblity?

I work for a Fire District, which is completly seperate from the Town. And my former attorneys have told me that I can't sue them if they are paying me workers compl. However, they are setting themselves up for another lawsuit of a whole different kind if they don't let me return.

I can't seem to get a straight answer anywhere, and my accountant is away for two weeks and my employer refuses to respond. It's impossible to decode the NYS and IRS websites. So I figured someone here may be able to help me in laymans terms. I'm trying to budget for 2008, and am trying to project how much of a refund I will get. I am a career firefighter, and was injured while on duty. I have been out for almost a year now, and recieving my base salary, with taxes taken out. Is Workers Comp salary taxable? Will all the taxes taken out be refunded to me? Someone somewhere along the line mentioned I shouldn't have taxes taken out on Workers Comp...just wondering if there was any truth to that?

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm closing this topic because my question has been answered here and via PM. Thanks to everyone for their help.