Beekman

PVFD has their annual dinner on the 8th. I know Andrew will miss Sarah Baker. Remember Andrew that it's Beekman who is getting her out of town for you. There was also an issue with short notice since the County Weekend forms came out two weeks prior to the original deadline. The deadline was extended.

A word of warning about the State CD and the on-line records; half of my department isn't listed on my roster on the State website through the NFIRS reporting system. I actually found the site by accident working on NFIRs for work. I've never received a CD. So half of my members aren't listed and some, myself included, have records split among two departments. My "real" training record is attached to a Department I haven't worked for in 4 years. If you look me up under Beekman I only have two classes. I'm not one of those Chiefs!

Mandatory annual physicals for interiors. Others are every two years. The District will also pay a portion of a gym membership. You provide proof that you went to the facility the required times a month and submit a voucher and the District reimburses you a portion of the membership fee. It real cracks down on wasted money for gym fees because if you don't go, they don't pay.

And this is why you and I get along so well. As for the interpretations- why was one of the interpretations an e-mail forwarded from somebody in the DOL? We all have County Coordinators and nothing went through them. It took a long time for official word to come down especially on something official looking (letterhead), not something you would want to verify on snopes.com. If this whole situation was handled properly it wouldn't have been a packed room topic at the Fire District Convention in Nevelle and is still an issue. Taking one class and handing a firefighters some rope isn't the answer. The law never mentioned training, just the "have to have". The State didn't pony up money for more Survival classes. The Survival classes in Dutchess have been full. That doesn't even include people taking the class as a refresher. Sure you could do it in house if you have the facilities. Continuing Ed- I have an Assistant Chief you should speak to and I'm sure others do too. $300 systems- no clue where that nonsense started. I'll gladly tell you in person the Department that insisted every person in the department needed rope including the Fire Police. I'm not kidding. As for the original question about Departments not complying. There are still Departments that don't require OSHA/Airborne/Hazmat annual training, physicals and fit testing. Just add this to their list and stuff they don't do.

I agree with 585. It was reactive to an incident in NYC but doesn't apply to NYC. Brilliant!! As far as I know from sitting in Nevelle, it was never finalized. All the State Associations missed it being pushed through the Assembly and Senate and even PESH knows its unenforceable because it's so vague and didn't answer a lot of questions. According to PESH, if you have two story buildings, laddering two sides of the building would satisfy the requirement. I know ALS posted the interpretations and that's the problem. Who's interpreting what? It never specified $300 bailout rigs that some departments were told they "had to have". There was also confusion about who needed the rope. One brilliant combo department bought their fire police rope. There's a waste of money. Lastly, what good is rope if you don't know how to use it. Maybe it's time to tack on Survival at the end of FF1 If the ropes mess wasn't bad enough, there's another bill somewhere in Albany requiring a portable radio for every firefighter. This ought to be good.

I would also agree with the latest posts. Working the 56 for the feds does mean 72 hour weekend shifts when you are short guys and then other guys bang in. We've had some guys go to West Point (72 hours) and they couldn't comprehend that 72 was the minimum. If you are short staffed and then add vacation/sick/military leave on top of that you might as well change your address. 48= bad idea.

3 dead in collision on Route 376 One child killed; infant survivor taken to hospital Greg Marano and Alice Hunt Poughkeepsie Journal EAST FISHKILL — Three people, including one child, have been killed in a crash on Route 376 in which their Chevy Malibu slammed into a Town of East Fishkill Highway Department truck, police said. According to East Fishkill Police Chief Brian Nichols, the car was traveling south on Route 376 around 10:30 a.m., when it lost control near the Probst Terrace intersection. It was then hit by a Town of East Fishkill highway vehicle, which was traveling north. No one was ejected from the vehicles. "It's a pretty devastating accident," Nicols said. The surviving infant was taken via ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, where the baby was stabilized. The baby is now being transported via ambulance to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, said Saint Francis Hospital spokesman Larry Hughes. The sex of the baby has not been made public. The driver of the highway department vehicle was not transfered to the hospital, Hughes said. Giant tarps are now blocking the accident from view, and will remain up until the bodies are removed from the vehicle. Route 376 is closed in this area. Traffic is being diverted onto Saddleridge and Kent roads. Drivers are advised to avoid the area. Nicols said the scene has been emotional for the police and emergency personnel. "We have a lot of emergency services personnel that are having trouble," he said. The state Department of Transportation worked to straighten out a curve in Route 376 between Kent Road and Probst Terrace earlier this decade. The work was completed in September 2001. While the work did help, it’s still a dangerous area, said Janet McHugh, who lives on Probst Terrace. "This corner is known for terrible accidents," she said. McHugh herself had been in one at the same spot two years ago. The road doesn't appear to twisty looking at it, she said, but you can feel the curve when you're driving it. The intersection is also the site of a school bus stop, McHugh said. "Thank God there was no school today," she said. "It's a very sad situation, but it could have been even worse if kids were standing there."

If you think you need to vent the roof, make sure the store is clear of occupants and LET IT BURN. They have insurance. They will build a nicer replacement. Shoot some master streams, protect the exposures and let it go.

Thanks grumpy

Will there be the same penalty if you buy the ticket on the train vs. buying the ticket at the Station?

Courtesy of Henry Campbell Ohio: New state law establishes training rules for firefighters By DOUG STALEY Doug.Staley@IndeOnline.com Link to article: http://www.indeonline.com/index.php?ID=239...&Category=1 Firefighters in Ohio will soon be playing by a new set of rules. While the changes aren't dramatic, they will require firefighters to seek ongoing training and certification. The new state law, which takes effect Thursday, also establishes new training and education standards. Firefighters have always received training through their respective departments, but under the new law, they will be required to complete 24 hours of continuing education - either hands-on or in a classroom setting - each year. Firefighters will be recertified every three years. In the past, firefighters were certified once upon initial approval of their application. The law does not change the old requirement of 36 hours of training for a volunteer firefighter. The law also gives the Ohio EMS Board's Fire And Fire Safety Inspector Training Committee more authority to investigate disciplinary issues involving firefighters. Most local fire officials view the new rules as a positive step, one that will benefit both departments and residents. Even so, the training requirements could create financial concerns for some departments. Massillon Fire Chief Tom Burgasser believes any added expenses will be worth it. He said the state has taken the certification process for paramedics and expanded to fire service. "I've said all along that we need uniform training and operations throughout the department. ... When you need each other, you should be able to help each other," Burgasser said. "I choose to look at the positive aspects of it. I think this will recognize (firefighting) as a profession and develop training experiences that are recognized across the state." Citizens will benefit, he said, because it will create an increased administrative commitment to training. That's not to say training isn't already a priority with departments. "It won't change any of my goals," Burgasser said. "I've always wanted to have a uniform, consistent training program." Perry Township Chief Deputy Larry Sedlock also said he supports ongoing training and certification of firefighters. "I think it's a very good idea to have continuing education," Sedlock said. "It helps to keep our skills sharp in what we do. It's no different than EMS. There can never be enough education in fire and EMS service." The new rules shouldn't result in many changes for the department, Sedlock said, other than providing more documentation to the state. Sedlock noted regular training already is offered to the department's firefighters. "Our training will continue to be as it has been," Sedlock said. "We take a lot of pride in our training at Perry. Our main thing is make sure everything is documented. I don't feel it will need to change much, if at all." Jackson Township Fire Chief Ted Heck also expects the changes to be a "non-issue" for his department. Heck said the department already does extensive training throughout the year. In fact, the department employs a full-time training captain, he said. Heck's only concern over the new standards is how they could affect smaller departments, which often work with tighter budgets. "I don't dispute the need for those type of mandates, but again they are dumping something in the laps of departments and providing no funding," Heck said. "I think it will take six or eight months to shake itself out. There will be departments that won't be able to comply immediately." The new standards should create more accountability and expose firefighters to the latest developments in equipment and techniques, according to Randy Stuck, local president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 251 and a 27-year veteran of the Massillon Fire Department. "I think it's a good idea as long as everyone is going to be treated the same so that no matter where you go, you know the job is going to be done," Stuck said. Way to go Ohio!

I would have to agree with vacguy on incentives. I know of a few departments where membership is given and not earned. These Departments have huge problems with turnout and participation. If you set criteria for members to earn privileges (right to vote, LOSAP, special turnout gear, training trips) they will come around and start working to earn the priviliges. If you just hand everything out, you will get burned. If you don't think they care, try taking away their volunteer license plate and tell them they need to resign. You'll find out real fast how much they really do want to belong.

Tommy is a great Commissioner and ran unopposed so there was no interest in the election. Beekman had a highly contested race and only 200+ out of 14,000 voted. The 3 hour window on a weird date with bad weather and little to no publicity doesn't make it a popular election. Good job Tom.

I'd be more concerned about the lawsuits than OSHA.

Route 9 Southbound was open during the investigation. I had no clue what was going on until I passed the scene and you could see the ambulance. Hopefully the crew will pull through. God Bless

There was a presentation at the Fire Districts Association Conference over the weekend on physicals and it was standing room only. The Doc told the Districts that they should only be accepting physicals from their Doctor and everyone should be annual (including exteriors and Fire Police). The reason for the District Doctor was that he/she works for the District and should know NFPA 1582. A personal physician works for the patient so it would be unlikely that they would want to "lose a customer". During Beekman's LODD PESH investigation, the physical paperwork was the first thing they asked for.

Then the guys at the VA found this posting on emtbravo, printed multiple copies, posted them everywhere in the Station and proceeded to harass newbie about his butt kissing. Good job and Congrats! Love, Your new boss- not RES20CUE!

Where to begin? Inmates are not residents of Beekman (that argument will settle itself and gee they weren't residents when Sloper covered Beekman and Alamo had the GHCF contract). If the Town of Beekman was to get rid of the contract ambulance, the Fire District wouldn't transport the inmates. The Beekman Fire District hasn't transported an inmate in 20 years and it hasn't been an issue. I don't think UnionVale, East Fishkill or LaGrange would transport an inmate either but I'll check on that. GHCF can't call 911 for inmates because they are covered under a State contract with Bliss who subcontracts to Alamo. GHCF calls Alamo direct. Response time-wasn't an issue. Neither is there an issue with any crews. The shitboxes that Alamo has had out in Beekman have become an issue and since Pawling complained and got a new ambulance, the Town Supervisor from Beekman will be bringing up this issue at the meeting with Alamo. Calls- This is the best "Reina said its average response time to the 112 non-inmate Beekman emergencies this year was 7 minutes and 39 seconds - well below the 12-minute national standard" I have 323 EMS calls as of 7/1 not including MVAs, CO alarms and other calls. Does Alamo actually use their computers lunchbox? Why is it when the Town Supervisor asked Alamo for their information on inmate transports, he was handed some bullshit piece of paper with numbers written on it in pencil? All of my info is straight off the 911 CAD sheets, date and time stamped. Kind of hard to argue with that evidence. Would of any of the other posters on here, besides lunchbox, like to identify themselves as Alamo employees? I think the Alamo Beekman crews who get the pleasure of going to GHCF would like to speak to you. Adequate coverage- Beekman 34-79 goes out for an inmate transport. Few hours later (with 34-79 still out on the first call) another call goes out for an inmate transport and Alamo, after 5 minutes, sends a rig from Highland. So much for that backfill thing! Must have been a real big emergency to skip over all those ambulances and respond from Highland and take 30 minutes to get the GHCF. With GHCF's operational procedures (being a maximum security prison and all) even if you are in cardiac arrest, you aren't getting out of that prison in less than 30 minutes. The on scene time averages 50 minutes. That's not an emergency, it's a transport. I know of many places where they are having issues with nursing homes and the like and the call volume. GHCF isn't a nursing home. Most of the Districts have agreements with those places to have a contract with a commercial agency handle their transports and only call for emergencies. What some people on here are saying is that every call is an emergency and nursing homes and the like shouldn't call for a commercial agency for transports because they deserve the same service as everyone else. Right? 34-71 (Beekman Fire District ambulance) is only in service from 6p to 6a. It has the same problem as every other ambulance- no manpower. Fire? They have their own fire truck and brigade. They will only call for assistance when they need it. As for my EMT- had it since 1993. Don't burn your bridges lunchbox. You can't work for Alamo dispatch for the rest of your life at least I hope that's not your goal in life. I'll find you and we will talk. Folks- Alamo, the Town of Beekman, Dutchess 911 and the Beekman Fire District have a meeting scheduled for 8/2 at 3 PM. Let's see what develops. Shawn Beresford Chief, Beekman Fire District

From All The News That's Fit To Print May 11, 2007 Metro Briefing | New York Manhattan: Firefighters Ratify Contract By STEVEN GREENHOUSE New York City’s largest fire union announced yesterday that its members had voted to ratify a 24-month contract that gives raises totaling 8.16 percent. The union, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, said the vote was 4,037 to 3,115 to approve the deal, which raises starting pay by $9,900 to $35,000 and increases base salary after five years on the job to $68,475. The deal is retroactive to Aug. 1, 2006 and runs through July 31, 2008. To help finance the raises, the agreement calls for new firefighters to receive lower night differential pay and six fewer paid holidays each year during their first five years on the job http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/11/nyregion...gin&oref=slogin

I would have to agree with ALS's comments. There are a couple of issues which haven't really surfaced on here, whether you care or not. Pawling has huge manpower problems and most EMS calls do not get a response from the volunteers, much less a rig. Beekman does get a decent response at most EMS calls but not every call has a rig roll out. The Town of Pawling and the Village of Pawling have not worked on this issue together. The Village sank it's head in the sand and doesn't even pay for the ambulance. The Town Supervisor has been the front runner on this issue. Yes they owe Alamo money for '05 but Alamo has refused to turn over requested paperwork. The Town pays the whole bill with nothing from the Village. The floater- Pawling is the one with the problems. Beekman responded mutual aid to Pawling 110 times last year, that we know of (another game) and Pawling only came to Beekman 6 times. Not really mutual is it? I personally don't trust management at Alamo one bit. We've caught them playing too many games and they get caught every time. They've left Beekman uncovered far too often for far too long. Every time we sit down and have a meeting, its the same issues, different management and "we'll investigate that" and they never do. The 4 Town was a great idea. The problem is that it's before it's time. Beekman is 36 square miles with 600+ EMS and a population of 14,000 calls and Pawling (V+T) is 44 square miles with 7500 people and 600-700 EMS calls. Beekman is a bedroom community where most of the Town is quiet during the day where Pawling is a more senior aged Town and they are home all the time. Dover and UnionVale didn't help out because their population density and call volume is even less and they only wanted EMS service during certain hours because their District BLS ambulances still get out at night and weekends. Town employees- We have very few municipal services up here. No Town Police Departments, no garbage pick up etc. Beekman's Town Highway Department consists of 9 men. We've already tried to recruit the Highway Department into driving the fire apparatus and ran into roadblocks which killed off that idea. The white collars don't want to volunteer and the blue collars are too busy working two or three jobs to survive. Town or Fire District hiring EMTs- First off Pawling sold off their two ambulances. It was also discussed during the 4 Town project and the prices would have varied very little to hire a contractor to man our ambulance. Labor is the cost. Pawling and Beekman are both Fire Districts. Neither is supported by the Towns. I tried answering all the comments on here in the interest of letting you know the crapp we've gone through so hopefully someone else will learn from this and not have to go through it. Shawn Beresford Chief, Beekman Fire District P.S. I know Alamo management is reading this!

This one time where one of our knucklehead firefighters decided to pull a pullbox near our fuel station to wake up the crew. No alarm to the Station but the extinguishing system went off and he crashed trying to drive out of the cloud of dry chem. Anyone remember that ????

There's a whole lot more to this story. Alamo also promised Pawling a 12 minute back fill time. Beekman is already aware that Alamo had intended on stripping the Town of Beekman it's Alamo unit to fulfill this condition. Beekman is usually left with no ambulance and usually doesn't find out that the rig is gone until a call comes in for Beekman and the ambulance isn't around. Alamo has a contract with Center for Rehab (Pawling) and Greenhaven Correctional (Beekman) and is using the town ambulances to serve these contracts and is not backfilling the Towns. Alamo's contract with Beekman expires on 12/31 and I can guarantee you that the transporting of inmates with the Town contracted ambulance will be prohibited in the next contract. Alamo wasn't even being considered in the 4 town deal because of the games they continue to play. The games will become evident now that Alamo is back in Pawling. Ready to see Beekman's mutual aid EMS given calls to Pawling spike again? Listen! It was nice not having Alamo in Pawling. Shawn Beresford Chief, Beekman Fire District