Paul J DeBartolomeo

New Haven's L-2 is a fairly new Seagrave Tiller, as is New London's L-25. Rumor has it that Norwalk CT is in the market for a Seagrave TDA. I wish there were more out there its the true symbol of a fire truck.

I got to use the TNT system at a recent class and was very impressed with it. Very powerful system. I was particularly impressed with the multiple outlet ports allowing for multiple tool operations off of one rather light weight power source. Its currently being field tested by the rescue companies in the city and all the reviews have been very positive. I have also used Hurst & Holmatro quite extensively and feel they are both quality products. Each system has their inherent pro's and cons.

Understood that a mistake was made, but to use the defense of I thought it was on the sidewalk. This was the chauffer side of the rig, where the controls for the outriggers are located. He was definately standing right there as the jacks went down. I got some other photos from the cfa that suggest the boom was maxed out in order to reach the house, as roofsopen suggest maybe ground ladders should of been considered in this situation. As far as setting up, a good LCC should only need 1 guy on the outboard side to spot for him, using the whole company is a waste of resources imo, those members could be used for more important things Im sure.

God Bless your father and the men he served with, truly the greatest generation, and may God continue to bless America and those Brave men & women who protect us & our way of life.

aka: "Creative Writing Workshop 101"

Can I ask a question concerning this very split discussion. It is well known on this site and generally throughout the fire service that we lose on average 100 F.F. annually. In my opinion and Im sure everyone elses thats 100 too many. Of those 100 lost how many are a direct result of injuries sustained while actively involved in structural firefighting. Im not trying to lessen the other LODD's as they are equally tragic, just trying to make a point. Of the 100 lost, I believe some where in the range of 30 are killed while fighting fire. Are we to assume that these 30 or so brave men and woman died because they were operating unsafely.Can we honestly say that they would be alive today if only they were more careful at that last fire and conducted a more thorough risk analysis. Risk analysis is great and establishing certain guidelines on how to operate is important too, but at the end of the day the fact remains that things happen at fires that are largely unpredictable and sadly tragedy is often the result. In my 11 plus years as a career fireman I have had the unfortunate duty to see friends die at fires, and never once did I attribute their death to a reckless or careless act on their part or that of someone on scene. I simply resigned myself to the fact that this is an inherintly dangerous and unpredictable business we are in and sometimes things happen that are completely unforseen and unavoidable. Statistically speaking considering the total number of responses nation wide, and the number of structural fires, somewhere in the range of 500,000, as a whole we are not doing that bad. Personally I feel 1 life lost is too many, but I am realistic and know that we will lose people every year. I know I will lose another brother at work, its simply the nature of the beast. I continue to train hard and exercise caution wherever possible but remain fully aware of the inherent dangers that lie within.

Food, soda, ice? 1 key element missing considering this is a FF barbecue!

Good post Booger, very direct and to the point. Seems like yesterday when you walked through the door and got your orange sheild. how longs it been?

That show is an embarassment. Im embarassed that it attempts to depict life in the FDNY. It is so far from the truth on so many levels that the rigs and their light bars is the least of concerns. Who cares?

According to Tarzia she might be singing a differet tune!

We carry 100' of 3.5 for our ladder pipe & a few rolled lenghts of 1 3/4 & 2 1/2 o our rig. Never seen it used or heard of any one using it though.

Joe were those members or employees that you refer to?

To Matt P. & Cogs It is nice to read insightful, well thoughtout, & courteous discussion on this thread for once. Its obvious you both have your opinions but it seems niether of you has lost sight of the big picture. If only all discussions and negotiaions could go so well, maybe someday. As far as he negativity towards the GFD, in talking to several people within the system, it stems from the fact that they dont routinely get out the door for runs yet they are fully funded. Whereas some of the other depts are operating on a shoestring budget yet they cover their runs. It seems to be politics at its best, we will fund you, make a big deal about training you, but responses are optional. How long before their inactivity becomes an issue to justify more manning or another rig in that station? Just an outsiders view based on what Ive heard, not throwing any stones at either side. To Noula, your ideas may work in theory, but at recent incidents it hasnt been the case.

I noticed a young Terry Hatton working in R2 in some of those pics, RIP. Great shots but too much Brooklyn not enough Harlem

I believe there is a class being offered in airbags at this years FDIC conference with lots of hand on opportunity.