nfd2004

Of course that is correct. But with property values being that high, I would guess adding a few career guys shouldn't be too hard to do. There's probably entire streets where the whole block isn't worth $1.5 million dollars in some places. I would guess that public safety is a lot more important than some of the other city services offered. Where does all that tax money go ? From reading here, it doesn't seem that it is spent on the fire department.

I view that as a point of a simple comparison of similar departments within the same geographical area. Maybe with similar issues and similar concerns too. I remember the day when Port Chester had a fire claiming one of the largest life losses of a decade. That might still be on some peoples mind.

I am so happy that the truth came out. So often our police officers are falsely accused of wrong doings. Without those cameras, most of us, including myself, would take the word of what we would consider two highly respected and trusted individuals. A firefighter, especially a fire captain, is expected to do the right thing. He is assigned to set the standards and be a role model to younger firefighters. He is to lead by example. Firefighters and Police Officers work side by side many times together in life threatening situations. They attend LODD funerals for each other. There is probably no other group of employees that face more danger in our society today as those police officers and firefighters who we all depend on. There is an Unwritten Brotherhood that is shared by each and every one. As a retired fire officer myself, I find this incident embarrassing to ALL Fire Fighters. One of our Brother Firefighters just dragged ALL of us through the mud. When you wear that badge and uniform, what you do, both on and off duty, represents everyone of us. You are held to a much higher standard than most other citizens. So if you make your career as a firefighter, remember whether you are in Georgia, New York City or any place else, what you do on or off duty reflects on ALL of Us. And by the way, for those police officers that are out there "doing it everyday and every night", I have nothing but the highest respect for you. I just Thank the Good Lord you are there.

Here's something I thought a few might be interested in watching. It's regarding those illegal immigrants that are recruited by Americans to take over some of the jobs here. I wonder if our political candidates know about this thing going on ! What do you think they should do about it ? www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZwKBRLJU1o

Thank you. I didn't realize until now (Jan., 2016) that this had been reposted here. I'm glad of that. At the time, there were very significant differences from departments in the Northeast versus the Southwest. Those guys told me things that I was very surprised to hear. Of course, they were very surprised at some of the things they heard about from here. In comparing notes, I had brought pictures with me of some of the conditions at the time. The burned out blocks of NYC. The large three story - six family burned out, closely packed frames of Bridgeport, Ct.. Or the ice covered rig in Providence, R.I from an all night job. Those were recent pictures at the time (in 1984). The L.A. guys could not believe what they saw. When it came to brush fires, here in the northeast we didn't come close. We thought 10-20 acres burning was a lot. They dealt with 10-20 square Miles burning. They would camp out there. Fight the fire and then go get some rest in a trailer parked near the site. I don't know of too many northeast firefighters who have done that. For me that trip was over 30 years ago. I still remember some of the guys and how good they treated me. At one point in my visit, I remember going to their fire academy. When they found out I was a firefighter from a small northeast city, about a half dozen chiefs sat down with me in a conference room to ask me how it is done here in the northeast. I guess I told them something like "we just stay low and let it blow". I don't know if that was the answer they were looking for, but I tried.

Somebody is going to Win and somebody is going to Loose. But it won't be because of my vote. I really enjoy watching the people give each other reasons why THEIR candidate is the Best. We put these political leaders up on a pedestal and hope they will take care of us. When they are really only concerned about taking care of THEMSELVES. We campaign for them and we even throw our hard earned money at them. Hoping that they will remember us. Trump talks about keeping illegal immigrants out. Yet I would like to know if he hires Americans, not immigrants, to wash his floors at his mansions or hotels. And what about Hillary ? If anybody believes her line of B/S, let me know. I think I know of a bridge in Brooklyn I can sell them. I wonder how many illegal immigrants she has washing her floors ? But if you really want a favor from any one of our famous political candidates and you really want them to remember you, here's what you gotta do: 1) Make a very sizable donation to each and EVERYONE'S Campaign. Make it the highest amount possible equal to each. We are talking several thousands of dollars here. 2) Show up at as many $10,000 dinner plate meals as possible. Make sure you do this for all. And when you are there, make sure you introduce yourself to the candidate and you want to thank them for the opportunity to have this dinner. Tell them your name and how you have supported them with your sizable donation. It is important that you make sure you exchange personnel information such as personnel phone numbers etc. 3) When the election is over and the best guy wins, call them to congratulate them. If they don't remember who you are, tell them about your very sizable contribution and how you attended several of their $10,000 dinner plate meetings. Tell them you are willing to offer them your help in any way possible. Don't forget to give them all the information they need in case they would like to contact you. HOWEVER - and this is VERY IMPORTANT. Just don't tell them how you gave to each of the other candidates. As well as attending those expensive dinner plates. How you really didn't care who won as long as the winner is able to take care of you and your wishes. By the way, on that illegal immigrant thing, in case you didn't know, many of those illegal immigrants are working right here now as you read this. They pay social security just like we do through payroll deduction. And every year they are required to file and pay federal income tax just like we do. There are many cases where Big Business Corporations have gotten rid of their $12.00/hour American Workers with benefits, and replaced them all with immigrant workers for $8.00/hour with NO benefits. So who gets the extra profits ? Those same people who gave those very sizable campaign donations and attended many of those expensive dinner plate meetings. These Big Business Corporations even hire recruiters to go to these immigrant countries and hire them, with a promise of a better life for them. And with year after year of thousands of illegals paying social security and federal taxes into our system, our government has no plans to get rid of any. I know of one major corporation that has hired 100's of them and has done just that. And there's plenty more. Those illegals have no rights under our labor laws. Meanwhile the Big Boys enjoy a lavish life style. All because they made those sizeable contributions and attended those dinners with our elected official. If someone was to try and get rid of those immigrants not only could it be political suicide, but many of our largest tourist cities would totally collapse as well. And tourism is only one small sector. There are hundreds of other sectors out there as well. We owe it all to our current and past politicians. If you are a part of the Very Rich or you are a part of the Very POOR, you owe it all to our elected officials. Of course if you still would like to send in your $25.00 contribution and go knocking door to door for them, you are welcomed to do so. Good luck and Best wishes.

Pete, you mean this Danny Boy ? Former Mayor of Stamford, Ct., now Governor of Connecticut. www.nationalreview.com/article/389857/americas-worst-governor-matt-purple

I always considered Yonkers as the Sixth Boro of New York City. Looking at these photos, I think you will understand why.

That is a very tragic story. An entire family lost. Many have told me of the manning issues within the Mount Vernon Fire Dept. I have also heard that mutual aid with Mount Vernon is a "One Way Street". As a result, other depts are not too willing to send their equipment and manning into Mt Vernon for a fire. I've been told of a story where Mt Vernon went mutual aid, and at shift change, those firefighters were ordered to leave the scene so there would be no overtime cost. As a result, this dept does NOT respond into Mt Vernon for mutual aid. And they don't depend on Mt Vernon for help. As I believe this to be true facts, both places suffer should either one get a major incident. So who's the real loosers here. The local firefighters and the people they protect.

The city owes him this. Somebody needs to get that entire mess in that city straightened out. The place is a disaster. Tonight as I write this the place is on fire. More guys face the posibility of getting hurt for the people they protect. The City doesn't care about its citizens, the firefighters, police officers or anybody else who is trying to do good for the innocent people that are stuck there. This is the 21st century. Forty or Fifty years ago we landed on the moon. Yet, nobody knows how to straighten out a city that was once a leader in our economy. Detroit owes that firefighter, or any other firefighter injuried there, what they rightfully fought for and earned.

The ole fat guy from the East Side of Connecticut is making the trip down there. Be wearing the blue baseball cap with the red number 27 and a small 2 next to it. It's doesn't mean the square root of 27. But if you already got a ticket and you're the first one to post what it really means or stands for, I'll meet you there and pay for your ticket. Or bring a friend, and I'll pay for their ticket. If there's any left.

"SFD...." that sure is quite a collection. Plus the fact that you have everyone listed. Really a nice job. I collected many of the FDNY models. A few of the various different pieces. Maybe two dozen or so. Now I wish I bought more.

My condolunces to the family and friends of FDNY Firefighter John Monteverde. Murdered by a drunk driver.

The Big Trend back in the day was Lime Green or Yellow Fire trucks. So called experts said it gave better visibility in both night and day, and threrefore would prevent accidents. Cities and towns did what they said. Boston, Newark, Bridgeport, Yonkers, even the FDNY went with that color scheme. I even remember Boston spending alot money to repaint many of their RED rigs, to this new color. I remember very clearly the very first city to say that they found "no difference" in the amount of accidents with these recommanded colors was the FDNY. Slowly, everybody started going back to red. At least everyone of the cities I had mentioned above. Somebody who had made a name for themself as an expert, suddenly drifted away. The "Fad" was over, and the Facts were in.

New Haven FD just gave a test and the department is down about 125 guys. Bridgeport is using the State Fire Acedemny in Windsor Locks for training their new probies. I think about 12 - 14 are there now. (Class # 52) For those who might be interested, I think right now Mohegan Sun Casino is taking applications for firefighters. Not a city dept but they do respond to many areas as a RIT Co. I'm sure EMT is required.

This is what Best describes a WORKING FIRE. First, it's a FIRE, not a motor vehicle accident. Second, it is within a building. Third it requoires at least one line to be stretched and operated. It's not letting some smoke out from food on the stove. It's not steam that set off a smoke detector. it's not a furnace malfunction. The point of the car fire in the parking garage does change things. A parking garage is considered a building. I guess my point is, some of us do know what a Real fire is. It's a tough battle. Sometimes its on your hands and knees in high heat trying to find your way around. Sometimes its leaving the firehouse going to a building fire and you can see the night time sky lite up blocks away.

I totally agree. That is exactly right, however, on another web site, members would split hairs. "We had a car fully involved in the street". That's a Worker right ? "We pulled an 1 3/4" line and operated it". Some will call it a "working car fire". But it really is just a car fully involved. For many places, that and large rubbish fires were just a routine run. Cars just taken for joy rides and then set on fire. In fact, those 3 am car fires were so fully involved, that it was impossible for the officer to get the license plate number off it. Both front and back melted. Considered just a routine run in those days. So let me just add to this above quote: "At minimum, it's a fire where you pull an 1 3/4" and use it "WITHIN A BUILDING FIRE". Otherwise it's "Oh we used a 1 3/4 on a dumpster, so that's a Worker, right" ? or, "we had a fire in a pile of rubbish and pulled an 1 3/4 to put it out". "Or we had that working car fire". I have seen in the past, many who would like to convince others that "they had a worker". I saw that on another site I frequented. There really is a difference between a working fire in a 2 1/2 frame that is totally gutted, and the burned out car on the steet corner. I think everybody gets the drift.

As a very young guy several years ago, NYC was actually the first place I learned about Brotherhood. I didn't read about it in a book or by sitting in a classroom. I learned it from a tight group of guys who respected me as much as I respected them.

In a comparison of Brotherhood today vs the 70s or 80s here's a story. Maybe this gives an idea of how things have changed. Last year or so I was invited to visit a firehouse, which actually is one of the busiest in Connecticut. My brother was a career firefighter there during the late 70s and into the 80s. In the kitchen was this very large table. Everybody ate there. Once in awhile he would invite me down to visit. The jokes, laughter, and entertainment was priceless. Everybody joined in except maybe the "probie" who was told to keep his mouth shut until he proves himself. When I went down to that same firehouse, the guy that invited me showed me the kitchen where I used to join the members. Then he just left me. It was quite different from what I remembered back in those days. Nobody was talking. Either they were on their cell phones texting or talking, or watching a TV. Also, I noticed gone was that big kitchen table that everybody used to share the meal on. Now every individual was sitting by themselves with their own little table in front of them. The only guy that talked to me was the Captain who I had known for years and was good friends with his brother. I walked in as a retired firefighter from another city in Connecticut. Yeah, I'm an old guy now. No more fires for me and I remember when we didn't go to medical calls. What little hair I have left is all white now and my belly isn't as tight as it should be. I walk a little slower too, but you would think I was some bum off the street. If it wasn't for thaty captain that I knew, I would have left after ten minutes because I felt very uncorfortable there. Nobody even asked about my brother who spent maybe 15 years there and retired as a B/C. (and he did have a good reputation). A little different story to compare. About two years ago the New London, Ct Fire Dept transported me to the hospital in New London for a medical condition. During the two weeks I was there, guys from the job, who I didn't even know stopped by. Everyday, somebody was there. They would bring me coffees etc. They were concerned for my car where I had to leave it and "they" brought it to the firehouse parking lot where it was much safer. Those guys from New London F.D. treated me great. In this case, I saw that Brotherhood is Alive and Well. And every once in awhile, they invite me to the firehouse, as a Retired Brother, and they are not concerned that maybe my belly isn't as tight as it used to be. And I have to say, my Brothers always welcome me to the firehouse where I spent a few years on the job there. Most I of them I never worked with, but they treat me good. I was a volunteer firefighter in a combo dept back in the early 70s. We all got along great, volunteer and paid. When I moved to another part of Connecticut in those 70s, I entered a War Zone. People I didn't even know hated me for the job I did. It still really hasn't changed. Brotherhood doesn't exist. Same today as it was then. My brother who retired from that very busy dept I mentioned earlier as a Battalion Chief, wanted to join the local volunteer dept when he moved up to this area. He lived about a block away from the firehouse, was able to go to calls 24/7, and always had a mop in his hand to clean up after any event. I thought that this small dept had won the lottery when they got him. He had been a driver and officer on the exact same type of Ladder truck during his career that they had. "His orders were; "Don't you touch that Ladder Truck". One time at a mutual aid fire they couldn't get the ladder down. Guess who figured out what was wrong and was able to get it down ? On another night that Ladder truck was requested to respond mutual aid to another fire. He was at the firehouse with three other younger members who couldn't operate that truck. The chief had been out plowing snow and told him face to face, "Don't you touch that ladder truck". As a result, that ladder truck NEVER responded to that fire. He was also never allowed to drive any of the other trucks. He stuck it out for about two years. I would have lasted two weeks, maybe ! There are many more stories both good and bad. The term Brotherhood should not even be questioned. It should just be there. When you work together and you survive together, Brotherhood takes on a thing of its own. You work together through good and bad times. If you talk about each other, it was in a joking manner. Today because of society, that's not always possible. In my opinion as a result instead of uniting it has created dividing. For the younger people out there whether career or volunteer, it may be hard to understand how different and how great it once was. I can only say, just take my word for it.

"Arbrow06", I hope when you do land a job you let us know how things turned out. I notice that on your profile, you list "EMT". Like somebody said, a future with the FDNY/EMS might not be a bad choice. I'm sure you get more pay if you move onto a paramedic, and if you wanted there are promotional opportunities if you apply yourself. I'm sure they also offer decent medical coverage and a decent retirement package. With a city of 7 or 8 million people, there will always be a need for EMS. It's tough work but I'm sure helping people everyday gives some job satisfaction. Of course the cost of living is very high in the NYC area. Here's something else to consider. If you decide to buy a home, think about a two family. I did that at age 26 and had no idea on how to be a landlord. But somehow it worked out. I had help paying my mortage, got a decent tax write off every year, and now with the house fully paid off, that rental income is sure nice. It worked out so good that I ended up buying another two family about two miles from my house. My brother now rents one of the apartments and that house is also fully paid for. I've had to take only one person to court in about 40 years. I found that if I give the tennants a $25.00 rebate for early rental payments, I don't have to chase them for the money. It works out great for all of us. So because I think I may have made a few right moves in my life, I've given you my lifes story. I would do everything all over again if I had the chance. For me now staying healthy is what I try to do, but money is not something I worry about. I am not trying to play the role of a millionaire because I am not. I worked for everything I have. But it's nice to be able to enjoy retirement without money problems. I just wanted to share my story with you and other younger members on here.

Another suggestion is a P/T Security Officer. I work p/t for Allied Barton. I like the job and the site I work at pays pretty good. I don't think you have to be 21 years old to do it. I also worked p/t for Securitas Security for several years. Maybe you can check out their web sites. It's tough today for any younger person out there. I had a much better opportunity when I was 20 years old. I took the test for the Post Office and started p/t. Flunked out of a Community College and decided to go f/t at the post office. Five years later took the test for the Fire Dept with 87 other people for one opening. As it turned out after two years, about 10-12 of us were hired from that list. Worked 30 years, got promoted and retired with a decent pension and benefits. As it turned out, "I sure am glad I flunked out of that college". But it's not the same today. College degrees are required more today for the same or similiar jobs. If you are interested, somebody mentioned about the FDNY/EMS. There is promotional opportunities within the system, a retirement plan and probadly some decent benefits. I think your time would count if you went to another job in NYC as a firefighter or police officer etc. Let me say this though, a college degree does not promise a good job. In my own case, I was able to get a good job first and then do a few college courses part time. Everything worked out. But if I were you, I'd start to try and get my foot in the door for any job that will offer you some type of benefits and security. You could always improve your situtation. I have seen so many young college grads looking for work. The medical field is usually a good choice, but you have to be willing to put the time in to get there. And we will always need plumbers, electricians, and car mechanics. How many younger people are willing to do that. But there's money to be made. And finally I will say this. As the saying goes, "if you enjoy your work, you never work a day in your life". As a firefighter, I found that to be true and I think most others will agree. It's not just about how much money you can make. It's satisfaction in doing a job you enjoy. I find that true today in my p/t security guard job also. So with that said, I guess I haven't worked since about 1975.

I was buffing the Bronx. About 4 pm I noticed that my gas tank was very low and with a 120 mile ride home, I need to think about getting some gas for the Buff Mobile. I was going to get gas but I was also getting pretty hungary and a Wendy's sign was just up ahead. So I pulled into Wendy's and ordered a couple of burgers. When I was done, I got in the car to go get some gas and I noticed the traffic lights were out. Next I noticed the stores were closing in the shopping center. Those roll down steel fronts were all being pulled down. I pulled into the gas station and the pumps weren't working. No electric power and no gas, with a 120 mile ride home. I couldn't hang around so I just headed home and hoped for the best. I was finally able to get gas in Bridgeport, Ct about 60 miles from the Bronx. They didn't loose any power. I don't think I would have made it much further. Lesson Learned: Whenever my gas tank gets to one half, I always fill up. I started doing that 10 years ago, and haven't messed up yet. I had a friend who was in the Wall st area. He told me with no subways or elevators running, that night the richest and the poorest made a piece of cardboard their bed under the stars in the streets of the City of New York. There was no seperating the rich from the poor. From a three piece suit to hand me down rags. Nobody was better than anybody that night. Just grab a piece of cardboard, get confortable, and enjoy the fresh air. That was one night nobody had to worry about brushing their teeth. One of the problems I do remember is the elderly who couldn't get up to their apartments in those high rise buildings. Some needed to get their meds. I also remember the FDNY putting their second pieces of Support Ladder Companies in service with three firefighters. Later it was reported that it was a good decision as they assisted hundreds of people trapped in elevators.

I agree and several years ago, in my department, I signed a paper "under duress". And I also agree where someone mentioned, these policies have actually created hostile enviorments. People are afraid to talk to each other today.

You're right. For those involved in the WTC, nothing will ever compare to that. In fact nothing will ever compare to that day. The plane crash in Shanksville, Pa. The Pentagon. All air traffic shut down. People fleeing Manhattan. People helping people. Hospitals as far away as New Haven, Ct preparing for injuried to be brought in on trains. That beautiful day became Americas darkest cloud. September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten. Over 3,000 innocent people were murdered that day in a few short hours. Many have passed on from the effects of that day. Many are still suffering with breathing and sinus problems. How can anything else compare ?