BFD1054

Thanks for sharing Speedy. I didnt realize there was a fire there in 1978. I can remember my father taking me up there to watch when it burned in the late 80's/early 90's.

Date: 01-09-12 Time: 1530hrs Location: IFO 555 Union Ave (Town of New Windsor Municipal Building) Frequency: Base-5 Units Operating: VGFD Car-2 (IC), E478, R480, E479, NWEMS w/numerous, NWPD w/numerous, Medevac on stand-by Weather Conditions: Clear/Cool Description Of Incident: 2-Car MVA w/(1) on its side Reporters: billy98988 Writer: BFD1054 1530hrs-While en-route to a wires down call, VGFD Car-2 came accross an MVA involving 2 SUVs. 1 SUV was on its side w/(2) persons still inside, while the other SUV was resting on top of the 1st, spproximatley 6 feet off the ground. E478 was responding to the wires down call, but was re-directed to the MVA. R480 signed on responding moments after dispatch. E478 arrived and its crew assesed the scene and used hand tools and a windshield cutter to remove the (2) persons from the SUV that was on its side. An 1 3/4" handline was stretched as a precaution for the duration of the operation. E479 signed on responding, but was re-directed to the wires down call. R480 arrived on scene and put the rescue-jacks into operation to secure the suspended SUV. Once that vehicle was made safe, members assisted EMS in removing the driver to a backboard. Once all persons were removed from the vehicles and equipment was picked up, R480 returned to quarters. E478 remained on scene until the Tow operators removed the vehicles.

If i remember correctly, a similar incident occured within the last few years that was posted on here. Was an older model ladder truck (cant remember the make) and the aerial failed at a job. Not sure of injuries, etc. Almost want to say that incident occured in PA as well. Speedy recovery for the injured FF.

A-Hole perhaps...asshat...list goes on

Ahh yes, that old evil word...change. As silly as it sounds, it seems as though the fire service truly is afraid of change. Your "political football" prediction is spot-on. I may be in the minority here, but i think change, in the way of consolidation, is not all that far down the pipe. But as you say, if we dont help ourselves and start the process to where it works for us, we may not have a choice/say in it. *Sorry my post looks like this with the quotes, not sure how to fix it lol.

Barry, as alaways you bring up some great points and pose some great questions. I totally agree with most, if not all of what youre saying. However, in looking over the #'s, i made a different observation. Most career job's run THOUSAND's of calls annually, but actual fire duty is waaay down in many areas (not a bad thing). We've been looking at mostly volly depts and comparing run #'s to actual workers and what-not. But here is one of my observations; Bridgeport, CT FD - 14,982 (55 of which were jobs) New Haven, CT FD - 23,939 (74 of which were jobs) BFD ran 14,982 alarms and NHFD ran 23,939 alarms. No question, thats a LOT of alarms. However, BFD had "only" 55 jobs, while NHFD had "only" 74 jobs. Im not great at math or with numbers, but thats a pretty low percentage of actual fire duty for such high call volumes. Take into account the fact that Career FF's work rotating shitfs, so how many of those job's does each FF actually make? I am in NO way taking away from these FD's or the ammount of alarms they run or work they catch. Im also in NO way trying to start a Career bash pissing match. Again, this was just an observation i had made. Hands down, Career FF's training and experience far exceed any vol FF's. Now, back to the #'s game. I see many vol FD's that have very low annual run #'s, some WELL below 100 (one FD w/14 runs!). Barry, this brings me back to the many topics and conversations on here regarding consoidation. Why is this not being done in many places? How is a FF going to get any experience from 14 ANNUAL calls? Out of the 14, how many would the average vol FF actual make? Oh, i will try and see if i can get a breakdown of my FD's actual runs.

Andy, thanks for posting this. This behavior is absolutley disgusting and down right disturbing. This sort of nonsense is all to common though. Chris, well said. Ive never understood this mentality when it comes to sports teams. Hey, im just a fan, not on the payroll. So to me, its just that and may the better team win. That said, i happen to be a baseball fan. Ready for this...gasp...i happen to root for the Red Sox. Again, im a baseball fan, but that happens to be the team i root for through the good and bad lol. Hell, ive gone to Yankee and Mets games as well because i like baseball and the atmosphere. But i cant wear a Sox hat or t-shirt without the fear of a fight. I can take b*ll-busting, as i get it at my Firehouse and work. But ive had people try and fight me because of who i root for. Heres another video for you all. Two Baltimore City PO's attempting to effect an arrest and are ASSAULTED by a "by-stander." NOBODY comes to their aid, but someone video's the incident and is heard telling the perp(s) to run. He also states that he has everything on video and implements that the PO's will be in trouble for their use of force! F**King savages! Link to video: http://www.policeone.com/close-quarters-combat/articles/4923231-Video-of-attack-on-Md-cop-goes-viral/?fb_ref=homepage

Date: 01-06-12 Time: 0830hrs Location: 190 South Plank Rd. - Algonquin Plaza (Town of Newburgh) Frequency: OC911 Units Operating: WLFD and numerous Mutual-Aid Weather Conditions: Clear Description Of Incident: Multi-Alarm Fire Reporters: billy98988 Writer: BFD1054 *1619hrs-WLFD Car-1 requesting (1) Engine back to the scene. - OC911 sounding the home alerts 1700hrs-WLFD Car-1 advising under control, units returning. **Some agencies that were on scene and/or standing-by: Orange Lake, Plattekill, Cronomer Valley, Goodwill, Coldenham, Vails Gate (stand-by at WLFD), Town of Newburgh VAC, TON-PD. Link to Times Herald Record w/video and pictures: http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120106/NEWS/120109885/-1/NEWS

I feel kind of silly after seeing the totals of many of the career depts, but here ya go... Vails Gate Fire Department - Orange County 659 alarms in 2011 - NO EMS

Chris, ya beat me to it lol. Was going to say i see some Mohegan guys there and assumed it was your FAST. Great pictures, thanks for sharing.

Personally, i think the "Alarm assignments" are a bit skewed in Westchester. Technically, this may have only been 1 Alarm per se. The problem is, IMO, is that EVERY dept has their own different alarm assignments in place (good and bad). If set-up properly, all the IC would have to do is transmit a 2nd (3rd, 4th, etc) alarm and know what theyre getting (i.e. - 2 and 1 or 3 and 2 & 2nd FAST team) or whatever. In this case, a Tanker Task Force and an additional alarm for manpower and source pumper(s) may have been good. I think if a greater alarm is requested, then the appropriate apparatus/unit(s) should be dispatched accordingly (closest available). Again, just an observation of mine in regard to the alarm assignments. But thats discussion for another time/thread. Now back to your regularly scheduled topic. Looks and sounded like a tough job for all involved in this job. Glad to hear there were no injuries.

Date: 01-03-12 Time: 1800hrs Location: Ferry St. c/s River Rd. Frequency: OC911 Units Operating: PJFD, Greenville, Hugenot, Sparrowbush Weather Conditions: Dark/Cold Description Of Incident: Working Fire Reporters: Writer: BFD1054 1815hrs-OC911 alerting Greenville and Hugenot; (1) Engine each to re-locate to Port Jervis. 1817hrs-OC911 alerting Hugenot and Sparrowbush; re-direct to an automatic alarm on Pike St. in Port Jervis. 1828hrs-OC911 alerting Fire Investigators to respond. 1829hrs-OC911 alerting Otisville; (1) Truck to re-locate Port Jervis.

nysff... Thank you for posting this info. Speedy recovery for the injured members.

Date: 12-31-11 Time: 1400hrs (approx) Location: Cuyler Ave Frequency: Units Operating: AFD, APD Weather Conditions: Clear/Cool Description Of Incident: Heavy Fire in a 2 1/2 story balloon framed dwelling Reporters/Writer: TR54/BFD1054

Sorry everyone, but i want to discuss a topic that is a big pet pieve of mine: Freelancing or "buffing" of calls. Manpower is always a hot topic here on EMTBravo and rightfully so. But i want to discuss another form of manpower, the kind that just shows up. Why is this (or at least seems to be) an accepted practice in many areas? Time and time again, i see members of agencies that havent even been requested showing up to fires. Better yet, i see members of agencies who HAVE been requested who show up on scenes in their POV's. If your agency is requested M/A for an engine, Truck, FAST, etc, why wouldnt/shouldnt you go to your respective station to "staff" the apparatus? Wouldnt it make more sense for EVERYONE to know who they have and if they can properly fill out the request? It seems that there is way too much freelancing that occurs. This leads to a less uniform response and operation. More importantly, it leads to lack of accountability and makes for a free-for-all on the fireground. Im just curious what other members think of this, or does nobody else see it as an issue? Perhaps some of you feels its an acceptable practice? This is obviously a volunteer issue. But any of the career members on here, please, feel free to chime in with your thoughts. Im curious if any agencies have SOPs/SOGs regarding this? Personally, i feel if people are found to be freelancing, they should be sent packing from the scene. Manpower is great, but only good if its known/recorded. Ideas, thoughts, opinions? Thank you and stay safe!

I have to go with Tommy here, Morning Pride hands down. My old dept used Globe for years, but switched to Morning Pride a couple of years ago. My new dept is in the process of switching from Globe X-Treme to Morning Pride. Unfortunatley for me, i was issued a new set of Globe just a few months ago, so no Morning Pride for me lol. Personally, i find Morning Pride to be lighter and much, much more comfortable. My Globe pants are way too baggy and very uncomfortable, especially with my harnass.

Tommy and John, you guys have both had your share of classic radio transmissions over the years for sure! Whether it was between you two or not, there have been some great ones. I liked when we started using **B* or **A* instead of **0* for EMS numbering. A certain VAC that i was affiliated with was always good for a "**Bubalikus-1" to 60 Control. There were some great variations back then. Was always good when the good men and women of 60 would come back with a better one than us lol. John, we always had some good times at Somers as well bro.

I can remember a Chief being interviewed back in the late 90's after a multiple alarm fire. Chief's words - "several firefighters were treated for heat FRUSTRATION" That was the butt of many jokes for years to come.

Here's one that isn't so much funny, but definately a unique one. Link to the clip: http://box54.org/clips/dog2.wav

38ff...great post. This is exactly how my FD operates and i believe its the way most, if not all should operate. This is the point im trying to drive home; it can lead to an accountabilty disater. Theres very few reasons why members should be going to a scene, especially a M/A call. The priority should always be properly staffing the apparatus and responding in a uniform fasion. If you miss the rig, oh well, better luck next time. Hang at the firehouse and see if additional help may be needed. Grumpy, believe me, i have "buffed" some jobs over the years for whatever reason. But as we established, buffing and freelancing are two different issues. You've totally hit my point of why freelancing is bad and how it can affect a fire scene. Bill, believe me, in the incident you describe, i have no problem with that. You informed YOUR FD and the "Host" IC of your intentions. Your FD was requested, so you really werent freelancing. Or at least in the problematic way.

Chief, excellent points! I more or less meant those who "buff" with the intent on "freelancing." Sorry for any confusion lol. For the record, i have NO problem with the buffs you speak of.

Captain, thank you for chiming in. Ive been in the volunteer fire service for just about 13 years now and i seem to remember this always being somewhat of an issue. However, i dont think it was as bad as its become. I think youve hit the nail on the head with your second sentence. Again, if its M/A thats directly called for, i have no problem. Its when people who werent requeted show up and operate. Also, i dont understand POV's going to M/A calls? Shouldt the apparatus be manned properly and then respond? When members respond directly to a M/A scene, accountabilty goes out the window and opens the door to many issues IMO. As for penalties; this is something i was curious about. I feel its something that should be enforced. You're just creating the potential for more danger than good. Ive seen FF's come in M/A when requested for a Truck, but theyre fighting to get on a handline. Ive seen other variations of this as well. When properly utilized and implemented, mutual-aid can be a very good thing. But when freelancing and buffing is allowed to run rampant, it can lead to disaster.

Andy, we may have been in the same class lol. I too took a class with Chief Fitzpatrick at Camp Smith several years ago. Amazing instructor and all around good guy. Congrats Chief and all the best on a well deserved retirment!

Date: 12-18-11 Time: 1848hrs Location: IFO 300 Windsor Hwy (Rt. 32) Frequency: Base-5/OC911 Units Operating: VGFD Car-3 (IC), R480, E481, E479, New Windsor EMS, TransCare EMS (happend upon incident), New Windsor PD, Medevac (cancelled due to ETA) Weather Conditions: Dark/Cold Description Of Incident: 1-Car MVA w/Pin Reporters: Writer: BFD1054 1848hrs-Vails Gate dispatched to the above location for a wash-down from an MVA. 1850hrs-Vails Gate re-sounded; PD on scene now advising of entrapment. Units arrived to find a late model sedan that had left the roadway and went into a ditch. The rear-end of the car was off the ground, with the front-end against the rock culvert. Members of R480 focused on stabilizing the vehicle using rescue struts, while other members secured the battery and staged the extrication equipment. A Medevac was requested by the Chief of New Windsor EMS. However, it was cancelled due to an extended ETA. Once the vehicle was stabilized, members used the hydraulic tools to remove the front and rear driver side doors, as well as the "B" post. The driver was then removed to a backboard, placed on a stretcher and prepped for transport. All units went back in service shortly thereafter.

Date: 12-14-11 Time: 0620hrs (tow) Location: I-87 IAO Exit 17 Frequency: OC911 Units Operating: Winona Lake, EMS, NYSP, Air-2 Weather Conditions: Dark/Cold Description Of Incident: MVA w/Pin & Medevac Reporters: Writer: BFD1054 0622hrs-LZ Command advising that Air-2 is on the ground. Units are still in the process of extricating the patient(s).