helicopper

And this surprises you? Taxes are soaring out of control at every level of government but unfortunately fire and some school budgets are the only ones where voters can immediately and directly "voice" their dissatisfaction. Next week we'll probably see more of the disgust on Election Day but for some strange reason incumbents who tax, tax, tax still get voted back into office. As for this particular example - the hamlet of "Rock Hill" is only 4.6 square miles with a population of 1,056 people in 439 households (US Census). The median income is about 53,000 per year so it's not the most affluent community around. 7.5 million dollars is a big bond to float in such a small community. The article doesn't mention what volume the FD responds to so it's hard to judge but it certainly isn't a very big district. OK, according to the FD's website they do about 200-225 calls a year. And they need a seventh bay on their firehouse? This is not a slam on Rock Hill, it's membership or anyone else. It is merely an observation.

... that society is so screwed up that we have to remind people of things like this??? especially this last one!

Definitely more the shaken baby thing but it is a shame that we have to remind people to support our troops. Fallen colleagues should always be remembered too!

If the chief or commissioners are doing nothing to resolve a situation, any member (or any resident of the community) has the right (or duty depending on how you want to look at it) to bring it up for discussion and to seek solutions. If the chief and commissioners fail to act, the member or resident has the right to vote them out of office for not performing their duties to his/her satisfaction. We all do that on every November. I don't see the original post as "stirring up trouble". The question was not antagonistic, did not name the agencies specifically, and was brought up for discussion on this board just like every other thread on this board. Chief officers are not infallible, nor are they exempt from having their conduct reviewed and evaluated. I'm not suggesting that the original post did this - I'm just saying that we're all within our "rights" to do so. Let's face it, there are a great many things in the emergency services of our region that could be improved upon - including the use of mutual aid. To ignore it and not try to stimulate discussion is not going to solve the problems. Bring on the debate!!!

How about "light cameras" that capture and record all vehicle operations when blue, red, green, yellow, white, purple, cyan, indigo (you get the point) lights are activated on an emergency vehicle or any other vehicle operating with them. Record vehicle speed, braking, use of seatbelts, crossing pavement markings, etc. whenever the lights are activated. That'd make for some interesting viewing!

Another consideration is the duration of most wildland fire assignments. They're typically 14, 21, or 30 day stints. Sending a crew from NY to CA for a week becomes a logistical nightmare with very little return on the investment. There are ALOT of fire resources between here and there that require a lot less travel. Just another thought...

Agreed - the problem can only be solved by Chief or Commissioners but the questions or problems can be pointed out by anyone! That's the beauty of our country.

Agreed, he's not a member of either agency involved (according to his post) and is asking a question that prompted an interesting discussion. Being a member of an emergency service agency does not diminish his right to ask question and learn from the answers. If we only allowed questions to be answered within our own agencies we'd be using revolvers, wearing rubber turnout coats and boots, and giving bicarb to cardiac arrest victims (just to be equal opportunity). His statements are neither inflammatory or accusatory so if the involved agencies don't like the question - they need to answer it or get a thicker skin themselves. We have to remember that we are still accountable to our constituency and that is the public!

Unfortunately they don't!

Two good examples of what NOT to do. In the first instance, the FF should have stopped, identified himself to the PD, and asked if assistance was needed. Had he bothered to do that he would have learned that the services of his department were not required. Let's face it, cars are designed to crumble and they're all made of recycled dixie cups so it doesn't take much to make one look like an accordian after running through a blender. The outward appearance of the vehicle tells little about injuries or the need for extrication. Even EMS protocols are starting to get away from vehicle damage as an indicator of trauma. Failing that, he could have at least called his chief rather than reporting the incident to dispatch. The Chief could have made a more informed decision about his/her department's response. In the second case, the scanner jockey couldn't tell anything about the nature of the accident from the radio and the presence of speedy-dry doesn't necessarily mean the FD was warranted. As REDMACK said, tow operators are required to clean up the mess. Could have been anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid - not fuel. Who knows? You weren't called, get over it! I'm sure we'll never know but I'd be interested to hear what the age and experience was of the two in these instances. Goose, you're also correct - any response should be coordinated through the dispatch center so they know the status of all resources.

Great definition!

Sure, I'll elaborate... Does your agency have a policy that states who can assign department resources or remove them from quarters? Can Joe FF come to the station, jump in the apparatus, and take it out without a dispatch, without an officers approval, etc.? Are there any minimum crew requirements for apparatus to roll? I ask this for a few reasons. If the job is properly dispatched after Joe FF has taken the apparatus out of the station and nobody knows it, where will everyone else respond? To the empty bay in the firehouse? If an officer needs to approve the movement of apparatus and he/she approves the driver training or whatever you want to call it then it is an approved department operation. If you happen to be closer to the job when the tones do go off, more power to you. That was my point - HFD and some others bring up really good points about responses and it highlights the fact that we can't approach everything with a cookie-cutter response. Maybe it is necessary to respond, maybe it isn't - depends on the situation. Alright, see there's the value of these discussions. No need for anyone to get crazy and defensive (or offensive) and wind up having the thread closed because egos and attitudes prevail. If Con Ed says they want the FD at gas leaks, that's all you need to convince me. Write it into your dispatch guidelines and if the dispatch agency (PD, FD, other) doesn't comply with the policy, deal with that. Bottom line, these aren't my calls or your calls - they're public service calls and we should all be able to work in the same sandbox without problems. We all have jobs to do and should try to make each other's easier by not fighting about it. That's my thought too. Don't we all have enough to do without seeking out MORE? Meetings with the emergency services and politicos is a great idea, too! I see your point but happen to agree with ALS. Even if it is one of the scenarios you describe, will the 1-2 minute difference in response times actually make a significant difference?

Now, THERE'S a challenge!!!

Bowtie? Really?

Wow, kind of rushing to judgment aren't we??? Let's remember some facts - all the commissioner and deputy commissioner positions in County government are appointed by the County Executive and approved by the Board of Legislators. So there are without a doubt politics involved. Positions at this level are largely administrative with few, if any, field responsibilities. A good administrator can learn the nuances of a department without having served in the rank and file. It happens in public safety agencies around the nation all the time. Not to say that a good administrator rising within the ranks isn't desirable but don't condemn someone from outside the service before he/she even starts their job. When I was on the road, Judge DiBlasi was on the bench in Mt. Vernon City Court. I found him to be fair, thorough, and very supportive of law enforcement working in the City. With that said, I would suggest we give the man a chance to prove himself in his new position before we condemn his selection.

Why can't you believe it? Can't ambulances get stolen too?

First question - what are your agency's SOP's? Second question - do you ever pick up the phone and call the PD to inquire about the call? I don't understand the whole my call-your call nonsense that still exists today. Can't we all just get along??? My perspective - no dispatch or official request and an emergency response (lights and siren) = potential liability. Not to stir the proverbial pot but what will you do for wires down and burning until Con Ed gets there to de-energize them? If the cops want to babysit down wires until Con Ed shows up, that's their problem. You can keep watching TV and enjoying the heat/AC (pick your season) until someone decides to call for you. Outside odors of gas? Genuine question - not being wise for a change - what are you going to do about it? Isn't that properly a Con Ed job? Finally, smoke in the house - yeah, the cops have to be nuts not to dispatch the FD right off. HFD, you've posted about this problem before so I assume it is a persistent one... Haven't your commissioners or the chief met with the Chief or Town Board or somebody to try to resolve it? If they're put on notice, they're assuming all the liability so if one of those million dollar mansions goes up in smoke because they wanted to "check and advise" it's all on them!

If used for commercial purposes (and that can be tough to define), there may be issues associated with the "models" rights and privileges. Someone I know had to be compensated for his "likeness" being caught on a TV show filmed in NYC. He wasn't clearly visible and his "likeness" wasn't on for more than a few seconds but those are the rules in that game. Commercial purpose = different set of rules.

Anyone want to wager a few Bravo points on it??? (just kidding!) Too close to call - the Rockies have had a lot of time off to cool off and the Sox have been on a roll. Will be an interesting, though NY-free, series!

Come on, the only person at fault for the fire is the accused arsonist! Being the victim of pranks, harassment or any other type of mistreatment certainly doesn't diminish the responsibility for this act. I understand what you're saying about him being the victim of pranks but two wrongs never make a right. (And I know you're not excusing him.) If he was the victim of "hazing" in the firehouse, the hazers should be disciplined so as not to create an environment of hostility or mistrust but don't attribute this knuckleheads error or lack in judgement to that. Yes, there are definitely bad apples EVERYWHERE and they do give their entire industry/discipline/calling a bad name and black eye when they're involved in these incidents. Maybe we ought to be raising our standards instead of lowering them and improving our training and other activities to instill a better sense of duty in new members everywhere. You know things are tough when the Phoenix Arizona PD is recruiting on NY radio stations but the answer can't be taking anyone who shows up on our doorstep.

Seriously now... And to think that there are people who actually believe that people can judge for themselves when they've had enough or should/shouldn't board fire apparatus. Thread on drinking being allowed in firehouse It is absurd to mix alcohol and the emergency services! I don't care if it's police, fire or EMS - the two simply don't mix. As well evidenced by the candidate for a Darwin award in this story!

Add ran over his dog and lost his pick-up truck and you've got a country song!!!

Yes it is but I don't think that's what he's referring too!

Considering that it is a 24 hour class, I'd say it is highly unlikely. Generally, it's given over 3 full days. The evening based course is given in four evening sessions and one full day on a weekend.

BUMP - among the users and lurkers on this board, is there any interest in an evening based ICS Intermediate Course? If there is, efforts will be made to schedule one before the end of the year.