x635

I remember seeing them in Toys "R" Us, coming packaged in playsets a few years back. May want to check Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us, Target, etc....I google'd it with no results. I know one guy I work with made one custom for his son, including using an old, discarded Scott tank.

Neat find! Can any of the Harrison guys give us further information on this tiller, like make/model, when it served Harrison? Also, I wonder if it still is in a collectors posssesion? The photo looks pretty old.

I had another thought today regarding the multiple cameras that can be found on any fire scene nowdays. Many of these digital photos end up on websites, such as EMTBravo.com, or passed around via email. Photography now has an easy global reach, instead of the "old days" of prints that made limited circulation. The camera has the power to document what went on. Sure, the photo doesn't tell the whole story, or neccasarily give, excuse the pun, the big picture. But it does show who's not wearing PPE when they should be or wearing it properly, it can show when we make good moves or bad, it can show when we are placing ourselves into dangerous situations uneccarily, and it can show a variety of other things that can help or hinder us, depending on our egos and willingness to want to do our jobs better. Besides viewing photos from curiosity, or trying to second guess what went on, we should view them as a learning tool. We should also realize that we too, at anytime, can be caught on camera doing our job and become the subject of scrutiny, even if it was one second of poor judgement- even if it was corrected and the subsequent photos don't show that. I am confident that I was trained well, and take ownership in what I do. If I make a mistake, and someone has documentation of that, then I want to be able to learn from that so it doesn't happen again, possibly harming me the next time. Regardless, this should set the bar higher, for all of us, to do our jobs properly. As I've said, I feel many people are afraid of photos, becuase their afraid of being "exposed"...so they do whatever they can to ban, discourage, or discredit them. But when we look at photos with an open, accepting mind, and learn from our mistakes, then digital photos and fire scene photographers can be a great asset to the firefighting community.

Here is a photo of a worker head-deep digging in a trench at a construction site I passed recently in my travels. It was a trench dug through asphalt and concrete, into soil to get pipes it appeared. Sorry for the grainy quality, but I had to use the super zoom feature on my little camera. Now, I've seen this situation numerous times, in a number of communities. OSHA can't be out inspecting every worksite, but as firefighters should we be concientous and aware of situations like this, and also have a plan to deal with an emergency should this trench collapse? Also, many of the guys I see in this trench are illegal, undocumented laborers. If anything happens to them (when it's only them digging in the trench) it's pretty easy to cover up. And also, what happens to this guys family if he gets seriously injured or killed because of his employers laziness or negligence? Many of these trenches are just quickly dug, what's needed to be done is done, and then they are refilled....but does that mean the proper safety precautions and supervision should be overlooked? I'm not really aware of what the specific regulations are for digging trenches, but I feel really bad for this guy being put into this situation just to make a living. [attachmentid=1796]

This is only a part of a a really neat, unique display at a house in Hartsdale..... [attachmentid=1795]

Date: 12-22-06 Time: 0736hrs Location: Saw Mill River Parkway Southbound @ I-87 (Irvington) Frequency: Units Operating: E177, R49, 220?, Irvington VAC, Greenburgh PD*EMS ALS, Westchester County PD Sam 1 Description Of Incident: Motorist witness a car stike a guardrail, parked his vehicle and got out to assist other motorist, and was himself struck by another vehicle, which then struck his car. Shortly thereafter, there was another MVA in the immediate area of the accident scene. Writer: x635

Date: 12-22-06 Time: 1235hrs Location: Wheeler Ave/Tompkins Ave Frequency: 46.26 Units Operating: E260, E259, R47, TL5, C2371, Pleasantville PD Description Of Incident: Oxygen tank leaking next to flammable liquid tank up against building. Writer: x635 1237: 2371 on scene, establishing Tompkins command 1238: 2371 requesting Westchester County Hazmat Team. Precautionary lines stretched. 1400: 2371 reports hazard mitigated, all units in the process of picking up

That's it? I wonder when my LA City ALF tiller will be released? Still, a nice piece that I will add to my collection.

VERY exciting news, and is going to make riding Metro-North even easier for those who want to go down to the city, or even now Long Island!

These comments are in regards to those who are in OUR business and what was mentioned at the DES meeting last night. Many people who are anti-photography in our business, in my opinion, are ignorant or aren't sure of their skills, so they are afraid that their incompetencies may be caught on camera. Also, I don't believe that a department can put restrictions on your photography off-duty. I can understand your department putting restrictions on you while you are on duty and working a job. As far as getting dragged into court, well, what are you supposed to do- never take photos? Because even if you take photos of a park or at a public event, you can be dragged into court as well. And I woulnd't put it dragged....you may be asked for your photos as evidence, as part of the investigation, or you may be a witness. I know in many muncipalties, police officers often "shoo" buffs from a fire scene, or keep them at a distance. There are those of us who have specific departments we follow and photograph, some who do it professionally or as a hobby, and behave professionally on scene. Now, there are some that ruin it for the rest of us. And there's also the issue about one of us getting hurt at the fire scene. People have been taking fire photos for many years. Now, with the proliferation of digital cameras and websites such as this, there is much more of an interest in it, and where printed photos could only be shared within small circles, digital photos can be shared around the world very easily. I also agree that photos are a great learning tool and critiquing tool. Maybe departments should have a program where you as a credible person/photographer sign up as a photographer for that department, and you sign waivers, and you get a pass that allows you access to the scene. As a condition of this program, you must give copies of all photos taken to the department. In closing, I find it sad that this is a major topic of discussion at a chiefs meeting, especially when there are so many other pressing issues affecting the fire service in this county. I hate how some people make this hobby out to be a major issue. Oh, accountabilty, response times, staffing, training, communications, battalion coordinators....who cares....LETS GO AFTER THE PHOTOGRAPHER! Seems some want to censor everything.....can't talk on this forum, can't take photos, just keep quiet and hidden and all our problems will be hidden. No, let's not address the problems....let's cover them up! And that's one of the main reasons. The way things are going, special interest photography will soon be illegal.

Here's an interesting article on Empress and part of their history: http://georgesmay-casehistories.com/empress_ambulance.html

See a photo on x635Photo.com that you like and want to share with a friend? Did you know that if you see a photo you like onx635Photos.com, that there is a feature where you can send, via email, that photo in an "e-postcard" to a friend. When you view the full size version of the photo (by clicking on the thumbnail), you will see a little envelope on the near the top right of the photo. Click on that, and a form will appear. Enter the infomation required, and send the e-postcard photo to a friend. [attachmentid=1791] And here's an example of what the E-Card will look like when your friend recieves it: [attachmentid=1792]

Date: 12-19-06 Time: 2155hrs Location: 80 East Hartsdale Ave. Frequency: Units Operating: Greenburgh PD 64, GPD Animal Control 93, 94, Hartsdale FD Engine 170 Description Of Incident: Units dispatched for a female needing assistance extricating a rabbit from underneath the front passenger seat of her 2000 Audi. Unit on scene reports rabbit is entrapped underneath the seat, working to free rabbit. Writer: x635 2215: GPD Communications advising if Animal Control needs assistance, they will request Engine 170 from Hartsdale FD to respond. 93 will advise if needed shortly. 2220: Hartsdale Engine 170 Responding IFO 100 E. Hartsdale Ave to assist GPD with rabbit extrication. 2222: Engine 170 on scene 2238: Engine 170 Captain reporting rabbit extricated, Engine 170 In Service, "Thats All Folks"

Date: 12-19-06 Time: 1225 Location: 4 Seely Place C/S Ardsley Rd Frequency: 46.26 Units Operating: Greenville L-4, E-150, E-151, R-29, Hartsdale E-170, Fairview E-175 & 2122, Scarsdale TL-29, White Plains Engine 66, Yonkers E-314, SQ11, L70, B2, B-Special Ops, New Rochelle Squad 22(Cover Greenville), Eastchester TL-17 (Cover Greenville) Greenburgh EMS, Greenburgh PD, Scarsdale EMS, 60 Control FieldCom 1, Con Edison Description Of Incident: Structure fire (Residential) Writer: x635 (O/S), x901 (O/S), Truck 4 (O/S), tbendick (O/S), HFD750 (O/S), DFFD227 (O/S), HFD23 (O/S) *All times approximated 1225: Ladder 4 on location with heavy smoke showing. Requests 2nd alarm & Con Edison to scene. D/W/H 1226: Engine 170, Engine 175 responding 1228: Ladder 4 requests Scarsdale Tower Ladder 29 & White Plains Engine 66. Heavy fire in attic and walls. 1235: Fire through the roof. All hands working, opening up. 1235: L-4 requests Engine & Truck from Yonkers to scene, Eastchester TL-17 & New Rochelle SQ22 to cover Greenville. 1240: Multiple lines in operation. Multiple compaies opening up roof. 1300: All hands still working, multiple lines in operation 1335: Hartsdale Car 2173, Fairview Car 2122 responding with additional manpower. 1330: Switching to defensive operation. 1400: Fire darkening down, still heavy pockets of fire. Partial roof collapse. 1435: Multiple firefighters being treated for smoke inhalation, exhaustion, muscle injuries etc. 1538: Units still working, still several pockets of fire. 1550: Fire under control, all hands still working 1650: Several companies still working- overhaul, some M/A units being released ????: All units clear, M/A covers released NOTE: Large, older construction Type III residential dwelling with multiple renovation, plaster/lathe walls, and slate roof. Roofers working on copper gutters at time of arrival. PHOTOS: http://www.emtbravophotos.com/News/121906.html

Although I'm trying to find out what it's used for (I thought I had heard once that BPD had to maintain their own facilities, including snow removal), I thought this particular PD/DPW hybrid was awesome! Actually, Boston PD had several of these, including some with sanders. I wonder if these are used during snow emergencies to plow PD/FD/EMS to calls? Ver unusual that my PD and DPW interests mix! [attachmentid=1757]

I'm pretty sure this is a Humat gate. I saw it on numerous Boston area apparatus yesterday. This particular one was on Boston Engine 9. I know (or think) that these are also used in LA and maybe Scarsdale too. Anyone want to give me a refresher on how they work, what the advantages are, and why they are so prevalent in the Boston area? [attachmentid=1754]

Caught this link of another forum http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l18/Lt_K...hite/Rescue.jpg Seattle FD's new Pierce Arrow XT Rescue. Looks really good!

On this forum, I've noticed several people who talk as if they've seen and done it all, yet some are juniors or haven't been around this much. And some screen names I don't know the experience behind, and I'd like to learn more. So, I figured we'd do a little experience roll call- where do you come from, how long have you served, etc, like I wrote below. I hope to say "Wow, I didn't know that" about some members of this forum. Here's my background (sounds like my resume- but I want to set an example): Born and raised in Hartsdale, NY. Education: Ardsley High School, Ardsley NY Graduated 1997 Northeastern University Boston MA (at 22-23 years of age, Northeastern University Paramedic Class 47 alumni) Associates Degree. NU Deans list. Westchester County Career Chiefs Fire Academy, Class 03-05, Graduated 12/17/05. Instructors award. Fire Explorer since I was 14 years old, Explorer captain from 15 1/2-18, at 18-22 was a volunteer firefighter and explorer post advisor. Career EMT from 18-22, career dispatcher from 20-22, and a career Paramedic from 22- to now, 27. Career Firefighter from 26 to now, 27. Accepted with Hartsdale FD after deciding between offers from Montgomery County, MD and Los Angeles City FD, CA. Volunteer experience: Ardsley FD Career Experience: Empress EMS-EMT-I (Yonkers & Mount Vernon EMS) , Stamford Hospital ED (EMT-I), Westchester County Police Dispatcher, 60 Control Dispatcher, UMass*Worcester ED (Paramedic), Westchester EMS-Paramedic (45 Medics), Hartsdale FD (Firefighter) Worked (alongside) with: ALL Westchester County FD's, PD's, ESU's and EMS agencies, Stamford Fire, EMS &PD, Norwalk Fire, EMS, and PD, Worcester Fire, EMS and PD, Boston Fire, EMS, and PD, FDNY, Newark NJ EMS, Fire & PD and various other agencies. Ridden Along With , trained with, or extensively observed operations: FDNY, Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, UMDNJ Newark EMS, FDNY*EMS, Fort Lauderdale FD, Woburn MA FD, Boston FD & EMS, Greenburgh PD & EMS and various other agencies. Professional course and certifications: Too lazy to list. Total time in emergency services: 13 years (never worked another line of work). Seems petty in relation to somes career span, but I am lucky to have had such a wide array of experiences during this time. Other related experiences: Very amateur photographer (but budding), and creator/founder, adminsitrator and webmaster of The EMTBravoGroup websites. Fire/EMS/PD/DPW, Plane, Train, and truck enthusiast. Internet addict. Diecast collector. Scanner enthusiast. Love to read. Have a ton of hobbies and projects I keep myself busy with. Engaged. Wedding July 7, 2007. Homeowner. Proud resident of Hartsdale, NY. So that's me, and thats where I come from. Having seen so many other systems, such as LA, spark many of my ideas and thouhts, and desire to progress Westchester's emergency services to be the best in the country.

WOW! That's just crazy!

Chances of getting on are very good- if you try hard. Although details have yet to be announced, CA departments usually don't have a residency requirment or preference.Onthe past exam, if you were a Nationally Registered Paramedic, then you get preference. VERY competitive, though, to get on, and stay on through the academy. You have to be at the top of your game from the time you start the testing process. One of the BEST departments in the world to work for, though.

Firedog, Circuit City's version of BB's Geek Squad, is having a contest. http://web.firedog.com/acrossamerica/default.aspx

I'm just curious if anyone has submitted their department for this contest yet? This is a great contest, and found money for your department....and you!

If you've read my thread or blog about White Plains Honda, then you know the history of this story about me trying to get a car for my fiances Christmas gift. So today, I went to Croton Dodge, got excellent service and price as usual, and now Kristen has a new Dodge Nitro SXT. Should have gone to Croton Dodge in the first place. Read more about it here: http://x635.blogspot.com/2006/12/happy-end...y-car-saga.html She loves it! See the photo of the car at the above link. Thanks to everybody for all their help, support, and contacts!

See this post: http://x635.blogspot.com/2006/12/swindled-...ains-honda.html Can anyone help me find EMAIL ADRESSES for the Honda Corporation? I've already emailed a bunch of people, but cannot seem to find any email addys for Honda corporation or a dealers association for them myself.

Situation happily resolved thanks to Croton Dodge!. http://x635.blogspot.com/2006/12/happy-end...y-car-saga.html Thanks to everybody for the help and support. I should have known better then to shop at a dealer that has to advertise as much as they do.