nfd2004

The City of Mount Vernon was mentioned as having the fire dept run the ambulance service. As I understand it, the City of Mount Vernon doesn't even have enough firefighters to do their primary job of fighting fires.

I am guessing but for ANY fire service to take on the ambulance service for a city involves a lot of behind the scene work. This new duty would also have to be negotiated with the city and firefighters bargaining unit as it is a change in working conditions. Would additional firefighter/emts have to be hired ? Do the current firehouses have the room to house these ambulances ? How many go into service on a shift and who covers the city if those ambulances are tied up on calls ? The fire service is the perfect place to run an ambulance service. The firehouse is manned 24 hours a day, the members are trained to deal with emergency situations, and fire stations are placed throughout the city. Can it be done ? Of course it can. But not just overnight.

Maybe this is related to the above ??? I don't know - maybe. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaXwAyq3A28

If I may add, "a PERFECT EXAMPLE of SPEAKING before you are THINKING". Yes "paratrooper75" as you say above; "Get the facts before posting.....". Thank you for that very good piece of advice. "Bye Bye paratrooper75".

I don't have an answer for that, but I would like to say, for possible employment with other ambulance companies there may be some opportunities through these companies in Connecticut. 1) AMR - I believe that this company has offices in the Bridgeport, Hartford and the New Haven area. They do both the routine transports, as well as the emergency transports within those cities, including places like Fairfield, West Haven, Milford, East Haven, East Hartford etc. All of which are fairly busy areas. Both BLS and ALS. 2) Hunters Ambulance - Located in the Meriden, Ct area. I believe they do all of the routine and emergency transports for the cities of Meriden and Middletown. Both BLS and ALS. 3) American Ambulance - Located in Norwich, Ct (about 120 miles east of NYC). They do the routine and emergency transport for Norwich, Ct as well as paramedic intercept for many other surrounding towns. Something else to think about in general, whether a Transcare employee or not. I learned to always have at least THREE MONTHS take home pay in a savings account and not be in credit card debt. I realize this is much tougher today, but it can and should be done. If you have a habit of eating out a lot, that could be eating up a lot of your money too. This time of year some people will be receiving income tax money back. It is the perfect time to start that savings plan. Don't waste it but start to save it. For the Transcare employees who have lost their jobs, there are food banks that may help. Unemployment may also help. Let us know how we can help.

On 2/11/16 at approximately 0200 hours there was a second alarm fire in Newburgh as posted in the incidents here. Listed as responding was T10. Is that the Reserve Ladder manned by called back firefighters ? Also, can I assume that both reserve engines were manned by off duty-called back, Newburgh Firefighters ?

The City of Newburgh Firefighters are to be commended for their dedication to their jobs as firefighters. Those firefighters must deal with the cards that are dealt them. Of course every firefighter of that city would want more manning. I am sure they all fully understand how manning can have a very serious effect on both the civilians lives they are to protect as well as their own safety. Excluding any property damage. It is the first few minutes in any fire that have the most effect on it's outcome. I Salute the City of Newburgh Firefighters for the job they do. Thank you for your dedicated service to the citizens of Newburgh. Just today is an article that was posted in the NY Daily News on how important the addition of the FIFTH Firefighter to several Engine Cos is. It points out that now this will enable them to get that water on the fire TWICE as fast as before. I realize that Newburgh is not about to put a fifth firefighter on their engine companies. But it does point out how manning plays such an important part when fighting a fire. Here is that article. www.nydailynews.com/new-york/exclusive-fdny-companies-add-firefighter-article-1.2526155

Yes Alex, we are friends. You are young and I am old. You have a college degree and I don't have a college degree. You live in Va and I live in Ct. You are a volunteer firefighter and I was a career firefighter. Yet despite all those differences, we are still friends. The reason for that is we have one thing in common. The fact that we are both into this fire department crap. That's why we are here posting what we think. That's why so many here have an interest in this. All for the same reason. Yet, despite our differences, we both enjoy serving the public within the duties of a firefighter. Would I have liked to have you as an extra rider on an engine co ? Of course I would. You probably know your stuff due to the fact that you are a part of one of the busiest volunteer companies in the country. Do I think you would you have liked to ride an engine with me ? My guess is that you probably would have. I enjoy being busy and I'm addicted to this stuff. The point here is, can career and volunteer firefighters be together in the same firehouse serving the same people. Based on myself and Alex here, "I think so", despite our huge differences. I hope that I am around, to see younger leaders of the fire service straighten out this mess and put those self serving egos aside to do what is best for the people we serve. It can be done and has been done. We are just a couple of decades behind. And when it comes to money, comparing PG County to Fairfax County is very similar to comparing the economies of Westchester, NY to Norwich, Ct. Only about 100 miles apart but what a different world it is. There may be mansions in Westchester, NY but there are no mansions in Norwich, Ct. Therefore with the income of Westchester, maybe it should model itself after Fairfax County. And with the income of the Norwich, Ct area, maybe they should model themselves after the PG County FD. Average yearly income for 2013: Westchester, NY - $84,896 Fairfax County - $112,021 Norwich, Ct - $45,896 PG County - $88.180

It gets more costly as I look into that newspaper article posted in reply # 27. This $800,000 includes the cost of the 99 air packs, plus extra equipment such as face pieces, hand held receivers and amplifiers. What I did NOT realize is that this cost is NOT even for the entire city. Apparently money was already spent to purchase air packs for two other fire departments within this city limits. One being the career fire department and the other being one of the other volunteer departments. So that cost was in ADDITION to the recent $800,000 cost. As the title says here, "Replying to Study: Tax Savings and Economic Value of Volunteer Firefighters in New York". Well, maybe so but it sure ain't true for this Connecticut place. Not by my figures at least. Could a system be put into place here, or Westchester, or any other place like it to improve both the services and savings to the taxpayers in these areas. I certainly seem to think so. So - "What are we waiting for" ???

I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was 99 airpacks that are being purchased through a bond issue. This is a newspaper article from a local paper on January 19, 2016 explaining the purchase. www.norwichbulletin.com/news/20160119/city-council-unanimously-approves-800000-bond-proposal

If we go with the roughly $6,000 HIGHEST PRICED cost of air packs, that gives this city (Norwich, CT pop about 40,000 people), enough money to buy about 133 air packs. That $800,000 was the total price listed on the front page article of a local newspaper. A total of 133 air packs for who ???? I asked that question, and I will do my best to try and answer that. When you have a total of six entirely separate fire departments, with each one wanting to do their own thing in a place about 35-40 square miles, that's what happens. With a total of 20-25 separate pieces of front line apparatus, this is about the number of air packs that might be needed. Of course we also must consider the huge cost of gear involved. Yet the local citizens think they are getting a bargain service because some places within those city limits, are not paying for firefighter salaries. (Although there is a small pension given to volunteer firefighters after 20 years of service - with no idea on cost control regarding how many will collect this) When we start to look at the entire picture, we find the cost for this type of service is really quite high when everything is included. 1) There are seven separate firehouse buildings to maintain year round and heat in the winter. Is it possible that can be reduced ? 2) There is the high cost of an overabundance of fire apparatus to pay for and maintain. In some cases, up to $50,000 a year for each piece through a purchase. 3) We have the cost of supplying a full set of bunker gear to each firefighter. Roughly, how many career and volunteer firefighters should a small city of about 40,000 people be expected to pay for. 4) We talked about the purchase of roughly 133 new air packs at roughly $6,000 each. Or would it be about $3,000 each for the purchase of about 266 cheaper priced air packs. Should a city like this continue to operate in this fashion ? Are there advantages to operating a city this size with all these individual departments functioning as they are ? I ask this, "if so, what are those advantages" ? Or should a place like this (as well as a place like Westchester) continue to operate as is. Who are we in this for ? Our own selves to keep "us" happy or the people who depend on us every hour of every day. Is it really necessary for a place like Norwich, Ct to buy 133, or more air packs ? The real story will eventually get out. When people start to see huge figures like this, they will start to wonder why. When they start to compare places like Bridgeport, Ct to Norwich, Ct as far as fire apparatus, it is only a matter of time when spending huge sums of money on fire apparatus will end. Will the City of Norwich double it's career fire department numbers ? Of course not. So can the public still be served using both career and volunteer firefighters without spending all this money ? Personally I think it can be done. And it is already being done in hundreds of places around this country. When such stories are told of our operation, some places are laughing at us. If you are currently a leader in the fire service, it is your responsibility to do what is best for all. If you are in such a position, and you honestly tell yourself it just can't be done, then it's time for you to step down. Because I assure you, "It can be done".

Here is an interesting point to consider. The city I had mentioned in reply # 16, the one with 15 pumpers, 3 ladders, 3 heavy rescues, and a population of 40,000 people, just put in an order for $800,000 for new air packs. Almost One Million Dollars just for air packs !!!! I don't know what the average price tag is for a new air pack these days. But as a taxpayer, that sure sounds like a lot of money for air packs in a city of 40,000 people. What about buying bunker gear ? How many sets of bunker gear are required here ? What about minimum training and medical exams required ? That adds up too. Are 15 Pumpers really needed in a city of 40,000 people ? Why is it that other cities with 3 to 4 times the population have less. Bridgeport, Ct, the largest city in that state, has only 9 pumpers serving 100,000 more people (145,000 pop total). What is the average yearly cost for one pumper or one ladder truck over a 15 or 20 year period ? A one million dollar fire truck I think comes out to be about $50,000 a year, per truck. So as we look at the larger picture, we may begin to see a much different cost involved. Can we make a similar comparison to a place like Westchester ? Is there a better way to do it if saving taxpayers money is the big concern ? Can the younger, future leaders of our fire service make those right choices ? What about today's fire service leaders ? Can they make those tough choices just as those that introduced the first female firefighters into the all male dominated fire service ? Or the leaders that stood strong saying; "If we can send a fire truck to a trash can fire, we certainly should send a fire truck to a medical emergency". Those are just a few of the examples of "The Dinosaur Era", where strong leadership in the fire service led the way.

Once again, I get a similar picture painted. In the city I am referring to, it's total population is about 40,000 people. About 35 square miles with SIX, totally separately, independently run, fire departments. A total of seven firehouses. One career fire department consisting of two firehouses, with five volunteer firehouses within the city. Apparatus by my count, because there's just so many here I may be off somewhat. But here is my own Unofficial count: 15 Pumpers 3 Ladder Trucks (confirmed) 3 Heavy Rescues (confirmed) 5 Mini Rescues (confirmed) 2 Tankers 2 Brush Units Plus various other special units such as Hose Tender Unit, Water Rescue Unit, etc. Find this hard to believe. You're not alone. So come on up and see for yourself. We are located about 120 miles east of NYC, off I-395. Make it a weekend trip and enjoy one of the two nearby Connecticut Casinos while you're here (Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun). Great food, shows and entertainment included. I am talking of The Rose City, also known as Norwich, Ct. And when you stop by those firehouses, tell them "Willy D sent you". They all know me. We may not be a Westchester County, NY, but we can all share similar stories. I think you'll find it an interesting place to visit.

"FireMedic049", I think we have worked together in the same place. Your story is so similar to mine. As a Volunteer Firefighter for five years in a combination department, both the career and volunteer members got along great. In fact many of those career guys offered us their help in preparing for some of the upcoming test. Even a few on their off duty time. Finally in 1975 I get the career firefighters job. But in a different city. It doesn't take me too long to find out that I entered into a War Zone. All because of the fact that I became a career firefighter. I guess I fall into the category of a "Dinosaur Firefighter". So many things are different now. I was able to see when females first entered into the fire service. That wasn't something that was welcomed by many members, including myself. Of course today we know that many females are doing a great job. Including some that are now Chiefs within some of our largest American cities. I was able to see the time when the fire department responded to medical calls. Prior to that, our attitude was "We're Firefighters not Doctors". Today of course we know that the larger percentage of all calls are medical rather than fire related for most places. I have firefighter friends that are alive today because of the work that firefighter/medics did to keep them alive. I was able to see a time when air packs were NOT a luxury or optional item, but one of mandatory equipment. We know today how important that is. But using an air pack years ago wasn't always available. And if you did get to wear one, they didn't have a warning bell telling you to leave the building. You try to suck in air and there is nothing left. Now you try to find your way out using NO AIR. My point is that being a dinosaur of the fire service (which I am very proud of), I was able to see many improvements made. There has been many difficult hurdles conquered over the years within the fire service. But for some reason, we still just can't seem to get this career/volunteer thing figured out.

Here is a video from the Boston Fire Department. Whether a city/town buys two sets of gear, or a special washing machine, cancer is probably something that you should think about. Are these guys trying to scare you ? Well maybe if that's what it takes. Some of them were firefighters when air packs were considered a luxury or optional item. We've learned a lot since then though. Many of you have families. What would they say if they saw this ? Should they voice their opinion also ? And what are the priorities of a city or town ? Are they willing to tell your family members that we just can't do it. Should taxpayers tell their city/town officials NOT to do it. There are so many unnecessary other items in the fire service where money is spent because some group says so. But few have the lasting effect as this one does. Here is that video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOvBypsaHog

In most places conditions are so much different. 1) Buildings, exposures, population etc are generally much different. 2) Training requirements are much different. In most places today career firefighters are required to attend a fulltime 16-18 week recruit school before riding on any fire trucks. Usually, during each shift, some form of training or building surveys are done in order to keep their required skills proficient. 3) Career firefighters operate under a semi military environment. There is a chain of command that must be followed. If rules or policy is not followed, some form of discipline can be taken against that individual. 4) To become a career firefighter there is a written and oral testing process, along with a very intense medical and a difficult CPAT agility test to successfully pass. Later comes a character investigation done by most police departments. As we know, the numbers are very high for those that apply, yet few are chosen. 5) Promotions within the career fire service are very difficult as well. Many individuals spent many years studying for the test day. In addition there is usually an oral interview with a score rating. When it is finely over, few are chosen over the number of individuals testing. Sometimes, there is also special school requirements that must be completed within a period of time to maintain that officer level. The end result is that in most cases, only the very best candidates are chosen. For that, the people who pay for these firefighters expect the very best of service. And rightfully so. Those people have every right to expect their firefighters to help them in their time of need. And for those firefighters to thrown themselves into danger if necessary. That is the trade off. And if you happen to be one of those career firefighters, because of that, you must fully understand, that you are held to a higher standard than most individuals. You drop the ball and every other career firefighter gets dragged through the mud because of your foolish actions. The public trust you to go into their homes and apartments when no one is home. They will even hand you over their sick baby because they trust you. There's no other job like it. Does the public appreciate what VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS do. Of course they do. Those guys are out there doing a job to help the public in their most desperate moments. No matter what the weather is, they are out there. They give up a nights sleep and still are expected to go to their fulltime jobs to support their families the next morning. Some come from outstanding careers or backgrounds. They have even helped me too. I was a career firefighter. I was a volunteer firefighter as well. A career for 30 years and volunteer for 5 years prior to that. During my years as a career firefighter, on a few occasions I worked with volunteer firefighters. They depended on me and I depended on them. Yet when it was over, "you stay on your side of the fence, I'll stay on mine". That's pretty sad actually. Just a few hours before, we were cold and wet together. We might have had a few pretty hectic moments together. I'm sure their family members worried about them, just like my family members worried about me. We attended LODD funerals together for volunteer firefighters and career firefighters. The fact is that the smoke and heat was always the same. Career Firefighters and Volunteer Firefighters share a lot in common. They share things that no other groups share. If you were to visit my home town you would find a Civil War going on. Between career and volunteer firefighters. Should I try to hide it ? No. Although I am not at all proud of what goes on here, "I know we are NOT alone". The reality is this, we should respect each other for what you do. "Instead of Fighting, We should be Uniting". Maybe it's time to think that over a bit. Remember, there are no promises made of going home in this fire service business. Over the years I learned that because I attended so many firefighter LODD funerals.

Both P.G. County and Fairfax County are combination volunteer/career FDs. I have two friends that are volunteer firefighters in Fairfax County. As I understand it the officer in the firehouse will assign one volunteer firefighter to each manned piece of apparatus. Not to replace firefighters but to supplement them. In one volunteer firehouse assigned, there is one Engine Co., one Truck Co., and two Medic Units. Therefore at any given time, there could be four volunteer firefighters riding from that firehouse. Of course the volunteer firefighters often have their fund raisers as well and they usually buy needed fire equipment with it. Even pieces of fire apparatus are bought. If it is a piece of fire apparatus they buy, the only thing that the volunteer firefighters ask for in return is that the word "VOLUNTEER" be put on the truck. That is to indicate to the taxpayers of that county that this truck was purchased through fund raisers run by the volunteer firefighters. I think in this particular station, both Medic Units were purchased using these funds. When the taxpayers see that not only are these firefighters willing to ride and donate their time, but also donate the money raised to buy equipment, it is a win/win for those volunteer firefighters. One of those volunteer firefighters I am talking about is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. Yet he has no problem doing what the boss in the firehouse tells him to do. Just like those career guys. The system has been in place for a long time and seems to be working well. On the scene the career officer is the boss as well.

This is also true of our military. We all get what we pay for. Should we let each individual pay for and make that decision for themselves ? Or is it to all our advantage to pay for the best protection, that will benefit all of us. And just like that 7.0 earthquake in Westchester, is it possible to have the same odds as a War involving the Westchester area ? Yet without question, we all pay for the BEST Protection we can get. Yes, paying for the fire service is a roll of the dice. But if the number just happens to come up and affect our own family members, our friends, then we may ask why didn't we get that better policy. For years I paid for medical insurance. Never had to use it. Yet I paid for the best I could get. Then one day it came. I spent two days in the hospital that cost the insurance company $22,000. Just a few years prior to that I spent 16 days in the hospital due to an illness that those highly skilled, high paid doctors corrected for me. I have no idea what that hospital stay cost. But I sure am glad I had good insurance. When there is a fire in a house or apartment, the most important factor is time and manpower. Getting there quickly with enough help to do the job. For firefighters, especially ones that have been around for awhile, they understand that. But for Mr or Mrs Citizen, they just don't understand it as well. Sometimes, the F.D. experts in the field have to think for them. Why spend a dime on fire protection. Why waste all that money on something we may never even use. There was a time when I didn't use my medical insurance either. I thought why should I pay for it. But I sure am glad I did. We pay for education and the school system. We all pay the same in our own cities and towns. I never had any children so why should I pay for yours to go to school when I don't have any. Why don't you pay instead. I think you can catch my drift here. In a perfect world none of us would have to pay for anything. Fires happen whether its one a year or one every 10 years. I guess it's okay as long as it's not my house. But if it was, I'd want the best to put that fire out and just maybe save my life in doing so. I hope our military doesn't have to fight another war ever. And I'm willing to pay for that. The same way I'm willing to pay for our fire fighters whether they fight another fire or not.

As mentioned earlier, the story of Bridgeport Firefighter "Earl King Jr". http://www.firehouse.com/forums/t60935/

Above quote from Reply # 6 - TRUE Starting back in the mid 70s, Bridgeport was ordered by a Judge Daly to adjust the hiring process of its fire department. The results were that some candidates walked into firehouses getting two years back pay, plus back vacation benefits etc. Some left shortly after getting all their back pay for two years once the court battle was over. Promotion exams come along. Same thing. Getting promoted within the Bridgeport Fire Department was not only based on your ability to do the job, but also based on what you looked like. I believe it was during that promotion process that the group known as "The Firebirds" was organized within the department. Very similar to NYCs Vulcan Society of today. Both sides have suffered. Some great guys that were pushed into a job that they could have very well earned on their own. It actually hurt them as they were put into a category of those that had the job just given to them. I must say however that those that were given the job and stayed on the job fought side by side, some of the toughest fires in the State of Connecticut. I attended a funeral for two Bridgeport Firefighters LODD a few years ago. All department members attended no matter what they looked like. I am not taking this upcoming Bridgeport Fire Department test. I was one of the guys that didn't get the job back in 1977 because of Judge Daly's ruling. Even though I grew up in Bridgeport and that was where I wanted to be, I guess it's okay now, I got the job in another Connecticut city. Yes, I had to make all new friends and I missed all my buddies. But we kept in touch. For some of us, 40 years later we still do. Spent 30 years as a firefighter. Loved it and even got promoted. Caught a few jobs and became a part of the Brotherhood of Firefighters. If you feel the odds are stacked against you, you are NOT alone. I could have been a Bridgeport Firefighter instead of that driver of the getaway car in a murder. But, they got what they wanted. That is what really matters right.

Some additional information pertaining to this up coming Bridgeport (Ct) Firefighters Exam that you may want to consider. 1) City of Bridgeport residents will receive 15.00 additional points added to their final score. 2) As I understand it, paid insurance is no longer offered as retiree benefits. 3) The Firebird Society, which is offering the $150.00 scholarship, is an organization designed to assist one particular group of minorities.

Besides being a resident of Bridgeport, I wonder what some of the other requirements are to be eligible to receive that $150.00 scholarship used for the cost of taking the test ? Who will be deciding which candidate receives this funding ? That's a nice total of $30,000 to give away to some 200 hopefuls. I know if I was taking the test and a city resident, I'd be calling that phone number posted, (203) 331-1297, asking "how can I get that $150.00" ? What are the requirements ? Who will decide who gets this money ? What happens if I don't pass this test ? Are veterans given preference ? College grads given preference ? These are some of the questions that anyone has a right to ask. Hopefully, some of these answers will be posted in writing. For those who don't know, Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut with a population of about 145,000. The city has 9 Engine Cos, 4 Ladder Cos, and 1 Heavy Rescue Co. Also 2 Battalion Chiefs and 1 Safety Officer covers the city around the clock.

Frank Pizarro is an FDNY Firefighter assigned to Engine 76 in Manhattan. But he does more than fight fires. He is also the lead singer of a famous Doo Wop group called "The Platters". But besides the famous hits of The Platters, he sings other songs as well. Famous Platters song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=flsuV3s9hos Closest thing to a Hero: www.youtube.com/watch?v=34h1LzfRn6o God Bless America: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6u4k9RBPUQ

You are correct. None of the original members of The Platters are still around. The last surviving member was Herb Reed who passed away in 2012. However, there were several lead singers of the Platters. 1) Tony Williams - 1953 - 1960 2) Sonny Turner - 1960 - 1970 3) Monroe Powell - 1970 - 1995 I don't know when FDNY Firefighter Frank Pizarro actually started as the lead singer for the group. But he is one of four or five lead singers who has been entertaining audiences with the great music of The Platters.

Maybe instead of waving NFPA 1710 and 1720 in front of the mayor and the council, maybe we should get them to watch something like this. Tell them "this could be their house". Tell them mutual aid may take awhile and see if they think it might be a little more important to have more manning arriving quickly. www.youtube.com/watch?v=piofZLySsNc