SageVigiles

Any reason that the topics with recent activity are no longer at the top of the forum? That kind of seems like a bad idea.

Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and file that under "completely twisted view of the world." But I'll respond to it in a legitimate manner. 1. We are not encouraged to inform on anyone. Quite in fact, 95% of Explorer Posts have specific policies forbidding their use in undercover operations, with the exception being alcohol/tobacco compliance checks at supermarkets/liquor stores/etc after a lengthy vetting and training process by the State Liquor Commission, at least we can do them in CT, I don't know about anywhere else. The idea that we're a bunch of brownshirted teenagers going around policing the communities thoughts and actions is not only insulting, its ignorant and just plain silly. I've read Orwell, I love his writings, but we hardly constitute the "Junior-Anti-Sex League" or "The Spies" from those books. We're not out preaching and enforcing the principles of DoubleThink, we're helping police officers direct traffic or locating missing senior citizens. 2. The problem with this country today is exactly the opposite of what you said. Teenagers are encouraged by those in popular culture to distrust and resist the police because of ridiculous left-wing fears or just plain stupidity. See "F*** The Police" and the "Stop Snitching" movements as examples. Not all Police Explorers go on to become police officers, quite in fact, most don't. But it gives an appreciation of what law enforcement is trying to accomplish and establishes working relationships between police officers and young members of the community. Most of the kids in my program don't want to be cops, they just want something constructive to do in their lives. When the alternatives are joining a gang and/or taking up a drug habit for some of the kids in urban Posts, I applaud them for making the tough and morally right decision. As Orwell put it, "in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell may have being trying to make poignant social observations, and he did make for good fiction, but remember, 1984 was intended as a prediction of society. Last I checked, we're in 2009, more than 20 years later and we're still in a legitimate republic. Oh, and by the way, Orwell wasn't writing about Right-Wing extremists in 1984 or Animal Farm, the governmental system in 1984 was called IngSoc, standing for English Socialism. Animal Farm was a metaphor for the Russian Revolution and the reign of Stalin. Socialism is the left of the spectrum, not the right.

Yeah, Westchester has a very large post, I saw probably about 20 altogether at NY Station's Day, maybe two Sergeants or so. I don't know what their rank structure is or how many they have total. Two of the newer posts in lower NY are Port Jeff and Tuckahoe, both did fairly well. I think alot of departments are getting into the Explorer programs because of a few reasons: 1. Its great community policing, keeps kids squared away and out of trouble for the most part and, if done properly, some grant money or donations can be brought in to help fund the program. (You'd be amazed how much equipment is required, especially when you have 65 kids with 3 different uniforms like our Post) 2. Its a great potential recruitment tool, providing kids who already know how to wear a uniform and who have a good idea of basic procedures and responsibilities. Some departments, like Danbury, actually give extra points on the Civil Service Exams (We get .5 points for every year of service, not bad when .01 can be the different between being hired and being SOL) 3. With proper policies, equipment and training, Explorers can be great augmentative manpower for certain details (large community events, search and rescue, large traffic details, etc) 4. Honestly, it gives bragging rights to Chiefs and Departments and a sense of pride for the community. Its basically like the SWAT Challenge, everybody competes to prove one department is more squared away than the other. And we have a ton of fun with our mini-rivalries between posts.

My photos from that event are in this thread: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=33977 If I remember correctly, Westchester did very well last year as well. Big post, seems like they are well trained and squared away. Westchester is getting alot of good posts together. Next year I want to get some of the NYPD posts (supposedly almost every precinct and housing district has one) and the FBI post from NYC to this competition...

Date: 10/24/09 Time: Approx 1000 Hours Location: 150 Grassy Plain Street Bethel, CT Frequency: Units Operating: Bethel Police, Danbury Police, Bethel EMS, CSP, CSP Western District Major Crime Squad, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Danbury State's Attorney Weather Conditions: Overcast or rain Description Of Incident: Reported EDP, suspect attempting suicide then turned weapon on P.O.s. Reporters: Writer: SageVigiles Upon arrival, Bethel PD found a 56-year old man who was "despondent" and "attempting suicide" according to Bethel Police Chief Finch. Subject fled the Officers into the woods where he then leveled a weapon, forcing the Officer to fire upon him. Suspect was pronounced dead at Danbury Hospital and CT State Police are investigating, as they do all officer-involved shootings. CSP PIO LT. Paul Vance reports this appears to be a "Suicide by cop" scenario. I feel badly for the Officer who was forced into this horrible situation. Sounds like a good shoot, but God knows the trauma that it causes an Officer to kill another man. Hopefully he will be cleared administratively and psychologically and can return to duty soon.

Interesting, what does the rig carry? On a personal note, several of my relatives were among the first few Chiefs at Minisink Hook and Ladder in Goshen WAY back in the day.

Spotted this at the WC Police Academy, looks like it hauls the robot and at least one bomb suit that I could see. Pictures are a little crappy, but the lighting wasn't great in the gym where its parked, and there wasn't anyone to pull it out for us.

I don't know, but there is DEFINITELY a robot and a suit in that truck, so maybe its a second piece or reserve unit?

No problem, the SWAT one in Connecticut is next weekend. Hopefully I'll have some good shots from that as well.

I live in Fairfield County, about 30 seconds from the Putnam border. I sent them an email to find out if maybe they will take me anyway. Fingers crossed.

I hate reality TV, and I hate talk shows. Because of Jay Leno's excuse for a comedy hour, Southland, which would have been competing for the 10PM slot has been canceled! There are rumors it may go to TNT, but I don't know whether or not that's gonna go through. The fact that a cheap show requiring few to no writers (Jay Leno) is being put over quality shows like Southland is a real shame.

I saw the Bomb Squad office downstairs and the large garage outside, I assumed there were other rigs around the campus, but we, for obvious reasons, were not allowed to poke around. What else does SOD do other than Bomb Squad? Aviation and SWAT or what?

Its too bad you have to live/work in Westchester, I would be totally interested in this.

Got this email today from the ATF's subscription list. Philly is kinda far to travel for a test, hopefully they will open up another in Boston or NY. USAJobs Posting: Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) BAFTE

I know the Navy firefighting nozzle commonly used for high-rise fires is called the SG-series nozzle, there are several variations and differences, but here is a picture of one of them. Also, I'd imagine the 10 companies that carry the nozzle are the "High-Pressure" companies with the 3-stage pumps. See, I knew this fire science stuff had some application, I'm totally qualified to answer trivia questions.... haha.

You can actually receive up to 25% more of your pay depending on where you are assigned. For example, up this way in CT is where federal agents receive a 25% bonus due to Cost of Living, etc.

Any word on where he will be teaching? We are still looking for a new Fire Science Director at UNH... haha, unlikely.

How old are you?

Alright, now that I've figured out posting photos on this site, I'm gonna share all my stuff from this summer. Some of these photos are from sensitive areas not open to the public, but I assure you I had permission from the agencies involved to take these photos, there was plenty of stuff I COULDN'T shoot that I wish I could have... Outside shot of FBI Headquarters, we didn't get to go inside but on the day where we were sightseeing we stopped by to take some shots. Various FBI Police vehicles, FBI Police is essentially a Headquarters Security agency for the Bureau. National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial: No, this isn't The Riddler, this is the "Free Government Money Program" guy on TV, he was filming for his new video here. Hilarious, also a very nice guy.

Best of luck to a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, I'm sure your Brothers in Yonkers Fire will take care of what needs to be done.

Get well soon Lieutenant, I hope you can return to work quickly! For now, your Brothers will cover your watch.

You ain't kidding. I'll try to hunt down some pictures from some classmates and get them up, but no promises.

Park Police or Postal Police? We went to Park Police but my camera was dead. Pretty cool stuff there, they showed us their Bike Patrol, Mounted Unit, SWAT team, Aviation Unit and Firearms Training Simulator. They are actually starting a Police Explorer Post this fall. I'll see if I can grab some pictures from my friends.

My most sincere thoughts and prayers to Firefighter Joyce, his family and the Brothers and Sisters with Yonkers Fire. Rest in Peace Brother.

The following were JUST sent to me by the US Marshals Service official photographer, I have permission to reproduce them. Wreath Laying at the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial, the Chief in the white shirt is Chief Veid of the Newport, MN Police Department, one of the program advisors: Asst. Explorer In Charge Pena of the FBI Explorer Post (New York City Field Office) and Explorer Velazquez of the Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Division Explorer Post laying the wreath on behalf of the USMS Explorer Academy: Some of my classmates getting etchings of Officers/Deputies they have a connection with on the wall of the Law Enforcement Memorial: US Secret Service K9 in action: Class Photo: Acting Director Kenneth E. Melson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives: