x635

NYCFire.net has a photo of MA-32: http://www.nycfire.net/gallery/whiteplains/ma_32 It's designated a Mini-Attack under county protocol, but it's primary role is as a parking garage unit. It's funny how everyone when they see this unit thinks it's "new", because it's rarely seen out. It's got a specialized and unique purpose, but defintely an essential one given the numerous massive parking and underground structures in White Plains. I've been told this rig, when needed, responds as a second piece with the engine company it is quartered with, which I believe is Station 2,last I had heard???

It seems to me there are a million devices out there to secure a head to a backboard. It always seems to me the simple, classic method of two foam blocks secured with tape work best, however they seem at times to wiggle out of the position you want them in during transport. I've used the Laerdal Headbed System, which seems to work pretty well. What have you found works best?

It depends on which exam you are planning on taking. Some tests, using a generic prep book won't do you any good. For example, the NYS Civil Service Exam (given by most municipalities in NY except NYC) there is no real way or guide to study from, except to brush up on your math, english, and mechanical aptitude skills. Some departments offer prep classes, which should be taken advantage of to get the inside scoop. There are a number of radically different FF exams out there......the study method for each test is different.

Here's a photo of the current firehouse, built orginally in 1896 as a schoolhouse, soon to be demolished. This building up until 2000 was Village Hall, the Police Station, the Court, and the Firehouse. It had numerous renovations during its over 100 years in service. The building is in extremly poor conditon and is unsalvedgeable. I'll be very sad to see this building go, just because of all the history and memories in it, but a new firehouse is sorely needed. Location of this firehouse is 505 Ashford Ave. in Ardlsey, between Legion Drive and Route 9A. Photo by x635.

All of Ardsley's apparatus will fit into the new building. This includes Engine 165, Engine 164, Ladder 50, and Engine 242. All appartus will access through the front garage door, and tuck into the large open space in the back of the garage. The Village Board opened up bidding for renovations at it's meeting last night. Bids are due back April 20th, work is expected to commence May 1st and take two weeks to complete. The work includes things to make the space more habitable, interior partioning, plumbing, electrical, general sprucing up, etc. The site, located on Route 9A just north of Ashford Ave. in downtown Ardsley was a longstanding automotive garage and gas station, and has been vacant for years. The tanks and contaminated soil were removed several years ago. Demolition of the current firehouse, which is in extremly poor condition and obsolete, will commence in June, and it is hoped that construction on the new firehouse will begin in July. The construction manager is predicting that the work will take 13 months. It's interesting to note, back in the day, Ardsley used to have it's apparatus serviced there. "Old Betsy", Ardsley's 1928 Seagrave, even had its motor rebuilt there. Ardsley is dispatched by Ardsley Police. This is LONG overdue for Ardsley FD, and I wish them luck with this endevor. This project has hit numerous roadblocks, and I have my fingers crossed that this time it will actually begin. I hope to get photos of the whole process.

Date: 4-3-06 Time: 1930hrs (Approx) Location: Hudson River, IAO Tappan Zee midspan Frequency: Units Operating: Tarrytown FD, Stiloskis, Tarrytown EMS, GPD*EMS-ALS, Tarrytown PD Description Of Incident: Tugboat in area reporting on Marine Radio Emergency Channel 16 person floating in river in area of the Tappan Zee Bridge Midspan. Units on scene found EDP attempting to cross river using a "raft" fashioned from a piece of floating dock that was broken off from nearby marina. Tarrytown FD retreived EDP via Stiloskis Marine Services Boat and transferred patient to EMS. Writer: x635

What specifically do you want to know? I did most of my medic school ride time at UMDNJ*EMS Newark/East Orange. Newark itself is an interesting city, very inner urban with very industrialized areas, including a major airport and seaport, and numerous highways interesecting the city. Crime and violence is high, as is poverty both of which bring numerous problems into the city. It's a VERY busy system, seeing lots of diverse and serious medical and trauma incidents. They operate both ALS and BLS ambulances. It's not uncommon for a single unit to run anywhere between 12-20 calls in a 12 hour shift. A rather unique part of the system is that they operate their own, very talented heavy rescue. It is staffed by two EMT's, who must go through rigurous steps and training to work the rescue. They specialize (and are primary response in Newark) for automotive extrication, bariatric rescue, and technical rescue. They run a very efficient communications center, as well as the Northstar Helicopter. They have a lot of special units, including dignitary protection and bioterrorism response. There's a ton more to the system then this short synopsis. Also, there's a great book on the UMDNJ EMS. It was written by an author who spent 1 year riding along. It's entitled "Into The Breach", and available from Barnes and Noble, BN.com http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearc...312306172&itm=1 I HIGHLY reccomend the book, it's a great glimpse into Newark EMS, and a very hardcore city to work in.........

Date: 4-1-06 Time: 1430hrs (Approx) Location: 900 Grassy Sprain Rd, Sprain Brook Manor Nursing Home Frequency: 46.26, Greenville Fireground Units Operating: E150, L4, C2151, Hartsdale E170, C2173, GPD 73 (PD/ALS), 63 and 70 (PD/Ambulance) Description Of Incident: Kitchen fire Writer: x635 1440 (Approx) Fire K/D, units overhauling and ventilating 1500hrs Hartsdale E-170 released from scene, relocating to Greenville HQ 1530hrs All units clear

WOW! What a great article and story. This guy is quite an inspiration!

Lately, I seem to be getting back into listening to my scanner, mostly while I'm browsing the internet. These are what I monitor primarily, as I don't like too many channels going on in my scanner. I am just wondering whats in everybody elses primary banks? I monitor the following frquencies regularly: 1. 60 Control and associated departments 2. Yonkers Fire 3. White Plains Fire 4. Ardsley and Elmsford Fire 5. Eastchester FD and EMS. There are a couple more I want to add, like Scarsdale, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernons FDs. I miss being able to monitor Greenburgh Police. I grew up listening to that frequency, only to have them go digital several years back. Always a fun channel to monitor what's going on in my hometown. Will hafta get a digital scanner one of these days. I'm also curious to see how scanning life will change once the county's new system goes online.

OK, so I know we've had a bazillion discussions on FAST teams on this forum, and have beaten each and every topic to death. But, I've been reading as well as studying events in the "real world", and I just want to present my thoughts on the issue. It seems many departments are set on the "FAST" concept. Special tools and extraneous gadgets, training, FAST drills, etc. But, realistically, what's going to happen if a FAST team is ever needed? How many times when a firefighter goes down, are they actually entrapped enough to warrant all the equipment that is standard for a FAST team? Through all my observations and training, I've come to the conclusion that if it ever comes time for a firefighter to be rescued, it's going to be a cluster, no matter what. Emotions are going to come into play, scenewide. Lugging in all the FAST team equipment will tire the manpower from energy needed to effect the rescue. Playing with all the gadgets will extend the time it takes to get the firefighter out. What happend to, and what's wrong with, good-old fashioned dragging a firefighter out??? I feel what's really important, more then any FAST team or their associated gadgets, is strong, healthy, in-shape firefighters, and plenty of them. And those numerous firefighters assigned to firefighter rescue standby, should be strong in stretching a line, throwing a ladder, and search and rescue. Because it's the bread and butter basic skills that get this job done and done well. FAST is a critically important skill, but are some getting so involved with the FAST concept, they are neglecting their core skills? FAST shouldn't be a segragated concept, each and every firefighter should be able to perform it. Also, physical fitness of the rescuer will go a LONG way in rescuing a down firefighter. FAST team training and equipment is great to have, practice, and use. But let's not lose focus of what's core. Your trucks and your equipment are not going to save someone, you are. I strongly feel plentiful,competent, experienced and fit manpower is the most important tool a FAST team can ever carry. Do one thing and do it well.

Sounds like TNT has a new drama coming out based on the life of a paramedic, entitled "SAVED". Should premiere early this summer. http://www.tnt.tv/title/?oid=2912 Hope this show is good.

Wow, what a way to settle a grunge. Just goes to show anything is possible. It's scary that our Code Enforcment officials can sometimes be the targets of this violence.

As part of a recent DES email regarding a "red flag alert", the county advised to the following: Definetly a neat tool to have in our collective arsenal.

I'd like to know, from anybody who knows the workings of traffic signal systems, whats up with the crosswalk buttons? I mean, you push them when you're ready to cross, and the walk signal doesn't come any faster. And it still comes, at its regularly scheduled interval, even if you don't push the button. So, then I must ask, why are these buttons even there? And another pet peeve, why the heck do some walk signals tell you to walk when there is traffic coming, yet when there is no traffic in sight, it tells you to stay put. Maybe the walk signal is trying to get me. Also, I love drivers who see you when you are in the middle of the crosswalk, and speed up and try to beat past you. It's tough being a pedestrian in this county sometimes.

Some Fire Department web sites I wonder about. Are they there to serve the citizens, and provide them with information and news they can use regarding their local fire department, or are they produced for other firefighters and to "show off" to other departments?? Additionally, if a fire department shows an MVA on their site, and the media does in their newspaper, on their website, or 11PM newscast, how does one differ from the other?

As many of you know, in the past couple of months I have been in the process of purchasing my first home. I figure that this post will serve as a way to keep all my great friends on here up-to-date. Well, yesterday afternoon I closed on my new place, and I am so excited and am a proud new homeowner. I will be living in downtown Hartsdale (relocating from my previous address in West Hartsdale), and a taxpaying resident of Greenburgh. I love the new digs. I can walk to the store, train station, work, etc. I have a mortgage payment now, and think thats pretty cool too.......although it makes me feel kind old and responsible. I also really like the fact I get to live in the community I work in and serve. So anyways, anyone looking or trying to get in touch with me the next few days, I'll be a little scarce as I'm fixing up the place and moving in.

I actually got this for my 300D, and I really didn't like it. I found it got in the way when looking in the eyepiece, was bulky, and when you wanted to quickly review photos after shooting, you had to flip up the hood, which was a PIA. I ended up removing the hood piece itself, but still wasn't comfortable with the bulkiness of the whole piece. I really wish there was a better solution for Canon's like on the Nikon.

Not sure what this job is about. Maybe someone from CT could enlighten us. But seems like a good oppurtunity for someone looking to get into the firefighting field. http://www.das.state.ct.us/exam/bl_jobs_di...NEE%20%20(FIRE)

Someone please explain to me how much someone has on their belt is relevant to their skills, and how making an assumption about someones skill level based on what they carry on their belt isn't prejudical. I could also say the less crap I see on someone, the less prepared and lazier they are. At one of my jobs, I worked on a flycar where I wasn't working in the same unit every call. I was required to carry on me my narcotics, keys, cell phone, and portable radio at all times. In addition to that, I carried a pen, leatherman, shears, scope and flashight on me, and gloves and field guide in my pocket. In another system, I always had my bus and bag and didn't need to carry much on me. Although I don't neccarily like to have a ton of stuff on me, I like to have what I will need and use all the time. I understand that some people may carry way more then neccary, or like to have toys on their belt, but don't judge everyone because of it. Different people in EMS work different ways. Try not to carry too much on you, but carry what you need and use freqeuntly, so you don't always have to go for your bag, which may not always be with you. I wonder if select fellow professionals make false assumptions about cops or firefighters because of what they carry on their belts or in their pockets?

Here's another one. This time, they are responding to a vehicle accident. http://www.firedispatch.com/Movies/SCF012430004DSL.wmv

Date: 3-11-06 Time: 1700hrs (Approx) Location: Wilson Woods Park, Mount Vernon Frequency: Units Operating: Westchester County PD Harry 1, Patrol Supervisor, MVPD Description Of Incident: WCPD called about large snake slithering through public area in the park. WCPD special call for snake specialists to the scene, who identified the snake as a 25 pound, 8 foot long python. Snake removed by and to the custody of the snake specialists. Writer: x635

Check out this AWESOME Tillercam video: http://audio.firedispatch.com/RCF012860015DSL.wmv (Windows Media File) (Video From FireDispatch.com) The camera is mounted in the tillermans position, as well as in the cab. You follow along as the tiller responds to a second alarm structure fire, listening to all the radio transmissions as well as discussion between the tillerman and driver and officer while responding. Also listen to the engine and the Q going. It's like your riding in the tillerman spot. And the last few minutes of the video are cool too, you can hear the tactical assignements being given out as the tiller pulls up. It's 10 minutes long, but you're able to fast foward though a litte...but might now want to, since it is quite a fun video, and I feel the subjects in the video are very professional. Also, EXCELLENT job by the producers of the video! From South County FD in California. Check it out.

So, I walk into my local diner, Mt. Parnese ( Central Ave. opposite Staples/Child World in the Greenville Fire District Town Of Greenburgh), and see a sign that the diner is closing at it's current location this month. I was stunned, this was very unexpected. This busy diner, with good food and very nice facility, has been evicted by the landlord, who sold the property to a BANK!!!! Just what Central Ave. in Greenburgh needs.......another bank. There's a bank next door, a bank across the street, and several other banks, numerous other banks, within walking distance. This is ridiculous, and lame. Landlord should be ashamed, these people who have worked hard to build this diner now get it ripped out from under them to build another bank. And if it's a Commerce Bank, it'll annoy me even more...they are infesting the area....and have a habit of buying places and demolishing them to build their cookie-cutter like unoriginal and boring building and parking lot. What happened to the grand old banks that were architecturally great, original, and nice to look at? It's branding I tell ya...I guess Commerce thinks its customers are too stupid to read a sign and will reconize the bank because every one looks the freakin same! I do think Commerce does have great service and progressive banking ideas that makes life easier for their customers though. And really, how many banks can one community sustain??? The diner is supposedly moving down the street where Central Sqaure Cafe now is. So Central Ave will lose yet another eatery. Maybe they will gain one if Chili's moves in where KB is in Hartsdale, we can only hope. But even there, a gas station got evicted to build a, yes, BANK!!! Oh wait, TWO banks are being built in that area from scratch! Right now, I have THREE Chase banks within a 3 minute or less walk from my house. I hope this diner is able to relocate succesfully. Because if it doesn't, the only other diner close to me doesnt have food nearly as good and the service can be arrogant. If anything, maybe Greenville will get the building for training before it is demolished and invite their lime green friends from down the road. We need more eateries in this county, not banks! This is becoming a Westchester epedemic. Grrrrr.

So, I open the newest copy of Firehouse Magazine and what do I see........an ad for a partnership between Magnum (my favorite uniform boot brand) and Globe (the turnout gear manufacturer)! I've been looking for a pair of leather turnout boots for a while, and recently decided to settle on the Warrington Pro's. But when I get the $$ together, I want these boots...they look revolutionary and awesome! I love my Magnum uniform boots, very comfortable. Anyone have experience with them yet, even though they are brand new? Unfortunetly, I can't find any more info about this product on the web.