FFPCogs

And disagreeing is not the end or an insurmountable obstacle, it is in fact the beginning of the process towards resolution. I'm confident that through negotiation a deal could be struck on this or any other issue. Well we do agree that hoping for a volunteer response is not ideal, but better perhaps than eliminating volunteers altogether, which is what the SFRD plan in effect does. Cogs

And in very short order there will be no volunteers and it will be the taxpayers who suffer that loss acutely. There has been no cooperation in regards to reorganizing Stamford's fire service that's for sure and a quick review of history will illustrate what happens when the City dictates anything in this case. All career is not the answer nor is all volunteer. Paid "supported" by volunteer or volunteer "supported" by paid is not the answer. What is the answer is an integrated system whereby each sector is utilized in a fashion which will not increase expenses while still providing enough trained and qualified personnel on duty to respond citywide 24/7. This can be done in a manner which has been explained here throughout this thread. Doing so would surely be "leading by example" by "coordinating the implentation of a real" and lasting progressive system for the taxpayers of Stamford. Cogs

Wow have you not been following along these last few pages? The "way to go" is to integrate the sectors, period and niether current plan does that. It is rumored that neither will make it through the BoR in which case another "plan" will be necessary. If in fact that becomes the case what do you say we learn from the past few years and try to develop one together based, as I stated earlier, on cooperation instead of dictation? Cogs

As much as this may shock you I concur with you by and large. But simply shifting a few paid Engines around and also hoping for a volunteer response or stripping additional paid units from other parts of the City to cover the gaps is also folly, is it not? And since you threw out about the AHJ remember the VFDs currently ARE the AHJs in their specified districts and SFRD should be following what they order...using your logic that is. Niether of the plans thus far presented to the BoR is the panacea to this ongoing dilema, ergo a new one is in order...and it should be one based in cooperation, not dictation. Cogs

Niether of which helps the taxpayers of Stamford. Better fire protection Citywide with no cost increases should be the goal, nothing less!!! A foundation that works towards meeting that goal has graced these pages for quite some time and while still in need of work, no one has come up with a better one. I'm all for working together but the key word there is together, utilizing the assets that exist now in a more productive and efficient way, not relegating those willing to serve to a secondary status and shuffling a few paid Engine Co's around and eliminating a Truck Co thereby reducing the overall level of fire protection Citywide. Cogs

Yes it is and if SFRD can put at least one 4 men Engine Company in every station in Vollywood with no increase in taxes I'd seriously consider supporting it fully, unfortunately I don't see how that is possible. Under the current SFRD plan BFD is without SFRD in the house, and LR would only get 3 per station (i.e. 8 & 9) so right there that's another 24 personnel. BFD = 4 platoons of 4 = 16 total LR = 1 more man per station X 2 stations =2 X 4 platoons = 8 total 8+16 = 24 total Cogs

OK as usual it is not quite that simple. There are legalities involved, but there is also the cost to be borne by Mrs. Smith. Serving her also means doing so in a manner which won't break her bank. So I take you believe that the SFRD plan should be adopted because it is in Mrs. Smith's best interest? Hmmm well the ideas put forth on these pages by myself and others actually INCREASE her protection well beyond the SFRD plan and do so for less money. Now I'm not a rocket scientist, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last nite, and if you ask me a higher level of service coupled with no additional tax drain on her wallet is what really serves Mrs. Smith. BTW a review of this thread will show the numbers...feel free to look back. I had to repeat this phrase. Unity of pupose is to serve all the Mrs. Smiths and under the circumstances that exist here that means we all must compromise, not just the VFDs... and like it or not, that my friend is a fact of life!!! Cogs

I believe the Mayor has chosen what he believes to be the best option under our rather unique circumstances, but like any such choice there will always be detractors. For now as you said 888 has put forth what is the only option on the table for consideration by the BoR, it is now up to them to decide. And although they also have been given an overview of the SFRD plan, it is currently not open for a vote. IMO the SFRD plan is itself in need of a reassesment as it basically does away with volunteers no matter what spin is put on it otherwise.The point of our tete a tetes here is that there does exist the possibility that niether the SVFD plan or the SFRD plan would pass the BoR. If that does occur I happen to believe that it is in everyone's best interest to have laid the groundwork for a more cooperative effort in creating a "new" plan. Our discusssions here do in fact open the door just a crack into what might be possible on that front. I will not dispute your views on scheduling, as they are completely legitmate from your perspective, but what we must all realize is that to get a unified service first requires the unity of those who will perform the service. We can only achieve that unity of purpose when all views are given due respect and a compromise is struck. Hypothetically as an example, it may be that the work schedule is something SFRD will have to give in order to get each VFD to relinquish it's legal "fiefdom". Whatever the points may be it is evident that past practices have not worked in terms of building a unified service...force will not work now and probably won't for the foreseeable future. What then is left, only negotiation leading to compromise. Cogs

First off thanks for the response. So it would seem that in some ways we are closer than not, and on other points still some work to be done. What this tells me is that given an opportunity a workable, long lasting, and mutually beneficial agreement can be reached through a process that most should be familiar with.....negotiation. Each difference has a middle ground which could be met and that would offer the public the best bang for their buck. And I'm convinced that it can be done while still taking into account the few points on which each side will not budge...if any. . Just a quick side note: Since this would obviously be a major sticking point let me just relay my thinking on the day staffing concept...... The average annual number of hours worked currently for SFRD is 2184 or ninety one 24 hours tours in a four platoon rotation The average annual number of hours to be worked under the option I propose is also 2184 or one hundred eighty two 12 hour tours in a two platoon rotation To accomplish this would mean that some personnel would be assigned to the 2nd (or volunteer) Battalion. This might seem unusual but there are a number of locals in which members work different schedules dependent upon where they are assigned. While it may be unpopular in some (or many) respects, compromising is such a fashion will ensure jobs are not lost...in fact when doing the math it becomes clear that there would even be some promotions involved, i.e creating a two Deputies for the 2nd Battalion, plus other company officers as well I do believe. And as for overtime I know it is common practice for members to work a 1/2 shift now...why would they not be able to do one 1/2 tour "up North" when needed to fill any vacancies for a given day tour? Or maybe even say full 12 hour day tour at BFD and the remaining 12 hour night tour at say 4 Company...members do move from station to station in one tour covering vacancies now don't they? This concept would not be the "logistical nightmare" it may appear to be and this I know because it is currently working in a number of countywide FDs with far larger career staffs working a multitude of schedules. The key to resolving this mess in a manner that will have a long lasting positive outcome for all is to maximize the similarities we share while minimizing the differences...doing so will put the public first and offer us our best hope in reforming our fire service. Anything is possible and as I've said so many times before, failure to try guarantees only one thing....failure. Cogs

So be it but it is the framework that is in place and niether SFRD, the VFDs or anyone one of us can change it unilaterally no matter how "right" it may be to do so. And on that note I will say that the Mayor's plan does indeed take into account the legalities involved in Stamford, something that the previous administration tried to ignore and paid for in court more than once. Cogs

As a disclaimer let me just say that the following is my opinion and mine alone...this is not nor should it be construed to be a policy or platform of the volunteer fire service of Stamford. Well for starters here's one we both agree on that has met resistance in Vollywood in the past: Beyond that: Consolidate into one Division (or battalion if you prefer) (SFRD being the other) Allow SFRD duty personnel in the volunteer houses M-F 7a - 7p on a 3 on 3 off rotation. This will allow career members to work the same number of hours annually thus maintaining their salaries Accept an SFRD Deputy Chief as IC and SFRD Company Officers for those same hours Coordinate/participate in all training through SFRD training division Answer to a Commission, Commissioner or Dir. of PS (same with SFRD) Guarantee minimum staffing (4 per station) and responses by volunteer personnel during their duty hours (7p - 7a) to nationally recognized standards...failures to do so will mean station(s) turned over to SFRD full time Standardized equipment/purchasing (as long as the minumum standard/spec are maintained VFDs can add to their equipment/rigs using their own funds) Provide qualified volunteer duty Chiefs (Deputies) for volunteer duty hours (this is basically done now [411 goes just about eveywhere] but not formalized) Volunteer Chiefs would become Deputies and no longer be department heads Accept one paid Division Chief (Chief of Volunteer Services) to coordinate and oversee all volunteer personnel and operations (directly answerable to the Commission(er) or Dir. of PS) Sign a contract which specifies duties, grievances procedues, performance standards, ect ect Standardized uniforms/ station wear Standardized by-laws Eliminate districts as they are to be replaced by first due response areas Well there's a few to start So in the interest of conversation what would you personally be willing to comprise on?...after all being that this is a hypothetical conversation turn around is fair play. Cogs

Good question but one that I cannot answer. I'm fairly certain that much of this division stems from when the City Charter (which was written in 1949) merged the City and Town of Stamford. While I and others may disagree with this situation the fact is (and as much as I hate hearing this phrase here at work, it applies).....it is what it is. Cogs

I'm not slamming anybody, just stating what is. I do not know te breakdown of costs, I have only seen a document stating money in and money out for fire protection in the VF districts...alot more comes in than goes out. As for what I believe well as I've said time and again there are other options beside the two current ones, but they have not been afforded any amount of study or any serious consideration now have they? Both "sides" here seemed determined to have it their way or no way and in the end it will end up that everybody loses...not the least of which being the public we all serve. Let me be clear about my agenda....24/7 standardized staffing by competent, well trained, effective fire service personnel comprised of both career and volunteer sectors in a fully integrated chain of command. Cut costs while providing exceptional service. It can be done with no layoffs and relatively little if any increase in spending to Stamford's overall fire service expenditures. Compromise by all so that all will benefit is my agenda!! Cogs

Well it's been awhile since I added anything here so I thought I'd just give a little update on things and maybe spout off a little about some recent developments in this part of the world. So first off I'm just back form R&R, starting my 3rd shift back on tomorrow. It was great to get home, be the wife and kids, smell and feel the rain and see things with colors other than tan. My little guy is playing football and my daughter is a cheerleader so weekends were spent watching them on the field. I managed to get home in time for a 9/11 memorial dedication ceremony which was beautiful, and in my travels saw a number of really great ones as well...I must take this opportunity to pass along that I think the one a 5 Company in Stamford is one of, if not the best one I've ever seen...great job guys!!!!! That said, we had some interesting incidents just prior to my departure home and a couple since I've been back (10/20). The most notable occured my first shift back when a suicide bomber attempted to detonate a tanker truck of propane at one of the entry points. Thankfully (and quite honestly mercifully) the bomb makers wired the device wrong and it not only exploded prematurely but because it was ill placed it only destroyed the cab and driver (only his feet remained in the cab) of the vehicle. No coalition forces were injured and the propane tank was emptied and then destroyed. This one could have been much, much worse. An assesment by the military concluded that had the device exploded properly niether I nor up to 2500 other people here would be talking to anyone right now. They estimated the blast radius would have easily encompassed a 1/4 of the base. Another note on this: it has been said that the VBIED exploded prematurely because the driver did it early purposely. Why you might ask? Well becuase his family was being held hostage to force him to carry out the attack. I saw this many times in Iraq and find it to be quite plausible. Whether that's true or he was just an idiot either way this guy saved hundreds if not thousands of lives...so thank you Mohammed. Another noteworthy event took place just short of my R&R when an incoming rocket hit a wooden schoolhouse used by the kids of locals that work on base. No children were in the building at the time. A rocket hit it square and it was engulfed upon our arrival send a huge plume of black smoke int the morning sky. An adjacent wooden building roughly 100X50 (exposure 1) was also involved upon arrival. The schoolhouse was a total loss but we did save the exposures. A job well done by the boys who, in addition to the heat, regular turnout gear and dust, also had to contend with our body armor for the duration as it was a while before the all clear was given. And the day I was leaving another suicide bomber on the North side met his maker before he managed to blow himself (and more importantly any of us) to Allah thanks to the quick work of our Force Protection guys. Along with that is the usual 3 to 5 calls a day and incoming on a fairly regular basis as described earlier here. September and October have brought about some interesting and to me potentially disturbing changes to the landscape over here in the Middle East. As I'm sure we all know by now the world is rid of Moammar Khadafiy. I for one am as happy as pie at that outcome, but what baffles me is the calls for an investigation into his death. What's to investigate?... a murderous barbaric dictator got what was coming to him from his own people. Who cares if he had a trial or not in a world court...he had a trial on the spot, was sentenced and the sentence was carried out...bye bye Moammar and good riddance!! Another rather profound change is the recent announcement of the removal of all U.S. combat troops from Iraq. Now on this I'm not so sure we're taking the right path. I know a pledge was made by our President and he is in fact adhering to a tentative timetable set by his predecessor, but in reality folks the Iraqis are in no position to survive without us there. Ok so some may say so what screw them anyway...and that's one option. But I take a slightly different view on it. We have spilled the blood of thousands of American service members (and some civilians too) on that soil. Do we now just walk away and let their sacrifice be in vain as the country degenerates into chaos once again until Iran steps in. One may not agree with why we were there in the first place, but we would be safer in the long run to keep a presence there awhile longer if you ask me. And as far as this place goes, well I don't see us pulling out in 2014 but of we do it will most lilely be another mistake as this cradle of the taliban will once agin become a breeding ground and save haven for terrorists. Which brings me to the latest statement from that squeaky clean, most upstanding poster child of the incorruptable politician, Hamid Karzai. This "President" of Aghanistan has publically stated that in the event of a war between Pakistan and the U.S., he would side with Pakistan. So much for loyalty huh boys and girls? This POS seems to forget that he exists only because we, in an effort to promote self determination, let him. But hey judging from what I've seen the Afghan National Army is not a real source of worry on the battlefield...except maybe to each other. One more opinion if I may....Pakistan is a powder keg waiting to blow my friends. It is from there that the majority of this war's "freedom fighters" have emerged. They have been playing both sides for years and with the death of Osama and Karzai's statements relations between us are becoming more and more strained each day. I fear things will get worse before they get better in this part of the world and hope that all of you will stand in support our Nation if these troubles increase. Hey if the Mayans and Hollywood are right and 2012 is the end I'm sure it is right here that the end will start...this part of the world is as f****ed up as it gets. Stay safe and thanks for all you all do on the homefront (especially my Belltown Boys AtW since 1928) Cogs

As it stands money raised in the volunteer districts for fire protection is supposed to be used to fund each volunteer department, and not SFRD. This is a hold over from the days when the City of Stamford and the long gone Town of Stamford (what we now call North Stamford) themselves merged. For a number of years dating back to long before 2008 money has been syphoned off from the taxes raised "up North" to fund SFRD. Under the proposed revisions in the Mayor's plan each department would be funded exclusively from the funds raised in their districts. In other words the taxes from the people of downtown (SFRD district) would be the sole source for SFRD funding and the same for North Stamford (SVFD district). As a result there would no longer be the tax dollars from up North available to help fund SFRD as there are now and that shortfall would result in a tax increase for the downtown residents/businesses to maintain the current service level there. It has been stated that many up North may actually enjoy a slight tax reduction if the plan is implemented, as they would no longer be responsible for helping to fund SFRD. But alas this situtaion being as convoluted as it is means that it is not quite that simple. Fact is SFRD maintains 4 pieces of appartatus and their attendent crews "up North" at present and those have to be paid for by someone and rightfully they are being paid for (at least in part) by the residents of Glenbrook, Springdale and TOR. And since both BFD and LRFCo utilize SFRD as well they must also contribute. But the funds being collected are in excess of the costs associated with those SFRD assets stationed up North and their responses into the districts. Also as we saw with Malloy the VFDs are being underfunded as well. In effect this whole mess was Malloys attempt to get hold of the potential tax dollars up North which could then be used anywhere not just for the fire service. This whole debacle was, is and always will be about money and anyone who thinks otherwise is either extremely naive or seeking to push an agenda. At least for some of us we readily accept and admit this fact, and in doing so can then expend our resources on what will best serve ALL ......others it seems would rather spend precious time, money and energy on developing covers for their agendas under the cloak of "public safety". Cogs

No you're way off base. I'll accept a plan that integrates command so that firefighters follow the direction of officers be they career or volunteer. It has been often repeated here that a major sticking point is that some, or maybe many, career members feel unsure or unsafe taking direction from volunteer officers and in cases maybe rightly so. What I have been hammering from day one is standardized training, testing and quailifcations for ALL officer positions regardless of whether they are career or volunteer to help alleviate this problem. That coupled with guaranteed staffing using volunteers where possible in their existing areas and when not by career personnel. I am convinced that the day paid, night volunteer system can and will work as it does elsewhere with some adjustments to suit some valid concerns. The main obstacle to that option is the career opposition to a change in their work schedules plain and simple. As I see it the cost saving of utilizing volunteers in their houses at night (and possibly even weekends at some stations), along with the far more important priority that every station in town would have a minimum 4 man trained crew on duty 24/7 is a win win for the public. This has all been explained here, along with the chain of command, duty schedules, blah blah blah ad nauseum as a foundation on which to build, but it has been bypassed. I'm convinced that this is indeed a valid option, but it is one that has been ignored mainly because it solves the problem without serving anyone's agenda other than the public's. There are of course other options out there, but any that relegates volunteers to a secondary or support status simply because they are volunteers I absolutely cannot and will not support. Cogs

Yes this thread has quieted down quite a bit. It is sometimes tough for me to get online for any length of time given my current environment, but when I can I invariably check in. No I didn't say that Greenwich and Danbury don't work, what I said was there are combination systems that DO work further afield..i.e. Montgomery Cty MD, PA, TX, VA and elsewhere. Which leads to the integration issue. In those systems the integration is far more extensive especially in Montgomery where ALL officers and FFs are trained and certified to the same standards using the same methodologies and testing methods as well as the same annual recert programs. This removes or at least greatly reduces the supposed discrepencies between career and volunteer FF and officer qualifications. On scene a company is a company regardless of paycheck or not....and since staffing is also a component of these systems there is ALWAYS a specified crew assigned to each unit or station. Here again far more integration in that some of those staffed units/stations are career and some are volunteer...why some are even both. Imagine there are even career and vollies working off the same rig as ONE crew, will wonders never cease?. This to the best of my knowledge this is not the case in either Greenwich or Danbury or many other places for that matter. Now to be fair I am not very well versed in all things DFD related other than the latest consolidation attempts there, but as far as Greenwich is concerned they have some very useful and proven ideas and programs that could be used in Stamford as well. The key word there is some. For us, the key to resolving our particular situation and in resolving it in a lasting and productive way, is to take the best of what works elsewhere, combine it and come out the other side with something that will serve ALL of us and more importantly Stamford's residents to the highest degree. No disresepect intended but IM not so H opinion that means looking a little farther than the other side of the Mianus river. Cogs p.s. Let me just add that the notion of looking outside Stamford for ideas is in no way meant to disrespect or question the experience, knowledge, dedication or qualifications of ANY of those involved in resolving the situation. But when looking at things objectively it is quite evident that a number of impasses exist in Stamford which makes bringing both sides together extremely difficult at best ...and this is one more area in which some of these other systems can act as models, having already successfully overcome these or similar circumstances.

And yet again I must reiterate that there are combination systems...working combination systems, that offer models far more integrated and successful the Greenwich or Danbury. Time to get out of the box and expand your horizons to build what Stamford needs. Cogs

NYBIU = penny wise and pound foolish. I hope all goes well for the Patrol and have already given my suport both on paper and in the checkbook. Cogs

Well it's been a little while since I put forth an installment of the ongoing "Life in Afghanistan" saga, so here's the latest. It's been a busy couple of weeks here in terms of work and our unsolicited visits from the towel heads. First up is the work. We've had a number of working fires of late including 2 barracks, 2 small storage sheds, a food warehouse and a fire which consumed 10 seacans (connex's) and their contents. All of these have been on blue shift leaving red shift to only dream of putting out a fire, (seems all the white clouds have congregated on that shift). On top of those fires Blue has also had 3 car fires, 1 truck fire and 4 MVA's two of which were rollovers. Why we even had to do some extracation on one of them which landed on it's roof in a drainage ditch. All of these incidents were during the day except the connex's, which happened just as we sat down to dinner. The others were all middle of the day 125-135 degree ambient temperature events. Well if nothing else the pounds do drop away in turnouts at 125. In all instances injuries were slight and damage held to a minimum by the quick work of all involved. Another example of training paying off as we've been hammering the basics and the results have proven to be worth the effort. I do have pics but they will not load for some reason, (most likely a Hajji conspiracy to prevent news from reaching the outside world...LOL). As soon as our internet issues are resolved I'll get them up. On to the other news. It's Ramadan which for those that don't know is a monthlong Muslim holiday, or should I say religious observance. It seems that although all devout Muslims will not drink, smoke or eat anything during daylight hours in honor of this observance, they sure as hell have no problem throwing the mortars and rockets our way. We've spent quite a bit of time in the bunkers, which being concrete retain all of the days heat well into the overnight hours. We've had numerous impacts on base including a couple in the ammo storage areas....alot of big booming things in there...but thus far the only really close ones were dudus save on phosphorus round which caught a tent on fire but was quickly handled by the staff. The fuel points still seem to be of intense interest as well, but again thanks to the Chinese made presents we get mostly duds. We did get a close call when a 107mm hit just outside a barracks in the Canadian compound. Two injuries which we treated prior to the ambulances arrival. Both will be fine with just some shrapnel to the legs and back. We did learn that our T-walls (think Jersey barriers on steriods) can hold up to the rockets pretty well. This one impacted and exploded against one and the wall held firm while taking the brunt of the blast, although a 4x4x6 storage box ceased to exist. That's not to say there was no damage, in fact the barrack suffered some pretty extensive hits. The main entrance was blown inwards in a V pattern for a good 4-5 feet and all the windows shattered. We also found the padlock from the disintegrated storage box implanted in a leg of a bunkbed, (being a Master Lock ™ it was still locked firmly a testament to American padlock ingenuity and integrity). This was one of many shrapnel holes which dotted the sides of 3 buildings altogether. Yeah when these things go off they can inflict alot of damage and pain. Anyway it does get better. The very next shift as two of my Blue crew "mates" (like the Brit influence...LOL) sat outside another 107mm rocket came screaming in and landed a mere 50 ft...yeah that's right 50 feet...away. No one saw it land, all that was seen was a cloud of dust followed immediately by the rocket alarm. Off to the bunker we went until the EOD guys arrived. The entire area around the firehose was cordoned off and the ARFF crews and rigs evacuated...structural had to hang around just in case...of what I don't know, but just in case. So in the end our near miss did not go off and EOD decided to leave it where it landed and came to rest...9ft underground through, as anyone who's ever been in a desert knows, hard packed almost rocklike soil. And this incomng has continued unabated with only 2 of the last 10 days being quiet. Today has been in and out of the bunker all day, (I think right now were at 6 times and it's only three in the afternoon). Ahhh Ramadan gotta love it!! Of course we were all saddened by the loss of the 31 last week, along with another 8 or so recently..I know for sure 5 just the other day in a roadside bomb...they went home Thursday night I think. As always we pay our respects respectfully from a distance to honor the fallen. On a lighter note I'm outta here and homeward bound for a monthlong R&R in four weeks and I can't f***ing wait!!!!!!! Stay safe all and to all thanks for your efforts on the homefront Cogs

I appreciate the thought of passing along my experiences and I don't have a problem with it, so long as it for informational or entertainment purposes. I am very familiar with some of the Red Horse guys as they oversaw the construction of our fire station at Leatherneck last year. As far as British forcible entry goes, truth be told I have not gotten too deeply into that subject with my UK colleagues yet. Our only discussions have been centered around the Irons and they're use. As with most of what we do although there are differences in techniques or tools, in the end the same procedures need to be caried out. One big difference is that they do not subscribe to VES. Thre is no way a search team will enter a building without a charged hoseline (or more often than not the hose reel in their case), so venting, entering and searching is an alien and almost it seems suicidal concept for them. The other responsibilites of that position carry a similar unfamiliarity to the Brits as well since they're ventilation is most often done after or just as the fire is being doused, not as an integral part of the extinguishment process. Roofs are also generally cut from the "safety" of an aerial platform only, if at all, so it would be rare indeed to see a roof team actually on the roof. In fact verticle ventilation seems to have become a lost art (if it ever was one) across the pond, so any venting will be done horizontally after the fact by what we might call an OV team. On a side note in a discussion with my British counterpart from the other (Red) shift this morning outlining some equipment changes I made to the rig, I was quite shocked to find out that most times his crew did not take tools with them off the bat. To me that is an alien concept for sure as I still remember and am a firm believer that, as I was taught, you should always have a tool, the proper tool, in your hand and ready to use at a scene. I explained that for me I designate jobs for the crew based on where a member sits on the rig. Can man sits behind me, so his extinguisher and hook are now readily available within easy reach. The Irons man sitting behind the driver has his set of irons now mounted directly across from his seat in the cab. In the event of a job the guy behind me takes nozzle and the Irons man keeps his tools and ends up as the back up or door man depending on our staffing. The middle seat or 3rd FF in the rear (when avaliable) acts as the gopher at smells and bells and the back-up man at a job. As the Officer I'm expected to remain outside and "direct", but in the work we've done thus far I seem to end up inside directing, and or searching as needed. I also subscribe to the belief that at a working fire our primary job when first due is to get water on the fire and as such the crew seating/assignments are designed to meet that goal. For better or worse that philosphy has now been adopted as defacto SOP because it has been proven by events to work here. In closing let me just say welcome to the fire service, I hope you make a lifetime of it and gain as much from it as many of us have. Stay safe Cogs

Well another week has passed and that means I'm one week closer to getting home for R&R...6 more to go. Speaking of home I think this entry may be somewhat more personal than most because as I get closer to home I find myself thinking more and more about it. Now I'm not the emotional or sentimental type (according to my wife... ) other than the occasional angry outburst, but in keeping with the idea of giving a clear, albeit personal, view of life here for those that may want to embark on this path, I think in todays installment I'm going to share a little more on the trials and tribulations but equally important the positives and benefits of life here. First off let me digress back to home and the universal malady that affects everyone here....homesickness. Yep even hardened firemen miss home at times, especally those of us with wives and children. For me yesterday was another reminder of what I'm missing. My wife attended the wedding of a friend and later after they were sent, I looked at the pictures. Everyone was happy, as they should be, and life went rolling merrily along except that I, perhaps selfishly, was,...well, saddened. This because of the fact that I was not the one standing beside my beautifully stunning wife enjoying the nuptials of a friend. As we all know sacrifice is a part of all of our lives, and we all accept that as a part of who and what we are. But in some respects it may be just a little bit more so for those that choose to work over here...we can't get relief guys to cover a shift so we can take half a nite or day off for a child's school play or big football game, holidays or birthdays or whatever. You give up alot coming here and again I'm not crying about that, I'm just making anyone interested aware that life will go on without you back home. And sometimes missing those parts of life can leave a large void. Some can't take it. I recall my first deployment to Iraq, my roommate, who also traveled to the camp with me, was there only 3 days and realized he couldn't do it, he couldn't become frozen in time and space in the sandbox. And in some ways that's what working here is like...we call it Groundhog day. At times it seems as if the clock is just spinning here and not moving forward, it stays the same for what feels like an endless cycle of days and nights simply repeating themselves where even the weather doesn't change. This sentiment invariably gets stronger for everyone here as events, good and bad, unfold back home. You quickly come to realize that you are not really an active part of the life back home anymore and have no control over it. Many accept this fact but for those that don't, most quit at their first R&R after they've arrived home and just can't come back because of that realization. Of course this epiphany is really only a minor inconvenience for us, as we can leave any time we want, but for the military it is a situation that is far more than an inconvenience and I am in no way trying to compare the two. In the end anyone thinking of coming over here must have the full understanding of what they will give up, and in some cases that sacrifce can extend all the way to wives and families as couples become lonely and grow apart. Many a marriage has come to a bitter end for guys here as the partners, both here and at home, seek solace to fill the voids. Ok enough melancholia. For all the trials and tribulations that have graced these last few installments there is a flip side to the coin. There are positive aspects and benefits to working out here which go beyond the obvious financial ones although that is a good place to start. This contract I'm currently on is one of the lower paying ones and I have no problem telling all that I stand to make just about 80K per year here as a Crew Chief (Engine Co. Officer). A firefighter can expect between 60-70K here at Kandahar. Not that anyone cares but the reasons I took this particular job are threefold of equal importance: 1. The pay, I do have a family to support 2. The desire to support and protect our troops in their mission here 3. The leave (R&R) package. We get 30 days off every 90 days with full pay. And for this family man that is a huge attraction and benefit of greater personal importance than the money alone. Now as I said this is one of the lesser paying FD jobs out there, and for most guys out here money is naturally the most important motivator. Most jobs pay well over 100K a year with 30 days off annually. Crew Chiefs regularly pull in between 140-150K and Chiefs up to 200K. with 91.5 K being tax free for all. So as you can see this can be a lucrative means of making living. When done right a semi intelligent person can make their life here open doors that would have probably remained closed otherwise. And of course the money allows for many of the other "perks" that come from our efforts. Travel, who wouldn't like to take long expensive vacations. Most firemen here do, especially the single guys. A single guy with half a brain can see the world and still have a good deal of money left over to build a life back home. Start a business, go to school, buy a house..I think you get the idea there. Or for the less prudent, splurge, go nuts and indulge every perverse whim that strikes your fancy in places like Thailand or the Phillipines, both of which hold the top spot as destinations for the single set here. A single colleague is going to Bali, yeah that paradisical island, for a month come October. Rio, Europe and Greek Isles or the Costa del Sol and Monaco, Japan, China and the rest of Asia, Hawaii...you name it and guys have gone there with the money they've made here. The possibilities are almost endless for the single. Of course for the more subdued or the family men, well it's really nice not to ever have to worry about paying a bill. Or better yet to work a year or two and pay off and OWN your house. How about treating the kiddies to all those things you never had as a kid and treating your wife to the things she deserves for putting up with you, because you can. Maybe take the family on a cruise at a whim. Here's another important one to any parent..college tuition in the bank. These are just some of the things made possible from the money earned working out here. Self indulgences, yeah there's alot of that too. Cars, boats, motorcycles and all the newest, latest and greatest gadgets or electronic devices and toys out there have been bought outright by guys here. Clothes, jewlery, food, and "wine, women and song" along with just about anything else you can think of can be yours for your time and efforts. Here's one that tops the list for alot of the married guys...new boobs for the wife (thankfully I don't share that "need" as my wife is amply appointed in that department). Yeah that's right, all you plastic surgeons rejoice, I'll bet almost a quarter of the guys I've worked with over the years have invested in, as the joke says, that one of the two things fathers play with that's meant for the kids...the other being toy trains. But alas, of that quarter more than half have found themselves without that investment to play with after all as their wives have moved on to "bigger" and better things...maybe because as men we don't enjoy the luxury of being able to enhance our natural attributes. Well enough about that, as I'm sure you all get the picture as far as the money goes, other than to say that for me personally my time and the money earned over here past and present, has afforded my family and me the opportunity to live a modest yet relatively comfortable life..and that is worth putting up with any depravation as far as I'm concerned. There are of course other far less tangible benefits to working out here which, depending on your personality, can be very rewarding. For most, supporting the troops is, if not tied with first among the reasons to be here, certainly one of the top five. Patriotism abounds out here especially with the Canadians, Brits and us Americans and I have seen it lived on every deployment I've been on. I too feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride in working for my Country and our military, even if it is indirectly. We regularly go above and beyond or to use the business term, "push the limits of the SOW" (scope of work) when dealing with the troops because to the vast majority of us they deserve at least that. Those that don't believe in "helping out" usually don't hang around too long, since they quickly come to find out (with a little help) that this isn't the kind of place for them. Then there's the work. I love being a fireman and have since I was 16, (for those who feel that as a volunteer back home I am not one, well I won't even dignifiy that idiotic view with a response). Quite honestly it is probably the only thing I'm even remotely good at and I don't hold a candle to most of you. Anyway, while this isn't a major metropolis with fires and incidents every day, nor do I want to give that impression, all things being considered we do get relatively busy and we do a very diversified bit of work out here. Many guys (myself included) have taken advantage of this and the opportunites that have presented themselves. We have had both the good fortune and desire to take a number of training classes and attain certifications that we may not have otherwise been able to. These along with the work have been translated into practical experience both here and back home for most of us. For me, I have now spent a number of years as a Company officer out here as well, and this has put me in a position to deal with issues and gain experience to better serve back home. This again is a "perk" worth well beyond it's weight in gold, at least to me. Another attraction, and to some of us a benefit, is the adrenaline rush of working in a environment which is full of dangers in addition to the normal fireground ones. Being in a war zone (and make no mistake this is an active one) is just the kind of lifestyle suited to those of us who, like me, thrive in crisis. I'm sure everyone here can relate, at least on some level, to the satisfaction we get from doing a good job while facing the life threatening dangers presented by our nemesis..Fire. You get that same satisfaction here along with the satisfaction of facing down people that want to maim and kill you at every turn. Again not to mislead, this is not the front lines and I'm not saying we face anywhere near the dangers of the troops, but the possibilty of an untimely death at the hands of a cunning, determined and fanatical enemy is ever present and doing our duty in spite of it can be, and for some is, very rewarding. This job, like my previous tours has also given many of us an opportunity that I am positive we would not have otherwise had, the opportunity to meet and work with firemen from all over the U.S. and now the world. For some that may mean nothing and that is fine, but for others (again myself included) this work presents an opportunity to not only expand, but share our knowledge and experience far beyond what would have been possible at home. The work over here, by it's very nature, puts a variety of skill sets and methods together and forces them to meld into a working fire department. While some may see this as a drawback it is in reality a chance to build fire service from the ground up using the insights, knowledge and experiences of all of the personnel available. It may sound chaotic and in a sense it is. But I have been fortunate I guess in that for me, most times have found that for our efforts the results have been far more suprising and in the end rewarding than anyone thought possible. And in an extension to just the job itself, working these contracts can open up the world to those who want it in the form of friendships made out here. There are not many places with such a diverse population as there is stationed here where a firemen can spend the day making friends with a group of people from Romania in the morning, England at lunch and any number of other nations (including the locals), stationed here for dinner? The cultural and historical facets of all of these diverse groups is here and for those interested, open to exploration. Well I seem to be getting a little (or alot) long winded so I'll cut it off there. In closing I can only say that which I've said before...life here is, as it is everywhere, what you make of it. Guys that make it over here tend do so because they come in with eyes and minds wide open, so if the idea of working here is stirring in your brain, just try to remember that simple premise. To that end I have tried to paint as realistic and objective a picture of life here for you as I can, I hope I have done so thus far. There is some news and I am still going to share the differences between UK and U.S. tactics, but since I've droned on long enough here we'll save those for another day. As aways stay safe and thanks for protecting the homefront Cogs

As I said earlier this particular rig was destined for the Spanish Forestry Service so it was designed with the urban/wildland interface in mind, but much like all European rigs they try to fit everything into one nice compact little box. As you can see rarely if ever does such a plan work, something always gets shortchanged. According to my British colleagues their rigs while a bit larger are laid out basically the same. They ride with a 5 man crew and the 1st due takes on fire attack with the booster reel using the "pulse" method or quick short bursts to "cool" the superheated ceiling gases to get to the seat of the fire (much like we do to prevent flashover except they continue the process as they advance). The direct method which, at least in our neck of the woods is the norm, is not in their playbook, nor is ventilation as we know it. (This I know from yesterdays training in which we had a "discussion" on U.S. ventilation as part of fire attack vs the British method of it being done usually after the fire is out). I'll pass along some more of our regular "comparisons" of UK vs US fire tactics in another installment as that will take up a bit of space. Back to the rig. Although difficult to see by the pics E-2 carries very little hose by our standards, 6 rolls or about 300ft of 45mm (1 3/4) and the same of 70mm (2 1/2), plus the 150 or so feet of the hose reel (our booster). Along with that there is an electric extrication tool built in Germany (weak at best), no preconnects other than the reel, a couple of extinguishers, air bags and various hand tool...but no Irons!!!!!!!! Driver and officer sit front, and the three FFs sit on a bench seat in back of the cab facing forward, but unlike E-3 the air conditioning sort of works..it's only 100 in there on our 130-140 degree days. It's a six speed that never gets beyond 4th gear, (usually only 3rd except on long runs). The pump is as simple as it gets and thankfully (at least to me) all the controls are still manual (no computer chip deciding if or when I get water). Other than that it's just a work truck built by Mercedes. Being an American I am naturally far more familiar (and comfortable) with our designs, (which to my mind are becoming more and more European everyday). But you must remember that these rigs are designed to operate based on the tactics that will be employed by the FD. It is here that the differences and the validity of the designs contrast based on the differences in the way we do things. Overall E-2 is a servcable rig for here, but it is not designed to operate in the American fashion which employs our tactics i.e. direct fire attack ect. In the compartmentalized world of our European collegues their way works great (everything built of stone or masonary and compartmentalized to prevent or drastically reduce fire spread), but here the strctures are far more akin to an American town..albeit one that looks like it was built by kids making forts in the woods. My UK colleagues are coming to realize that our "way" is not as "wrong" as they once thought, just as I am coming to realize that I had alot of misconceptions about their "way". Working together we have developed some hybrid methods that work based on who gets to the scene first. and what resources are available. Fortunately as I've said before firemen are firemen the world over as is our enemy..so in the end we all want the same results..save lives and put the fire out. E-2 will help accomplish that task, it just takes a little getting used to in making that happen. Til next time Stay safe all and thanks Cogs

Here's some pics of Engine 2. This rig was built in Germany for the Spanish Forestry Service and now serves the residents of Kandahar Airfield with distinction in all it's flourescent orange magnificence... Here's a frontal view. In the background is station 2...yeah guys that's all there is...a small connex and a little shaded sitting area outside. In this one E-2 is at the front of station 1. At the rear of the rig is the entrance to our bunker John's working the pump at a drill in this one. Notice how little room the pump takes up, the hose reel (about 125 ft) and no hosebed Here E-2 is parked in it's normal position back at station 2 alongside one of the Medic units that shares the "station" Al's doing morning cleaning here, blowing out yesterday's dust. Although a little difficult to see the driver's side rear compartment holds all the hose this rig carries besides the hose reel..it ain't much After my R&R in Sept I'll be assigned back here to this Engine. By the way I fly home on Sept 11th of all days and hope to make it in time to attend the dedication of a 9/11 memorial in Mt. Kisco..maybe I'll see some of you there...just look for the really tanned, fat bald guy... Until next time Stay safe all and as always Thanks for your efforts in protecting the homefront Cogs

I didn't see the documentary but the husband's attitude is indicative of what is one of the most prevalent wrongs with society today...the litigious epidemic stemming from the belief that everthing bad that happens to someone is someone else fault. While I wouldn't go so far as to call the wife a murderer, as I highly doubt she intended to do harm, she was clearly and irrevocably impaired by her own doing and therefrore she is at fault...period. But like any sensational case the circling vultures...er lawyers...are after notoriety and big $$$ and are using a family's tragedy to try and cash in on both. Winning a case like this would put a lawyer on the cover of the Law Review (or whatever their trade mag is) and probably Time magazine as well...just think of all the clients one would get then. For his part the husband is probably self deluded and tired of carrying the burden of being "her" husband so he's after anything to relieve that pressure. Plus like most of his generation he finds it easier and far more palatable to blame others. Personal responsibility is fast becoming an antiquated concept as everything is somebody else fault. Why bother taking responsibility when it can be hoisted onto someone else with the help of a good lawyer and the bleeding heart liberal media. "Oh boo hoo hoo Jimmy killed his neighbor's entire family because his mommy was mean to him when he was a child" or better yet "let's give this rocket scientist lady $1,000,000 because she spilled hot coffee on herself. Why?...Because it was McDonald's fault for giving her hot coffee without telling her it was hot in the first place" You just can't make this stuff up. There has been enough pain and anguish for all involved (even the husband) stemming from this tragedy and as far as I'm concerned any attempts to take some kind of cockamamie legal action or make money or fame from it should be squashed immediately by a judge. I hope for all the best for the mother and father of the 3 little ones that perished as they welcome a new child into their lives. And to Mr. Shuler, your wife killed those kids and herself, now it's time for you to buck up and accept that fact and her guilt and move on. Cogs