ex-commish

Excellent point. And don't forget where some of the profits go...to campaigns.

May he rest in peace.

I was recently recruited by a member of the NY Guard which falls under the NYS Division of Military Affairs. They are a regulated militia that answer to the govenor. Many of the missions that this proposed civilain security force are allready being fulfilled by the NY Guard. Now I will firthur investigate this organizaiton but it seems we allready have something in place to support the military.

Rest in peace

Prayers for a speedy recovery

Happy Birthday.

Very true

If I am not mistaken career officers in NY have to go to FLIP school. The program results in certification in Educational Methodology, Fire Behavior and Arson Awareness, Fire Cause and Origin Determination, Haz Mat First Responder Operations, Fire Instructor Level 1, and Fire Officer Level 1. Maybe if the state would offer more Ed-Meth classes on weekends or even as an outreach this would be more accesible. Many allready have the other classes. A big concern of mine is many do not have any formal training in how to instruct. I also would like to see more emphasis on building construction. For what it is worth I am drafting a letter to OFPC, State Chiefs, and FASNY addressing this.

Some of the blogs in Lo-Hud are attacking civil service unions. Hang on to your hats...this is only the begining.

I believe what is happening in NYC is just the beginning and is happening nationwide.

10-4...

Please tell me where and when I ever trashed anyone for voting for Obama?

As a Republican who voted for McCain I am not humiliated one bit in fact I and many of my Republican friends wish Obama the best of luck. I will allow your youth to be an excuse for your comments but before you blame the GOP for driving this country into the ground you better do your homework. The Democrats have done thier fare share of driving this country into the ground as well.

Rest in peace

Welcome to America. The land of opportunity and Joe the plomber took advantage of it. And I bet he isn't the only one behind on taxes or working without a license. And I wouldn't give Bill Mahr the time of day.

Joe the plumber became a media frenzy because he questioned Obama on his tax plan. Once that happened all the left wing media entities began to hound him and dig as much dirt on him as they can. It is true that McCain brought him up during the debate but he was using him as an example as to who would suffer under the tax plan. Matthews, Oberman and the rest of the left winged, one sided idiots had a field day on him. Fox news was the only network in my opinion that was fair on both candidates.

Just like talking on the phone...tough to enforce. Way too many cars...not enough cops. I do believe it is dangerous and feel your hands belong on the wheel. JMHO.

Chris Matthews is an idiot. He is the product of the far left media. Look how they crucified Joe the plumber. The man wasn't even running yet they made an issue about him. They spent more time and effort investigating him than ACORN.

Don't bet on it.

I am disapointed that McCain lost but that is history now and we have a new prez and I wish him luck and hope he does the right thing for this country. He will have his hands full.

Yes it was a skating rink in mid-to late 70's. Used to go thier on Friday nights. Great place to pick up girls

Cogs, this is a great topic that usually receives less attention than parades and blue lights. I agree with all of what you presented except the voting. Electing leadership is ok for administrative positions like president, vp, etc. The officers whether chief or line, ultimately fall under the AHJ which in NY are either cities, villages, or districts. The AHJ is also responsible for the actions of the officers, not the members who are voting so wouldn't it make sense that those who are in charge to say who they want to be the leadership of their agency? And to take it a step further, a new member is able to vote as soon as he/she is sworn in. What knowledge or experience does that person have to make decisions as to who should be their leader. In 1997 the NY Attorney General rendered an opinion with respects to line officers in fire districts. He concluded that the firefighting roles of line officers fall under the board of fire commissioners and not the rules and regs of a fire company. Now I am not sure if this would apply to cites or villages but bottom line the AHD should have the right to select who they want to lead as well as establish the minimum qualifications. Ok...fire away

I am not aware of the IAFC lobbying against any grants. Do you know which grants they were? I can't imagine why they would try to block against something that would benefit the entire fire service.

My issue is telling people what they can or can't do on thier time off. And I am not even adressing side jobs or even volunteering for a FD. There are other actvities that are dangerous. I know people who ride motorcycles, rock climb, are involved in sporting activities, hunt, etc. Maybe I am being a bit extreme but if a union or municipality can tell employees they can't volunteer than what's next? The IAFC represents both volunteer and career fire chiefs. This is thier mission statement: "To provide leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers, company officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities." I wonder if taking an official stance violates thier mission statement?

Great idea. I wish him luck.