SageVigiles

Wait, is there any actual evidence that Boehner blocked this, or an explanation as to why? Or are we just taking these two Reps from WV at their word? I'd like to know IF he actually stopped it and if there was a reason.

I certainly understand why SCOTUS made the decision it did, but the question I have to wonder is this; Does Westboro's right to protest trump these families' rights to express their religion peacefully? After all, that IS what these funerals are, a religious service. I wonder why the argument wasn't made that WBC is infringing upon the freedom to practice religion without persecution? The fortunate thing is that organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and Patriot Guard Riders will continue to exercise THEIR right to counter-protest.

We sell body armor (ballistic vests) at my work, and some firefighters/EMTs/Paramedics do wear them. Some EMS departments have purchased stab-resistant vests as well. Police Officers are not always required to wear ballistic vests (most do, but some still don't wear them.) They do get hot, but the newer vests are EXTREMELY light and flexible, not like the old tortoise shells they used to be. Vests are good for 5 years by warranty. After that, they are not guaranteed and do not meet the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, and should be replaced. Usually old vests get donated to departments that don't have the money, are shipped overseas, or are packed into police car doors to add some ballistic protection (because they USUALLY keep their strength, but its a BIG liability to wear one after that.)

Wow, congrats to Dutchess County HAZMAT! I didn't even realize they had these competitions!

I believe it says it must be tested every year after 10 years, unless they just changed it. But I too would like to know the date on it and how much for 1 set.

You signed up for this site, you agreed to the terms. I'm not personally insulted by the comment, I'm not even from Westchester, but I do show respect for someone else's department, even if I don't know anyone from there.

Definitely hilarious. On another note, attacks against departments are prohibited by the ToS of this site and will be deleted.

I certainly wish this was required reading at UNH. I'm going to have to go pick it up. Is it usually in stock at Borders and/or Barnes and Noble, or is it usually an order thing?

joetnymedic, The New Haven Police could arrest Osama bin Laden and the comments section in the Register would still be complaining and making him look out to be a victim. These people are nuts.

It worked the funeral today, and was painted blue and white.

Great shots. I was there with a few of my Explorers, but still didn't really get an appreciation for how big this was. Also, since I was at attention I couldn't move my head to see the flyover... I was staring at the County Clerk's Offices and was REALLY wishing I could look up, so thanks for taking that shot.

I'll take three, and I don't even live in Westchester.

Only a matter of time until we have to do something about this...

Thanks for the info Bullseye, I'm going to try to get a group from Danbury Police Explorers together to go.

Turns out Officer Falcone is from my hometown of Marlboro. Sounds like he died saving that three year old's life. What an amazing act of heroism. I would never want anyone to lose their life in the Line of Duty, but to me this is the purest example of why we all do what we do, protecting someone who can't protect themselves. I'm proud to come from the same place as this Officer.

Rest in Peace Brother.

Rest in Peace Officer. May the injured Officer recover quickly. My thoughts and prayers are with the members of the Poughkeepsie PD and their families and friends. Getting VERY dangerous out there for law enforcement.

I would rep this post a thousand times if I could...

In Connecticut, paying your own way through the fire academy is the 2nd best way to be hired as a firefighter, after Paramedic of course. Some departments don't accept it and you'll have to go back through anyway, but other departments are requiring CT Fire Academy Recruit, so a lot of guys have taken the hint and paid their own way. I'm considering it, but you have to save up a decent amount to afford it and the missed work.

Can anybody back up these age claims with actual DATA? At first glance, it seems to me we have more older apparatus drivers getting into fatal MVAs then younger, but I haven't actually run the numbers.

Is this open to out of state Fire Explorers?

Connecticut law regarding these types of incidents. I know a certain former NHFD Chief that used to carry it around in his hat for the Troopers to read. Who is legally in charge in NYS?

Fair point, but can you blame us for picking up a 2 year rig for cheap when we were already starting to spec a new truck? And my understanding is that old NFVFD Truck 4 is only serving Hartsdale as a result of an MVA with the old Hartsdale truck, though that COULD be incorrect.

What better way to prove that women are equal to men at a job than to have a separate cadet class just for them...

Which are you talking about, the Tower for sale or the Ladder we got in New Fairfield? We LOVE that rig, and we were very happy to be able to get such a great truck at an incredible price, its worked wonders for us already, including working at a fire last night on the roof of a supermarket in the center of town. Thanks again Kisco!