jcoppola

First let me say I like the truck and the configuration as described. I have a question though. Is this smaller truck replacing the old large ford heavy rescue truck that SBVFD has run for many years? I'm thinking that with the added trailer outfitted with tech-rescue stuff, they were able to "slim down" the apparatus, and if so, great idea. It is hard to comprehend in the days of "bigger is better" when it comes to purchasing Rescue vehicles. Congrats to the spec. committee for a job (perceived) well done. JVC

I just can't get enough train pictures, especially the deisel locomotives. Seriously. The new NH Line locomotives look very "mean" and I can't wait to see them in person. JVC

Any members have any good drill topic ideas they would like to share? I learned through experience that drills that last about an hour or so are some of the best. Preplanning a certain portion of a first due district is always good to do in a short period of time. Plus, you don't "lose" the members during it. Some other things I have tried: Have the local EMS service bring their rig to the station so all members can learn where things are in it and each agency knows what to expect of the other. Also, grab digital pictures of a certain target hazard in the district and create a powerpoint on it and have the members discuss some tactics pertaining to it. Also, I got my hands on a powerpoint presentation of familiarization with the new Drag Device being installed in all new turnout gear. I saw an awesome post on here about one that got hung up on a nail during training...that is really good info to share with your crews. Share your thoughts! JVC

Interesting question. I keep a small backpack with me in the rig at all times. In it is spare gloves, extrication/rope gloves, handi-talkie strap, dry socks, (when really cold, a dry sweatshirt) and what else? A nikon coolpix 5mp digital camera with spare batteries. I can (and have) snapped a picture or two while pulling up. Otherwise I can pass it to my chauffeur and while he is minding the pump, he can snap a few shots. Plus, it can be used to document things that may need to be revisited for report writing purposes.

I keep the utility rope in my left pocket with a caribiner sticking out of the pocket just a bit so I can grab if if i need to tie off a tool or whatever. My utility rope is actually 50' of static 11 mil life safety rope, just not Kevlar. In a pinch, I could pass it to another member or victim. In my right pocket is my bailout rope and the biner is attached (unlocked) to my gemtor snaphook. The kevlar bailout rope is loosely bagged in that right pocket. If needed, I can grab the biner from my gemtor, wrap it around something substantial, triple wrap the hook and go. The bag can stay in the pocket and play out or I can chuck it out the window. This method was tested and I can do it in seconds. The key thing with bailouts is training. The skill is perishable. P.S. You're not the first to mention my elaborate tool cache in my turnout coat, but to tell you the truth, I use everything I carry frequently. JVC

I am in the process of updating it with some of the photos of it stuck on a nail during a wall breach. Send me a pm with your email address and I will forward it to you when completed, then you can customize it to fit your needs. JVC

Some pictures of our "new" tanker that was donated by New Canaan FD. It is lettered and training on it will begin soon. Sorry for the picture quality, I took these in the apparatus maintenance garage with poor lighting and tight space. I plan on getting it outside for clearer pictures soon. JVC

The intended use is for water supply in the western (New Canaan/Darien boarder) side of the city and the northern (Wilton boarder) side of the city. Both areas have non-hydranted streets so the rig will be assigned for those boxes with possibly a split-company configuration (i.e. a member of the ladder co. may be broken off to drive it and park it near the first due engine). The highway has also been mentioned, especially the Merritt because there is NO dry standpipes up there like there is on I-95. It will be a good resource for the surrounding towns as well. JVC

Being that it is all opened up like that, it must be occupied by vagrants. And add cold weather to vagrant occupation, usually you get a ripping fire in a building that appears primarily wood frame. Kind of suprised it never was taken by arson... I have always been facinated by the character and beauty of older architecture as well as some vacant buildings that once served as hospitals, prisons and schools. I have found many good websites that portray photos of really neat vacant and abandoned architectural beauties. One I would like to share is http://www.hudsonvalleyruins.org/. I spent a good hour on this one when I found it, and being that EMTBravo is made up of a lot of Hudson Valley members, I thought it might be worth a mention. JVC

Norwalk has been buying Sterling 4 by 4 plow/dump trucks for a few years now and I heard the DPW drivers like them a lot. I will attempt to photograph one soon. JVC

Amazing. I really don't think the kids deserved that kind of tirade. I would have a big problem with a cop screaming at my kid like that for riding a skateboard. If the kid was being a smartmouth, then he needs to be set straight, but that was a bit over the top. Maybe he had an inferiority complex because he has to ride around in a modified midget VW Beetle.

Trumbull EMS is offering a EMT-B course at their location. They are at 250 Middlebrooks Avenue in Trumbull. The course begins Thursday, March 6th and is expected to end late June, 2008. Classes will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6-10PM and Saturdays will be determined. Additional hours for hospital rotation and ambulance ride time will be required. The course costs $480 including book, CPR card, and stethoscope. (Testing fee not included). If affiliated with an emergency service, the cost is $425. Contact Person: Kathleen Summ-Brooks, Paramedic. 203.452.5146 for applications. JVC

Date: 02-14-2008 Time: Approx. 11:30 Location: 38 Bettswood Road Frequency: 151.445 Units Operating: E4, E3, R2, C2, T2, T1 Description Of Incident: IC reports fire showing on the B/C side of the structure. 2 lines in operation, trucks opening up and possible K-9 inside. Writer: JVC

At NFD, we have a washing machine that is primarily used to clean dirty turnout gear. It also can handle regular clothes/station wear, and bed linens, like comforters and blankets. When turnout gear or stationwear is soiled with blood or body fluids, a few things are expected and will take place. The exposure/contamination will be documented and the member will be evaluated at the Norwalk ED if necessary. All soiled garments will be red bagged and handled by members wearing universal precautions. In the event of a severe amount of blood/body fluids on clothing, our Paramedics and Hospital will be consulted for advice. The member is expected to keep backup uniforms and PPE ready at their assigned station (all provided and done). I did some research a few years ago and found that on sanitize mode, our gear washer is capable of heating the water high enough to clean and sterilize the fibers found in turnout gear and station wear. To me, this seems like an adequate program intended to keep contamination away from the members vehilces and home. JVC

Date: 2-10-2008 Time: 23:00 approx. Location: Merritt Pkwy S/B, Near Exit 50 Frequency: 33.56 Units Operating: Nichols, Trumbull Center, TEMS Description Of Incident: Reported car into tree on its side near the White Plains Rd. Overpass. Dispatch also reported large tree down across the roadway in the area. Exrtracation was reported but unconfirmed. Writer: JVC

Greenwich, CT is hosting a State of Connecticut Certification course for Firefighter I. Course will run from March 4 to May 29. Contact for this class is Brian Kelly, Volunteer Coordinator (bkelly@greenwichct.org). JVC

One other thing with the zipups. If you don't zip them, they have absolutely NO ankle support. Long time ago I was using mine while pump operating and I did not zip them. I rolled my ankle into a drainage ditch and caused a bad sprain.

I am not sure if this is warranty-acceptable, but some of the sams stuff used to break in a baseball glove works well, like saddle soap or other leather-softening lotions. The other way is to simply wear them a lot.

I had a pair of the Warrington zip ups and they were a total hassle to get on in a hurry. I use them for teaching when getting the gear on fast is less of an issue. I am in the market for a new pair too and I am looking at the new Globe structural boots with the nifty colors. I have heard nothing but good things about them from actual users.

I just spent 45 minutes on that site. What a great site, so full of useful info.

Are you kidding me? There is no place for surveillence in areas where people "live". I can see security cameras in areas of high-value equipment like apparatus rooms or tool rooms, but in living quarters? Why would anything that goes on in those areas be subject to surveillance. This seems to me like another effort by Springdale's chief to start trouble. I sincerely hope the union prevails in getting cameras out of their living quarters, it is plain nonsense. The bigger fight should be Stamford's chief finding an alternative location to house E7. Union members in ANY dept. should not have to tolerate this intrusion.

Continued excellent work. Glad to be a part of it. JVC

There are several things I like about this site. I like to Incident Alerts so I know what is going on not only in my area, but the whole region. I really like posting and reading news of apparatus deliveries as well. Most importantly, I learn a lot about my job and safer and better ways to do it. Additionaly, I was very honored to be appointed a Moderator by Seth. I now not only check in each day for news, etc., I feel somewhat responsible for what is in the forums. I appreciate the information all the members share and I enjoy replying and posting my two cents once in a while. We all have a great thing here, lets nurture it and keep it going strong. JVC

My kids try getting in the front loader all the time. Thankfully, the new ones have locks. More than 1 kid could fit in those.

That was an awesome post. I NEVER thought of that happening. As we see, anything is possible. In training members in the use of the drag rescue device, I will certainly include that in the lesson plan.