IzzyEng4

If you really look at cars, it wasn't until the early 1930's that the first cars had hard top roofs, many of the early automobiles were all removable or canopy canvas tops and fire apparatus were built the same way. Even early 1920's cars did not have passenger doors on them. In the fire service the no roof and no door theories were to be able to see what you were going up against and without any doors on the cab, you can jump into action faster (myths of course). But this was the era of when "men were men and the sheep were scared" situation. Many fire chiefs argued that their men were firemen and not passengers, so they didn't need the amenities of automobiles. Heck, many 1910 - 1920's era fire trucks didn't even have windshields! If you really think about it though, there were many pictures of members responding on this trucks in a tradition that even today, many firefighters don't do, riding in the truck with full turnouts and sometimes you would see a driver with his helmet on (of course this didn't happen all the time). Many changes to fire apparatus began with the World War eras when blackouts were common. With too many apparatus accidents occurring, manufacturers began offering open cabs with doors and even Seagrave offered the "safety canopy cab" with a roof that cover the entire crew and also the hose bed. Hard top cabs began to take hold in the 1950's and 60's but there were still departments that utilized the open cab trucks (mine was one of them and the first hard top was purchased in 1969). Money was one this as mentioned and also visibility. Heck FDNY was still purchasing open cab, open door rigs in the 1950's and even purchased some wooden aerial ladders in 1955 (i think that is the correct year, have to check FAJ). Some states out west and down south didn't feel the need for roofs since weather was really not a problem. With the civil unrest of the 1960's, hard top roofs and the eventual fully enclosed cabs took hold as a means to protect the firefighters from the weather and also the crap being thrown at them. Today and have to say finally, its a major safety issue to have completely closed cabs. I remember our company's 1962 pumper when I was younger going out for a ride int it with my father and grandfather and how fun it was to ride a "convertible" as I called it then. Event today riding on it is a joy (sitting down of course).

Just to correct you the St. Mary's St fire was in Brookline, not Boston, but yes there is a major problem up there in all in all the towns. The problem is the types of construction up there and of course do we ask "when was the last inspection on a OMD?" The worst fires I have seen up there when I have buffed the "MetroFire" area at those dam triple-deckers (three story flat construction homes / balloon frame). There are too many old rule buildings that get "exempt" and the cities up there have to do something about it, no question about that.

Just about 2 inches in Ansonia

I posted under a new topic to the news article http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=16967 Add reply's here.

Repost from MSNBC Linke to previous F-450 dicussion - http://emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=16468 Ford Fight Threatens Ambulance Supply DAN CARNEY MSNBC.com A long-running dispute between Ford and its diesel engine supplier could have an unlikely victim - the nation's ambulance operators. Navistar last week agreed to comply with a state court order and resume shipments to Ford of the powerful 6.4-liter diesel engines made by its International Truck and Engine unit. That allows Ford to continue production of its highly profitable line of F-Series Super Duty pickups. But the court order and agreement between the two companies did not extend to an older line of 6-liter engines used to build more than 90 percent of the nation's ambulances. As a result, production of new ambulances has ground to a halt and isn't likely to resume any time soon. If the manufacturers of ambulances can't produce new ambulances, the impact is obvious, said Fergus Laughridge, president of the National Association of State EMS Officials: "Emergency responders are not going to have vehicles that are of the standard [to which] they are accustomed," he said. The clash began in 2002 when problems with the engines prompted Ford to sue International, seeking to recover warranty repair costs. Ford withheld payments to International as compensation for its expenses. Navistar, exclusive supplier of diesel engines for the Super Duty pickups since 1979, briefly halted shipments to the automaker in late February, threatening production of a vehicle that is critical to the fortunes of the struggling automaker. While Navistar has agreed to resume shipments of the pickup truck engines, Ford has already run out of the engines used for ambulances and has halted shipments of the van chassis used by ambulance operators, according to Kristin Kinley, a Ford spokeswoman. "Right now, we don't have any of the engines," she said. "We have depleted our supply." The engines are ready and waiting, according to Roy Wiley, a spokesman for International. "You will have to ask Ford why they don't want to pay the price for them," he said. Ford declined to comment on Wiley's statement, with Kinley saying only that the problem is "a supplier issue." The issue is a minor one for Ford, because only about 10 percent of the 180,000 E-series vans sold by the company annually use the diesel engine. But the production shutdown will affect ambulance operators and the people they transport in all types of communities, according to Laughridge of the EMS group. Rural fire departments and ambulance services tend to put off replacing their vehicles as long as possible, while urban operators run their vehicles almost continuously. In both cases, vehicles tend to rack up so many miles that they are worn out quickly, he noted. The shortage could be especially critical in newly built "exurbs" that might have to rely on vehicles based miles away if they cannot obtain new ambulances, he said. "The ability to expand service is going to be greatly diminished if [ambulance services] aren't able to procure new vehicles," he said. Ambulance operators are in trouble because the industry has settled on a a single chassis and powertrain as the foundation of virtually all new ambulances - the Ford E-series cutaway, said Mike Kastner, government relations director for the National Truck Equipment Association. That's the vehicle that looks like the front end of a van onto which specialty constructors graft their own bodies to build airport hotel shuttle buses, moving vans, mini school buses or the mobile emergency rooms that are today's ambulances. About 92 percent of ambulances based on the cutaway chassis use Ford's E-series full-size van with International's PowerStroke 6.0-liter diesel engine, as do 97 percent of new ambulances built on converted vans. Because ambulance builders' parts and tooling are designed specifically for this vehicle, it's not easy for them to simply buy another manufacturer's chassis cab or even use a Ford product with an alternative gasoline engine, the association said. Ambulance operators do have options. They can put a gas engine in their Ford van-based ambulance, use an ambulance based on a diesel Ford Super Duty pickup truck or switch to a different chassis supplier, such as General Motors or Chrysler. Bill Vidacovich, vice president for maintenance for Acadian Ambulance Service in Louisiana, one of the few companies that does not use the Ford van platform, thinks switching is the solution. If Acadian faced a lack of new ambulances, "I would have to do what it takes to meet my demand," he said. "If that means going to a different manufacturer, you can bet we'd be figuring that out." Acadian uses diesel-powered ambulances built on Chevrolet's one-ton truck chassis. The gas engine alternative is less attractive, because the diesel engines get better gas mileage and the cost of fuel is critical for ambulance services such as Acadian, which used more than a million gallons of fuel in its fleet last year, Vidacovich said. The diesel engines also last longer, he added. "I'm not very interested in gas engine vehicles," he said.

OK sorry but HOW DUMB IS THIS!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE WAS THE POWER COMPANY?!?!?!!? Don't you know the first thing they teach you in lineman school is that assume that every pole is energized until it is tested, and deemed safe. Sorry being the sadist that I am, I would have "loved" the political backfire and safety debates this would have brought. - DUMB! REPRINT FROM FIREHOUSE.COM Firefighters Rescue Snowball Updated: 03-12-2007 03:24:26 PM (PGFD) - While rescuing cats out of trees may be more of firefighting folklore, at times, based on the circumstances, it become necessary. The basic philosophy of any animal that takes roost in a tree, or an elevated structure, is that when the animal becomes hungry, it will eventually find its way down. This philosophy also holds true in that it is not worth the risk of sending a firefighter into harms way to rescue the perched pet, however, at times, with all safety precautions being taken, a rescue is attempted to help alleviate fear and anxiety amongst a gathered community that is watching the helpless pet in an extremely precarious position. So it was on a chilly Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2007, that Prince George's County Firefighters received a desperate call for help from citizens of a Fort Washington community. Firefighters proceeded to the 8600 Block of Ridgevale Avenue and witnessed, "Snowball", a much beloved and cherished cat, had escaped up a utility pole to avoid certain injury or death from a neighbor's dog. The aggressive dog ran loose and gave chase to "Snowball." With nowhere to hide, "Snowball" chose the nearest utility pole and scaled as high as she could go. Her final place of refuge was on top of cable wires that were located just two feet below high voltage lines that may have ended her life. The owner, Mrs. Smith, pleaded with the firefighters for assistance as well as many citizens and residents gathered at the location. There was no question that a wrong move by "Snowball" would result in a certain electrifying death and a subsequent unpleasant sight for all. Firefighters thought it best to attempt a rescue, taking safety of themselves into primary consideration. All overhead lines were appropriately identified with the electric power lines given the highest priority and would be avoided at all costs. "Snowball" would have to cooperate as well; any reluctance on her part would negate the rescue attempt. Fire Fighter Todd Szelkowsky and Fire Fighter Kevin Hodges, under the supervision of Battalion Chief Rudy Thomas and Fire Lieutenant Billy Mills, ascended toward the perched pet on-board Tower 21, Oxon Hill Fire/EMS Station 21. Fire Fighter Matt Miller carefully maneuvered the extended "bucket" close enough for the two firefighters on-board to reach out to "Snowball." The pet cooperated and the rescuers were able to take hold of "Snowball" and bring her back to the ground safely. The very appreciative Mrs. Smith could not thank the firefighters enough as the cat was handed back to her. The gathered members of the community cheered the firefighters after the successful rescue. It appears that "Snowball" used up 2 of her 9 lives, however, she will continue to be a loyal pet to her owner and the community of Fort Washington is relieved that this incident had a happy ending. Battalion Chief Rudy Thomas stated to Mrs. Smith, "As a citizen and resident of Prince George's County, we were glad to be able to assist you in her time of need." He commented, "This was a difficult decision to make in attempting this rescue, however, we took the time to identify all the power lines, established ground rules and implemented all safety precautions to avoid injury to our personnel. If we were not 100% positive about avoiding injury to firefighters, we would not have attempted this rescue, fortunately, everything went as planned and we were able to help members of our community."

Ahh OK I get ya

Me personally, unless the duty vehicle is going to also be used for pulling trailers and other equipment then year I think it would be ok. But if it is for normal wear and tear and mainly used for driving around then no.

Uggg, I can;t wait to get off midnights!

Are they certified linemen???? NO Are they certified electricians??? Probably not Should firefighters try to remove lines, object animals and people from situations were power lines may be in contact or close proximity? NO WAY I implore all of you to take a course with your local power companies and I'll tell you something, you'll think twice when you go for a simple "wires down" call. We conduct drills with UI, the local power company in my area on electrical safety. Remember a few years back in upstate CT when a young rookie firefighter died when he was backing out of the house and the tow leads from the pole let go from the house, hit his air pack and he was electrocuted. Another scenario, I worked in the industrial electrical field and local phone company for a short period of my life and had to watch a training film where a home owner was picking up a cable from his house and was laying in the road. Ever thing looked fine until he picked up the cable wire and was shocked. Why, because a low hanging transmission line was touching the cable lines, FOUR POLES AWAY. Listen to any discussion by John Gala or Vinny Dunn about electrical safety, STAY AWAY PERIOD. And to answer your question do I think that a those six members would put their personnel in danger, yes because they did!

Your missing the point, how many firefighter and emergency services personnel deaths have occurred in the last ten years do to electrocution. Firefighters, cops and emergency personnel should not be conducting this. Don't read it as a human interest issue, look at it as unsafe operations, a reason why I posted it in this forum.

If memory serves me right, when the CEO left ALF and took over at Seagrave brought over this design or created it. I can't remember his name.

Seth must have been reading Doonsbury this week with the re-posting of the strip where B.D. goes to get his "C-Leg" customized!!! Yah, get a primer coat down with Rustolium or some other metal finish paint product. Or if you want, we could all pitch in an powercoat it.

Hi-Tech I have no clue what happened to them. Simon-Duplex was owned by LTI for a short time before Dalmaer - Benz purchased ALF & LTI and merged the two companies to the present ALF. Pemfab the chassis devision I believe was bought by Spartan Motors while the cab making end is now Truck Cab Manufacturers (TCM) the makes of the old "Cincinnati Cab". (www.truckcab.com).

Manchester is not all white, they are red & white strip scheme. New Haven's fire trucks are all white with the exception of the Emergency units (E-1 is white and red and E-2 is black and red, both were demo's I believe, but they do have two spare Emergency units that are all white.) Even when NHFD purchased Seymour old Hahn engine, the painted it all white, the only red left was inside the compartments and the cab. Scotland CT has a majority of their fleet white with a blue stripe, though they do have a red hose reel pumper, a white over red tower and a yellow brush truck. Poquonnock Bridge in Groton has a white fleet, Bethany is white with a lime green stripe and Obviously Belltown like you said and I think that is it for white fleets in CT. So there are a total of five left. I know a few department like Derby have one white truck but not many around do anymore.

Wow going to red?! That going to be weird for me since that will only leave a few departments with an all white fleet! Good luck with the new rigs!

What the 4-guys name sign on the building doesn;t give it away???? LOL Just joking. Good luck with the rig guys!

Couple of departments up in northern CT have 4-guys pumper-tankers and by what I have heard, they had nothing bu good luck with them. I know the tanker in the town next to mine if a 4-Guys and they never had any major problems wit the 10 y. o. unit.

What would be funny is if he checks off "innocent" on the back of the ticket and fights it!

Nope, All the State hazmats are Pierce / Freightliners and all 34 have been delivered. That pic has to be Torrington's rig since they have red trucks, Norwalk would order a white truck with red stripes.

New Haven's St. Patrick's day Parade is this coming Sunday, step off at 1pm.

The State of Connecticut has all recruits go through the CSP Academy or local police academy like New Haven and Bridgeport. If you are already a certified police officer and apply to another local police agency then I don't think you have to go to the academy again depending on that department's policy. If you are a recruit for the CSP, you have to attend the academy. No police agency should not put anyone on the job with out training. It's like throwing a air pack on a new firefighter applicant and throwing them into a burning structure without training.

This is the second fire chief in the state to be arrested on criminal charges. They are just like other people who commit criminal acts but unfortunately, they area in charge of a group of people who are to protect the citizens of their districts and now have unfortunately broke their trust.

No thats the ALF Eagle emblems, not holes.

Date: 3-1-07 Time: 17:32 Location: Windsor Street, North End of Hartford (north of intersection of Main Street) Frequency: 154.31.00 (Hartford 800 TRS simulcast) Units Operating: HFD operating four Engines and two Trucks, Tactical unit (N/A unit numbers) Description Of Incident: Working fire in a commercial building - Now Second Alarm, all workers out of the building. Building may house a metal finishing plant (unconfirmed) Video at www.wtnh.com, www.wfsb3.com Writer: IzzyEng4 Update @ 17:40: Hazardous Materials in the building of a factory processing company