x635

(Originally published by me on x635:The Blog ) I had an idea. What if Westchester County D.E.S. and the Department Of Public Safety hosted a "Fire, Police & EMS Service Fair" at the D.E.S. facility in Valhalla?? My vision is that it would be on a Saturday morning in Spring or Fall. The event would be promoted countywide, via TV, Radio, signage, and the internet. Each Westchester Department could pitch in, to provide static displays of equipment and apparatus, especially all the special equipment the county has. Departments could provide live demonstrations of techniques and tatics, such as structure fire, rapelling, pump and ladder operations, EMS BLS & ALS, extrication, etc. Booths could be set up for Fire and Crime prevention, and EMS education. Tours of 60 Control could be provided. A pancake breakfast could be held to raise money for related charities. Media could be invited for a special media education session, so the local reporters can learn terminology and what happens at a scene so they can report more accurately, as well as cover the event. A "Citizens Fire Academy" could be held in conjunction with this. The list of possiblities is endless, and I think this type of annual event would become extremly popular. This not only would be fun and educational for children, but also the adults that attend would get to see what their emgergency service responders are capable of. It would be a fun event for all.

I would think planes get struck quite often? Anyone know?

Thanks for the info....hope someone will post or send in photos. Does Stamford have a seperate Parks Police dept? How big are they, and what's their staffing??

I noticed the same thing several months ago, and took a photo of such. I meant to bring it up as a topic too since I was curious as well. [attachmentid=2816]

I found out on another board that Newark Fire Department has a new, red color scheme. http://groups.msn.com/NewarkFireHistory/newarkseesred.msnw Their newest rigs up to now have been white with a blue stripe, and there are still some of the older white over lime with a red stripe. I think the new scheme looks awesome, although I did like the white scheme.

Date: 5-27-07 Time:2308hrs Location: 7 West 66th Street Frequency: Units Operating: (Unkown ATT) Division 3 I/C Description Of Incident: Reported overhead light blew in Eyewitness News studio during 11PM newscast. Newscast went off air abruptly, as the ABC Channel 7 building was evacuated. Fast moving fire caused significant fire, smoke, and water damage to news set and equipment. Writer: x635 2312: First due engine & truck on scene with heavy smoke condition in building 2314: FDNY company reporting heavy fire in main news studio, 1 L/S/O, DWH. 0000: CO Levels in Bldng. @ 400PPM 0200: ABC 7 back on air with West Coast feed. Numerous ABC & Channel 7 engineers working to secure equipment....no A/C is causing further damage to broadcast equipment. Private company cleanup crews have already started fire damage cleanup, and heavy smoke smell lingers entire building. 0600: ABC 7 Eyewitness news back on air. Using newsroom as studio. S/C's: 2 additional trucks, Hi-Rise unit (E-3)

Does anyone know where COPS is currently filming, or any website where to f? There website is useless, and I couldn't really google anything, except for they may be filming in Austin, TX. I wonder if COPS has approached Yonkers or Mount Vernon PD's to film there? I'd love to see COPS ride with their ESU's, would make for a great episode. Also, plenty of CT PD's with action around to film with- Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, etc. The only NY departments I recall them riding with is an NYPD ESU supervisor (they caught a good pin job and an airbag job) and Buffalo PD. I can see bosses being a little hesitant to allow cameras to film their department in action, but from what I understand the final cut of the episode is shown to the department brass for approval before airing. And I wish they would return to Los Angeles.

Apparently, Dobbs Ferry VAC has taken delivery of a Ford F-Super Duty/Lifeline Type 1 ambulance. This is the photo on LifeLine's site. Appears to be a very nice bus, and if my records are correct, it replaces a 1986 Ford E--350/Lifeline slopeside Type III [attachmentid=2791] Does anyone have any more info, or better yet, good photos? Also note Lifeline is my favorite ambulance brand. They're built like a tank, and with function in mind, and a great electrical system. (George DFFD227, I'm dissapointed!)

One more step closer to bringing LIRR to GCT!

I found this thread over on FirePics.net. Thought it may be of interest to those here. Seems like a lot of apparatus accidents over the past few months. [attachmentid=2795] [attachmentid=2796] [attachmentid=2800] [attachmentid=2798] [attachmentid=2799]

Here's one of the photos Orpi sent in. Apologies they weren't posted. Photo credit: Orpi442 [attachmentid=2812]

I was wondering which agencies have REAL airhorns on their ambulance, such as the Norwalk Hospital EMS Bus at the link below: http://x635photos.com/displayimage.php?pos=-603 I've worked on ambulances and found them to be extremly effective, even though people are still idiots. In fact, I think they should be standard on all ambulances. As for the Norwalk bus, it's airhorn kinda sounded like a cruise ship. It worked, because people heard it and looked in their rear view mirror expecting to see a big cruise ship! And, the Timberwolf Mechanical Siren can't be beat, although LA City FD is the only user I know (AND AIRHORNS and electronic siren): [attachmentid=2801] ....although I think it should have more warning lights as well....

Thanks for the insight- your "guy stuck in a trailer" (pre your ESU days) just aired the other night on Court TV....it actually repeats quite frequently. Thanks for the insight!

As for MA, most of it is a state test. A study guide is available when the test is announced. Next test will be May 2008. As for CT and RI, each department gives their own test, and it varys widely. Usually, when you file they will give you some idea of what's on the test and possibly a study guide. Until then, there's several Firefighter study guides, available commonly at places like Barnes and Noble and Borders, that are good PRIMERS until you can get the real exam study guide. Buy a couple, and take the practice tests seriously, and brush up on your week areas. There's also professional test preparation advice sites, such as Capt. Bobs: http://www.eatstress.com/ And, as you know, we're getting more and more members from all over New England on EMTBravoNewEngland.com. When these tests come out, I'm sure there will be someone on there to give you more insight to a particular test.

So, I was digging through my files today and found this. It's dated 1999, and applicable to the Westchester County Fire Exam, which is ultimately developed and administered by the New York State Civil Service. I've taken this test twice, and both times it was the same test, and this was the guide. I don't know if NYS has switched to a new kind of test, but I highly doubt it. Nor do I know if they are giving out study guides with the confirmations or classes. Both I urge people to use and take. I am providing this guide in .doc online format. Please use it to help study for the FF exam. Note I cannot guarentee this will be applicable to the upcoming exam, but it is still helpful. If you use this guide, don't forget the donation link or site store, since this download sucks up bandwith. Also, if you pass along to friends, please mention our site, http://www.emtbravo.com This guide was produced and distributed by NYS, and they hold all rights to the document. *If this doesn't open for you, please let me know. If it does, please post that it does. http://www.emtbravo.com/WCExamStudy.doc I MAKE NO CLAIMS THAT THIS GUIDE WILL DO ANYTHING! (other then putting the NYS Guide in digital format to HELP you study)I am also not sure this is the guide for the current test. This was published by NYS Civil Service to prepare canidates for the exam, and I scanned it to share it with members of EMTBravo **IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS EXAM, FEEL FREE TO POST AND ASK...MANY ON THIS FORUM HAVE TAKEN THE TEST AND SUCEEDED!(and a little luck)**

The test is ONE WEEK from tommorow! Hope everyone who truly wants the job is taking the time to prepare, practice and study! It IS NOT as straightfoward and easy as you may think.

I think Danbury Rail Museum has a couple of them, including one in New York Central Colors. I wish that Metro North could incorporate a museum into their new Harmon Shop Complex. That way, they could take the history of a great and interesting railroad and preserve it. It would be a great place for some of the old FL-9's/FL-10's to go when they finally retire, as well as the M-1's. I'm sure that a few of the Metro North retirees would be more then happy to staff it. If not, I hope the FL 9's/10's in all color schemes go to Danbury Rail Museum. BTW, worth it to join as a member if you're a FRN like myself. It's a great place, and can use all the support it can get. If you haven't been, put it on your list for this summer....if you go on a slow weekday, you can have some time to explore some awesome old railcars and locomotives. Here's the roster of equipment they have: http://www.danbury.org/drm/roster.htm Also, click here for a video clip of my favorite car they have (an ex-NH Budd RDC) http://www.ww-media.com/drm/video_121204_002.asf

Date: 5-25-07 Time: 10:30AM Location: Route 22 @ Route 311 Frequency: Units Operating: Patterson FD & EMS, Empire ALS, Putnam Sheriff, NYSP, Putnam Hazmat, Lisi's Towing Description Of Incident: Large coach bus carrying young children pulled onto shoulder just north of Route 22 @ Route 311 light to await a following bus, and partially toppled over. Bus had to be stablized and 39 children evacuated. According to reports, Pattterson FD had just trained on new vehicle stablization equipment that they used on this incident the night before. Writer: x635 Click Here For Photo By Frank Beccera *PM ME WITH FURTHER INFO/CORRECTIONS AND I WILL ADD

Date: 5-25-07 Time:08:00hrs Location: 11 Dewitt Place Frequency: Units Operating: ENG 22, 21, 23, TL 11, L 12, L13, 2302, 30-A-1, 30-A-1, NRPD Description Of Incident:Fire in an OMD. Initially dispatched as smoke investigation Writer: ICEEMT21, x635 2302 on scene with smoke 2302 transmitted 10-75 On the 10-75 ENG 23, 24, 30A1 2302 requests 2nd ambulance (30A3) 2302 requests 3rd truck (L13) 2301 reports fire on top floor possibly started in basement. 2301 reports fire knocked down companies opening up.

Suicide is the result of depression, and mental illness, and sometimes drug use. It's not a "cop-out", more the severe ramifications of a serious disease. I agree with putting in the phone after reading the above article, annd hope it will help.

And here's the video: http://www.yahoo.com/s/588964 The elusive Alligator is reptile royalty in LA!

Simply, because I've never wanted to do anything else. I'm extremly blessed to have my dream job. I get to serve the community I grew up in. The fire department I grew up seeing, is the department I got hired with. As a Firefighter and a Paramedic, I like to help people, especially when they're not having the best of days. To take that day and be able to turn it around FOR THEM, even if it's just a little bit, is a great feeling. I also like the jobs because it's a never ending challenge. You never have the same day twice. It's a constant learning oppurtunity, and in fact, you have the never-ending oppurtunity to keep learning. And then, there's always the fun aspect.....there's nothing like being behind the wheel of TL-15, E-170, or even E-171 for that matter! I love to drive trucks, that's the fun aspect for me. I love and miss my job, and can't wait until I can get better and return.

Here's an FL9 I caught sitting in the Harmon Yard last fall. (Photo by me, x635 http://www.x635Photos.com ) [attachmentid=2794]

I'm currently reading one of the most fascinating books I've ever read, "The Works, Anatomy Of A City" , by Kate Ascher I HIGHLY reccomend it, and know that many members of this forum would enjoy this book that goes in depth to describe NYC's infastructure using comprehensive text, richly detailed illuistrations, and other graphics. It explains how the subway works, going in depth as to describe the work cars the subway uses. It tells you everything you wanted to know about the sanitation and 911 systems. How the sewer plants work, the types of trucks the sanitation department uses, how snow is cleared, and on and on...this book has it all! I can't say it enough-this book is EXTREMLY detailed and goes in depth on all the subjects mentioned below. The awesome illustrations and the layout of the book make it fun and easy to read. It's also a great learning tool for emergency services workers. Read more about it: http://x635.blogspot.com/2007/05/works-anatomy-of-city.html The book is divided into the following chapters Moving People -Streets -Subways -Bridge And Tunnels Moving Freight -Rail Freight -Maritime Freight -Air Cargo -Markets Power -Electricity -Natural Gas -Steam Communications -Telephone -Moving The Mail -The Airwaves Keeping It Clean -Water -Sewage -Garbage The Future