JCESU

What company did the body on your new truck?

There are several Memorial's throughout the city that have been dedicated in memory of Shawn and Rob by civic organizations. So much blood, sweat and tears were shed at the bridge and the river banks (we recovered a hazmat book where the Kill Van Kull meets the NY Harbor when searching the shoreline with a zodiac-approx. 10 miles away)by hundreds of volunteers from all walks of the emergency service community during the recovery of Shawn and the search and recovery of Rob that the bridge itself has taken on a life of its own as a memorial. In January of 06' a largely attended service and plaques were installed on the bridge in their honor. Shawn and Rob were truly two of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure of being friends with and working along side. Sorry for the delay in the response to your question. I missed the original post/article by my good friend from YPD-E.S.U. STAY SAFE, RICK

EM2FD, That was a good article. When somebody convenes a study (Amnesty International) that out come is more than likely going to be whatever the payee desires. At this time we DO NOT have tasers. Our Unit had to a great deal of work just to get Pepper Ball guns approved for ESU to carry on our trucks. And off the top of my head I can think of about a half dozen instances where lethal force would have been justified in dealing with EDP's but the outcome was different because of the Pepper Ball gun. Tasers are currently being researched to be presented to the Chain of Command, Prosecutor's Office and the Atty General. Part of the problem with people seeing someone getting tasered on sites such as youtube etc. is that it looks pretty violent. And with the public not understanding the Use of Force policies it is perceived as somewhat sadistic. Most use in our realm of calls focuses on EDP's. And it is important to understand that most EDP's are not criminals but people who are mentally ill and have to be dealt with differently then your run of the mill mope who is violently resisting arrest. Obviously Officer Safety and that of the public are paramount but again they have (EDP's) to and rightfully so need to be treated differently. Hugh McGowan, who is the brainchild of NYPD's Hostage Negotian Unit circa 1971, had an excellent quote..."If all you have in your tool box is a hammer then all your problems become a nail". The taser is just another tool in the "Less than Lethal" arsenal. When you have an individual that is under the influence, i.e. PCP, their threshold for pain is incredible. The taser immobilizes their neuro/muscular system ability long enough to get them restrained. Which I think is much more humane and brings less liability for the Officer's involved rather than beating them like a baby seal in order to get them to comply. But like anything else when you have people trying to make decisions on what we shouldn't be doing without offering a means to an end it brings everyone involved into a possible undesireable situaiton.

I am gonna go out on a limb and say that professor Fred Shenkman has never been in a fire-fight or been in armed confrontation. Its just slightly different then shooting at a q-target or even a live fire drill. But like they say, those who can't do, teach....

On our heavy rescue (Mack MR688P) we have fog lamps in the front which provide a fair amount of road lighting especially when trying to navigate around craters aka-potholes. And daytime running lights were are also a plus with regards to visibility. The problem with the fog lamps, even though they are heavy duty construction, is that they have to be adjusted and re-tightend weekly. There is no way around that. I have tried everything from loc-tite to silicone gasket maker to no avail. What was an awesome addition when we spec'd it out was rubberized extension marker lights/turn signals with three on each side. They give mototrists a heads up when turning or changing lanes much better than what the OEM provides. And on tight streets or navigating around double parked cars it allows you to give easier and better clearance judgement. And if you hypothetically misjudge your clearance on the sides they are pretty flexible. These lights are a particular bonus especially at night. Some of the NYPD ESU trucks flipped the rubberized lights to an upward angle which I think makes it allot easier to glance quickly to clear an object or a vehicle.

I have to disagree on the quality and service at P&L. They built a 2006 Mack MR Heavy Rescue for us and just about reaching the 20K mark it is holding up just fine. Especially for the beat up streets and heavy traffic conditions. When it came time to go down to Manasquan to spec, adjust and fabricate all the compartments they had a small army of men listening to our concerns and building and fabricating as we spoke. Some equipment had to be switched around several times and they had no problem with redesigning shelving and brackets etc. Also on the few occasions that we needed emergency repairs they were there that day or within 24 hours. It seemed like these guys really had there craft down pat. And enjoyed the challenges we hurled at them. As far as buses go we toured that area of the plant and there appeared to be continuity. They also built our now spare Heavy Rescue in 91 and we got almost 15 years and well over 100k miles out of it along with a lifetime warranty on the box which hopefully will be remounted soon. I believe Baltimore uses P&L exclusively to build there EMS vehivles. just my .02 cents. http://www.emtbravo.lunarpages.com/NewDeli...s/JCPDESU1.html

We have had allot of success with two different tools when it comes to impalements. With all of the hi-rise construction and industry still left in the Hudson County area we get a fair amount of "industrial accidents"... The first tool is the makita rebar cutter. It has a single axis cutting nodule that doesn't give the object that snapping sensation after the cut. The cost is roughly $2,300.00 and its battery operated with very little maint. The other tool is the Arcair slice/pak. It will basically cut through anything without heat transfer. The negatives are: large spark showers (have to be very aware of your sorroundings), fast burning rods and a pain in the a** to keep clean. And it takes some practice to be efficient with it as well. But it is a very effective tool. http://www.cpomakita.com/other_tools/rebar...ref=googaw1136e http://www.brweldingsupplies.com/brands/AR...id=600&ID=3

We are in the process of switching to the HT1250's. Each Officer and boss will be getting a take home radio/charger etc. I will let you know.... Rick

The concept of havning a T.E.M.S Unit accompany us every time we do a tactical job gained steam for a while a few years back. But from within our unit and the EMS community only. But like everything else it was shot down by the hire ups for a multitude of reasons most notable-about two dozen reasons that pointed to all sorts of liability. The excuse finnally given was that most of our unit was EMT's along with a couple of Medics. After the liability issues were discussed it made me look at the whole T.E.M.S. idea from a different perspective and I am glad they kept things the way they have been historically. On top of that we do enough tac jobs were it would be impossible to dedicate T.E.M.S. EMS members to every job. But I will say this I have read up on and spoke at some of the T.E.M.S. courses; and if your in the business of EMS or even first responder I would implore you to take a reputable T.E.M.S course it may very well save your life or that of another some day. You certainly get to see the world from a different perspective and we all know that the way a call comes in to dispatch is almost never what you wind up with and the poop could be hitting the fan real quick. Hats off to anyone who takes the time and effort and money to attend a T.E.M.S. course. Just as a side note=If we do a tac job we will request that a bus or medic unit stage a few blocks away (As I have said b4 JCMC is top shelf with the EMT'S and MEDICS that work the streets and definitely part of our family). Just to keep EMS as integrated into what we do as closely as possible without letting out the secret recipe. But its a busy EMS system and its not always possible. If I can help anyone with answers to tactical scenario's that may arise please feel free. Rick

we have an extremely heavy duty wrecker that we use on occasion. And its worth its weight in gold. Its very basic in that it doesnt have a wheel lift etc. But I can't remember it being used to tow with. Basically a very portable crane.

"Then again FDNR use to have swimming as part of their agility test which made complete sense. What ever happen to that? Why did they do away with that? Does anyone know? Chances are that they were probably under some consent decree with the FEDS and had to adjust the standards so they were FAIR to ethnicities taking the test.

Seth, We just took delivery of our first 2008 chassis. The exterior, especially the nose takes some getting used to-there is quite a difference between 07 & 08. The interior I give an A+ for the changes made that provide a better and convenient work environment. The best part I would have to say is that the new diesel engine is so so quiet its great. after 8 hours and 90 miles a night the banging of the diesel of yesterday really suck compared to the 08. Rick

We just did an extrication on a JCMC bus going through an intersection enroute to a stabbing. I know both EMT's personally and greatfully they were ok when all was said and done. The MVA was IMO not caused by the bus however I learned an interesting note that I am trying to confirm. Any vehicle that is produced by an auto maker and is to be used as an emergency vehicle i.e. Ambulance Prep Package-I am told that they factory install quite a beefed up computer (Black Box) from which allot of information that you normally wouldn't have over an extended period of time. I am told that it captures up to the last 24 hours of travel time. Again if anyone can provide any information on this I would really like to know if this is fact or fiction. In the mean time I will try and grab one of my AI's and confirm or dispel the technology. Stay Safe, Rick

The Cops TV show rode with me and my parner for six months. They generally go back to Departments every five to eight years. They had rented a couple floors at a local hotel and put out some spread and spirits everynight. Jim Langley (Founder/Producers nephew and Tom cunningham) were our assigned crew. And they were great guys. If you didn't want something filmed we had a signal developed before hand and they would stop and back off. They bent over backwards to accomadate us and vice versa. We had three segments that made it on the air. Originally they had filmed about twenty that were supposed to be aired but they show the same three in re-runs just about every week. A&E or one of those shows is slated to start riding with us soon in E.S.U. Its supposed to be a lenqthy project and from what I understand they are just working some logisitce as of now. It is very weird to see yourself on television I will say that. But all in all it was a great once in a lifetime experience. On a short note the TV show Cops got its start when Langley/Barbour were filming for Jeraldo Rivera. I think it was one of those nursing home deals where they sneak in and film the horrible conditions. While they were waiting accross the street for the green light. The P.D. SWAT Team pulled up and executed a search warrant next door. They thought that the public would be interested in seeing what the Police do and started getting agencies to allow them to do ride alongs. The rest is money making history. Rick

Seth, Someday when we hook up I will show you the outtakes from the prostituition stings we did. It will bring tears to your eyes it was so damn funny. Three chicks with racks and teeth and we had to stop taking people in when we reached fifty inside of three hours. And most guys would say to the girls " you are to pretty too be working you MUST be cops" and then make them an offer anyway. The things people say and the people that visit these ladies will blow your mind. Rick

With the exception of DWI/Vehicluar Homicide etc. all traffic laws (at least in NJ) are discretionary when it comes down to decding to issue or not. A summons DOES NOT have to be issued! Some great points were made in the threads. If you get stopped and the Officer says I stopped you for ________(fill in the blank). Be humble and apologetic and advise you didn't realize what you had done you must have had your head up your butt. People that argue or deny the charge are almost certain to get a summons. P.O.'s don't generally pull people over for no reason at all. And by denying your actions you may as well call the Officer a liar. And when people say they are on the job to a P.O. we take it to mean that you are a P.O. that seems to irritate guys as well. Stay away from those words. And it is very true that most people do talk themselves into a ticket. Unless the motorist has done something so horrendous most times P.O.'s want people for their own safety to realize the mistake they made and learn from it. I have only three violations that are mandatory summonses-1)Passing a marked vehicle doing the speed limit 2)Driving on the shoulder- 3)And any action that causes me to spill my coffee Rick

Perhaps my response came off a bit too terse and I apologize if it did so. Let me try and explain a little better. Common sense is not common. Regardless of what kind of uniform you wear (Police included). I have seen my guys do things over the years where I wanted to crawl under a rock I was so embarrased. Our jobs have the same ends but most of the time a different means of getting there...If I am told by a Supvsr. or if I make a decision that something has to be moved then it has to be carried out. I usually don't have a choice and that means if I go over to the chauffer of an engine etc. and explain to him the situation and he tells me to go pound salt or walks away and ignore's what I am telling him...he is escalating the situation. The next step will be to ask for his credentials and his supervisor. If he still is still ignorant then it will escalate to an arrest for obstructing. And yes it has been done in the past and I would continue to do my job as long as I am within the law. Now I would have to be an EDP to have them move a truck that is protecting myself and/or any other emergency workers. Why would I want to jeopardize my safety etc.? But some guys do things just because they can. I would certainly never pretend to know what the job of a FF is truly like or downplay the deserved herosim that goes with it..... most P.O.'s with any time on the job are going to be passive and explanative especially when dealing with a FF or EMT and I would hope the public in general. But where would we be if we just walked away with our tail between our legs if I asked someone to do something that was jeopardizing the safety of emergency workers and the public. It just can't be. There has to be mutual respect and there is no better feeling then resuming from a job where everyone worked together with seamless-positive results. But I will say that 80% of the time any confrontation at a job happens its because there was verbal or even sometimes physical (if you can imagine) abuse toward P.O.'s or EMS. And usually its anymosity over who should be providing patient care or which agency is doing the cutting etc. or some other silly bravado. If you have a great rapport inter agency thats great! We do too-but not always. On the Wheel makes excellent points and thats stuff that happens at most scenes. It can be frustrating. Rick

All I can say is that sometimes it works out when the FD uses their equipment to make a scene safe other times it doesn't. The problem comes when someone tells the dispatcher we have fluids on the ground and the FD dispatches "FIVE" pieces of equipment and a boss to throw down some kitty litter and then decide to have a Union meeting during and afterwards. Now we have traffic backed up to Georgia and all the problems associated with same. Sometimes people including the FD need to be motivated to accept constuctive criticism. Sometimes P.O.'s will tell another to move there vehicle because it is in the way etc.-most times this is not a problem. If the P.O. refuses to follow the suggestion then a Supvsr. is called for and let the progressive discipline begin. If a FF refuses then I issue a summons, if he escalates it to an arrest-thats fine too. I think the question before was who "Owns" the road? I think that it is self explanatory once you understand who has the "Authority" and who has a big red truck with lights all over it. Every situation is dynamic in nature. What may have been nescecarry upon arrival in order to asses the scene may not be needed at all. And we should all certainly work together-in thirteen years I have yet to see a problem between EMS and the PD here....wish I could say the same for the FD. I have locked up FF's in the past-and certainly didn't enjoy doing it. But when your challenged and left no choice....what can I tell ya. Rick

That photo is from NYPD's Official site. Quite a few Dept's in the North East provide for Tactical/Rescue Services. In 2006 we had our 75th Anniversary. We have received six new trucks since Mike Martinelli took these pictures but I am sure you get the idea. http://www.fdnytrucks.com/files/html/other...0City%20ESU.htm Our system is set up much like New York. In that unless its criminal in nature to begin with-it falls on whatever agency is on scene first. We do have an advantage because we have trucks on patrol 24/7 but sometimes it comes down to who dispatches first. And there is some tension at most scene's when both agencies show up, but, you can't allow yourself to get sucked into the romper room bickering. Its pretty interesting that I have been in E.S.U. long enough to know if I go off on a job and a certain engine,truck or rescue is on scene whether its going to be smooth or aggravation. And I am sure the FD can say the same about some of my guys. But IMHO in this day and age you cannot have enough people crosstrained in rescue work so long as they are competent and professional. The bottom line is the people that need your help. Rick

HANG MY HAT IN BAYONNE,N.J. BUT GET PAID TO DO CRAZY THINGS IN JERSEY CITY

I passed by equipment recv'ing for Port Auth. NY/NJ and they had a radio car with the weirdest light bar on it. At first glance it looks like an LED bar only about 6 inches taller. And it is split down the middle just like a McDermott. When it is raised it goes from being a horizontal light bar to a vertical lightbar and just the brace remains horizontal on the roof. It was a combo of LED's and spot/floods. I did a real quick search (online) to no avail. If anyone is familiar with this bar please post. I'd like to take a look at the spec's. I lit it up with my E-Wagon and their was no name or manufacturer on it of course....Thanks, Rick

Over the years the FD down here has been extended many liberties. Twice in my career I have had the task of being backed into a situation whereas I had no choice but to make an arrest, bunker gear and all because of a FF being disorderly and abusive. In NJ the PD's have control of accident scenes, as it is a Police investigation. EMS has control of the patient, as they are responsible for patient care. Both of these agencies get along just fine and most of the time we are doing the cutting for them, because of our rapport and experience we are able to work hand in hand with them (if its a pin otherwise we do whatever we can to help or treat the PT until they arrive) with our safety and the PT's health being paramount. All MVA's are to be treated as a crime scene until mitigating factors determine otherwise (obviously more than a fender bender). That means don't throw kitty litter all over the place etc. or cut the battery cable... in other words it must be kept in pristine condition until the AI guy does his thing or the Officer collects his information. Up until recently the FD would be called for fluid spills/cleanups etc. but it had become so out of control in that they made the scene considerably more dangerous and harder to manage. I have seen as many as (6) six pieces of apparatus arrive on scene to throw kitty litter on anti-freeze. And they come from different directions and park for convenience not scene safety. Now we carry speedy dry on the E.S.U. Wagons and there is no need to call the FD for anything and there is one truck with two Officers that are trained in crime scene preservation. It doesn't happen in all cases but most. Please don't take any of my rambling as anti-FF. The consideration for placement of Fire Equipment is not the concern for shutting down traffic. I have absolutely no problem with shutting down traffic if it makes my work site safer. Its when Emergency vehicles are parked where they increase the chances of causing a secondary accident or making traffic patterns more confusing and unsafe that the PD must intervene and have the trucks moved. It’s not to be debated. If I ask someone to move and they refuse I'll generally speak to their supervisor first and then I will let them escalate it from there...usually they just comply. Why? Because that is the PD's job-Traffic Enforcement-among many other things. I understand the numbers game at the end of the year. Each response adds up I am certainly pro-labor/job security. But the whole big picture must be taken into account when dealing with these scenes. And by getting nasty or chesty with an Officer that is simply doing his job, well, obviously we have read how that story ends. Conversely if you have a problem with the Officer.....comply with his directions but then take it up with his Supervisor. I look forward to any constructive criticism and comments.

We are soon taking delivery of two new E.S.U. Trucks. Ford F550's extended cab which are very similar to Yonkers E.S.U. We decided to go with a McDermott Bar on the front/top of the ladder box. Facing forward will be a four pack of scene lighting (two on each arm with LED warning lights in red and blue facing the rear). The added safety of the high rise warning lights on the rear and the four pack of scene lighting on the front seems to be the way to go. However, I am looking for any feedback (good or bad) with regards to usage regarding durability and/or maintance. Or any information on the McDermott for that matter would be appreciated. This is our first go aound with this system. Thanks, Rick