ex-commish

Well.....untill I broke my ankle, I had plans to go on a few trips this Spring including the FDIC and Montour Falls and possibly Florida. Hopefully I will be able to attend the Chiefs show at Lake George. My big trip is in July with the family to go visit relatives in California with a possible visit to Las Vegas Andy

"The stupid rule that exists in NYS about not being a member of more than 1 department doesn't exist in most other states." Actually you can ride with another department as a mutual aid member providing you meet the qualifications of the dept you wish to ride with. We have two guys who ride with us and belong to other departments. Andy Mancusi Chief Hawthorne FD

"On Jan 8 1994, Tom was murdered going to the fire house for a stand-by due to a blizzard. He was walking through Graham Hills Park to feed the animals and he was murdered in the woods 100yrds from his house. We will be having a little remembrance in Graham Hills Park on Monday, the 9th at 1900 hrs. All are welcome to come by and pay their respects and remember Tom and help us try to find his killer. We do this every year. As of this time there hasn't been any charges brought in this case. This is our way of keeping him in our hearts and to keep this unsolved murder in the news. The local news will be there and we always have a good turn out. Please keep Tom in your prayers this weekend and hope we can bring his murderer to justice." I knew Tom very well. He was a true gentleman. Andy

I am in the process of re-writing my department's SOP's. If anyone can forward me a copy wether it be to my e-mail address or place where I can pick them up it would be greatly appreciated. If you can e-mail them to Amanc2196@aol.com. Thank you and Happy Holidays :angry: Andy Mancusi Asst. Chief Hawthorne FD

"What departments have equipment or a deal worked out with a local gym for physical fitness?" We ( Hawthorne FD) have a weight room with a complete set of dumbells ( not the two legged ones ), a universal set, bike, stepper, and treadmill. "Who should be responsible for paying for this the companies or the department?" I believe the AHD should be responsible. Our fire commissioners paid for the enitre room and have also paid for replacement of equipment. "All volunteer companies recieve 2% money but how many used it on helping their members. I will bet we spent more 2% money on dinners than on physical fitness. We have control of this money and we should have used it to do whats in our members best interests." Not all fire companies recieve 2% money. Many benevolent associations recieve 2% money and are bound by law to spend the money where it would benefit all benevolent members, many of whom are retired or no longer are active members. I do agree however that more needs to be emphaisized on fitness.

Our horn blows 7am to 7pm. I have been an advocate of getting it shut around the clock as we all have pagers. Losing battle. :angry:

[i have to say thank you to all of you. Particulary to Chief Mancusi. There is not greater honor then the respect of your colleagues and Chief/Instructor Mancusi is one of the best. Hawthorne is lucky to have a fire officer of that caliber and I would follow him anywhere as well.] Even with my broken toe???

The original FF1 was supposed to be more than 78 hours. It was chopped due to FASNY, an organization that is supposed to represent us and look out for our safety. They were concerned that more training would prevent people from joining volunteer deparments so now we have a 78 hour version of FF1. I do believe it is a step in the right direction and you are getting a better trained firefighter but I feel the original FF1 should of remained.

I can say with all honestly ALS is not only a great instructor but also one who puts his heart and soul into what he does. I have learned alot from him. Even last minute technical problems I have had before my class started he was never too busy to help me. But I also have to say he is typical of the instructors I work with there. Great bunch of guys and I am glad to work with them. Andy Mancusi

Just wondering if there are any other firefighters ( both volunteer and career) who are diabetic. I am recently diagnosed type 2 and looking to perhaps start a support network for firefighters who have diabetes. I am a member of the American Diabetes Association and have access to alot of information. We can beat it !!! Contact me at Amanc2196@aol.com. Andy Mancusi

I have recieved alot of replies both here and via e-mail and just want to say thanks. Again, we can all beat this.

I forgot, a driver abstract is done on you. Andy Mancusi

All drivers have to take defensive driving. If you drive the engines or the truck you need EVOC, Pump ops and Aerial Ops. You need 6 months in the company or at the chiefs discretion. You have to have ample time driving and pumping along with street knowledge. Every rig has a chief driver who is responsible for testing you. Andy Mancusi

"well all i have to see is the rest of the last 6 parts should be extremely eye opening and it seems they have done a ton of research. lets all wait and see what is to come before the typical vollie vs career issue starts up." I do not feel this is a volunteer vs. career issue nor should it become one. The firefighters themselves are not under attack if anything I think the series praises them. It is an objective look into the system in Long Island and how spending is getting (or has) gotten out of hand. There is no need for bars or trips to the Bahamas. I became a volunteer in the fire service 25 years ago to help out in my community and be part of an elite group of people who are ready to serve. That's what attracted me, not the benefits or perks. I agree it is an eye opener not only for LI but for the rest of the country. Just go to any parade in Westchester, look as the rigs and ask yourself was that rig really needed??? Andy Mancusi Asst. Chief

The idea of fitness is an excellent one. As a recently diagnosed diabetic, I now know the true bebefits of excercise. I feel it is up to each department, not the county to equip or supply gyms. I dont think the county would want to bear that type of liability especially since we operate under home rule. I would suggest we look to our organizations such as WCVFA or in the case of career depts thier unions to seek out consultants and trainers to assist depts in building gyms and establishing programs. For about 7000.00 my dept bought equipment to include a multigym, dumbells, a bike, stepper, and a treadmill. Various members donated items such as a rower, push up bars, and weight belts. We put a tv in the room as well as a music box. You can be as creative as your budget allows you to but it is best to seek advice from a trainer. Be safe. Andy

Doug, Just like you....we are a fire-ems agency. When 60-control bangs us out for an mva you are getting an ambulance and our rescue pumper. Even if the pumper isnt used it is a good means to block the scene, especialy on the highways in which we cover many of them. Andy Mancusi Asst. Chief Hawthorne FD

I am an asst chief here in Westchester so I can guess you can say I am a product of the system. I have been an advocate for reform in officer selection. It can be a popularity contest where the better or more qualified person did not get the job. I have seen it happen over my 24 years in the fire service. I think there should be a minimum standard of training and experience before someone is even considered. As officers we are charged with the responsibility of making decisions that could affect people's lives. The AHD, not the members should have the say who should lead. After all, who is going to held responsible if something happens? Not the 18 year old who just joined and was told who to vote for because he/she did not know and listened to the loud majority. Those responsible to the public such as the board of fire commissioners, town board, vollage board, etc. who have to answer to the public should have the final say. And FYI, in a fire district, a vote for the fire chief is only a recommendation. The board can vote to reject, accept or do a direct appointment if needed. Andy Mancusi

To all our veterans.....thank you for allowing us to be free!!!!