kj2557

I agree with the unions letter but I kind of think it could have been worded differently. Instead of saying "if the volunteers show up", maybe say "if the volunteers are able to respond." The former just makes it sound like they don't even put in the effort. In this day and age it can at times just be impossible for a volly to respond no matter how bad they want to. 

I LOVE this engine! It's a 2017 E-One Typhoon for Boston Fire Department, one of 23 that will be delivered to entirely replace the KME Engines that they were having major issues with due to the MaxxForce motor. Some of the no-nonsense features that stand out to me that I really like are the short wheelbase,  narrow conventional pump panel, recessed bumper intake and Q, painted rims, the stepwell for the doors which is kind of a barrier door-full door hybrid, and the reasonable height hose bed.
 
There seem to be a lot of departments returning to E-One after a hiatus, such as Boston and Chicago. To me, that says something.
 
Beautiful photo from MassFireTrucks.com
 
http://www.massfiretrucks.com/Boston Engine 16 2017.jpg
 
More photos and information from the E-One dealer:
 
http://www.greenwoodev.com/boston-ma-e-one-custom-pumper/

Common sense in Boston....at last a fire engine to fight fire and not to look at......New York,are you watching?

 
http://www.hartsdalefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=203

 
http://www.lohud.com/story/news/investigations/2017/03/09/port-chester-fire-department/98605556/

If I remember correctly SWAT (another show with a horrible remake) featured a couple of characters who were vets.
 
That being said, I fail to understand why when remakes are made the original is seen as a problem that needs fixing. I also fail to see why so many shows are remade as comedies when they were not comedies to begin with.
 
Then again, I don't understand remakes at all, I am not a writer but I don't get why nobody seems to be able to write their own story anymore.

 

 
I think this is one of the more significant reasons for loss of volunteers, especially in the more affluent communities. The median home price in Pleasantville is over $500K, Briarcliff Manor is over $700K, in Chappaqua and Katonah it is over $800K.  So you lose the younger members who followed their childhood desire or their parents/family into the service because at some point most need to move on. Those who are moving into town and buying homes of these values aren't necessarily inclined to become volunteer firefighters.
 
You just have to listen to the scanner to know that, especially day time, many of the volunteer departments are lucky to get one piece of apparatus on the road and it is usually inadequately staffed.  Sooner or later many of these departments will be forced to go combination.  In some of the more rural departments, the lack of volunteers will undoubtedly affect response times as fewer members to make up a crew need to travel further to make the apparatus.
 
Fifteen years ago when my nephews came into the service as our families fourth generation of volunteers I said they would probably be the last.  I believe I will be correct in that prediction.