FFPCogs

Post deleted hit quote instead of edit button....

On the SAFER grant I wholeheartedly agree and hope the City moves ahead with it and adds the 4th to E-8 and 9,... they are needed. Unfortunately though I have thus far been unable to find anyone or anything that supports the Senator's statements in regards to a volunteer portion of this grant. It appears that the application was submitted by retired Asst. Chief Brown without consultation with any volunteers, which in and of itself is not too big a deal, unless our involvement is just a soundbite for the Senator. On the flip side if in fact he included a volunteer component then he will have done much to build another bridge and maybe more importantly garner the support of the volunteers here (and their families, friends and neighbors) to pressure it's acceptance by the City. As for the Charter Revision: Well in my ever so humble opinion based on the meeting I sat through on the 19th, unfortunately I must report that I find myself at odds with the proposals and cannot support them as written. Despite rational and well supported attempts, both in person and through other avenues, to grant representation to the volunteer sector in a meaningful manner, the Revision Commission has instead opted for a shortsighted and divisive direction which ultimately holds potential peril for both "sides". The are far to many questions left unanswered ranging from taxation and costs to questionable wording in regards to authority and who will develop the "plan" to move forward. Additionally as written they have increased the likelihood of the politcalization of the Fire Service, not reduced it, by vesting all authority in Mayoral appointments. But without fail the most glaring oversight is that they ignored the basic and by far most important principle for success in combining the career and volunteer sectors: Monday will see the entire BoR vote on what will be placed on the ballot. It's safe bet that the Fire Service portion, which by the way will be all condenced into one item, will pass and be up for public vote in November. So then it will be up to the public to decide our future, as well it should be...may they do so prudently based not on the fearmongering, misinformation or misjudgements of either "side", but instead on what they truly believe to be in their best interest.

Like I said, great guys doing great things....

Now THAT'S what it's all about. Great guys doing great things. God Bless fellas and job well done!!

Truth be told there are a number of successful R&R programs throughout the nation, some of which I have referred to here in the past. Now whether or not such success will be enjoyed by Stamford is quite another matter and dependent on a number of factors...not the least of which being program management. Also without knowing the particulars of the grant, it's hard to say what options will help ensure an effective program is developed for us. Simply putting up a few signs and some radio and TV ads will garner very little, while LOSAPs do help with retenton but not necessarily productivity. Once we see what's available we can make a better judgement on how best to utilize the grant within the confines of it's terms and the law.

Thanks Mark and I hope you liked the food.... Conrats too to the SFRD and SEMS members who were also recognzed for their dedicated efforts in saving these lives. May this be the start of a new relationship and the first of many such get togethers.

This is news to me and Interesting indeed. As I'm sure you can imagine there are plenty of ways this grant can be used effectively in the volunteer sector once the career staffing portion has been fulfilled if in fact this is not a misprint. Let's hope so.

I'll second Sueg and wish Allingtown FD the best as this new chapter in their history unfolds.

From friend in Afghan: ~shooting fireworks and having cookouts with our family is nice..but let's not forget the sacrifices that made & continues to make this holiday possible!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” ― Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence From these words were created the greatest nation the world has ever seen and the one in which I was fortunate to have been born and proudly serve, so to our Founding Fathers, whose wisdom and courage created our great nation and gave us all the freedoms we celebrate today... Thank You!!! Stay safe

As most here know I work with a bunch of Brits, all of whom are great guys and good FFs. They and most of western Europe having been using the "progressive" techniques touched on in the article, such as exterior cooling before entering and late stage ventilation for years. Works well enough for them, in many cases though this is due to building construction, not just these progressive tactics. While most buildings in Europe may be old they are brick, stone and cement and more often than not compartmentalized...wood is rarely used except some interior work and roofs, not as the main structural element...and this is a significant factor. Time after time during training sessions the tactics I advocate and in fact know work (those practiced regularly in our area) have been derided or should I say "corrected". In most cases what is commonplace around here is described in one of two ways..."archiac" and my favorite, "suicidal". As I often remind my esteemed colleagues from across the pond, the simple fact is there are many considerations that must go into making tactical decisions, including when and where to ventilate...ours is not a job where one size always fits all. I'm sure some valuable and more importantly useful information will come out of these experiments, but probably not very much more so than has already been "discovered". My bet is that since this research will now have the FDNY attached to it, this wll enable us to evolve our tactics with a little less resisitance. But the key word here is evolve, not radically change them...although as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow I would bet some will use this to "justify" just that approach. Stay Safe

Rest in Peace

Having no horse in this race my take on this is purely that of someone on the outside looking in. That said first off I compliment Mr. Kavalev for standing up for what he believes and not abandoning his principles in the face of their unpopularity, but in the next breath I must chastise him for resigning. No matter how much pressue is exerted from outside ultimately change can only happen from within. By quitting Mr. K has greatly reduced the chances of that change taking place. I hope for the sake of him and the IFD an equitable solution is found, but if not he must take responsibility for his decision to resign and accept the consequences of that action. Best of luck to all involved Just an added thought: We would all do well to remember that when we choose to join an organization like a volunteer Fire Dept or Company we are joining them as they are. We, of our our free will, decide to enter into a relationship with an existing entity and it's members, warts and all. We may not like everyone, how they do things or aspects of the organization, but we chose to join them, not the other way around. It is unrealistic and in fact the height of self absorbtion to believe that an organization, possibly one that's been in existence for a hundred or more years, must change to suit us just because we decided to grace them with our presence, no matter how much of a "stand up guy" we are or how screwed up they may be. It is only after we have earned our place that we can look to change that which is to become that which, in our minds, it can become. And this happens only through the avenues that exist within that organization. For a desire for change to take root and it to come about requires that we show a high degree of perseverance, dedication, patience, knowledge and experience that draws others within our organizations to our cause and gains support for that change. In the end, to be a part of the solution we must first and foremost be a part of the organization...the very same one we chose to join.

Well I'm having a little trouble with my computer at the moment so I can't quote, but the point is I agree 100% with CTFF. The problem has been and it seems remains how do we get to building a plan that we can all live with. For my money it involves input from all of us since no one else seems to want to move forward. Yes we are all nothing but small cogs (no pun as I anything but small) in the wheel, but many voices usually have an impact far greater than a few. On another note it is possible for SFRD and volunteers to come together as this article illustrates: http://stamford.patc...#photo-10462222 Let me just say that although we have our disagreements, we at BFD, all of us, repect and value our colleagues from SFRD, the service they provide and the dedication in providing it that we share. So on behalf of the BFD thanks to all who attended. Hopefully this will be the first of many such events.

Agreed let the Charter "extinguish the endless fire battles", which brings me to revisit a concept I floated here a few weeks back which was, not suprisingly, universally panned by my career colleagues in Stamford. That concept is one of a representative Fire Commission, which there is still time to enact BTW. So here's some food for thought on the subject: Most see this as just another attempt to "protect" the volunteers. Well yes of course it is about protecting volunteers, but it is also about protecting all of Stamford's FFs and those we serve. Much has been made of this as being a way for volunteers to maintain the status quo. It isn't about the status quo, it's about offering a voice for all the involved parties at the upper echelons of the administration divorced from politics for all "sides". Yes such a Commission would protect volunteers from a Mayor, like Malloy, who wants to destroy them, but guess what, it would also protect our career brothers from a future Mayor who wants to emasculate them as well. It is just as feasible that a Mayor could be elected who, being "fiscally responsible" aka New London and other towns, looks to cut jobs, "save money" and make a name for themself. Remember as envisioned thus far the Mayor will appoint the Dir. of PSH&W, the Fire Chief and the expanded Fire Commission and it's not a real stretch to imagine them all being lackeys as they have at times been in the past. It quite conceivable that down the road it will be the FD becoming the foil when a villian is needed, and with the volunteers "contained" and no longer "the problem" who's left?. Well I think you can figure that out. Remember under Malloy had the Charter not existed in it's present form, there would be no volunteers now...and as appealing as that may be to some the very same axe could easily swing the other way onto the necks of our career brethren. So with no avenue for appeals or recourse and political hacks and cronies making the decisions, it's a could very well be a done deal. And while it is true they offer a level of protection, ultimately CBA's only go so far....as many a dept has found out. Both "sides" in this have alot to protect and both need a means in which to do so. Both also bring much to the table...all the better if they have a venue in which to do so together. In the end a cautionary word...careful what you wish for, you just might get it.....and realize it only when the knife is lodged firmly in your back .

Thanks for the update G, wasn't aware this latest wrinkle was coming down the pike.

This is a story of the end of a family line of firefighters in Stamford after 3 generations. http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Carella-Rare-firefighting-line-of-succession-ends-3611929.php Thanks for your 27 years of service to our great City Rick and enjoy your retirement.

Unless it's a department wide drill such as EMT, bloodborne pathogens or hazmat ect, we will usually split the attending members into groups or companies of about 5-7 and record who is in which. One group will go out to do Engine work for about 3 weeks or so, one will do Truck work and one Rescue work, each in seperate location either in district or out. After the 3 weeks or until everyone is proficient the companies are then rotated to a different rig and skill set...i.e Engine to Truck, Truck to Rescue and so on. After everyone has rotated through and is proficient with the company level drills we will usually do live burn excercises to put it all together consisting of anywhere from 6 - 8 scenario based burns in a day long drill all done in real time with members again being rotated through the different roles they have practiced over the previous 10 or so weeks. Now since not all members attend all drills by recording the attendees and their evolutions we are able to keep a record of who has done what and to what level. We can then tailor drills to the specific needs of both the department and the members to an extent. Example FF X has done the Truck and Rescue element but he/she needs Engine work proficiency training so as they attend drills they will be placed with the Engine company until he/she has proven their proficiency in that discipline. Weekly variations incorporated into the company evolutions include putting FFs in the officer roles, breaking in new drivers, drafting or tanker shuttle ops ( a novelty for us), FAST and hi rise/standpipe ops ect. While this is ongoing we will do specialized department drills as the facilities or resources become available such as vehicle extrication, collapse, water rescue and any other topic that comes along outside of our normal FF evolutions. We also conduct building familiarizations and walkthrough regularly. Plus we run a seperate specific 12 week probie class that all new members must complete before moving into the company level drills. Inclusive of all this, drills are designed to prepare the members in need for the in house promotional testing we conduct. Probies are prepared for our 2nd class (grade) exam and 2nd class members for our 1st class/officer prep exam. Hope this helps

Thanks Monty, you pretty much sum up my view but I will clarify a bit. When I say the "Charter Commission disagreed maybe others won't" in regards to creating a representative fire commision I mean I will undertake every opportunity to get the language to be placed on the Charter changed until those opportunities have passed. I steadfastly believe a Fire Commission made up of representatives from the career, the volunteer and the public is in everyone's best interest as all the parties affected would have a say. I know others within BFD agree with this goal but that is not a definitive answer as to their ultimate decision in the polling booth. Whether or not that change in language happens is another story and quite frankly until I see a final version of what WILL be on the referendum I cannot say how I will vote one way or the other. Obviously if the Fire Service issues are broken down into segments such as one chief as one, revised districts as another ect ect I would vote on each according to what I beleive is best..and for the record I will say I would vote for one Chief contingent upon some concrete safeguards (other than a fire commission) being in place vis a vis volunteer representation. If on the other hand all aspects of the Fire Service are on one line it may be that I will have to vote no for the whole package as there may be aspects I consider detrimental to our Fire Service as a whole. Again it is all dependent on the final language on the ballot. And let's be completely clear on something else...I cannot and will not speak for ANYONE else, BFD member or not, on how they might vote the Charter Revision referendum, that is solely their right and perogative and their vote will be theirs alone to cast when the time comes. Oh and BTW I have arranged my leave schedule so I can be home to vote in person....no uncounted absentee ballot for me, thank you very much. The same can be said, in fact must be said, of my SFRD colleagues here. I believe in being honest, forthright and open as I have nothing to hide, apparently other contributors here are not quite so forthcoming. It has been weeks since I posed a question to my SFRD colleagues here asking for their opinions on our future as they envision it. The sad truth is I have answered every question put to me here openly and honestly but as of yet I have failed to recieve any answer save one, to the questions I have posed. So again I will ask...as we move forward what do you, my SFRD colleagues and fellow EMTBravo members, envision as our mutual future in terms of command, responses, volunteer represenation, integration ect? Cogs

Our rigs are not armored nor do they have any other special safety devices ect due to their deployment in the war zone. The only specialized equipment is a lock wrench for getting into MRAPs and Buffalos (mine resistant armored vehicles) since normal extrication tools are next to useless. Other than the two Rosenbauer Panthers above all of our rigs are bought used from FDs Stateside or in Europe and as such carry just the basics. Truth be told none of the rigs out here were designed for this environment and they take a beating with at least one of the fleet being down everyday. As for our personal safety during attacks...that comes from wearing our flak vests under our turnouts.

We here at KAF are fast becoming a European Fire Brigade. To that end here's a pic of one of two identical new addtions. These ARFF rigs were built by Rosenbauer to European specs with fully integrated electronic controls. Cost $1,000,000 a pop And it only gets better. Coming soon new turnout gear from Britain with these our new helmets....uggghhh!!!! Tactics to follow...boy oh boy I can't wait......

People often question why we are here and Americans are fighting and dying in Afghanistan. To that I offer this excerpt of a letter written by Sgt William Stacey to his family to be read in the event of his death. Sgt. Stacey was on his fourth deployment when he was killed by a homemade bomb on Jan.31st earler this year. The 23 year old Marine from Redding, California, told his family that he was motivated to fight in Afghanistan to protect the country's children and provide them the opportunity to go to school and live out their dreams. His words from the letter to his family: "There will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home to come to his," Stacey wrote in his letter. "He will have the gift of freedom which I have enjoyed for so long myself, and if my life brings the safety of a child who will one day change the world, then I know that it was all worth it." Sgt Stacey's letter was read in full by Marine General John Allen, top Commander in Afghanistan, during a Memorial day ceremony in Kabul. In his remarks concluding the ceremony Gen Allen noted the following: "Despite the human cost of the war, the soldiers who have fallen did not die in vain. While our brothers and sisters fell in a place far from home, far from their families, the values for which they stood and for which they lived and for which they died occupy an enduring place in our hearts," said Allen. "Those values: freedom, duty, selflessness and sacrifice." And this, to protect the weak and give security and opportunity to those without any, to live up to our values as a Nation, is in part why we fight and why we must. You back home see very little of what's happening here other than the body count and the relentless onslaught of negativity by the media. You do not see the schools built count, the villages made safe count, the medical treatment provided count, the children fed count and so on. Lives here have been improved and by virtue of that our nation is more secure. In the end the lives of the American service members lost here will be in vain only if you let them be. God Bless America Cogs

RIP

There will be no picnic at the firehouse on Monday. No joyous afternoon of parades and parties, burgers and beers. Instead we will stop, bow our heads in silence and take a moment to thank and honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Daily we see the results of war and of that sacrifice as flag draped caskets begin their final journey home, so a day of fun and frolick is not what Memorial Day is about for us here. All I would ask of my brothers back home is to do the same for one brief moment. Please just take a minute out of your busy lives and happy holiday to give silent thanks to all those who have died for your freedom and given you the luxury of that backyard barbarque. Thank you God Bless America and all who serve her!!!! Cogs

There have been may lives lost on far flung beaches, in steaming jungles and in the hot desert sun over the years to keep our flag flying high, it is the duty of the living to honor the memory of those lives lost for our freedom. May all those departed souls rest in peace and solace be granted the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. God bless America!!