x635

OK, I know they're there for our safety, but with that said.... Is anyone else annoyed by the fact they have to jiggle every 20-30 seconds with a Scott Pack to keep the alarm from going off? I know it ensures the PASS will be used, but is the alarm the goes off constantly on the fire scene lessen our awareness of it? Is there a better way?

Date: 10-7-07 Time: 0600 Location: Crandon, WS Departments: Description: Off duty Deputy Sheriff, 20 y/o male, went on shooting rampage, killing 6 and injuring a seventh, before being taken down by a "sniper" Links: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071007/ap_on_...consin_shooting Writer: x635

Date: 10-7-07 Time: Location: Chicago Marathon Course Departments: Chicago FD, Chicago area Description: Heat wave in Chicago. During Chicago Marathon, 1 35 Y/O Male Fatatality, 300 runners tranported to hospitals for heat related ailments. Chicago FD set up mass cooling operation. Links: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071007/ap_on_...hicago_marathon Writer: x635

Happy Birthday Tommy! Never will forget that day were my probie class commemorated your birthday in '05. Seth

This morning, I decided to take a ride up to Newburgh, to check out the progress of Orange County Choppers (of "American Chopper" fame) new World Headquarters, located off Route 17K by the I-87/I-84 interchange in Newburgh. I had passed it on my way home from Montreal last week, suprised knowing it was being built but actually seeing it, and was too tired to backtrack and get photos. Initially, I had heard that this project was being funded by the Discovery Channel, and it was going to be a production studio coupled with a tourist attraction (viewing area for visitors to watch bikes being built, etc) as well as OCC's headquarters and manufacturing facilty. I thought this was supposed to be completed months agos. Also, apparently the OCC owners have their own construction company, "Full Throttle Construction", or at least it seems because they have a similar logo. I don't know if "American Chopper" still has the same popularity it once did, especially since they switched from Discovery to TLC. Also, whenever I tune in it's always a repeat or the same old stuff. That's why I think this building came a little too late for fans, but maybe chopper enthusiasts are now the main target. Impressive looking building, and I look foward to visiting the completed "OCC World Headquarters" Here are the photos (Sorry, it was hard to get a good angle):

I've always wondered, how does "COPS" get permission from the perp to show them on TV?? I mean, some of these guys must be pretty stupid to sign waivers. I love how it's like the cameras aren't even there. The perp lies, despite the camera catching him in the act.

Interesting twists. 1) You can watch the construction live at the following link: http://www.constructioncam.com/occ/ 2) Supposedly, according to a Wikipedia article, there will be a Orange County Choppers store opening at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack (can anyone confirm this??)

Since this apparatus is operated by one firefighter (please correct me if I'm wrong, and I know PCFD members work with it when on scene) will it be designed to work around only having one firefighter on the engine?

So, now NO straight stick in Putnam's apparatus force?

Something I've always wondered is why you don't see more auxillary driving lights on apparatus? Typically, most vehicles have the standard chasis OEM lighting, and these big firetrucks have sealed beam headlights meant for a car. We respond in all kinds of weather, in all lighting conditions, whether it be a city street or country road. I'm wondering why more fog lamps, PIAA lights, Hella lights, for example, aren't spec'd more on apparatus? I think they should be standard. Here is a photo of what I'm talking about. Credit to Mahopac Falls FD for for being one of the departments spec'ing this to increase driver visibilty:

Here's a photo that was sent to me of the construction of Ardsley's new firehouse on Ashford Ave. They demolished the old firehouse last June, and this project seems to be moving quite quickly. Should be nice when they are done- I hear they are aiming for a June or July completion. [attachmentid=2446]

Date: 10/4/07 Time: 15:00 Location: Sprain Brook Parkway NB north of Hospital Road Frequency: Units are using trunked EMS 11 and Fire 11. Units Operating:Hawthrone Units: 2192, E155, E156, 63B1, 63B2 Valhalla FD: 2482, R9 Elmsford: E137, 58B1 Briarcliff: 53B1 Grasslands: 87B1 MP ALS: 37M2 WCDES: Battalion 11, OEM 5 Description Of Incident: MCI involving four vehicles, one is a school bus with handicapped children Writer:x635

I think this is an EXCELLENT idea! Several years back, I had wanted to do this in Westchester. But I procrastinated. Hopefully, they will offer something similar too.

This morning, with special thanks to Lt. Brian Sacher And The Members Of MFVFD (Thanks for the invite and positioning the apparatus!), I photographed the entire fleet of the Mahopac Falls (Putnam County, NY) Fire Department (with the exeption of the antique Mack and Utility Pickup). The photo spread can be found on http://www.emtbravo.com Very nice fleet. And I just need to plug myself a bit here: Invite Me To Photograph Your Fleet!! I want to feature it on EMTBravo.com!! Weekday Mornings Work Best, And Sunny Days Are Prefered. Must Be Able To Move And Position Apparatus Outside. A CD of the photos will be provided for free to the department to use as they wish. Contact me via EMAIL at x635@EMTBravo.com

And that seems to be a common problem...so what don't department's spec them into the bumper or an alternative heavy duty or flexible housing?

Obviously, LED lighting is the latest "craze" to hit emergency vehicles. Some agencies are even ripping off their perfectly good halogen and strobe lightbars to replace them with LED's. As many people who have worked around LED's at night, you know that they can be blinding, even distracting to those on scene, and those driving by. Anyone who's driven by a CT State Trooper at night on a dark highway with the newest Whelen LED lightbar and LED lighting package should know how I feel. It's complelty blinding. I've even heard that some State Troopers don't like them, as they are blinding as they walk back to the vehicle. Also, LED's are sometimes not that bright in sunlight. I do agree that LED's provide excellent visibilty in certain situations, and draw less current. However, I think that LED's should be used with a combination of strobe, halogen, and LED. Also, I beleive each vehicle with an LED system should take advantage of the "low intensity" mode, if the switch was even installed. Whether some want to admit it or not, there are some that like bright flashy lights, and take pride in having a "brighter, flashier" vehicle then the next town over. But it's my personal opinion that the LED craze is going a little too far. Using a mix of halogen, strobe, LED and reflective striping is the best bet for maximum visibilty for both responding and on the scene. However, again, using too much of all is still very distracting. For scene safety, vehicle lighting isn't going to protect you, nor are chevrons. They'll aid in visibilty. But, proper apparatus operator training in the placement of apparatus to block the scene, the use of "accident ahead" signs with cones and flares that allow plenty of room before the incident, scene lighting and most importantly, scene awareness are the best ways for visibilty. Also, for prolonged incident always consider calling in DOT to help block the scene with their "crash barriers". As for responding, all the lights and sirens in the world won't work if your apparatus operator's aren't trained properly and aren't experienced and cautious. LED's shouldn't be depended on to fix all visibilty problems.

As you can see, Ardsley's New Firehouse is progressing nicely. They've begun pouring the concrete apron, hopefully, AFD will be moving in before winter.

It looks like the new Car 72 will be going into service as well. Note the Paramedic marking on the rear side windows- those are also on it's twin, 73, as well.

Date: 10-3-07 Time: 0330hrs Location: Cross County Parkway W/B near Broad St. overpass Frequency: Units Operating: WCPD, YPD, MVPD Description Of Incident: Shots fired at WCPD Police Cruiser. No injuries. Unknown further. Writer: x635

I've relaunched http://www.FireEMSAlpha.com, finally! This will be my blog on Emergency Services. What I see and learn I intend to share on http://www.FireEMSAlpha.com, in addition sharing my views on things related to the emergency services world. From time to time, I will also be publishing articles from guest authors, including some articles that were previously published on FireEMSAlpha.com. Hope you enjoy and learn from the NEW http://www.FireEMSAlpha.com!! (FireEMSAlpha.com is produced by The EMTBravo Group)

After an extensive restoration project the YFD will unveil our 1952 American LaFrance 75' aerial this Sunday (9-30-07) at the Columbus Day parade. Rumor is their next restoration project will be the Mack CF formerly E-306.

Apparently, White Plains PD has jumped onto the Dodge Charger bandwagon, with yet another nice looking car to add to the Chargers across the region. Photos are posted on http://www.emtbravo.com Thanks to Fed124 for the tip!

This morning, with special thanks to EMTBravo Member jblazing56 (Thanks for the invite and positioning the apparatus!), I photographed the entire fleet of the Kent (Putnam County, NY) Fire Department. The photo spread can be found on http://www.emtbravo.com Another nice Putnam County fleet that's sort of a "hidden treasure" for apparatus enthusiasts. Here's a teaser shot: Kent's 2006 Sterling Acceterra 4x4/American LaFrance (what I like to call) Tactical Engine 16-2-1 And I just need to plug myself a bit here: Is your department in the NYC Metro area? Want To Invite x635 To Photograph Your Fleet And Feature It On EMTBravo.com? He Wants The Oppurtunity!! Weekday Mornings Work Best, And Sunny Days Are Prefered. Must Be Able To Move And Position Apparatus Outside. Other Then That, The Camera Does All The Work. A CD of the photos will be provided for free to the department to use as they wish. To Contact x635, Email Him At x635@EMTBravo

I'm looking to photograph as many apparatus as possible this fall, most preferably entire fleets for features on EMTBravo.com. Weekday mornings work best, and sunny days are prefered (Clouds/overcast is fine too, but can't shoot in the rain). Must be able to move and position all apparatus outside, with permission from applicable officer. Other then that, the camera does all the work. A CD of the photos will be provided for free to the department and member assisting to use as they wish. Please contact me at x635@EMTBravo.com I'm also currently looking for contacts in the following departments to photograph specific apparatus on my "wish list" for feature on EMTBravo.com while I have the time. So, if you're somebody from the following departments and could hook me up, it would be greatly appreciated. x635's Photo WISH LIST -Bedford's new 52-B1 -Pleasantville's new Lifeline ambulance -Somers New BRAT unit -Chappaqua FD's Engine w/ hose reel -Mawah, NJ -Montvale, NJ's Crowns -Stamford, CT Truck 6 & Truck 2 -Spring Valley's ALF Rescue And Tower Ladder -Tarrytown Tower Ladder 78 -Valley Cottage's New ALF Aerial -New City's New Pierce Aerial -Gaylordsville (New Milford, CT) Fleet -Port Authority GWB Pierce Lance -Hasbrouck Heights Crash Rescue Unit -West Harrison Rescue Engine -Purchase New Seagrave Engine (if they have it yet) -Mount Kisco's new apparatus -Peekskill Rescue Engine 134 -White Plains ESU Truck on the new Super Duty chasis Again, my contact email is x635@EMTBravo.com

I'm conflicted still about what to do with this website. I don't have the time to (properly) keep it up right now or a good idea for it. I want to focus as much effort as I can on EMTBravo.com and the core sites.