brian19fd

Enough of petty bickering

Looks like a good job by the IC in what (hopefully) will be a once in a lifetime incident.
I hope Critical incident stress debriefing was offered to the first responders and I would hope Metro North would offer something to the passengers as well. By what I have read some very horrific images were witnessed by first responders and civilians.
Chiefs and commissioners...when you swore in the 18, 19 year old gung ho members they put their trust in you. Physically and mentally. So did their parents who probably signed "consent" forms. You don't want them resigning over this, leaving your organization and being forever "broken" over what they witnessed.
Good job guys.

Mahopac Falls (Putnam):
Took delivery to a 2015 F-350 Extended Cab, 6ft bed Chiefs Vehicle- done by NYCOMCO & in the beginning phases to replace our 2001 PL Custom Ambulance & 1992 Mack Tanker

Mahopac Falls (Putnam):
Took delivery to a 2015 F-350 Extended Cab, 6ft bed Chiefs Vehicle- done by NYCOMCO & in the beginning phases to replace our 2001 PL Custom Ambulance & 1992 Mack Tanker

The term, squad just like "Rescue" or "Heavy Rescue" is often bantered about, but you need to define it.
Over the years I have seen a number "Heavy Rescues" that when you open the compartments you find they do not own enough equipment to handle a 2 car MVA.

This appears to be the pre delivery pic, but it makes the point, it is not a heavy rescue till its equipped and staffed.
I have told more than 1 "Heavy Rescue Unit" that just because the apparatus weights a lot, does not make it a "Heavy" Rescue

Join with the attitude of "What Can I do for the Department; not, What is the Department gonna do for/give Me?"

Join with the attitude of "What Can I do for the Department; not, What is the Department gonna do for/give Me?"

Just as it was told to me...short and sweet
Have big ears and a small mouth.
As for the why, well you can't learn anything if your lips are flapping and as a new guy it's your job to learn

Let me tell ya a few things about them bastard dispatchers.....I know a little bit.
First off - it sucks. But it is OK too...
It is a GOOD living, but obviously not as "fun" or "glorious" as our police, fire, and even EMS counterparts.
The BIGGEST thing I have noticied in over 15 years "in the chair" is that EVERYONE in the field thinks they could do it better, or things could be done different. Everyone in a uniform has IDEALS, but dispatchers have PROTOCOLS. For the most part the voice ont he radio doesnt make those protocol, but we are bound to adhere to them. So if you get angry or frustrated - direct that to the policy makers, not the person on the other end of the radio.
We get it from every direction...and speaking from MY job, literally everyone is our superioir...I am the #5 on my job senority wise..I been around, yet even the newest, junior cop or fireman tells me what to do...but that is part of MY job...other agencies are different..they have a more structured, Dispatch Command..we are under the authority of the Police Watch Commander and FD Shift Commander...yet there is still a small army of Sergeants, Liuetenant, Captains, Chiefs, and Deputy Chiefs that can change it all with a simple command...
EVERY shift is run different - under the direction of the Watch Commander..so if you are like me, and work OT on different shifts..you had BETTER do i tTHAT bosses way..
You guys get to SEE your jurasdiction every day - you know it intimately..hell I been working in our City for 12 years and I dont know ALOT of the streets,..Yes, I know what police post they are on, who to send, and even what fire truck is first due - but I have been "lost" on the southside of our city as recently as last week..we dont get out to see it enough, if at all. Sure maps, and CAD are nice - but there is no subsitute for actual street time. Some agencies make "ride time" a part of training - and thats awesome.
"They dont give us enough info.." Yep...true. But we give you all of what we can get from our callers - which in an urban setting like mine - sometimes is just an address...if I had a dollar for everytime a caller said - "just send the M F'ing cops/Ambulance" I could retire to the Keys with George..LOL. And if we give alot of info - we are met with "headquarters - get off the air.." There is NO happy median it seems sometimes.
Dont get me wrong - I am NOT defending all dispatchers - I have worked with some real turds...but thankfully, for the most part - we weed them out. Not all...but alot..this job is not for everyone.
I will openly admit that this is NOT what I pictured myself doing...well, it is not what I wanted to do..anyone who knows me knows I should be on a firetruck for 40 hours a week, but I do not regret it one bit. I have a good life and make good money...I can support my family well, we own a house, 2 cars, and a dog...the American Dream, right? I am heads and shoulders above where my parents where at my age. I stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, park in a secure parking agarge, and can surf Bravo for 8 hours a day. For that I am very thankful.
One of the things I cherish the most about my job is RESPECT. The guys on the other side of the radio - be it police or fire, appreciate me and the job I do..I take care of "my guys"..they know when the crap hits the fan in a foot pursuit that I am right there with them, and help is on the way. I know how the FD operates and usually have what the Captain requests done or ready to be done. I do my job well, because lives of cops and firemen depend on it. I have actually been written up for two commendations by Fire Lieutenants after tough, hectic, SCARY jobs for my actions in assisting them...both times they were denied because, "he is just a dispatcher...". Who cares....it's the RESPECT from those guys that mean more to me than ANY peice of paper signed by the Mayor.
So yeah, dispatching sucks..but it pays the bills. And I know that there are a few guys out there that know we really DO make a difference. So cut us some slack...or take the test and get "in the chair."

I just got home from being deployed to Nassau County. We (Vails Gate FD) left with E478 for a 72 hour deployment on Thursday morning.
We arrived at the EOC in Westbury around noon on Thursday and were quickly sent to the Point Lookout-Lido Fire department on the eastern border of Long Beach.
The PLLFD lost much of its equipment out of their 2nd station where we were operating out of. At the height of the storm, there was 3-4 feet of water that came into the apparatus bays. Their members were very pleased to see us as they had been operating nonstop since the onset of the storm. Many of their members had personally lost almost everything they own from clothes to cars to their homes. They were in the best of spirits as they could be and welcomed us with open arms. The entire experience was a great example of the brotherhood to say the least.
Our main objective was to cover calls for them in their district. During our deployment we ran everything from EMS to a car fire, chimney fire and a number of CO alarms.
During our deployment, we were without running water (showers) and obviously no power. We were using bottled water to wash up the best we could as well as to drink. There was no heat in the firehouse, so we layered up and used as many blankets as possible.
That said, and as other have said, be prepared if/when you are deployed. Bring plenty of clean socks (long socks), underwear and warm clothes. I would also recommend a sleeping bag, pillow and some blankets.
We were relieved on Sunday by a rescue pumper and crew from Gansevoort, NY around noon.
Vails Gate will be deploying again tomorrow at 6am with Truck484 and a full crew. No word on where they are going yet.
To all those who have been affected by Sandy and to all first responder's and volunteers, stay safe and god bless!
I have some pictures and may share some and more info when i get more time. For now, i'm going to enjoy some rest.
*I will reiterate what Chris (helicopper) has said; these deployments are for 72 hours, not 12 or 24 hours. With that said, be prepared to be there for the entire 72 hours! Make sure your employers (for vols) are well aware of your plans, as well as your families.
Make sure that you are properly packed with the items we have mentioned.
Also, cellular phone service was shotty to say the least, so keep that in mind. Your loved ones may not be able to get a hold of you if need be.

Date: 10-31-2012
Time: 01:49
Location: 124 Bullet Hole Rd, Mahopac NY
Frequency: 46.38 Putnam Dispatch
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1, 1-2 (IC), 1-3, 2-1(source engine), 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-2, 18-4-1 (originally sent to relocate to MFVD Stat 1 but then requested into the scene); Putnam Valley: 24-1-3, 6-1 (FAST); Putnam County Fire Investigation Team; Putnam County Car 4; NYSEG; CPD
*Somers: Eng 180 on the relocate to MFVFD Stat 1
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Description Of Incident: Working Structure Fire- 2 story wood frame structure; 19-1-2 arriving on scene stating heavy fire in the rear of the structure, start automatic mutual aid (Closest FAST & 18fd Eng relocate to MFVFD). Originally Mohegan FAST requested, unable to assemble a crew, Putnam Valley requested 2nd. 18-4-1 signed enroute and was requested into scene by IC, then requested 2nd engine to backfill- Somers E-180 handled the relocate.
*While on the relocate- E-180 was dispatched for a CO Alarm, neg sympthoms @ 10 Middle Branch Rd. E-180 on scene and had confirmed CO readings, 30-50 ppm in the home; Requesting EMS to eval family with possible sympthoms- Mahopac 18-7-1 & 35-M-3 on scene & secured RMAs from family. Ventilation completed and all units clear & E-180 returned to MFVFD Stat 1 for remainder of standby
All units clear the fire at 04:47
Reporters: Brian19fd

Date: 10-31-2012
Time: 01:49
Location: 124 Bullet Hole Rd, Mahopac NY
Frequency: 46.38 Putnam Dispatch
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1, 1-2 (IC), 1-3, 2-1(source engine), 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-2, 18-4-1 (originally sent to relocate to MFVD Stat 1 but then requested into the scene); Putnam Valley: 24-1-3, 6-1 (FAST); Putnam County Fire Investigation Team; Putnam County Car 4; NYSEG; CPD
*Somers: Eng 180 on the relocate to MFVFD Stat 1
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Description Of Incident: Working Structure Fire- 2 story wood frame structure; 19-1-2 arriving on scene stating heavy fire in the rear of the structure, start automatic mutual aid (Closest FAST & 18fd Eng relocate to MFVFD). Originally Mohegan FAST requested, unable to assemble a crew, Putnam Valley requested 2nd. 18-4-1 signed enroute and was requested into scene by IC, then requested 2nd engine to backfill- Somers E-180 handled the relocate.
*While on the relocate- E-180 was dispatched for a CO Alarm, neg sympthoms @ 10 Middle Branch Rd. E-180 on scene and had confirmed CO readings, 30-50 ppm in the home; Requesting EMS to eval family with possible sympthoms- Mahopac 18-7-1 & 35-M-3 on scene & secured RMAs from family. Ventilation completed and all units clear & E-180 returned to MFVFD Stat 1 for remainder of standby
All units clear the fire at 04:47
Reporters: Brian19fd

Date: 10-31-2012
Time: 01:49
Location: 124 Bullet Hole Rd, Mahopac NY
Frequency: 46.38 Putnam Dispatch
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1, 1-2 (IC), 1-3, 2-1(source engine), 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-2, 18-4-1 (originally sent to relocate to MFVD Stat 1 but then requested into the scene); Putnam Valley: 24-1-3, 6-1 (FAST); Putnam County Fire Investigation Team; Putnam County Car 4; NYSEG; CPD
*Somers: Eng 180 on the relocate to MFVFD Stat 1
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Description Of Incident: Working Structure Fire- 2 story wood frame structure; 19-1-2 arriving on scene stating heavy fire in the rear of the structure, start automatic mutual aid (Closest FAST & 18fd Eng relocate to MFVFD). Originally Mohegan FAST requested, unable to assemble a crew, Putnam Valley requested 2nd. 18-4-1 signed enroute and was requested into scene by IC, then requested 2nd engine to backfill- Somers E-180 handled the relocate.
*While on the relocate- E-180 was dispatched for a CO Alarm, neg sympthoms @ 10 Middle Branch Rd. E-180 on scene and had confirmed CO readings, 30-50 ppm in the home; Requesting EMS to eval family with possible sympthoms- Mahopac 18-7-1 & 35-M-3 on scene & secured RMAs from family. Ventilation completed and all units clear & E-180 returned to MFVFD Stat 1 for remainder of standby
All units clear the fire at 04:47
Reporters: Brian19fd

LT,
The parade was great. When did you get that 5500 Dodge? That rig looked awesome. Best of luck with it and hope the weather is better for the 100th!

As chair of our department's anniversary, I would like to thank all the departments who stuck it out with the weather and helped celebrate with us; as well as all the spectators who sat on the sidelines watching and cheering all the departments on. I know some probally disagreed with our all call to keep the parade on, but in the end we all had a good time and see how things go in 25 years for the 100th

As chair of our department's anniversary, I would like to thank all the departments who stuck it out with the weather and helped celebrate with us; as well as all the spectators who sat on the sidelines watching and cheering all the departments on. I know some probally disagreed with our all call to keep the parade on, but in the end we all had a good time and see how things go in 25 years for the 100th

http://youtu.be/-32FMRZui5w

Good luck! I like to see departments donating their trucks to departments in need HERE instead of other countries.

To all those reading this thread, the banter has been going on since 2002 when a parade invitation was lost in the mail.
Mill Plain started last and it has become a highlight of Mill Plain and Brewster to see what will happen. When you look at the relationship between the two it started in 1945 when Mill Plain was born, some 85 years after Brewster was started.
A brotherhood was formed that still remains today. Eight years ago Mill Plain and Miry Brook started coverinng for Brewster and Mahopac Falls so that they and their families could enjoy themselves at the convention in Lake George and the interaction between them is amazing. We have become one department spanning two states enjoying each other stories and families. Also the residents of Southeast and visitors applaud like crazy when they come through.
This is written by the past chief of Mill Plain who helped start it and who is now a captain and vice president of Brewster. As for mill plain and all the rest when stuff happens they are top notch organizations and i am proud to have been a member of three out of four of them so heres to brewsterfalls ,mill plain and miry brook, some of us salute you

Date: July 6th, 2012
Time: 22:27
Location: 25 Boniello Dr
Frequency: Dispatch 46.38, Fire Ground 46.30
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1 IC, 1-2, 1-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-1 & 4-1 Relocated to MFVFD Stat 1; Mohegan: 226-2 & E-255 FAST; County Car 4; PC Fire Investigation Team; NYSEG; CPD
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 75 degrees
Description Of Incident: MFVFD dispatched for reported structure fire w/ automatic M/A for Mahopac to relocate & Mohegan's FAST. Carmel PD on scene confirming fire in side bedroom- main body of fire knocked down w/ Dry Chem. FD units arriving had fire in the wall behind exterior electrical panel- NYSEG requested to scene on the rush. Fire started to break through the wall into adjacent bedroom, but was quickly knocked down by FD crews. Fire contained to the 2 bedrooms- overhaul conducted along w/ investigation from PC-FIT. All units clear the scene at 00:52.
Reporters: brian19fd (PC 417)

Date: July 6th, 2012
Time: 22:27
Location: 25 Boniello Dr
Frequency: Dispatch 46.38, Fire Ground 46.30
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1 IC, 1-2, 1-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-1 & 4-1 Relocated to MFVFD Stat 1; Mohegan: 226-2 & E-255 FAST; County Car 4; PC Fire Investigation Team; NYSEG; CPD
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 75 degrees
Description Of Incident: MFVFD dispatched for reported structure fire w/ automatic M/A for Mahopac to relocate & Mohegan's FAST. Carmel PD on scene confirming fire in side bedroom- main body of fire knocked down w/ Dry Chem. FD units arriving had fire in the wall behind exterior electrical panel- NYSEG requested to scene on the rush. Fire started to break through the wall into adjacent bedroom, but was quickly knocked down by FD crews. Fire contained to the 2 bedrooms- overhaul conducted along w/ investigation from PC-FIT. All units clear the scene at 00:52.
Reporters: brian19fd (PC 417)

Date: July 6th, 2012
Time: 22:27
Location: 25 Boniello Dr
Frequency: Dispatch 46.38, Fire Ground 46.30
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1 IC, 1-2, 1-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-1 & 4-1 Relocated to MFVFD Stat 1; Mohegan: 226-2 & E-255 FAST; County Car 4; PC Fire Investigation Team; NYSEG; CPD
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 75 degrees
Description Of Incident: MFVFD dispatched for reported structure fire w/ automatic M/A for Mahopac to relocate & Mohegan's FAST. Carmel PD on scene confirming fire in side bedroom- main body of fire knocked down w/ Dry Chem. FD units arriving had fire in the wall behind exterior electrical panel- NYSEG requested to scene on the rush. Fire started to break through the wall into adjacent bedroom, but was quickly knocked down by FD crews. Fire contained to the 2 bedrooms- overhaul conducted along w/ investigation from PC-FIT. All units clear the scene at 00:52.
Reporters: brian19fd (PC 417)

Date: July 6th, 2012
Time: 22:27
Location: 25 Boniello Dr
Frequency: Dispatch 46.38, Fire Ground 46.30
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1 IC, 1-2, 1-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-1 & 4-1 Relocated to MFVFD Stat 1; Mohegan: 226-2 & E-255 FAST; County Car 4; PC Fire Investigation Team; NYSEG; CPD
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 75 degrees
Description Of Incident: MFVFD dispatched for reported structure fire w/ automatic M/A for Mahopac to relocate & Mohegan's FAST. Carmel PD on scene confirming fire in side bedroom- main body of fire knocked down w/ Dry Chem. FD units arriving had fire in the wall behind exterior electrical panel- NYSEG requested to scene on the rush. Fire started to break through the wall into adjacent bedroom, but was quickly knocked down by FD crews. Fire contained to the 2 bedrooms- overhaul conducted along w/ investigation from PC-FIT. All units clear the scene at 00:52.
Reporters: brian19fd (PC 417)

Date: July 6th, 2012
Time: 22:27
Location: 25 Boniello Dr
Frequency: Dispatch 46.38, Fire Ground 46.30
Units Operating: Mahopac Falls: 19-1-1 IC, 1-2, 1-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 6-1, 7-2; Mahopac: 18-1-1 & 4-1 Relocated to MFVFD Stat 1; Mohegan: 226-2 & E-255 FAST; County Car 4; PC Fire Investigation Team; NYSEG; CPD
Weather Conditions: Partly Cloudy, 75 degrees
Description Of Incident: MFVFD dispatched for reported structure fire w/ automatic M/A for Mahopac to relocate & Mohegan's FAST. Carmel PD on scene confirming fire in side bedroom- main body of fire knocked down w/ Dry Chem. FD units arriving had fire in the wall behind exterior electrical panel- NYSEG requested to scene on the rush. Fire started to break through the wall into adjacent bedroom, but was quickly knocked down by FD crews. Fire contained to the 2 bedrooms- overhaul conducted along w/ investigation from PC-FIT. All units clear the scene at 00:52.
Reporters: brian19fd (PC 417)

In my opinion fire parades should not be about the trophy I mean who really cares about it. It should be for the enjoyment of the public especialy the kids. I think there should be a requirement that you must have your lights on. The trophy is nice for about a day then it does onto a shelf and is just another thing to dust. Put the lights on, give the siren an occasional yelp and a tug on the air horn. Seeing the wonderment and excitment on a kids face is enough trophy for me!