x635

13 years ago, on January 8th 1994, Pleasantville Volunteer Firefighter Tom Dorr was murdered while walking through Graham Hills Park, on his way to the firehouse for a blizzard standby. Tom was 100 yards away from his house where he was killed. Tonight, Pleasantville FD is holding a memorial service. Tom's killer has yet to be found. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. One of the main reasons PFD does this, besides to honor Tom's memory, is to keep his unsolved murder in the public eye. I hope tonight brings some press coverage that leads this cold case to a resolution, to bring closure to his family and PFD brothers. I also hope that the neighboring FD's come out to show their support.

In December's issue of my new favorite railroad magazine, RailPace, there was a very interesting editorial. Apparently, Wal-Mart is the major retailer of this new die cast toy train set, which is intentionally covered in graffiti. It promotes vandalism of railroad property as an "art", and included in the package is many starter resources for the budding graffitti vandal. This toy is aimed at children. It's quite good ethics for Maisto and Wal-Mart to promote vandalism and trespassing with a toy, also it's great to know how the graffiti vandals are getting access to sensitive areas of a train yard. Anything to make a buck. Read the press release below. [attachmentid=1853]

By the way, if anyone wants to send an email, the magazine mentioned that Wal-Mart, yes, Wal-Mart has an "Ethics Department" Their email is ethics@walmart.com As many of you know, Wal-Mart's power can make or break a toy line.

Date: 1-8-06 Time: 0600hrs Location: Downtown Austin Departments: Austin FD, Austin PD, Austin EMS Description: Numerous birds found dead throughout downtown Austin. Numerous areas closed off or shut down, multiple hazmat teams operating Links: Writer: x635

I'm posting this for Capt. Benz, NRFD, and in support of FF Maguire. Please pass this around. [attachmentid=1845]

Date: 1-8-06 Time: 0915hrs Location: Primarily Manhattan, also being reported in Jersey City and other bordering NJ communities. Frequency: Units Operating: Numerous FDNY, NYPD, Con Ed Gas Units Description Of Incident: Numerous reports of "Foul Odor", possibly gas, permeating NYC area strongest in Midtown area of Manhattan. Writer: x635 Weather: Wind out of the southwest at 6-10 MPH. Low ceiling, 50 degrees and rain. (Incident Still Breaking At This Time) As of 0951hrs: -All PATH trains halted into Manhattan -Press Conference w/ Mayor Bloomberg scheduled -NYC Officials still not sure that smell is gas -Some evacuations, but NYC officials advising those in buildings to stay inside and make sure windows are closed and ventilation systems off. As of 1007hrs- -Jersey City Mayor's office stating possibly originating from a gas leak at 4th Avenue & Bleecker Street in Manhattan. -Majority of phone calls from West 56th St. & Broadway As of 1016hrs -Initial NYPD Reports state odor is not harmful -NYC Office Of Emergency Managment reports oder spreads from Hudson to East River, from Midtown to Battery Park City, similar smells being reported in adjacent NJ. As of 1018hrs -Jersey City Mayors Office Spokesperson stating they were informed that the smell was from a gas leak at 191 W. 10th Street at Bleeker, being spread by the wind, they state they were informed of this by NYC. Also state Con Ed and FDNY have been operating in the area -Media also stating that NYPD is saying there is no leak ATT As of 1021hrs -Reports of the gas smell coming in from 155th Street in Manhattan as well. -Still awaiting press conference with Mayor Bloomberg As Of 1022hrs: -Con Ed states no apparent leaks in their system and no drops in pressure. -Odor has permeated numerous small and large buildings As of 1028hrs: -Macys Herald Square has been evacuated. Several subway stations evacuated. NYC Board Of Ed states several schools were evacuated, but students were returned after being told by NYC OEM that odor was not hazardous. As Of 1030hrs: -US Department Of Homeland Security says no indication or intelligence that it is terrorism. They are closely monitoring the situation. As of 1035hrs: -Reports of building evacuations were due to people thinking that the odor was inside their building. People returning to evacuated buildings after learning it is not their specific building. As of 1038hrs: - Numerous conflicting reports from numerous agencies. NYPD reporting nothing of substance can be detected in the air. As Of 1040hrs: -PSE&G (NJ Gas Utility) states no leaks or drop in pressure in their system either. As Of 1042hrs -MAYOR BLOOMBERG PRESS CONFERENCE Small routine gas leak at Bleeker & 6th, that could not account for smell that is so pervasive in such a broad area. One cannot smell natural gas, but they can smell the mercaptin added to the natural gas. At this point they don't know which it is, and are investigating. States 911 volume is up tremendously, but they are handling well. Numerous agencies investigating. NYC Air Sensors report nothing in air, and do not sense natural gas. All NYC trains and stations that were stopped are now running again. Con Ed not reporting any loss in pressure. Generally, the levels of gas is not high enough to be harmful. The smell of mercaptin can be irritiating, so mayor reccomending people shut thier windows and ventilation systems. Mayor states may just be a foul odor, but all they know right now is it's not hazardous or harmful. Mayor stating to press that he is not going to speculate and this is being made out to be bigger then it actually is, and this is not a dangerous situation. Also states that it is "most likely mercaptin" at the end of the statement about the odor. -OEM Commisioner reports 27 EMS calls related to smell. None resulted in transport to the hospital, just people that were "curious". As Of 1054hrs: -Some media reports that smell is beginning to dissipate in midtown Manhattan. As Of 1103hrs: -Media reporting of similar incident over the summer in Queens,Brooklyn, and Staten Island. No source was ever found after that incident. As Of 1623hrs: -Officials still unsure of source of odor or what it was. Investigation ongoing. Majority of odor has dissapated, several reports of people presenting in ERS via walk-in or EMS with symptoms related to the odor with two known hospitalizations at this time. (Incident information compiled from scanner and media reports)

Bump, for this afternoon. Great way, especially for Sound Shore and lower Westchester firefighters, to show support for a retired brother and war vetran.

Very interesting info! I know a dryer I'm going to have to try this on!

The thing I don't understand, although it's a neat system, is how can it be used to pump potable water AND used to pump floodwaters with the same system? EWWW!

Thanks guys. This is always a thing that has perplexed me. Just be responsible and accepting of your actions.

Here's a press release from when this vehicle first came out:

It's a 2003 Spartan Gladiator/Road Rescue. This concept vehicle was produced shortly after Spartan aqquired Road Rescue, to try and introduce the Spartan chasis to the EMS market. It included many features that made it able to carry a lot of personel with a lot of equipment. Myself and x901 also had the chance to check out this vehicle in West Springfield, and it was HUGE. It had a ton of room, and in my opionion, was a really neat concept but too big for an ambulance. I'm not sure if Cambrige still has it, nor do I know what the ride is like.

I think a ladder belt is obsolete. I'm so scrawny, they don't make a ladder belt I can't slip through! I think the best modern day option is a Gemtor-style harness that's intergrated with your bunkers pants. You're always wearing it, so no need to waste time putting on a ladder belt and it's good for escape and other purposes as well. But, these are only for when you are stationary, and not moving. I don't think I've ever seen an actual fall-arrestor system (such as a cable to hook into) on an aerial device. The only disadvantage I see to this is the weight it adds to the bunker pants.

LOL! Never can have too many! Got to have one with me at all times, after all!

Just a heads up to those interested. The Massachussets PD Exam is now open for filing for an exam date of May 19th, 2007. Here is the official announcment. http://www.mass.gov/Ehrd/docs/cs/posters/2...ficerposter.doc This one test, administered by the State Civil Service Department, allows you to test for multiple departments at one time, for most municpalties in MA including Boston, Worcester, etc. This test is given only once every 2 years and won't be given again until 2009. You can apply online as well.

Just a bump, this seminar is this coming Saturday, January 13th!

Just a bump, this blood drive is tommorow afternoon at NRFD HQ.

I'm actually tired of these kinds of shows. There always the same thing- when I go, I mostly go for the training, and while I'm there check out the new equipment (and of course, the apparatus). The only reason I'd consider attending would be to see a Pierce Velocity in person, but I'm not sure that will even be there.

Glad to see you back, Andy! Good topic too. I too am disapointed by this move of Code 3. Code 3 used to be fun to collect...not only did they release awesome models, but they made it fun and interesting by providing other benefits, such as the loyalty rewards, Code 3 Day, newsletter, member gifts, etc etc, punishing the collectors by removing the board, making Ladder 10 diamondplate in unlimited quantity, etc. These aren't good signs, IMO.

It's pretty fascinating to me how eagerly some deparments, and or people, have "adopted" NIMS, especially the part when they arrive on scene and transmit "2*** on scene, establishing Anywhere Place command". What gets me about this is how some officers are doing this, and how this has/is spreading to a lot of different agencies. HOWEVER, you hardly ever hear a proper and complete size-up by the first arriving officer. I feel priority-wise, that a proper size up should take front seat to "establishing command". I understand NIMS, why it's imporant to do it at every incident, yada yada yada. But we need to remember our bread and butter- fighting the everyday fire- read "everyday". A proper size up lets incoming units know what they are in for, and pregame in their heads. It also lets other agencies know what they're neighbors are dealing with, and prepare to get the jump on a mutual aid request. Anyone else have input as to this?

I was in Codes class today, and had another thought. You know those standpipe systems that are designed for civilian use? The hose cabinet ones? I'm wondering if anyone else feels these are obsolete in many types of occupancies? I mean, we educate the citizens to escape as quickly as possible, and call the FD. Yet, these systems send the civilians into the fire to fight it, without SCBA or protective gear. And, they can also delay calling the fire department, as the civilian thinks they can handle it on their own, as the fire gets bigger and more out-of-control. Many times, the hoses are broken or fittings are missing, which also can create it's own set of issues. I think a fire extinguisher and alarm system are a modern-day replacment for the civilan standpipe. What do you think?

California Highway Patrol also has one: http://cad.chp.ca.gov/ I agree, I really like the idea as well!

LA City FD, amonst many other progressive moves, publishes these "Tactical Decision Games" in thier monthly magazine. Check it out. Although it's primarily meant for LAFD members, it can be quite easily adapted to your department and members. I think this is a great training tool. http://lafdtraining.org/tdg/

I absolutely agree with that point....but that's partly the day and age we live in. Filmakers have a tremendous input on public point of view- and politicians- then ever before. As does the media. I hate it too, but conterversy gets attention.

This really isn't a politcal issue, nor is it a Bush vs. Gore issue, it's an issue that's proven to be affecting this world. Beyond Al Gore's movie, and whether you like him or not, there's lot of concrete evidence that our climate is changing. And these changes will start to show themselves in our lifetime. Even if Al Gore "fudges the truthe" and makes it scary....then it is good, because this issue needs attention and when people- and politicians- get scared, they react. As far as climate cycles go, yes, but never as drasitcally or profound as they are now.....plus, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere is radically more then ever before.