jcoppola

I guess I am just from a department that does more with less. I cannot explain it any further. Listing apparatus resources means nothing to me because apparatus does not put out fires, firefighters do.

PJ- I could not agree more. The show is garbage and Dennis Leary should be ashamed at himself for promoting such a poor image of the FDNY. I cannot believe anyone involved in the Fire Service would give that show any credence by viewing it. Total Garbage.

All well and good, but it reallly seems to be a poor use of resources. All said with not having been there of course.

I have seen commercial working fires with less apparatus than that on scene. Where did they all park and what in God's name was burning? Was it a house? And this question also comes to mind...were there more Chiefs on scene than firefighters? I realize tankers are needed in those areas, and not counting them, it still seems like a huge number of resources.

You bring a great point out in your post. The roof was indeed slate tile over lightweight wood construction. I witnessed the tiles collapsing into the roof with my own eyes. The New Canaan people that got there first due took an enormous beating, as a matter of fact, one who was there and happens to be a personal friend told me that had there been just a few more hands initially, (Norwalk was essentially 2nd due dept with an Engine and a Truck on scene) more could have been done. This was a loser from the beginning...huge house built with crap lightweight wood trusses and lumber, set off the road, no hydrants, long UNPLOWED driveway staggered response...you can go on and on. Everyone should know that New Canaan personnel managed to get what looked like some pretty expensive art out of the house before it was consumed by the ridiculously large body of fire occurring. I, for one, was impressed by that effort. Norwalk will continue to assist New Canaan whenever they need it, but I think it is time to add Norwalk or Stamford to the runcards for automatic mutual aid to the town of New Canaan. We could always be turned back if not needed. Joe C.

After a great day with family, I am spending the Christmas night tour @ Engine 5 (THE HOOD) in Sono, 1725-0800. Looking forward to either a good first due job or a very quiet night, whichever occurs first. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and wishing all a happy, healthy and SAFE 2009. Joe Coppola Norwalk Fire

I want to extend a huge Thank You to the members of Long Hill Volunteer Fire Department (Trumbull) for delivering a very memorable Christmas to my 4 kids and 6 of their best friends from our neighborhood. The members of Long Hill do an annual fundraiser that delivers Santa Claus on a beautifully, awesomely decorated fire truck to the residents of Trumbull for a minimal fee that helps the organization. I cannot say enough about how great the guys were that came to my house tonight. Absolutely awesome job. I have included a picture of Santa's annual transportation around town, delivering Chrismas cheer to all the good little girls and boys. Merry Chrismas! Joe

The larger cities run civil service type tests where all you need is a HS Diploma and a driver's lisence to take the test. The Candidate Physical Aptitude Test needs to be completed by a set date thereafter. I agree that FF1 and EMT helps, especially for the smaller paid departments. When I was testing many moons ago, I just started applying all over and making phone calls. I got some great advice a long time ago by a seasoned vet...if you want it bad enough, you will get it. Good Luck. JVC

2 pictures of our new heavy rescue in production. It will be a 2008 Spartan Metrostar with a 20' Marion Rescue Squad walk-in box. It is slated for spring/early summer delivery.

Maybe it is a dependability issue, although LED's seem to last way longer than conventional halogens. I like the cab too, it looks really user friendly. I really like the short wheelbase and the short body. What is in that box on the roof?

One of my fondest childhood FD memories was going to the Valhalla Muster with BFD E-433 and the "old timers", some who are not with us any more, but will always help continue the strong traditions of Belltown. I still feel proud when I recall watching our 1949 Mack drafting out of the "pool" in front of the dam and throwing water clear across it. Cogs...remember when we lost the grill on 287 out of Dave Lupinacci's pickup on the way back to CT??? Or when the radiator hose blew and 2 of us received nasty steam burns...man those were the days...LOL

...or, as I have said in the past, the issue is totally UNRESOLVABLE. Everyone will continue to do their own thing and hopefully peaceful co-existence will be the outcome. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all our other members as well. Joe

Perhaps everyone is just tired of hearing about this whole Godforsaken issue. I know I am.

Looked like a large wood frame in very close proximity to more of the same. Take into consideration some pretty savage winds blowing at the time. I also saw a few cars involved from my vantage point. Looked like a really tough job to get a handle on. Joe

Even a job that was pretty much gone on arrival has to be turned into a paid/volunteer thing. Unreal. I was there and I can attest as a neutral 3rd party, that SFRD did everything they could considering the factors they were dealing with. They had trucks protecting exposures and all hands working to keep the fire in check. C'mon guys, can't we just give credit where due and move on??? Had I known where this would go, I would have kept my wacker pictures to myself...

I have really tried to stay away from this topic but I have been sucked in again... The answer to one of your questions is PERSONAL AGENDAS. The other huge difference between Trumbull Volunteers and Stamford Volunteers is that there is no Career Department keeping tabs on what they are doing, what their response times are and who is putting the first line on a fire. Also, people, TRAINED PEOPLE, can help out in Trumbull without being crucified for being affiliated with a volunteer company. Trust me when I tell you...there is no system quite like that of Stamford these days, I think most will agree with that. JVC

Town of Montville Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician Full time 50 hour week, $ 17.85 hour 2/ 25 hour shifts per week Qualifications: Connecticut Certified Firefighter II Connecticut Certified Emergency Medical Technician Connecticut Certified Hazardous Material Operational Connecticut Q drivers License Current CPAT card required (Candidate Physical Agility Test) No over 18 months old Resume and 3 references required Pre-offer physical and drug screening required before employment Application can be obtained at the Mayors Office 310 Norwich New London Turnpike Uncasville , CT 06382 848-3030 Or online at www.townofmontville.org Closing Date November 21, 2008 4pm

Very true...and thanks. Joe

Ok, good response Bernie, but we shall agree to disagree. This was a system I have worked in and have been involved with for many, many years and I am confident that no mutually acceptable outcome will ever occur. Call me a pessimist, but thats the way I see it. And I really hope you are not referring to me when you mention guys who forgot where they came from or big union voices. Thanks, Joe

Date: 10-21-2008 Time: 01:18 Location: 17 Carlin Street Frequency: Units Operating: Norwalk FD, surrounding towns for station coverage, NPD, NHEMS, Fire Investigation Division Description Of Incident: Working fire in a 2.5 story house. Structure was over 75% involved on arrival of E4 and interior attack could not be initiated due to the structure collapsing on itself. 2 elderly occupants perished in the blaze. Writer: JVC

Ok, I apologize for speaking out of turn, but my source painted a very different picture than yours. My source has since left Danbury and moved on to the FDNY several years ago, so my info is dated and I will take yours at face value. Knowing as much about the volunteer system as I do, I can tell you that there are many fundamental differences between Danbury and Stamford departments. There is no common ground. The damage and distrust is corroding the system beyond repair. The individual fiefdoms will never give in to consoldation because they put way too much stock in the "Charter". Another big problem is that Springdale, Belltown and Turn of River FDs are considered "rival" organizations. You tell me how that is going to promote this "common ground" that you speak of. I have resolved myself to the fact that there is no possible way these 2 sides are going to agree on ANYTHING, EVER. I believe that the whole Mill Spring Road fire proved that the system is more disorganized than it was before the merger. At least before, the departments were able to deal with most situations on their own, with mutual aid as needed from wherever. Now, there are 2 different entities with their own command staff operating in a relatively small area compared to other jurisdictions in our state. To no fault of either, one does not know what the other is doing and there is the never-ending underlying career vs. volunteer conflict. With all due respect, there is NOTHING easy about this situation. Joe

I guess...we have almost nothing to do with them at all.

WOW! Those pictures bring me back...I remember going to the Valhalla Muster as a young kid with all the Belltown old timers and the 1949 Mack (which they still have in a storage bay behind the station). Those were some good times and I remember Belltown's 49 taking the arena pumping trophy home many a year. Someone in a previous post hit the nail on the head when they said that Kensico Dam was the most picturesque backdrop for a muster in the country. JVC

It seems to me that the Molen Family, or at the very least, their insurance company, is going to be conacting an attorney (as they should). I know that hindsight is 20/20, but I saw this coming, it was just a matter of time.

Great reading, thanks for posting the links. I do not intend to sound sarcastic, but I think this is more paid vs. volunteer and who is more capable ideology. I think we have learned the hard way what needs to be done in North Stamford. This continues to be a never-ending pissing match with the true loser being the taxpaying public. Sending a chief away from a mutual aid department stinks of "turf-war"!!! Who in their right mind would turn away the experience of a staff of chiefs from a quite capable mutual aid department? And furthermore, if they have personnel on scene and operating, I think they have plenty of jurisdiction weather the volunteer chief likes it or not. It seems that the situation in North Stamford is pretty desperate, and if I and a crew were operating there, I would want one of my bosses to be there looking over matters as well. Again, one word..UNBELIEVABLE...that the mayor would tolerate this breach of public safety. Joe