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You know there are not too many things from the past in the fire service that continues today. Get away from the lawyer sue mentality and have fun! Is it a waste of time to celebrate things with the public? Are people having fun? Is the equipment ready to roll on a job if it has to? (well maybe not buried in foam, minor detail) Have fun, do it safely and thank the public for their support.

I bet FDNY wish they had one or two of these in Brooklyn the other day

And I thought departments had it bad in Dutchess where there can be 20 minute response times. (sometimes from a private ambulance service) I want a county fire department too!

Why did it take so long? Why didn't local services do something sooner? I suppose a county wide system for back up would be decent though. It deffinitly can't hurt.

Awsome video! That is one lucky department!

I have to say, that my County, Dutchess has a very good system in place. Developed by years of trial and error of emergency answering points and dispatching centers not just here but from centers in NY and major cities across the country. With that said the 911 center receives all landline calls throughout the county with the exception of the City of Poughkeepsie who receives them in their 911 center (the back up for the county center.) They receive cellular calls as well. (Often cell callers from other counties end up in Dutchess 911 simply because of tower locations) Communication with field units Dutchess has a very good radio system for fire, EMS and Police. All fire and EMS agencies (except the City of Poughkeepsie, but can be) are dispatched to 911 calls on common UHF channels. This allows any department in any part of the county to go mutual aid to another and continue to use the same common channels. All police units can receive calls from the 911 center on a common VHF channel. This allows agencies to hear things that are going on next to them and assist as needed a lot quicker. (Note: The City and Town of Poughkeepsie and, Beacon have the calls transferred to them.) A notification is announced on the 911 channel for any life threatening emergencies. This common channel also is helpful when an agency needs a BOLO put out and other situations arise. VOIP Calls A problem that plagues most 911 centers is the routing of VOIP calls because of the non-compliance of third party cable VOIP providers. There have been many serious in nature VOIP calls that have gone to the wrong places due to negligence on the VOIP carrier. Because of this, Dutchess is always expanding their knowledge of areas outside of Dutchess so they have a better chance on correctly directing any calls they get in error. Priority Calls Many areas that dispatch and EMD calls use some type of protocols. It is very possible for mistakes to happen. Any dispatcher that uses such a system can tell you, nothing is perfect. A great example is last month a call was received for a person who fell in the shower, it was sent out as a simple fall priority 4. On the arrival of the ambulance, they started screaming for a helicopter and manpower. Well, it turns out the caller only said the person fell and not that it was thru a glass shower door and that a leg was nearly severed! The point is the system is only as good as the information the caller provides. Calls are constantly reviewed by an on staff QA/QI person. Because of that some call priorities have been changed. With the approval of the EMD services they use. New CAD system forthcoming In conjunction with the new phases of cellular calls the Dutchess receives (currently Phase 2) a new CAD system will go in place in the coming months that will pin point on a map the exact location of the caller (landline or cellular). This will greatly improve the accuracy of the location of a caller and help properly route the correct departments to the call. There are many other features that will come with this new system; many are based on digital mapping features that have been developed over the last 10 years. As you can see there are a lot of good things about Duchess’s 911 center. This is only a few common items that I have discussed. The dispatchers train all the time, but like I said on most calls, "They can only go by what they are told by the caller."

Frank Becerra Jr, Great pictures! Please keep them coming. What an excellent job all are doing to help make this a success. The strength of the firefighting brotherhood always shines the brightest when one of there own is in need. I wonder if Jim is checking out this web site

I agree, these guys have a great big set for doing this too. If you didn't read the story about it first, you would think its real!

Well my department also switched over last yearto the Scott Fiftys and we have also gone through a lot of batteries. Our problem is no matter how well you shut off the tank and bleed the system< air seems to still getout enough to charge the system enogh to activate the PASS. I have come in numerous times to the alarms going off and killing the batteries in the units. We were told it was a defect in the bottle valve. Spend all that money and then waste more on batteries to keep it working. It's almost like buying your kid a new toy and having to keep a stock of batteries on hand!

I said you did a good job otherwise

Times-Record Article 4/16/06 April 16, 2006 Newburgh St Luke's gets state stroke designation St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh was designated a regional stroke center by the New York State Department of Health this week. That means that if you suffer a stroke and are anywhere near St. Luke's, you'll be taken there instead of your closest emergency room. To win the designation, a hospital must have staff and equipment in place to provide state-of-the-art stroke care, and pass a Health Department review. St. Luke's is the first Orange County hospital to achieve stroke center designation, although Orange Regional Medical Center has also applied. Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern and St. Francis in Poughkeepsie are also stroke centers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I know St Francis wants advance notice of any strokes coming in similar to a trauma notification. As time goes on I believe most hospitals will recieve this designation.

Well Rich, you almost got it right. Chelsea is covered by Beacon (bls) in most of the Fishkill area, Alamo has a small section of the Fishkill part and Transcare has the Wappinger section. Glenham is not switching to MLSS; they are covered by Beacon and receive ALS from Alamo There has been no contract change for Rombout, (the Town supervisor won't allow that! (she sits on Health quest board (the parent of Alamo, Vassar, ect.) The Village of Wappinger’s switched to MLSS early last month. Other wise you did a good job!

I never thought calling the dead would be that expensive!

Please check out the new Village of Fishkill Fire Department web site. Protection Engine Co. No. 1 This site is dedicated to the residents of the Village of Fishkill and the devoted firefighters that provide protection to this community. Since 1829 Protection Engine Co. No. 1 and the Fishkill Fire Department have provided quality fire protection to the residents of the Fishkill area.

Joe Pesci once said in a movie "They F**K you at the drive thru" I think that has changed a little too "They F**k you at the gas pump!" A Good website for tracking gas prices in your area is : http://www.newyorkstategasprices.com/ Or http://www.gasbuddy.com - for the site in your state. Considering some areas had already banned MTBE a few years ago, why do those areas have to suffer again?

Dutchess County's next Firefighter Test Dutchess County Personnel Web Site Dutchess County Application For Employment / Test Personnel Department Announces Open Competitive Examination Title: Firefighter Firefighter/Paramedic Number: 62270 Salary: Firefighter: $36,032.16 – Arlington Fire District (2005 Salary) $39,016 – City of Beacon (2005 Salary) $43,505.28 – Fairview Fire District $40,970 – LaGrange Fire District $30,000 – New Hackensack Fire District $28,500 – Pleasant Valley Fire District $36,109.38 – City of Poughkeepsie Firefighter/Paramedic: $41,232.19 – Arlington Fire District (2005 Salary) If used in other agencies salary varies. Salaries posted are for informational purposes only. Date of Examination: 06/03/06 Application Accepted Until: 5/12/2006 Applications postmarked 05/12/06will be accepted. Applications accepted until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday Administration of an exam does not imply a vacancy exists. A $25.00 fee is required for each separately numbered examination Either a check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Finance" with your social security number, the examination number, and examination title on the check or money order. Separate checks or money orders must be submitted with each application. If you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household, the fee will be waived. Read the announcement carefully, the application processing fee will not be refunded to disapproved applicants. Vacancy: The eligible list established as a result of this examination will be used, when appropriate, to fill vacancies as they occur in all units under the jurisdiction of the Dutchess County Personnel Department. RESIDENCE PREFERENCE – FIREFIGHTER: At this time most agencies give preference in appointment to candidates who are residents of their district for at least 30 days prior to the date of certification of the eligible list. Such residence preference is the policy of each individual fire agency and not subject to the control of the Dutchess County Personnel Department. Fire district boundaries can be found on the Dutchess County website (www.co.dutchess.ny.us) under the Department of Emergency Response. RESIDENCE PREFERENCE – FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC: No residence preference is required for Firefighter/Paramedic in the Arlington Fire District. Minimum Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - FIREFIGHTER: Candidates must meet the following requirements on or before September 1, 2006: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma or GED certificate. NOTE: Satisfactory work experience for a public or private agency or military service may be substituted for high school on a year-for-year basis. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC: Candidates must meet the following requirements on or before September 1, 2006: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma or GED certificate. (Satisfactory work experience for a public or private agency or military service may be substituted for high school on a year-for-year basis.) PLUS the following: Certification by N.Y.S. Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P), PLUS two (2) years of post-certification full-time paid field experience as a medic. NOTE: Candidates may substitute one year of full-time paid experience as an RN or Physician’s Assistant in an emergency room or critical care setting, which would include emergency care or the coronary care unit, for one year of the above medic experience. Special Requirements: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – FIREFIGHTER: 1. Age: Candidates shall not be less than 18 years of age at time of appointment. 2. Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet standards established by the Commissioner of Personnel. 3. Driver’s License: Eligibility for a driver’s license issued by the State of New York. Possession of the license at the time of appointment. 4. Emergency Medical Technician: An appointing authority may require candidates to acquire an appropriate level of certification by New York State Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician. This certification must be maintained during the course of service. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC: 1. Age: Candidates shall not be less than 18 years of age at time of appointment. 2. Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet standards established by the Commissioner of Personnel. 3. Possession of current CPR card and current ACLS certification at time of appointment and to maintain position. 4. Candidates must possess Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (HVREMAC) Certification at time of appointment and to maintain position. 5. Driver’s License: Eligibility for a driver’s license issued by the State of New York. Possession of the license at time of appointment. Duties: DUTIES (FIREFIGHTER): The work involves responsibility for fighting fires and responding to other emergency situations. DUTIES (FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC): This work involves responsibility for fighting fires, responding to other emergency situations and acting as the primary care giver in the emergency care of the sick and injured being treated by the fire district. Examples of Work (Illustrative Only): EXAMPLES OF WORK (Illustrative Only) - FIREFIGHTER: Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls with fire company and performs a variety of dangerous fire fighting activities; drives and operates motor-driven fire fighting equipment; connects hose lines and nozzles; assists in giving emergency first aid treatment to injured persons; performs a variety of tasks in connection with the maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds; performs fire inspections for fire prevention; may function as an Emergency Medical Technician; does related work as required. EXAMPLES OF WORK (Illustrative Only) – FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC: When assigned as a Paramedic: Receives emergency calls from the dispatcher and responds accordingly; takes histories and performs physical exams as indicated on patients in the field, often under less than ideal conditions; develops workable diagnoses based on available information; initiates indicated treatment modalities and supervises all persons on the scene involved with patient care, unless the Director of Emergency Medical Services is present; writes reports documenting the situation at the scene , examination results, orders received, treatments rendered, and other pertinent information; communicates with patient’s family and friends at the scene and with other health team members in the community and at the hospital; checks, cleans and maintains all EMS-related equipment; participates in training programs, both as instructors and as participants for ongoing skills training. Subject of Examination: Written test will cover knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as: 1. Mechanical reasoning - The questions in this subtest will be accompanied by sketches or descriptions of various mechanical devices, hand tools, dials or gauges. The candidate may be required to demonstrate an understanding of how the devices work or of the underlying mechanical principles involved in the devices' operation; or be required to recognize, or know the use for, various tools or devices; and also be required to make accurate readings of dials and gauges. The various devices, tools, gauges, etc., pictured or described in this subtest are commonly used and not limited to use in the fire service. 2. Solving problems involving numbers - This subtest requires the candidate to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems that might be encountered in fire service activities. In some of the questions, sketches of simple geometric figures may be shown or simple geometric terms used. The problems are presented in the context of the job. Knowledge of fire fighting is not required. Formulas or equations will be provided where required. 3. Understanding and interpreting graphs, charts, tables and diagrams and following written instructions - These questions test for the ability to understand information that is presented in graphs or tables and to follow written directions. You will be given questions that cover such areas as graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, and operating instructions for devices. You must locate information on these charts, tables, or diagrams or follow instructions for operating devices in order to answer the questions. All the information required to answer a question is provided. Specialized knowledge of the subject matter is not required to answer the questions successfully. 4. Understanding and interpreting written material pertaining to fire - The questions in this subtest test how well the candidate comprehends written material. The candidate is provided with brief reading selections, followed by a set of alternative statements relating to each selection. The candidate is to indicate the most appropriate statement relating to the selection on the basis of whether it: a. accurately paraphrases portions of the selection; or b. adequately summarizes the selection; or c. presents an inference that can reasonably be drawn from the selection. The reading selections are drawn from a variety of sources related to the fire fighting field. Knowledge of the subject matter of the reading selection is generally not related to successfully answering the questions. A “Guide to the Written Test for the Firefighter Series” is available on the New York State Department of Civil Service website at www.cs.state.ny.us/jobseeker/local/testguides.cfm, or you can pick up a copy of the guide at the Dutchess County Personnel Department, Dutchess County Office Building – 5th floor, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (FPAT) EVENTS: The Firefighter Physical Ability Test consists of eight events that require candidates to perform simulations of the activities that are part of the firefighter’s job. During all events, you will wear a weighted vest, which simulates the equipment and breathing apparatus that a firefighter normally wears during these types of activities. In addition, the first event requires the candidate to carry an additional 25 pounds. These events require cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. This test is stressful and may be dangerous to your health. Therefore, you will be required to get medical clearance from your physician before participating in this physical ability test. The events are described below. 1. Stair Climb: Participant must climb and descend four flights of stairs, wearing an extra 25 pounds (75 lbs. total). At the top of the stairs, candidate hoists rope fastened to a 2-1/2” hose up to 5th floor and brings nozzle through into the window. 2. Hose Drag: Candidate will grasp nozzle of a 200 feet long extension of dry hose, place the hose line over the shoulder, and drag the hose for 100 feet making one 90 degree turn around an obstacle. Candidate will stop, drop to one or both knees and pull 50 additional feet of hose to the finish line. 3. Equipment Carry: Candidate will remove two saws from cabinet that is 48” off the ground, and place them on the ground. The candidate will then pick both saws up, one in each hand, and carry them while walking 75’ around a cone then back to the starting point. 4. Ladder Raise and Extension: Candidate will walk to top rung of a 24 foot aluminum extension ladder which is lying on the ground, lift in a hand over hand fashion and place it against a wall. The candidate must then raise a secured ladder and extend it using the fly section and then lower it using a hand over hand, controlled fashion. 5. Forcible Entry Simulation: Candidate will use a 10 pound sledgehammer and strike a weighted tire in a horizontal direction on a waist high table, 35” high. The tire is to move from start position to end position as marked. 6. Search: Candidate will navigate on hands and knees over and around obstacles through a dark 3’ x 4’ tunnel, which is 64 feet long. 7. Rescue: Candidate will drag a 165-pound mannequin for 70 feet. 8. Ceiling Breach and Pull: Candidate will alternately push and pull an overhead, hinged door using a pike pole for four repetitions of 3 pushes and pulls. The protocol for the FPAT will be available at the test site on June 3, 2006. The FPAT is similar to the CPAT that is administered at the Fire Training Academy. The requirements for CPAT are available on www.calgary.ca (Search for CPAT). No: 66-06 Issued: 04/04/06 DUTCHESS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

Verification is a good idea.

My department got the new Scotts last year and we got a dozen defective bottles from the manufacturer. The "O" rings in the bottles aparently are bad and leak air into the system (doesn't matter how tight you shut the bottle off). So many times we've come into the house and the pass alarms were going off for an unknown amount of time. :angry: The dealer is taking thier time getting the problem resolved too. when asked about the batteries, they gave us a handful, not nearly enough to replace the ones we went through!