nydude2473

The Port Authority is being penalized by the FAA for not having a separate entity to deal with ARFF and that they are using Police Officers instead. The FAA told them that they need to create a separate department ASAP or that they will be penalized until one is formed. What I was trying to say is that this incident doesn't really help the PAPD's case. I'm not saying that these guys don't have the training because they do, it's just that with an incident like this it makes the FAA think that these guys aren't adequate enough to do the role of ARFF and that the need for a separate FD is obvious.

Well yes, anybody can make mistakes but the Port Authority already has enough heat on them from the FAA for having a Police-Ran Airport Fire Department. This could come off to the FAA as them not being properly trained on their equipment and that there equipment is not up to par with the National standards. I'm not saying that an FD wouldn't make the same mistake, but with already them paying penalties and this, it doesn't look good in their favor. What I was trying to say is that this incident could make the FAA make the Port authority push even faster to start up a new fire department. No, they are paid Port Authority Police Officers who specialized in ARFF

That might be the straw to break the camel's back...more reason for a separate FD to be established.

Hey, I heard about the position for chief for the Port Authority FD and I knew that happened a while back but I was wondering are they hiring anybody yet for the firefighter positions? Has that been posted anywhere or talked about?

If they do start hiring guys for firefighter positions for this new job, would it be a civil service test or would they be hiring guys with experience or qualifications? I know they are looking for guys with experience and qualifications for the higher ranking jobs but just wasn't sure if they would be doing that for the firefighters. Also, if they do higher off a test or such, do you think they would give certain training so that these new firefighters would meet the necessary standards?

I guess that means that hiring firefighters for the job ain't that far away.

When you really look deep into it, the Tappan Zee Bridge and where it is located on the Hudson is a very critical spot when it comes to transportation and commerce, even though it is just in the suburbs of New York City. Also, the bridge does get a significant amount of media coverage when something occurs, case in point, the tragic boating accident that occurred this summer. I had no idea that that call would find its way on to ABC World News and CNN. So, in our eyes it might not seem so big since we are use to having it in our backyard and it being more of a nuisance on a late Friday afternoon to get upstate, but it does and will keep having a big influence on the community and the region. Well said!

Well it's a big project for the area nonetheless.

Well they are bringing in one of the biggest cranes in the world to do the job, so that has to put some kind of global recognition on the project. They wouldn't be bringing it in if they didn't need it and plus a project like this has a lot of significance to the region, being one of the busiest crossings north of New York City. And also, if I'm not mistaken, the man or firm that came up with the design for the new bridge has had his hand in many different building designs and projects around the world. It might not seem that big right now, but the Tappan Zee does affect a good portion of transportation that come through the state, which in turn goes through the nation, which in turn must go farther than that, am I right?

Someone who definitely understands the situation and the real issues to be addressed. Thank you!

Okay, but you are missing the point that most on this page have been already mentioning which is that included with this new apparatus should be training as well. It's not like they are getting this equipment so they can say hey look what we have and have no idea what to do with it. Training is the most important part here and without training it will be hard to perform at a top level. I know for sure that training is one of the most important things for the department and there are many members who are trained and want to keep training so they can be ready for the calls that will eventually come. And when you say pork barreling, I know what you mean and I can see where you are coming from but honestly this is not that situation. I highly doubt they would be giving this new equipment just because of some political agenda. Actually, the ones who would be benefiting the most from this are the citizens of the village and the surrounding areas and those who use the Thruway and the Hudson. I can tell you right now, for a fact, that whenever an incident occurs on the Thruway or the Hudson, there are plenty of people who want to assist and do a good job to help people out of a tight spot. Also, different calls can occur in the village or surrounding areas where they need us to respond and we respond with numbers. Trust me when I say we wouldn't be going to something without having the right number of guys on board who know what they got to do. Preparedness is essential in this time, especially with the weather irregularities occurring around the nation and the world and also with the new incidents that we could face because of man made things. But with preparedness, there also needs to be the tools to get the job done. As time goes on, training and equipment need to be updated and there is nothing wrong with that.

Honestly from what it sounds like, you have no idea what you are talking about when it comes to this whole project and the issues we are soon to face out there. And, no one is trying to buy anybody out. That equipment would be used fairly often and the training wouldn't go to waste. We are talking about being able to save lives and do a job the right way. If you can't understand that then you need to get your facts straight and start from the beginning. I don't know what you have against this whole thing but other departments aren't going to be left out. Nyack should definitely look into getting stuff and same with the departments that send fireboats to TZ calls. There is nothing wrong with applying for a grant to get new apparatus and training. I don't see you bagging on the FDNY for all the stuff they got for Sandy. Is that because they are the FDNY and they are more deserving? Look, we all do the same job and want to do it in a safe and excellent manner. Stop hating and just be glad that if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, that hopefully one of these apparatus will be able to come and help you out.

Tarrytown isn't trying to say they are better than anybody or that they deserve the equipment or training more than the next department. We work together on those calls and do are best and if we could all get new equipment and training that would be awesome. But, a department can't be shy to ask for help if it is being offered. The FDNY got a ton of new equipment and training because of Sandy and I'm pretty sure that wasn't just NYC taxpayers' money. They definitely obtained grants through the federal government to obtain that equipment. So, what's the issue if a department like Tarrytown were to get a state grant for equipment; the marina where the fireboat is docked is pretty much in the shadow of the bridge. If this is about somebody being jealous or angry about somebody raising their hand to ask for assistance, you shouldn't be. We all work together out there and do our very best to provide great service to those traveling and operating on the waterway. If anything, those other departments should definitely look into grants so they can get great new equipment as well. At the end of the day, what's the most important thing is that we get out there to help save lives.

E77, E79 and U61 go out on the Thruway. Utility 61 is equipped for many types of calls and I know more is trying to be added to it, gear wise. It could be considered a rescue but I guess with the amount of gear and what it gets called out for I would say that utility is a good title for it as well. And, a new boat would be a great addition since a new boat could offer more room to work on a patient and have more gear to operate with at any type of emergency. Hopefully, these grants can be approved and vital resources could come, maybe even some training as well. Hey, the FDNY got training that came along with that new gear, it would definitely be a win/win because training for the worse saves lives. Also, an addition would be great to make sure that Utility 61 doesn't get beat up by the weather anymore.

Engine 77 and 79 are the engines assigned to Thruway calls in Tarrytown. Engine 77 is the one looking into getting a new rig through grants if possible. The fireboat is definitely a necessity considering that the bridge construction and other emergencies that could occur are more likely to happen now than before construction. A new boat will allow for better equipment to be used to save lives in boating accidents, construction accidents, and jumpers. Also, with a new fireboat it can be possible to fight a fire effectively with new types of extinguishing systems on the boat. Tarrytown VAC got a new rig not too long ago so I'm not sure that I heard much about them getting another rig but there old one is fairly old so if they need it, they need it. Nothing wrong with getting new equipment because it will definitely be used. This equipment is necessary to ensure that we can provide adequate service and response time as we usually do.