JBE

I gotta admit, the money isn't there. I started out 14 years ago, and I was barely making enough to survive, and that was WITH overtime. I didn't start seeing decent money till I had 5 years on. I don't know how the kids coming on my job now do it, short of living with the parents. That wasn't an option for me at the time. Still isn't. I tell anyone who looks into a dispatching job, go somewhere else, meaning outside of NYC.

Fingers crossed..

How exactly is 62-45 better??

I appreciate the responses, fellas. I talk to a lot of folks over at EMD, and I got some clarification on how some of that works.

There's always a better way to do it. You have the tools, use them. Do you guys think it's a union issue?? Keeping the volly buses un, or under utilized to placate the union?? And on the other hand, could it be that the powers that be running FDNY*EMS don't want to admit the glaring problem that they are understaffed out on the street?? As far as harassment from the Conditions bosses, here's one way to look at it. If the boss is being a tool, so be it. But, if you're going to play the game, you gotta follow the rules.

The bottom line in this whole situation is that people are being shortchanged. The people of Rye Brook, and the members of RBFD. It's been brought up in a number of posts here. 3 in the afternoon, there's a reported structure fire in RB. They go out the door in L-30 with, what, 3 guys on board?? They're backed up by the paid engine from PC with 1 guy. That's 4, or 5 firefighters, (If RB is staffed with 4.) for a reported structure. Then, heaven knows what else is coming from PC, staffed by vollies.How is this acceptable?? How is it acceptable to have a minimally staffed(putting it lightly) Fire Department for 12 hours in the day?? Then, turn over protection to a paid engine from PC with ONE GUY!!!! And heaven knows how long it's going to take for that guy to get backed up in the event it hits the fan after 7pm. I know I'm on the outside looking in, because I don't live in the area, but come on, this is no good. I will ask one question, and this goes along with the move of the paid engine at night. Have the powers that be suggested staffing that paid engine going up to Rye Brook at night with a few of the volunteers as well?? Like a duty crew?? Just a thought.

Didn't listen at all this weekend. I rarely listen anymore to any of it. But, I will chime in. Nice going, gang!!!

I was about to say the same thing. I remember them called MA's back in the late 80's in my first foray into scanner land.

As someone once taught me, know what toys you have in the toybox. So you know what you can play with. It also helps to know what others have in their toyboxes, so if you need to play with those toys, you can ask for them. I know that sounds a little childish, but it has paid dividends for me over the years.

I haven't had much time, or luck lately with my out and abouts, but, I did have a little free time to spend these past two weekends, in between my High School Reunion and a few other things. My first stop, after a JD fueled Carmel High Class of 91 Reunion Pre-Game Show, was South Salem's Open House. I didn't get in there early enough to shoot each rig, but I did at least get a couple of shots of E-167 and U-79. Next stop was Croton Falls. I got Engines 147, 148, and 149. Along with U-28. Rescue 28 was already opened up and ready to work, so I passed till another time. Here's a 1938 WLF, that was restored by a member of the Department. Next day, next stop, my old stomping grounds.

My original intention was to get Rescue 5's new Ferrara, but, it was out of service. So, I made my way to Rockaway, to shoot the newest addition to the FDNY apparatus fleet. FL11001, Ladder 137. This is the first Non-Seagrave RMA used by the FDNY in nearly 30 years. Not the greatest shot, but they didn't want to put it where it would block traffic. And, here they go on a run. It's a big rig. From what they were telling me, it's slow, and the aerial is a little slow to raise. You can also hear the guy from 268 apologizing that they didn't have time to get a shirt for my girlfriends' son. And that's that. Enjoy!!!

I roll out of bed Sunday morning, after a lovely evening at the Carmel High Class of 91 20 year reunion. Where, I came to find out later, I was the recipient of the Life Saver Award, along with 5 other members of my class who have taken up Public Safety as our careers. Go me!! First stop, obviously, was Lake Carmel. Here's 17-2-3, a 2005 Spartan/Smeal. First due engine that replaced 17-2-1 a few years ago. Here's what I really wanted. The new 17-6-1. A 2010 Spartan/Hackney with a 300 gallon tank and pump. I forgot to ask, did they follow Pattersons lead on this?? Either way, I like. I headed over to Kent, to feast my eyes on this beast. 16-4-1, a 2008 Sterling 4,000 gallon Tanker. After this, I made my way up to Port Jervis, and got some nice scenery shots. This, is to prove to my co-workers and friends that I actually am starting to branch out into things other than apparatus photography. But, I digress. I had heard about the Philadelphia Fire Muster, and I decided to go check it out. I got some shots, but have to say I walked away a bit disappointed. I got down there around 10, so most of the rigs were already registered and parked. That kinda kills photo taking like mine. But, I did the best I could with what I had in front of me. Here's Engine 7, Foam 33, Upper Darby's old ladder and the Fireboat Independence. Back to the city in a moment.

Sorry I missed you, Anesti. I was there with my girlfriends son.

As far as I know, they are still trying to get that additional staffing for a 24/7 department.

Nice going, dude. Best of luck.

I'm with Helicopper on this one. While on paper it seems like a great idea, do the agencies want to give up their little fiefdoms?? It would be feasible, but, there would have to be a lot of work to get it done.

He is a kinda well known FDNY buff.

NICE!!!! Tippin the old Mets hat.

IIRC, there was an incident down south where a Trooper was following an older African-American lady for a while with lights and siren, and she did not pull over because the car was unmarked. When she finally pulled over, this trooper got out of his car, gun drawn and screaming at this lady. He yanked her out of the car, etc. People FLIPPED!!! Right after this video hit the press, Gov. Pataki ordered the stoppage.

Grump, they were repainted EMS units with the red/blue striping. The present paint scheme showed up in 1997 or 98, IIRC.

Very nicely laid out. Best of luck with it and it looks like you guys spec'ed it out to fit your needs.

I was about to say, I remember that order. I know NYPD still pulls people over in unmarked cars.

Nice shots.

5th BC was Resource Unit Leader, requested by Div-7. (Quote)So, FDNY getting dual dispatched gets an immediate response of any required resources. How long does a formal mutual aid request take to get fulfilled at that hour?(Quote) I would take a guess and say within 20 minutes. That's just going from my experience.

Someone's been busy. Nice shots, bud.