BFD1054

Date: 08/22/13 Time: 1450hrs (approx) Location: 117 Harold Ave Units: Cornwall Car-4 (IC) E400, T402, TA437, Vails Gate C3, R480 (FAST), West Point C2, E? (2nd FAST), 36-14, Cornwall VAC, Cornwall PD Description: Structure Fire 1450hrs-OC911 alerting Cornwall for the possible structure fire, smoke coming from the house. 1447hrs-OC911 advising Cornwall units that they're receiving multiple calls reporting a structure fire. Cornwall Car-4 requesting (1) Engine from Cornwall-on-Hudson to the scene and (1) Engine from Salisbury Mills to re-locate to Cornwall FD HQ. Cornwall-on-Hudson then directed to re-locate to CFD HQ and Salisbury Mills to cancel. 1458hrs-Command requesting Vails Gate's FAST to the scene. 1459hrs-OC911 alerting Vails Gate; FAST requested to Cornwall. 1510hrs-Vails Gate R480/FAST on scene. Vails Gate's FAST going to work, Command requesting West Point to the scene as the new FAST. Fire was in the attached garage of a 2-story raised ranch style SFD. Quick knock down by 1st due companies. Members then opened up and checked for extension which was (-). Mutual-aid then released as companies picked up.

Date: 08/21/13 Time: 1545hrs Location: 32 Hill Rd. c/s Clove Rd. Units: SMFD E546, T558, TA557, Washingtonville Car-3, E583, 36-14, OCFI's, Blooming Grove EMS, Blooming Grove PD, Blooming Grove Building Inspector Re-Locate: Vails Gate E481/Car-3 to SMFD Description: Working Fire 1545hrs-OC911 alerting Salisbury Mills for the reported structure fire, garage on fire. 1546hrs-OC911 alerting 36-14 and the Washingtonville FD; Washingtonville (1) Engine AMA to the scene. 1548hrs-Washingtonville E583 responding. 1550hrs-Washingtonville Car-3 on scene with a working fire in a 2-car garage. 1553hrs-Salisbury Command (Washingtonville C3) advising 2 car garage, fully involved, ready to collapse, (2) lines stretched and operating, p/w/h. 1555hrs-Command requesting (1) engine to re-locate to SMFD. 1556hrs-OC911 alerting Vails Gate; (1) Engine to re-locate to Salisbury Mills FD.

Seth, The link to the Times Herald Record does not seem to be working. This may be because you have to sign up through their website? From what i heard, the City has hired (2) who will enter the next academy class. Again, this is not concrete information. Sure other members could give more light to the topic. However, as va360 stated, it is certainly about time. The NFD is and has been operating under-staffed for quite some time. The members of the NFD do a hell of a job with what they have and what they deal with. But its about time they hire and get some help. Best of luck to the NFD.

Date: 08-19-13 Time: 1658hrs Location: River Rd IFO Global Corp Units: NWFD R445, E446, Vails Gate Car-1, R480, New Windsor EMS, New Windsor PD Description: Roll-over MVA w/Entrapment 1702hrs-R445 responding. OC911 advising of (3) calls, all believed to be related, automatic alarm at Global Corp, roll-over MVA and wires down and arching all in the same area. 1705hrs-R445 on scene. Command advising EMS is requesting a launch of the Medevac, requesting Vails Gate to handle the LZ. Vails Gate Car-1 E478 responded to Destinta's movie theater parking lot to set-up the LZ. However, the Medevac was then cancelled with Vails Gate units returning to service. New Windsor Command then requested Vails Gate to stand-by in their own quarters for coverage. Shortly thereafter, Vails Gate was requested to the scene with their Rescue to assist with extrication. VGFD Car-1 and R480 then responded and assisted in extrication and patient removal. Patient then txp. by NWEMS w/Vails Gate FD units returning to service. Link to Mid Hudson News: http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2013/August/20/Fatal_Dodge_R-20Aug13.htm

Date: 08-18-13 Time: 0913hrs Location: I-87 NB IAO mm 58.1 Units: VGFD Cars 1, 3 (LZ), R480, E478, E481 (LZ), E479 (LZ), New Windsor EMS (numerous), Town of Newburgh EMS, NYSP, NWPD, Hackensack Air-1, Life-Net Air-(?) Description: SUV roll-over w/(2) ejected and (1) pinned 0913hrs-OC911 alerting Vails Gate for the reported roll-over MVA at the above location. While en-route, units were advised that as per multiple calls, possible ejection with "bodies in the roadway." VGFD Car-1 arrived on scene, established command and advised of (1) car in the median with possible ejections. Car-1 then advised of (5) total patients w/(2) ejected and serious injuries. R480's crew was directed to secure the vehicle and assist EMS with triage and patient care. E478 arrived shortly thereafter and also assisted with patient care. Members then stretched the hydraulic tools to perform a door pop to remove (1) patient. E479 and E481 responded to Cornwall High School to set-up the LZ under the Command of Car-3. Once all the patients were removed and being txp, VGFD units took-up from the Thruway and returned to service. Hackensack Air-1 and Life-Net Air-(?) were off the ground, transporting (1) patient each to Westchester Medical Center. Once the medevac's were off the ground and clear, VGFD Car-3 terminated the LZ command with E479 and E481 returning to service.

Date: 08-17-13 Time: 1728hrs Location: Rt 94 & Riley Rd Units: VGFD Cars 1, 2, 3, R480, E478, E479 (LZ), Cornwall EMS, New Windsor EMS, Cornwall PD, 2 Medevacs Description: (2) car MVA w/(1) on its side w/entrapment 1728hrs-Base-5 alerting Vails Gate for the reported roll-over MVA w/possible entrapment. VGFD Car-3 arrived and advised of a 2 car MVA w/(1) vehicle on its side with entrapment and serious injuries. The driver of one vehicle was removed by EMS prior to FD arrival and txp to the LZ. VGFD E479 was re-directed to Cornwall HS to set-up the LZ. R480 arrived and went to work stabilizing and securing the vehicle that was on its side. E478 arrived and assisted with stabilization and staging of tools. Once the vehicle was secured, members put the hydraulic tools into service and cut the A, B and C posts to fold the roof. The driver was then removed to a backboard and placed in the care of EMS. Patient was then txp to the LZ and flown to WMC.

Date: 08/16/13 Time: 2320hrs Location: IAO 1290 Rt. 94 Units: VGFD Cars 1, 2, 3, R480, E478, E479, New Windsor EMS, Cornwall EMS, MLSS (ALS), Cornwall PD, Air-2 (?) Description: MVA (1) car into the guardrail 2320hrs-Base-5 alerting Vails Gate for the MVA w/possible entrapment. VGFD Car-3 o/s advising (-) entrapment. VGFD Car-2 advising R480 to secure the vehicle and assist EMS. E478 and E479 re-directed to set-up the LZ at Cornwall High School. Patient txp by NWEMS to the LZ. Medevac off the ground, en-route to WMC shortly thereafter.

Barry, As i am sure you are well aware, this problem goes well beyond Westchester and its very unfortunate, not to mention down right dangerous. Many Depts can not get enough properly trained FFs out on routine runs on a frequent basis, let alone for actual fires. It seems many in charge continue to bury their heads in the sand and still have the "we're only volunteers and do the best we can" mentality. Ladies and gentlemen, it is 2013 and the "we're only volunteers" nonsense has got to stop. It is sad that it may come down to a fatality (civilian or FF) before there is any change and that may not even be enough. If you know that your FD has a manpower issue (and you do), then you need to not only admit it, but do something about it! Whether it be through automatic mutual-aid or consolidation (gasp), you must do whats right and owed to your community. Unfortunately this is not the first time we've had this discussion and even more unfortunate, it will not be the last. Just my useless 2 cents Stay safe

Date: 08/03/13 Time: 2145hrs Location: IAO 992 River Rd Units: Middlehope, Vails Gate, West Point, Fort Montgomery, others Description: Pleasure Boat crashed into the shoreline w/multiple injuries Writer: BFD1054 Reporter: Jetphoto

RIP FF Maben Thoughts and prayers are with with his family, friends and the Hudson FD.

Rob, I took CFR with Billy and some other guys from MNRR back in 98.' Billy is a good guy, sorry to hear about this. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Seth, As shfirefighter said, you can find postings at Village/Town/City halls or online. When I got hired, I had been working as a part-time seasonal employee. The Village was preparing to hire a FT Laborer, so I submitted an application. I went for an interview and was hired at the next Board meeting. Unfortunately, like with many other jobs, DPW's are shirking through attrition and so on. These jobs are not as easy to come by as they once were. Best of luck and feel free to PM me with any questions.

Date: 07-22-13 Time: 1415hrs (approx) Location: New Windsor Gardens apartments - Rt 9W Units: NWFD, Vails Gate (full response), City of Newburgh, Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Goodwill, NWPD, NWEMS Description: 3rd Alarm in an occupied apartment complex 1518hrs (approx)-Bulk of the fire is k/d, starting to overhaul. Link to YNN News: http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/674408/kitchen-fire-spreads-to-next-apartment/

Date: 07/09/13 Time: 2200hrs Location: Blooming Grove Tpk. and Rocky Ln. Units: VGFD R480, E481, E479 (LZ), NWEMS Description: Roll-Over MVA w/Entrapment 2200hrs-Vails Gate dispatched; Roll-Over MVA w/reported entrapment. 2202hrs-OC911 advising R480 that there is confirmed entrapment. R480 advising they are arriving on scene. 2212hrs-Vails Gate Command advising OC911 that NWEMS is requesting a launch of the Medevac. Command advising that E479 will set-up the LZ at the Price Chopper parking lot. 2214hrs-E479 advising they are out at the LZ. 2229hrs-E479 advising that the Medevac is on the ground. 2232hrs-Command advising that R480 is returning to service, E481 remaining on scene with the Tow company. 2242hrs-E481 in service, returning to quarters. 2243hrs-E479 advising that the Medevac is off the ground.

There is only ONE dedicated FAST in the entire County of Putnam? Perfect example of why FAST should not necessarily be a specialized unit.

John, First off, great topic Chief! Let me start by saying how well run and trained your FAST is. I always felt comfortable and confident having your team at an incident. Hell, I remember the Bannon Ave job. I was searching the top floor when I saw you through the window lol. You were throwing ladders and clearing windows as means of egress. You guys were always pro active and professional. I took FF Safety & Survival because I was selfish. What I mean is that we are our own first line of defense. Knowing the basics and knowing how to save your own a$$ may mean going home safe after the job. In Buchanan, we did not operate a FAST. But you know what, I took the FAST course because I always strived to be a better FF. It was important to me to know how to help a brother or sister FF out of a bad situation. I whole heartedly agree that EVERY FF should be FAST trained. It definitely should not be a specialized skill. However, it should also not be the 18 y/o fresh out of FF1 who's coming to a downed members rescue. That is just my personal opinion. I attended the Joey DiBernardo memorial seminar on Long Island this weekend. First, it was an outstanding seminar with some of the most respected men in the business as speakers. I can not wait to attend next year. John Salka (who most of you should know of) touched on his "get out alive" program. He spoke of the importance of FAST/RIT, but reiterated the importance of being a well trained FF, capable of getting yourself out of trouble. My current FD, Vails Gate, does have our own FAST. Last year, we hosted a FAST training exercise at our training building. All FAS teams in our Battalion (4) were in attendance. We went over packaging skills, FF through the floor removal, the Denver Drill, moving members down a ladder and moving downed members up and down stairs. All members were split into different teams being made up of members of the different FDs. It was a great day of training and was nice to work with the other teams. So Chief, I applaud you for always having the mindset to better your members and their training skills. I think it would be a great idea for you to get together with the other FAST's that you work with (or don't) and train with them. Perhaps reach out to the other teams, set a date and book the FTC. It's always nice to hone in your skills, but also nice to see how other teams are operating and how they do things. Best of luck to you.

Date: 06-18-13 Time: 2210hrs (approx) Location: Carbone Ct & Paradise Hill Units: Cornwall, Vails Gate (FAST), Woodbury Tanker, Salisbury Mills Tanker Description: Structure Fire 2222hrs-OC911 conducting 10 minute status check. Command advising handlines in operation, house was fully involved upon arrival, now have collapse.

Date: 06-16-13 Time: 1145hrs (approx) Location: 300 Gidney Ave - Gidney Ave School Units: NFD Car-1, Car-4, E1, E3, T1, E10, Castle Point FDVA (FAST), West Point Engine, Vails Gate Engine, Winona Lake Truck, Coldenham Truck, 36-14, C/NPD, MLSS (several). Description: Working Fire in an occupied School 1145hrs(approx)-Box Alarm transmitted, NFD companies dispatched. NFD T1 arrived 1st due and made entry into the building where they encountered a heavy smoke condition. Members quickly located the fire, which was in a 2nd floor classroom. The Truck crew was able to hold the fire with PWC's until the 1st due Engine could get a line inside. The Engine crew stretched a 2 1/2" line, quickly knocking down the fire. As mutual-aid companies arrived, they were advised to assist in opening up and placing ventilation fans as there was a smoke condition throughout. Once the smoke was cleared, companies started taking up as NFD Fire Investigators started their investigation. All mutual aid was released within approximately 2 hours. Once again, another quick stop by the NFD! Things could have been much different in an occupied elementary school. Nice work to the NFD, as well as the M/A companies.

Date: 05-31-13 Time: Incident Type: Structure Fire District: City of Newburgh Location: 226 Broadway c/s Wisner Ave Units: NFD Car-4, E1, E3, T1, Wesf Point Engine, FDVA Castle Point FAST Frequency: NFD/OC911 Weather Conditions: Hot/Humid Reporters: BFD1054 Description: 2nd Alarm Structure Fire re-located to the Newburgh PSB: Vails Gate Truck Good-Will Engine

That's helpful lol.

My department uses the following system: Each member is given an ID tag with the following information on it: Members Picture Shield number FD name Status (Interior, Probie, Junior) Each apparatus is equipped with a "bear claw plate." Each hole in the plate is labelled with a riding assignment. The officer will normally dictate each members assignment and each member will then clip in to that position. Once on scene, it is the job of the Safety Officer to collect each bear claw plate and to record the info. He or she then keeps track of members whereabouts and the time that they've been operating. For a structural fire, once you exit the building, you are to check in and advise that you are out of the building and going to re-hab or another assignment. We are in the process of having our radios ID'ed to correspond with dispatch. Once complete, all radios will be ID'ed for the various riding positions on each rig. This way, any and all transmissions will be monitored and we will know whos making those transmissions. This should help tremendously, especially in the event of a (god forbid) Mayday. For example, if you are riding Truck-482 and assigned the Irons position, you will grab the 82-Irons radio. This system works pretty well for us in my opinion. However, as mentioned, this is not an across the board system. It works well for us, but when going M/A or receiving M/A, it may not work well at all. Personally, i'd love to see an across the County, if not State (gasp) system be put in place. But this is New York and we'll continue to go with the flow.

Date: 05/14/13 Time: 1410hrs Incident Type: Structure Fire District: Plattekill Location: 50 Prospect Hill Rd Units: Plattekill, Condenham, Cronomer Valley, Orange Lake Frequency: Ulster 911/OC911 Weather Conditions: Clear Reporters: BFD1054 Description: Structure Fire 1410hrs-OC911 alerting Cronomer Valley; (1) Truck mutual-aid to Plattekill for the reported structure fire. 1414hrs-OC911 alerting Coldenham and Orange Lake; Coldenham FAST to the scene and Orange Lake to re-locate (1) Rescue to Plattekill. 1415hrs-OC911 alerting Orange Lake; additional M/A request for (1) Tanker to the scene. 1427hrs-OC911 alerting Good-Will; request (1) Engine to re-locate to Cronomer Valley. 1434hrs-OC911 alerting Cronomer Valley; additional M/A request for (1) Engine and manpower to the scene. 1436hrs-Cronomer Valley Engine responding.

Date: 04-29-13 Time: 1545hrs (approx) Incident Type: Structure Fire District: Mechanicstown Location: Units: Mechanicstown, Circleville, Silver Lake, Maybrook, Montgomery, New Hampton Frequency: OC911 Weather Conditions: Clear/warm Reporters: BFD1054 Description: 2nd Alarm Structure Fire 1545hrs(approx)-OC911 alerting Mechanicstown for the reported kitchen fire. - OC911 alerting Circleville and Silver Lake; 1st Alarm assignment into Mechanicstown; Cireville FAST and Silver Lake (1) Engine to the scene. 1555hrs(approx)-2nd Alarm being transmitted.

Date: 04/27/13 Time: 1412hrs Incident Type: Working Fire District: Vails Gate Location: 2300 Vails Gate Heights Dr Units: VGFD Car 2 (IC), E481, E478, T482, T484, R480 Frequency: Base-5/OC911 Weather Conditions: Clear Reporters: BFD1054 Description: Kitchen Fire in an OMD 1412hrs-Base-5 alerting Vails Gate; respond to South Gate Village, building 2300, apartment 2305 for the reported structure fire. E481 called on responding within minutes of dispatch. Base-5 advised that PD was requesting the FD to expedite due to reports of a child trapped. Car-2 arrived on scene, established Command and advised of smoke showing from an apartment on the #2 floor. Car-2 then advised that all occupants were out and accounted for. E481 was directed to grab a hydrant and lay in. It's crew led off with a 1 3/4" line to the #2 floor and made entry. Members quickly located the fire in the kitchen area and made a quick knock-down. T482's crew arrived and started opening up and checking for extension which was (-). Companies then began to take up and return to service.

Seth, A friend of mine opened a Crossfit gym in New Windsor and has quite a large membership. When he first started it, i would go regularly. It is quite an intense workout and really uses all of your muscles. The first Crossfit workout i did, i felt as though i was going to pass out or have a heart attack and that was a 20 minute workout lol. Personally, i did enjoy it. However, we have a great gym at our firehouse that i take advantage of. I like to be able to workout at my own pace and the best part is its free. I would recommend giving it a try. Think you'll be surprised what you can put your body through.