markmets415

Chief well said, those that have to justify the spending and resource management clearly understand the CORRECT thought process needed to actually understand the reasoning behind the delivery of an efficient and cost effective service to the community.

Chris either sleeping in or last minute shopping! We up here further in the sticks aid each other with manpower frequently, I live about 1 mile from the JHK house (six miles to my own) that is South of our Fire District and when home I ride or drive thier apparatus. We have members that live in the Northern part of our district that respond to assist Amenia with thier alarms and a few EMT's from Amenia actually have our pagers to assist us on day calls. We here in our area work together extremely well. The one thing that clearly needs approvement is the duplication of equipment. We and Amenia are in the same town and have over the years purchased some of the same equipment, that slowly is changing but with the harder economics times things this will surely needs to change. There has been some rumors or grumbling about making one fire district, keeping both houses but elimating some of the duplicated resources. As stated with the $$$ situation as it is it is more of a possibility than some might want to admit to.

Good job Joe.

The Delaware City Fire Company has a very nice tribute to Michelle on their homepage, please visit and sign the companies guestbook. http://www.dcfc15.com/

Happy Holidays to all of the staff, members and the extended families of EMTBRAVO from the members of the Wassaic Fire Company.

Further developments from firefightersclosecalls In what continues to unfold as an absolutely incredible story related to the horrific Line of Duty Death of Delaware City (DE) Firefighter Michelle Smith... the criminal circumstances only gets worse. As you already know, the motorcycle crash occurred on Route 13 southbound on Saturday evening. The operator of the bike, Edward Reiss, was injured in the incident and was lying in the roadway. A Delaware City Fire Company ambulance (standing by to cover that area for the Wilmington manor Fire Company) arrived on the scene within minutes and DCFC FF Michelle Smith got out of the ambulance, ran over to Mr. Reiss and began to administer care. A New Castle County Police Officer then arrived on the scene and activates him emergency equipment. Moments later, the 2004 BMW 760 traveling southbound on Route 13 entered the crash scene and sideswiped the county police car causing significant damage. The Police officer leaped back into his car just prior to the impact and avoids injury. The BMW, operated by veteran criminal Joseph Taye, 28, of Bear, loses control and strikes Smith and Reiss. The BMW comes to a stop on the right shoulder south of the crash scene. At that point, a light colored Honda, possibly an Accord, pulls up to the crash scene. The operator of the Honda, an unidentified black male, ACTUALLY HELPS TAYE into the Honda (Taye is unable to walk himself) and the Honda subsequently flees the scene. Witnesses describe the fleeing Honda and also advised that the operator of the BMW was a black male...with an obvious physical impairment/disability. Officers, Troopers and New Castle County Police officers, respond to the BMW registered owners address....the car was apparently not Tayes. Through outstanding police investigative practices, the name of Joseph Taye comes up. It is learned that Taye was a black male with a physical impairment. Back at the crash scene, evidence technicians process the BMW and locate a finger print which ultimately proves to be a positive match for Taye. Tragically, yesterday, Monday, December 22nd, Ms. Smith succumbs to her injuries and is pronounced dead at Christiana Hospital. Her death is Line of Duty. During the evening hours of December 22nd, detectives complete arrest warrants for Taye. Troopers respond to Tayes home in Bear and take him into custody without incident. Taye is arraigned on the following offenses: Manslaughter, Assault 2nd, Driving while Revoked, Leaving the Scene of a Crash and Failure to Report a Crash. Bail is set at $30,000.00 only (yeah-we know) and Mr. Taye is committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute. As you know, this case is still very much active. Investigators are seeking to identify the operator of the Honda that fled the scene of the crash with Taye in the car. We have no doubt that they will get Tayes "partners in crime"... FF Michelle L. Smith has served the Delaware City Fire Company http://www.dcfc15.com/ and the Delaware City Ladies Auxiliary for over 5 years, holding the Secretary position with the Ladies Auxiliary. She also served with the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, DE: http://www.vhc27.com/. Michelle is survived by her 12 year old daughter. Again, our condolences to all affected, the members of the Delaware City, Wilmington Manor Fire Companies and VHC of Middletown but especially her family, her daughter and her friends. Kudos to the Delaware State and the New Castle County Police involved in this bizarre case for the outstanding police work done so far as they continue to hunt for Tayes accomplices.

Veryyyyyyyyy nice site, nice layout, I love the Durango; very sharp and it's blue and white, my favorite color scheme.

Sad isn't, I posted this yesterday under the vest law regarding her accident and pasted this there as well. Rest in Peace EMT Michelle Smith.

It is with deep regret that we advise you of the Line of Duty Death of Delaware City Fire Company www.dcfc15.com (DE) Member Michelle Smith, age 29. As you know, Smith was operating at the scene of a motorcycle crash Saturday evening when she was struck and critically injured. Her injuries were too severe and she has now tragically died in the Line of Duty. The Delaware City Fire Company was providing ambulance coverage for the Wilmington Manor Fire Company that evening. Upon arrival at the crash, and initial assessment of the patient, FD Ambulance Driver Michelle Smith, 29, was assisting the EMT on scene with patient care. A County Police Officer stopped to assist with traffic control, as rescue and fire police units from Wilmington Manor began to arrive. A vehicle that attempted to avoid the incident scene struck the County Police vehicle and then swerved around the Delaware City BLS unit, striking Ms. Smith. The driver of the vehicle then fled the scene. Ms. Smith was treated on scene by New Castle County Paramedics and EMT's from Wilmington Manor and Goodwill Fire Companies. She was transported with extensive traumatic injuries and has now succumbed to those injuries. Police are narrowing in on the suspects in this hit and run...and now, potential murder. Our most sincere condolences to the members of the Delaware City Fire Company but especially the young Daughter, her family and friends of Michelle Smith. Here is their home page: www.dcfc15.com posted with permission from the secretlist

It should be here very soon, these photos are posted on their website. This is all I know: Darley CAFS Pumper on a Spartan Chassis called the Foam Boy: When it comes in I will get more details and photos.

looks like a beauty, did Capt. Bnechis go to the plant.

Glad to see the photos from Brewster and Rombout, alot of vests placed into service and I believe in both cases the roads were closed.

Yeah I know, scratch that one

Bill I was listening at work to the call sounded very serious and the photos confirm that. Rombout command did and excellent job. The original report was like 5 possible pins, so was it just the drivers??? P.S. Great photos again.

Good work Brewster under the difficult conditions

This morning, in Anne Arundel County (Maryland) an engine company was blocking a crash scene in I-295 near I-195. The road conditions were really bad with black ice being a problem as well. Several civilian vehicles, losing control, struck fire apparatus as well as a medic unit. A civilian in a car was tragically killed as a result of that medic unit "struck" crash. No fire or EMS personnel were injured. One of their other engines was also struck at a separate scene but no one was hurt. More reminders of how "we" need to expect this to happen-and manage our personnel at a scene. Block and protect. DELAWARE CITY UPDATE: As you are aware, Delaware City (MD) Fire Company EMT Michelle Smith, while performing duties on an MVC scene on DuPont Hwy, was struck by a vehicle. She was treated and transported to the hospital with serious traumatic injuries. She is in stable condition and was conscious and talking with the DCFC Chief while at the scene and during transport. She was taken into surgery early this morning and was in surgery for approximately 4 hours, with a 2 hour recovery period at the minimum. Her family is currently at the hospital with her, along with a contingent of Officers and Members of the DCFC. Updates to follow as we wish Michelle a rapid recovery. posted with permission from the secretlist More reasons to close the road!!!

That could work, we have the room, I would have to have a date and see if the hall is open.

Yeah Joe, I worked a 16 hour tour Friday into this morning too.

No problem Dan no biggie really. I 'll have the 7 passenger trailblazer cleaned and ready. It will be X129, Signman, JHK3605 and me so far, room for three others.

Was out in Wappingers for holiday party for Donna's work, got home at 11:20

Nope she is still there, our driver works for Dutchess County Highway so you know what that means. The guy called me this AM and said he went out and got two new batteries and put them in the cab for us, we will get her out.

Non-drinker here, surely would provide a DD for some of the Eastern Dutchess Crew.

Hey Signman go get our firehouse for Janaury, it is plenty big enough and there are some local members that frequent the place on some Fridays already.

I have been to Cooperfields on several occasions, nice place, close to the TSP as Dan said. Any of the choices is ok with me.

Sounds like a good deal, I guess I'll have to see about trying to make some switches for Fridays