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I have heard that the FDNY is spending a significant amount of money on a "going green initiative" and placing "charge stations" around the City . From what I interrupted, some sort of roadside pillar or fire alarm box looking thing  where ambulances normally sit on an available status when not on a run. Here the ambulance can be plugged in to run accessories, ALS refrigeration,  air conditioning, etc rather than run on high idle...or even run at all. Specifically in Queens and Manhattan to start. 
 
Is this the first round? Has anyone seen the specs?

I have heard that the FDNY is spending a significant amount of money on a "going green initiative" and placing "charge stations" around the City . From what I interrupted, some sort of roadside pillar or fire alarm box looking thing  where ambulances normally sit on an available status when not on a run. Here the ambulance can be plugged in to run accessories, ALS refrigeration,  air conditioning, etc rather than run on high idle...or even run at all. Specifically in Queens and Manhattan to start. 
 
Is this the first round? Has anyone seen the specs?

I have heard that the FDNY is spending a significant amount of money on a "going green initiative" and placing "charge stations" around the City . From what I interrupted, some sort of roadside pillar or fire alarm box looking thing  where ambulances normally sit on an available status when not on a run. Here the ambulance can be plugged in to run accessories, ALS refrigeration,  air conditioning, etc rather than run on high idle...or even run at all. Specifically in Queens and Manhattan to start. 
 
Is this the first round? Has anyone seen the specs?

Because they had a fresh class of 180 PROPERLY TRAINED EMTs (with no bad habbits or egos) who earned the privilege of wearing that patch on their sleeve through time and commitment.  The City is picking up the slack just fine with another beefed up class to follow.  They may not be street smart right now but they have the proper training to meet the Cities expectations of the best pre hospital care in the world with academic reinforcement of human anatomy & physiology.  The FDNY expects all EMTs to be trained for all the job entails and is done so through the academy....NYC & NYS BLS protocols, Hazmat scenarios, subway safety, driving emergency vehicles, Vehicle extrication, donning specialized PPE,  highway operations, understanding chain of command, fire scene operations,  etc.  Give the graduating probie class a week or 2 in the bronx and they will be plenty street smart.  
 
If they wanted a secure job they should of signed up in September rather than rely on a private,  for-profit company.  Just my opinion.  The option is always there. Every september the test seems to come out. 

Because they had a fresh class of 180 PROPERLY TRAINED EMTs (with no bad habbits or egos) who earned the privilege of wearing that patch on their sleeve through time and commitment.  The City is picking up the slack just fine with another beefed up class to follow.  They may not be street smart right now but they have the proper training to meet the Cities expectations of the best pre hospital care in the world with academic reinforcement of human anatomy & physiology.  The FDNY expects all EMTs to be trained for all the job entails and is done so through the academy....NYC & NYS BLS protocols, Hazmat scenarios, subway safety, driving emergency vehicles, Vehicle extrication, donning specialized PPE,  highway operations, understanding chain of command, fire scene operations,  etc.  Give the graduating probie class a week or 2 in the bronx and they will be plenty street smart.  
 
If they wanted a secure job they should of signed up in September rather than rely on a private,  for-profit company.  Just my opinion.  The option is always there. Every september the test seems to come out. 

I didn't get the vibe that the city was unprepared from the article.  It struck me more as they are having difficulty managing the situation without "enough" resources mixed with a touch of the fear mongering that seems to be standard for the media these days.
 
It also had a healthy dose of the typical misguided belief that declining working fires and increasing EMS calls means that fire resources should be redirected towards EMS responses.  Sure, on the surface it seems reasonable that the area that makes up 70-80% of your department's responses should get the lion's share of funding, but it ignores some very important factors and usually one undeniable truth:
 
1) While fires are "down", incident responses aren't.  FDNY (as do all FDs) responds to much more than just working fires.
2) Fires do still occur (quite frequently in NYC) and when they do, they still require the same number of personnel arriving quickly.  In fact, recent scientific studies suggest that today's fire may require more personnel arriving even more quickly.
3) There are fundamental differences in necesssary staffing and apparatus/equipment costs between fire and EMS that impact how the funding pie is divided.  A single EMS unit in FDNY is significantly cheaper to acquire, equip and staff 24/7/365 than a single fire unit.
4) The problem may not be that too many resources are directed towards fire response.  Maybe the problem is just that too few resources are directed towards EMS response?
 
 

Because they had a fresh class of 180 PROPERLY TRAINED EMTs (with no bad habbits or egos) who earned the privilege of wearing that patch on their sleeve through time and commitment.  The City is picking up the slack just fine with another beefed up class to follow.  They may not be street smart right now but they have the proper training to meet the Cities expectations of the best pre hospital care in the world with academic reinforcement of human anatomy & physiology.  The FDNY expects all EMTs to be trained for all the job entails and is done so through the academy....NYC & NYS BLS protocols, Hazmat scenarios, subway safety, driving emergency vehicles, Vehicle extrication, donning specialized PPE,  highway operations, understanding chain of command, fire scene operations,  etc.  Give the graduating probie class a week or 2 in the bronx and they will be plenty street smart.  
 
If they wanted a secure job they should of signed up in September rather than rely on a private,  for-profit company.  Just my opinion.  The option is always there. Every september the test seems to come out. 

Because they had a fresh class of 180 PROPERLY TRAINED EMTs (with no bad habbits or egos) who earned the privilege of wearing that patch on their sleeve through time and commitment.  The City is picking up the slack just fine with another beefed up class to follow.  They may not be street smart right now but they have the proper training to meet the Cities expectations of the best pre hospital care in the world with academic reinforcement of human anatomy & physiology.  The FDNY expects all EMTs to be trained for all the job entails and is done so through the academy....NYC & NYS BLS protocols, Hazmat scenarios, subway safety, driving emergency vehicles, Vehicle extrication, donning specialized PPE,  highway operations, understanding chain of command, fire scene operations,  etc.  Give the graduating probie class a week or 2 in the bronx and they will be plenty street smart.  
 
If they wanted a secure job they should of signed up in September rather than rely on a private,  for-profit company.  Just my opinion.  The option is always there. Every september the test seems to come out. 

Its New York City. The most vulnerable city to incidents from medicaid and Band-Aids to dirty bombs and terrorism. Anything can happen at anytime...and it will. This is an outstanding resource for any major city whether they sit on their ass all day or constantly on the turn around. They in fact should staff more and be paid a lot more than they are (along with NYC EMS in general but thats a diff argument).
You have a homeless population larger than some rural areas in the country living in confined spaces, IDLH atmospheres, etc. Endless construction accidents or any accident for that mater requiring crush meds or high angle emergencies. The list goes on and the truck will only get bigger as they take on more responsibility; For example, staffing the marine units with rescue medics. 
Just my thoughts. 

Its New York City. The most vulnerable city to incidents from medicaid and Band-Aids to dirty bombs and terrorism. Anything can happen at anytime...and it will. This is an outstanding resource for any major city whether they sit on their ass all day or constantly on the turn around. They in fact should staff more and be paid a lot more than they are (along with NYC EMS in general but thats a diff argument).
You have a homeless population larger than some rural areas in the country living in confined spaces, IDLH atmospheres, etc. Endless construction accidents or any accident for that mater requiring crush meds or high angle emergencies. The list goes on and the truck will only get bigger as they take on more responsibility; For example, staffing the marine units with rescue medics. 
Just my thoughts. 

Research also shows that a nozzle firemn' inside a fire room is like an adrenaline junkie, pig in s*** causing a chemical reaction in the brain of hapiness and accomplishment when the job is done.
Lets admit, we are all stubborn firemn' and this is the real reason none of us will ever agree with these "studies". Thank you for taking the time to find out fire is best suppressed from the outside in but im going to stick with what I was taught 9 years ago. I will also be teaching my kids the same.
(here come the safety nazi's with the firefighter fatality reports...right abouuuuut....
NOW. [by the way im healthy and not heart attack prone.] )
Watch this first: "TRUE VALUES OF A FIREMAN"
Part 1-
Part 2-

I glanced over it. Nothing I have not heard before at a conferance. I would say "fire is best suppressed from the outside in" is a pretty well rounded general idea of the content in the article.
They mention a lot of tactics in this article. I can agree with some, but not all of the points.
What do imagine a heavy volume of fire is to you? Contents? Fully involved room? 2 rooms? Through the roof?
Im sure you've been around the block and nobody has to tell you...You would be surprised what an 13/4" with a smooth bore and a set between your legs could do. Hell, a lot of Departments are going to 2" with smoothbore for even more GPM and unnoticeable maneuverability differences...
I feel a lot of peoples idea of "heavy fire load"are off in proportion due to the lack lack of fires today all together. Im waiting for the chief to call the 2nd alarm for a smoking cigarette butt on the sidewalk.
Im not saying the tactics in this video are the right ones...but it goes to show you a little aggression can do a lot.
Im a firm believer in quick response, making the stretch, and getting to the fire room.

Research also shows that a nozzle firemn' inside a fire room is like an adrenaline junkie, pig in s*** causing a chemical reaction in the brain of hapiness and accomplishment when the job is done.
Lets admit, we are all stubborn firemn' and this is the real reason none of us will ever agree with these "studies". Thank you for taking the time to find out fire is best suppressed from the outside in but im going to stick with what I was taught 9 years ago. I will also be teaching my kids the same.
(here come the safety nazi's with the firefighter fatality reports...right abouuuuut....
NOW. [by the way im healthy and not heart attack prone.] )
Watch this first: "TRUE VALUES OF A FIREMAN"
Part 1-
Part 2-

Research also shows that a nozzle firemn' inside a fire room is like an adrenaline junkie, pig in s*** causing a chemical reaction in the brain of hapiness and accomplishment when the job is done.
Lets admit, we are all stubborn firemn' and this is the real reason none of us will ever agree with these "studies". Thank you for taking the time to find out fire is best suppressed from the outside in but im going to stick with what I was taught 9 years ago. I will also be teaching my kids the same.
(here come the safety nazi's with the firefighter fatality reports...right abouuuuut....
NOW. [by the way im healthy and not heart attack prone.] )
Watch this first: "TRUE VALUES OF A FIREMAN"
Part 1-
Part 2-

If the code in which will require ALL (even 1-2 story) residential structures to be sprinklered passes in 2015, there will be no need for a Rye Fire Department at the rate houses are being demolished and thrown back up in that city.
Im being sarcastic....Yes an Alarm troubleshooter department will still be needed. I didn't mean to hurt anyones feelings.
Dare I say it? County Consolidation!

I personally would have went with a grappling gun instead of a ladder to reach the hose bed.
Low hose beds, ladders on the side.

Good luck everyone.
A few of my buddies got the typing notice for the test. Not sure what the qualifying word per minute score is. Somebody told them to also keep an eye out for the food consumption evaluation test notice. I think the minimum qualifications are 4 meals and/or snacks before lunch time.

Good luck everyone.
A few of my buddies got the typing notice for the test. Not sure what the qualifying word per minute score is. Somebody told them to also keep an eye out for the food consumption evaluation test notice. I think the minimum qualifications are 4 meals and/or snacks before lunch time.

Good luck everyone.
A few of my buddies got the typing notice for the test. Not sure what the qualifying word per minute score is. Somebody told them to also keep an eye out for the food consumption evaluation test notice. I think the minimum qualifications are 4 meals and/or snacks before lunch time.

This is my opinion and how I look at it. I'm sorry if I offend anyone.
Unfortunately unless you call a bunch of two faced and/or backstabbing babies and/or useless social clubbers a brother, the brotherhood is stronger then ever. In my opinion, to be considered a "brother" in the Fire Department, you would actually have to be a firefighter, one who has fought a fire or has been of use at a fire. A "good firefighter" who can tell you good story about a job at the kitchen table. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely proud of where I come from. I believe we run one of the most professional organizations around. BUT, I do come from 20/80 firehouse. 20% of us put our whole life into it and 80% are here for the food, funny drinks, and parades. I often find myself listening to real estate competition and stay at home dad stories. It is very rare I use the term brother with anyone. Not even a "thanks, brother". Lack of fires keep social clubbers around and do not interest gung-ho guys to stay active or join, the guys I would probably end up calling a brother.
When I think of "brotherhood" I think firemen who cook together, clean together, train together, go on runs together, and come home together. Even outside the firehouse these men are together.
No offence but I don't put an ounce of trust into the 12%'er just getting by who comes around for his 3 free meals a month and 3 nights out on the town with the boys a year. How does anyone of this description make up a "brotherhood"? Or at least a true "Fire service brotherhood"?
Again, my opinion. What brotherhood?

This is my opinion and how I look at it. I'm sorry if I offend anyone.
Unfortunately unless you call a bunch of two faced and/or backstabbing babies and/or useless social clubbers a brother, the brotherhood is stronger then ever. In my opinion, to be considered a "brother" in the Fire Department, you would actually have to be a firefighter, one who has fought a fire or has been of use at a fire. A "good firefighter" who can tell you good story about a job at the kitchen table. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely proud of where I come from. I believe we run one of the most professional organizations around. BUT, I do come from 20/80 firehouse. 20% of us put our whole life into it and 80% are here for the food, funny drinks, and parades. I often find myself listening to real estate competition and stay at home dad stories. It is very rare I use the term brother with anyone. Not even a "thanks, brother". Lack of fires keep social clubbers around and do not interest gung-ho guys to stay active or join, the guys I would probably end up calling a brother.
When I think of "brotherhood" I think firemen who cook together, clean together, train together, go on runs together, and come home together. Even outside the firehouse these men are together.
No offence but I don't put an ounce of trust into the 12%'er just getting by who comes around for his 3 free meals a month and 3 nights out on the town with the boys a year. How does anyone of this description make up a "brotherhood"? Or at least a true "Fire service brotherhood"?
Again, my opinion. What brotherhood?

This is my opinion and how I look at it. I'm sorry if I offend anyone.
Unfortunately unless you call a bunch of two faced and/or backstabbing babies and/or useless social clubbers a brother, the brotherhood is stronger then ever. In my opinion, to be considered a "brother" in the Fire Department, you would actually have to be a firefighter, one who has fought a fire or has been of use at a fire. A "good firefighter" who can tell you good story about a job at the kitchen table. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely proud of where I come from. I believe we run one of the most professional organizations around. BUT, I do come from 20/80 firehouse. 20% of us put our whole life into it and 80% are here for the food, funny drinks, and parades. I often find myself listening to real estate competition and stay at home dad stories. It is very rare I use the term brother with anyone. Not even a "thanks, brother". Lack of fires keep social clubbers around and do not interest gung-ho guys to stay active or join, the guys I would probably end up calling a brother.
When I think of "brotherhood" I think firemen who cook together, clean together, train together, go on runs together, and come home together. Even outside the firehouse these men are together.
No offence but I don't put an ounce of trust into the 12%'er just getting by who comes around for his 3 free meals a month and 3 nights out on the town with the boys a year. How does anyone of this description make up a "brotherhood"? Or at least a true "Fire service brotherhood"?
Again, my opinion. What brotherhood?

I understand guys feel FAST should be a rapid search, basic package, and drag this guy as fast as we can. BUT, not every scenario should be treated this way, not every scenario CAN be treated this way. Besides, we have all heard the stories of techniques like this causing more problems than solving.
In my own opinion, FAST is all about thinking outside the box. If FAST were about getting this guy out by simply dragging his @ss down a hallway then it simply would have been done already by the primary companies! It does not always have to consist of your most senior firefighters, but it for sure cannot consist of your newest.
I feel it is very important the team coming into district is a TEAM. By team I mean a group of Firefighters who train together and who respond together when requested. Not 2 engine companies in the community being placed out of service to respond as the FAST Team. (And Im not singling anyone out). As lame as it sounds, these teams should CONSTANTLY be drilling on the latest and buffiest YouTube video techniques available on the internet. You know, the videos of those know it all firemen trying to find the next best thing for the service. It helps, and it makes us think outside the box like I said I believe we should be doing.
They can be simple packaging & Denver drill maneuvers or even breaching a wall to a room of refuge for our victim. Hey, if we can simply drag him out than so be it. But back to what I was trying to say earlier...the through the hole drills, removal off the roof drills, the Blindfolded RIT-Pak familiarization drills, etc, etc, etc all NEED to be done. These are the FAST teams you want responding to your fire ground.
I believe the simple answer to the original question is XYZ department may be able to provide a bad @ss down and dirty basic Engine or Truck Company. But not every department can provide F.A.S.T. service and are smart enough to decline any request if they truly cannot provide a dedicated FAST Team.

I understand guys feel FAST should be a rapid search, basic package, and drag this guy as fast as we can. BUT, not every scenario should be treated this way, not every scenario CAN be treated this way. Besides, we have all heard the stories of techniques like this causing more problems than solving.
In my own opinion, FAST is all about thinking outside the box. If FAST were about getting this guy out by simply dragging his @ss down a hallway then it simply would have been done already by the primary companies! It does not always have to consist of your most senior firefighters, but it for sure cannot consist of your newest.
I feel it is very important the team coming into district is a TEAM. By team I mean a group of Firefighters who train together and who respond together when requested. Not 2 engine companies in the community being placed out of service to respond as the FAST Team. (And Im not singling anyone out). As lame as it sounds, these teams should CONSTANTLY be drilling on the latest and buffiest YouTube video techniques available on the internet. You know, the videos of those know it all firemen trying to find the next best thing for the service. It helps, and it makes us think outside the box like I said I believe we should be doing.
They can be simple packaging & Denver drill maneuvers or even breaching a wall to a room of refuge for our victim. Hey, if we can simply drag him out than so be it. But back to what I was trying to say earlier...the through the hole drills, removal off the roof drills, the Blindfolded RIT-Pak familiarization drills, etc, etc, etc all NEED to be done. These are the FAST teams you want responding to your fire ground.
I believe the simple answer to the original question is XYZ department may be able to provide a bad @ss down and dirty basic Engine or Truck Company. But not every department can provide F.A.S.T. service and are smart enough to decline any request if they truly cannot provide a dedicated FAST Team.

I understand guys feel FAST should be a rapid search, basic package, and drag this guy as fast as we can. BUT, not every scenario should be treated this way, not every scenario CAN be treated this way. Besides, we have all heard the stories of techniques like this causing more problems than solving.
In my own opinion, FAST is all about thinking outside the box. If FAST were about getting this guy out by simply dragging his @ss down a hallway then it simply would have been done already by the primary companies! It does not always have to consist of your most senior firefighters, but it for sure cannot consist of your newest.
I feel it is very important the team coming into district is a TEAM. By team I mean a group of Firefighters who train together and who respond together when requested. Not 2 engine companies in the community being placed out of service to respond as the FAST Team. (And Im not singling anyone out). As lame as it sounds, these teams should CONSTANTLY be drilling on the latest and buffiest YouTube video techniques available on the internet. You know, the videos of those know it all firemen trying to find the next best thing for the service. It helps, and it makes us think outside the box like I said I believe we should be doing.
They can be simple packaging & Denver drill maneuvers or even breaching a wall to a room of refuge for our victim. Hey, if we can simply drag him out than so be it. But back to what I was trying to say earlier...the through the hole drills, removal off the roof drills, the Blindfolded RIT-Pak familiarization drills, etc, etc, etc all NEED to be done. These are the FAST teams you want responding to your fire ground.
I believe the simple answer to the original question is XYZ department may be able to provide a bad @ss down and dirty basic Engine or Truck Company. But not every department can provide F.A.S.T. service and are smart enough to decline any request if they truly cannot provide a dedicated FAST Team.