nfd2004

Continuing with Part 2 of 2 (letter above)

I sent this email to TWO members of the Yantic FD on August 7, 2017. They had contacted me earlier through my email address regarding this issue. I don't personally know these two individuals. This is part 1 of 2 - although the entire mail was originally sent as ONE. QUOTE: To: Yantic FD member - Brian K. Yantic FD member - Chris C. I kept your email addresses and I would like to pass on a few thoughts that I'm hoping you will pass onto the members on the Yantic FD. Especially to the officers and the Chief. Just a couple of thoughts that I think the guys might be interested in. 1) I am told that when one member of the Yantic FD needed transportation to his doctors appointments or medical treatments and he wasn't able to get there, "it was a member of the Norwich Fire Dept that took him there". 2) I am also told that recently a former Fire Chief from another department apologized to the Norwich Fire Dept for the way he acted AGAINST those Norwich Firefighters during his time as chief. 3) About four or five years ago, I organized a FREE Class to help anyone interested in becoming a career firefighter. How to prepare for the written, the oral, and the CPAT agility etc. I was able to get use of the Jorden Firehouse in Waterford to use the night of that class. I was also joined by another Norwich Firefighter, Retired B/C Stu C., as well as one career firefighter from New London, West Hartford, Hamden, and Stamford. Those guys didn't ask for ONE DIME. Not even gas money. In addition, the guys set up separate tutoring sessions to give more help to individuals living closer to their area. One guy who attended that class was Ryan F., who at the time was a member of the Yantic FD. As you know, he is now employed as a Norwich Firefighter. He credits that class and Norwich FD Retired B/C Paul S., for helping him to get that job. 4) After some comments were made accusing the Norwich Fire Chief of putting his own firefighters at risk, I checked into that. NOT ONE NORWICH FIREFIGHTER EVER MADE SUCH A STATEMENT. That rumor is Totally FALSE. In fact, he is very much concerned with the safety of his members. 5) When some individuals falsely accused current members of the Norwich Fire Dept of "encouraging me" to begin this campaign roughly 2 1/2 years ago, requesting the nearest, quickest fire dept to respond to serious incidents within this city, that was totally WRONG as well. That has been all of my own "free will". In fact, for the first year or so, I was discouraged from taking such action by Norwich Fire Chief Scandariato and President Scott M., IAFF892. I was told at the time that a plan was in the works that would benefit EVERYONE. AGAIN - NO MEMBER OF THE NORWICH FIRE DEPT EVER ENCOURAGED ME TO PURSUE THIS CAMPAIGN. 6) I am being told by some city officials that the Fire Chiefs of Taftville, East Great Plains, Laurel Hill, and Occum are ready and willing to agree to working more closely with the Norwich FD, for the benefit of ALL the citizens and their own members. We have seen proof of that since the first of the year by requesting the Norwich FD to the scene. a - December 31, 2016 (New Years Eve) - East Great Plains - Fire in an office building located at 598 West Main St. b - July 3, 2017 - Taftville - Fire in an apartment building at 3-7 South Second St (exactly one year after a front page headline story July 3, 2016 titled: "Norwich's Fire Service More Fractured Than Ever Officials Say"). c- July 28, 2017 - East Great Plains - Structure fire in a large wood frame building (Cottage 6) at Uncas on the Thames Complex, 401 West Thames St. Just ONE YEAR PRIOR to that, Five serious incidents within the city had NO Norwich FD Response - despite the NFD being closer than any second due fire company. The list includes: a - Yantic - Norwichtown Rehab - 93 West Town St b - East Great Plains - 401 West Thames St. - 2 1/2 frame known as Cottage 8. c - Yantic - U.S. Foods - 222 Otrabando Ave - Dangerous Chemical Leak - Norwich Fire Dept Haz Mat Team responds at the request of U.S. Sub Base FD Officer responding from Groton 15 miles away. d - Yantic - 182 Vergason Ave - Structure fire with reported children trapped e - Occum - 17 Taftville Occum Rd - Structure fire. So clearly as you can see by the incidents described there has been some very good progress made throughout the city. The ONLY issue of concern is the Yantic Fire Dept. Why ? Why is it necessary to call a fire dept like Colchester - 14 miles away, to an incident in which TWO STAFFED fire stations are much closer. Norwich Fire Headquarters - 2.8 miles, and Engine 2 - 3.9 miles away. If the reason being that Colchester is listed on the next running assignment at Norwich Dispatch, that may NOT hold up should a very serious incident occur as a result of that action. In addition, few, if any firefighters themselves actually agree with this. They feel that goes AGAINST any logical, common sense rule on the fire ground. It could be a very tough one to prove otherwise. 7) I have been told by MORE than one individual that the younger members of the Yantic FD feel they should work more closely with the members of the Norwich FD. I've also been told that there is some pressure put on them by many of the more senior members to do otherwise. However, I'm sure that you know much more about that than I do. But here is an example from many years ago; When I was offered the job to become a Norwich Firefighter, the guy ahead of me on the hiring list was a member of the Yantic FD. When he was offered the job BEFORE ME, he turned it down and I was hired instead. The reason he turned it down.....because then, Yantic Fire Chief Walter K., told him not to take it. 8) I also understand that the Yantic FD has it's own fireground radio frequency that might be put in use at the scene of an incident. Is this an FCC assigned frequency to be used solely by the Yantic FD without regard to any Incident Command System ? Do the officers realize how this can have a serious affect on the Yantic members and other firefighters operating on the scene. As well as civilians and members reporting fire conditions within an area. Creating a very dangerous situation to all who do not have these radios. 9) There are also reports of city owned fire apparatus arriving on the scene, when in fact that is NOT the case. But actually a civilian owned, personnel vehicle rather than a piece of fire apparatus as a way of perhaps "padding response times". Below is a photo taken of what appears to be a personnel vehicle and NOT a piece of city owned fire apparatus. When this vehicle arrived the operator stated: "Squad 36 is on the scene". Is this Squad 36 ? * Note for the purpose of this web site - I was NOT able to show that picture of a maroon colored pick up truck - personnel vehicle * The problem today is we never know who's out there taking photos or videos of an incident. In this case as the civilian was being put into the ambulance (parked behind this vehicle) a small rescue truck was about to arrive. When that happened the incident was over and before that small rescue truck had arrived, the driver of the pick up truck said on a portable radio; "Squad 36 you can return". There are other reports of such activity as well. This could really go sour if something were to go wrong (accident etc) prior to the actual arrival of any piece of fire apparatus. I am very happy to see that so much progress has been gained over the past two years. It has certainly been a very tough journey. But it's well worth it. To get four out of five depts. to understand and cooperate is something that the Fire Chiefs of East Great Plains, Taftville, Occum, and Laurel Hill should be very proud of. They have taken a serious look at the priorities of their own members, as well as the civilians they are assigned to protect. But why not 100 %. What is the issue with the other 20 % ? Is everybody else wrong ? TO BE CONTINUED..........as part 2 of 2.

Time for another Progress Report. I must say that things have GREATLY IMPROVED since New Years Eve, 2017. I had another meeting with the Norwich City Manager on Wednesday August 16th. Here is an email that I sent out to individuals on how that meeting went, including two members of the Yantic FD. QUOTE - On Wednesday afternoon, August 16, 2017, I met for the second time since January with the Norwich City Manager, Mr John Salomone. Of course this was in regards to my campaign to take on the issue of the Norwich Fire Dept responding to the Town area known as the TCD. I would like to share with you and the members of the Yantic FD, some of the highlights of that meeting. I am also sending a copy of this to City Manager John Salamone, City Council member/Safety Committee - Bill Nash, and City Council member Jerry Martin for taking a special interest in hearing my side of the story. They do a very difficult and thankless job. I've told them many times, "They never have to worry about me wanting to take it over". I would like them to know that there has been much progress made, so their efforts have not been in vain. THANK YOU. 1) Both the City Manager and I AGREED that there has been much improvement since the beginning of the year starting with a fire on New Years Eve in the East Great Plains Fire District. Since that time, there have been a total of six incidents throughout the TCD area which required additional resources beyond the first due response area. Of the six, five brought out the Norwich Fire Dept. 1a) Three involved the East Great Plains area 2a) One involved the Taftville area. The other two involved the Yantic Fire District area. 3a) In one case I am told the Norwich FD only responded because the Mohegan Sun Tribal Dept (FAST CO) was busy elsewhere. 4a) The other, The Norwich FD did NOT respond. But instead the EGP and Colchester FDs responded. I learned that the fact that Colchester FD was requested from "14 miles away", Yantic Fire Commanders have come under criticism by city officials and even citizens with no ties to the fire service. We both agree that the focus seems to be mainly on some of the leadership within the Yantic FD. Those leaders are burying themselves within their own peers throughout the city. Even those outside the city are asking questions about it. I am being told by several individuals , including a few council members, that even some of the younger members of the Yantic FD want to work more closely with the Norwich FD. 2) The city manager read an email to me he received regarding a joint drill that apparently was organized by one of the younger Lts within the Yantic FD. The email was written to the city manager by Norwich Fire Chief Scandariato, expressing his appreciation to this younger member for helping to set up this joint drill involving the Yantic FD and the Norwich FD. Of course some of the older Yantic leaders boycotted that drill. 3) With the Yantic issue in mind, I presented the case of a very recent structure fire on Orchard St in the Norwich FD district. In that case , NFD requested the Taftville FD and Mohegan Tribe FD as the FAST CO. What if the Fire Commander of that incident had requested perhaps the Bozrah FD or Colchester FD (14 miles away) instead. Would that be acceptable ? 4) I also presented the "What if" case of a passerby reporting smoke coming from a house in the Yantic FD district. Yantic request EGP and Taftville. They then realize that there is a serious fire condition in that house. Additional help is requested from Bozrah and Colchester. As the fire is knocked down, it now becomes known that there is not one, BUT, FIVE members of a family that perished. This becomes a National News story with the major TV channels covering this. Those reporters now learn that there were TWO staffed firehouses much closer that never responded. What does the city officials or fire commanders tell the news media then ? In the PREVIOUS year there were at least SIX incidents throughout the city which required the response of an additional department in the TCD area. Even though the Norwich Fire Dept was staffed and closer, NOT ONCE did they respond. For the last 2 1/2 years, I have taken on this job at my own free will. It hasn't been easy at all. But I am in the perfect position to try and do something about it. I have talked with people, text. called, and emailed. I have come under fire through face book slander by some. I have even come under fire by some of my own peers. In the long run, I certainly think it's been worth it. I think there is no doubt an improvement. It's not over yet. But I'm seeing and hearing that some of the leadership within the Yantic FD is being laughed at by their own peers throughout the area. Either those types of leaders change or their days are most likely numbered. END of Quote. I also shared this with two members of the Yantic FD and I understand it was read at one of their meetings. I also sent an earlier email to them as well based on a few very interesting facts that perhaps some did not know. Soon I'll post that as well.

A new policy has been established by the Career Department in Norwich. Perhaps this policy should have been established a long time ago. In order to assure a faster response to an incident, if a second source is received or there are numerous calls reporting a fire within a building, the dispatchers are to now automatically dispatch the volunteer fire depts. assigned on the second alarm and they are to stage one block from the incident. If I have it correct, this response is usually made up of one engine from one volunteer dept, another engine co from another volunteer dept., plus one ladder from another volunteer dept, within the city. It remains to be seen if the volunteer depts. will do the same. With very few exceptions, it is the Career dept that is usually the closest and certainly can get there the fastest throughout most of the city. Will "they" be likewise dispatched based on a second source or numerous calls ? I guess we'll find out when the time comes.

I would like to introduce you to a lady who lives in Oklahoma and who has taken the time to honor all of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs/Medics, as well as our military. Her name is Linda Wells and she has produced many videos to honor those who serve us each and everyday. Those who risk their lives for us. Those who have been responsible for saving so many lives. It is her way of saying Thank you. I believe (?) she has become a member of this site with user name "imlost2you". Her goal is to do a video honoring these members of every state in our entire country. She has quite a story to tell of herself, including being a POW for 47 days. I salute this woman for all she has done. I know she has done much more than I have ever did. Here are just two of her videos that she has produced. They honor our Brothers and Sister Firefighters in both New York and Connecticut (my home state). Thank you Linda for ALL you have done. (I hope these links work) 1) New York FD - Suspicious minds sung by the famous Elvis Presley www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJwkAHwyYtk 2) Connecticut FD - Will you wait for me by Brett Young www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGXZpPXjBA

If the Port Chester firefighters committed these offenses they are WRONG. Calling in a false alarm, spitting on an individual should not be tolerated. As frustrated as those Port Chester Firefighters might have been, this kind of activity just can't be done. If these charges are correct, "it is an embarrassment to all career firefighters, no matter where they are from". When a firefighter commits a wrong doing, it is a reflection on all other firefighters. Have the individual firefighters who committed such offense been named and singled out ? Are there witnesses willing to come forward with facts ? Are there photos or videos of such action ? On the contrary, I think there is an audio of Chief Quinn suggesting members break windows at the home of a career firefighter union official. Two Wrongs don't make a Right. The Fire Service is probably the only place were there has been more hatred among those who are expected to help each other than perhaps a victim towards a their criminal. Really very sad when you think about it. As a volunteer firefighter in one town serving with career firefighters, we got along great. Then as a career firefighter serving in another town with volunteer firefighters it has been decades of hating each other. Two totally different worlds only about 75 miles apart.

It's been a few months since the last time anybody following this story was updated and what has been going on. This issue has been the same for years. It is our political system and the leadership within the fire departments, that refuse to correct this problem. As of this date, NO CITY OFFICIAL has even "suggested" taking a hard stand to do what is right for the safety of the citizens of this city. Therefore, "I intend to hold the next Fire Commander accountable if he refuses to call those Norwich Firefighters to the scene of a serious incident, but instead calls volunteer firefighters from a distance farther away". That policy goes against every rule in the book. And should one of these Fire Commanders drag a few city officials and city council members through the mud with them, then that's something they should have thought about a long time ago. They allowed this to continue to go on. Right now these city officials are in no position to take on more problems than they already have. In addition, there is also PROOF of 911 legal documents that seem to have been altered as well. That would most likely result in a totally separate investigation with devastating results. We also have Mr John B####, who was Acting City Manager, when I first had a meeting with him in March, 2015 as this began. Today, he is the subject of an FBI investigation in an unrelated matter. They all need to understand that "everyday that goes by - is one day closer to this nightmare approaching". I will seek legal counsel at my own expense from an attorney well outside the area, with no local ties at all. Should we prevail and any amount awarded to us, I would only ask for my own funds to be reimbursed and the rest donated to a charity, such as the firefighters cancer fund - FFCancer.org, As well as a portion go to the local IAFF for their patience and tolerance. If there is any member of this site who would be interested in reading "The How and Why" it all began, please send me a pm with your email address (your name is NOT necessary if you wish). And I will get that email off to you. I would prefer to delete the names mentioned in there as well.

Thank you very much for posting this story. I would like to pass it on as well. Today, Saturday March 25, 2017, in carrying on with the tradition of George, the Steinbrenner Family will open Yankee Stadium for FDNY/EMS EMT Yadiro Arroyo's funeral logistics. Arroyo, 44, was killed last week by a schizophrenic, career criminal., who tried to steal her ambulance and ran her down with her own vehicle. For One Day, Yankee Stadium will be the House that Yadira built. The Bronx Bombers will provide free parking today (Saturday 3/25/2017), for some of the 10,000 people expected to be at slain EMT Yadira Arroy's funeral. EMTs and Medics from around the nation are expected in the city to honor the mother of FIVE. The Yankees will cover the cost of opening and staffing parking lots, including those opposite the stadium, gates 4 and 8, for the roughly 5,000 cars and buses expected. The Yankees arranged for the post funeral meal with refreshments and food served in the ball parks Great Hall between 1 pm and 4:45 pm. Here we Remember FDNY/EMS EMT Yadira Arroya, who spent 14 years saving lives in the City of New York. May she Rest in Peace and THANK YOU for your dedicated years of service to the citizens and visitors of New York City. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvnUVkyU_M

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE". THEY CAN NOT SEE THEY CAN NOT BREATHE THEY BECOME DISORINATED THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know. At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters. We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".

Sir, yes I am aware of how things went just prior to the merger of the NHRFD. That's why I used it to make my point. So when do these other places start ? And who throws in the white hat and collar pins to say, "Yes, I'm ready to do the right thing" ? "I care more about the people I am assigned to protect, than my own self image". Lets put that FIRST QUESTION out there. Whoever it is I will stand and salute. Those are really Great Leaders who are willing to do that for OTHERS. Therefore, let the Leaders take the Lead. Let them be the first to show us how important regionalization is for the fire service today. That is how we can begin.

To get a good idea of how well things are working out in a regional or county fire department, we really don't have to go too far. Just across the Hudson River from New York is the "Northern Hudson Regional Fire Dept". There a group of totally independent fire depts. merged together to become one. That really didn't happen too long ago either. Compare that to the place of my home town which led to the thread here of "The Fractured Fire Service of Norwich, Ct". In a small Connecticut city of about 40,000, a total of SIX separate fire departments. One career, and five volunteer cover this small city. Each with their own chiefs, deputy chiefs, captains etc. Each with it's own fleet of fire apparatus. Three or four Heavy Rescues, Three Ladder Trucks, Numerous Engines, and various special types of apparatus. No problem here with somebody missing out on riding on the first rig. Usually there's plenty more to choose from if the first has left. If this ONE Town merged its six fire departments into one, how much could these taxpayers save in equipment alone ? Of course would they really need six fire chiefs, each hoping to defend their own power and title ? And this is NOT the only place like this. In fact, most places I know are like this, rather than the well managed Fairfax or LA County FDs. As a group of individuals, we all know what the real problem is. The reality is its pretty tough to tell somebody, "you lost your title". We really don't need so many separate leaders. And we sure don't need this many fire trucks. We are NOT talking about busing school kids from one place to another. We are referring solely to the operations of the fire department. I think "SECTMB" presented a very good idea here in his post. That of providing alternate duty crews backing up a primary duty crew. Something that seems to becoming a necessary thing these days. I think it's a pretty good idea. What might NOT be in the best interest for the members, might actually be in the best interest for the people they serve.

Fire depts. work for the citizens NOT THEMSELVES. In most cases, consolidation is the ANSWER and NOT the PROBLEM. Some of the most progressive fire departments in the country started out decades ago when they decided to consolidate. Places like Fairfax County, Va., Dade County, Fla., as well as the Los Angeles County, Ca. Fire Dept. The once highly popular TV Show of the 1970s called "Emergency" was based on that L.A. County FD. A very well run fire dept. They also introduced us to the term "paramedic". Something that many of us in this part of the country had never heard of before. It makes sense for many smaller fire departments to merge into one. Not only does it make sense, but it may also give a better ISO (Insurance Services Office) Rating, which could have a large impact on what businesses pay out for insurance coverage. What holds a lot of places back is just what has been reported. Everybody may not get to ride on a fire truck. Also, some may have to give up their white hats and collar pins. But usually there is an overall greater improvement within the fire service at a much better cost to the people they serve. Looking beyond the smaller individual fire depts. or fire districts, compared to the much larger merged fire depts will prove to be a very good move.

My guess would be that it might be better managed today, just for the fact that there are more people involved in it. The same as the merger of the Transit police and Housing police into the NYPD. Before that they were three separate organizations. The FDNY/EMS faces the same challenges today as they did back then. A totally overwhelmed system abused by so many. Yet the life savors of so many others. I continue to have the highest amount of respect for this very dedicated group of people. Those who continue to provide a vital service to the citizens, the commuters, as well as the many tourist throughout that huge city we know of as New York City. Two incidents I recall while buffing the FDNY in NYC. Both with a 2 hour delay before being able to get an ambulance assigned - premerger days. This was NOT the fault of those out there working as a medic or EMT in the streets. But just a totally over loaded system. This was also pre cellphone days. The first was when somebody called from a store for an ambulance for an elderly lady who fell on the ice. Freezing weather while this poor old woman laid on the ground waiting for an ambulance. No fire truck either because they were just too busy fighting the staggering numbers of fires at that time. Maybe she had a broken hip. All we could do is cover her with our coats. The second was a guy having a seizure. We had stopped to help him. Just as we did, a police car passed by. They radioed for an ambulance but they too were told it was a two hour delay before the first ambulance could get there. So we put him in the back of the police car and they took him to the hospital. No vitals taken etc. There were even times when injured firefighters were transported on the hose beds of fire trucks rather than wait for an ambulance. At times it was just impossible to get an ambulance. There's four more parts to the original video posted. If anybody needs them posted here, let us know.

Prior to the merger of the NYC EMS into the FDNY, this is the way it was. These EMTs and Paramedics were the HEROS and DOCTORS of the streets in the LARGEST city in America, New York City. Throughout the five boros, it was these trained and skilled workers that kept so many people alive. People alive today who might not have been if not for them. They very seldom received credit for the work they did. Yet they were out there every single day, 24/7, working for basically low to moderate salaries. As a FDNY buff, I watched these people work under some very difficult conditions. This was NOT a job for everybody, but for those who did it, "I have the HIGHEST RESPECT FOR". THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE of the CITY of NEW YORK. Here is Part 1 of a Five Parts series produced by the A & E History Channel. It's called: "Emergency - EMS to the Rescue". www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXQfuwbUtk4

There is more positive news to report regarding the Fractured Fire Service of Norwich. A SECOND incident in another Fire District (Yantic FD) brought the Norwich Firefighters to the address of 114 West Town St per the Yantic Fire Commander. The Norwich FD responded as the FAST CO, with a Truck consisting of one Lt and three Firefighters (All Norwich FFs are trained in FAST Co Operations). A total distance of 2.9 miles. Something that has NEVER happened. This is a FIRST for the Yantic FD and there is no doubt that they did the right thing. Just as another Volunteer Fire District did, the East Great Plains FD, when they had a working fire recently. I believe full credit goes to Norwich City Manager, John Salamone. He took the time to listen when no other city officials did. He apparently realized that a fire department from some 8 or 15 miles away can NOT be called before the much closer, 24 hour staffed Norwich FD. This has been two years in the making which involved some very serious incidents. This entire campaign began with a grease fire two years ago at a nursing home located at 93 West Town St. Just down the street from this current incident. In that incident the Norwich FD was never called. However, three other unstaffed, volunteer fire departments were called from farther away. I would like to think that this story is over. I hope that the two recent examples involving the East Great Plains and Yantic FDs will end this long on going nightmare. The Citizens of this city need to come first, not how some fire dept feels about each other. Tonight (2/8/2017), there is reason to be proud of these FDs within the City of Norwich, Ct.