nfd2004

I do not agree with this at all. I certainly have the Highest Respect for Any State Troopers or City/Town Police officers for that matter. The fact that if they get hurt, this is Not their job. And who is guarding the hen house while these Troopers fight this fire. If I saw this nd wanted to commit a crime somewhere on their beat, I know there could be a delayed response giving me a better chance to get away with it. If they were firefighters dressed in civilian clothes doing this, we would be the first to critize them for not wearing the proper gear. I think Somebody mentioned that they were glad that a State Trooper took the hose line and started to fight the fire. Did I read that right ? A firefighter was glad that a State Trooper took the hose line to fight the fire. Should a firefighter take a gun from the Troopershands and shoot a suspect ? It doesn't make sense to me reading that. I don't think any State Trooper should be honored for doing this. And personnelly if I was the Chief, I'd be speaking to their supervisor explaining why Firefighters fight fires and not State Troopers. If I was going for surgury, would I want my electrician who just put in a new fuse panel to open my heart. I really can not believe some people would agree with this. Maybe they ment well, but should I be pulling cars over for speeding, or should I leave that for the people who are trained (and paid) to do it.

I think I said there is "SOME" discussion and "POSSIBLE" legal action being taken.

I just wanted to pass it along to anyone of the 600 people that took the written Stamford, Ct Firefighters Exam in 2010 that there is some talk of throwing out that list. I, myself am NOT involved in this testing process in any way. However, I think it is wrong to throw out a test that many put a lot of effort into. As a result, I am just passing on some information for those that might be involved that there is some discussion and possible legal acton being taken. If you might be interested or are concerned maybe you should check into it. I know if it was me I would. Go onto "Facebook" and you should be able to get further details under "Stamford 2010 Firefighter Candidates". Through no fault of your own, if you took the time to take this exam. the City may try to throw it out. I think that is Wrong, but its not up to me. Best of Luck in your interest in becoming a Career Firefighter

Career Politicians are the Entire problem. Everything was negotiated fair and square with both unions and the city. If there was aproblem then it should have been taken care of. But in good faith, the fire fighters, police officers, or any other union agreed upon what ever deals were made. The politicians had their chance to change things as they saw fit. If there's any blame here, or in any other city for that matter, BLAME THE POLITICIANS. They are the ones that have the final say. They are the first ones to pat themselves on the back when things go good, but when ever things start to get a little sour, its time to point the finger at somebody else. I wouldn't trust any politician anywhere. They are only interested in their own political future, and clearly, at least to me, they use the uniformed services to their advantage when its best for them. My theory is that politicians are not the answer, "they are the probem". I wish people wouldn't get sucked into their B/S.

And just alittle advice there young man. If you're smart, you won't put all your eggs in one basket. Yonkers is a Great Dept and if I was a young guy, I know how you feel. It certainly would be something that I would work for. But, in the meantime, continue to take every test you can for wherever. I ended up taking six test and I didn't get the dept I wanted (Bridgeport, Ct). But I got on the job somewhere else. Did my thing. Had a Great time and retired after some 30 years. I hope that you are lucky enough to get Yonkers. Just keep in the back of your mind, there's other depts out there that you should also be applying for.

As a frequent visitor to NYC, I'm glad if a Firefighter, FDNY/EMS, EMTs/Medics or a Police Officer rides ANY trains for FREE. In fact, I'd be in favor of doctors and nurses riding for Free too. It would save gas and as long as their part of the deal is to help out in an emergency, "be my guest". Active Military too. BUT, make sure they must wear a photo ID showing that they DO ride for FREE, And they are there ready to protect the people should the need arise.

I hope that you ill keep usposted on your daughters progress and the progresson the others she traveled with. There is a eb site out there that I think you might appreciate. It kind of tells the story of people like your daughter. i hope you'll check it out. It is www.PatriotFiles.Org

Your daughter is a Credit to her generation. And certainly credit goes to her parents for raising such an Excellent Role Model to those younger than her. I Admire her for what she is doing. Congradulations to the Arena Family and I wish her a very Safe and enjoyable five years. THANK YOU. Bill Dennis (aka Willy "D") Norwich, Ct

Date:03/26/2012 Time:00:53 hrs Location: Norwich, Ct Oak St and Boswell Ave Frequency: 154.205 Units Operating: Norwich; Squad "A", Eng 3, Eng 2, Truck 1, Battalion 1, Car 1(Chief), Car 10 (Safety), East Great Plains VFD; Engine 52, Ladder 5, Laurel Hill VFD Engine 62, Hose Tender 6, Yantic VFD; Engine 33 (2nd FAST Co). Taftville VFD; Eng Tank 21, Tower 25, Mohegan Triabal (Casino FD), FAST Co. Weather Conditions: Dry Description Of Incident: Large vacant frame, fully involved on arrival. Fire spread to two other large occupied frames and a garage. Reporters: Writer:

I certainly understand that. I'm just glad I was a part of it. I really hate to admit it, but I'm glad I'm on the outside looking in now. With all the back and forth busting chops, we were still a very tight group. I've been told its not like that in many places these days. That's been lost. It's SAD, "very Sad".

"calhobs", I certainly didn't feel at all that you were singling me out. Not at all there guy. (got the pm too). I guess you can go back there a few years yourself. Me too. It was a competely different time. Not to get too off track here, but there just wasn't a term called "politically correct". We never heard of a thing called "Road Rage". In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. We all went to the neighborhood school and nobody had to be bused from one side of the city to the other. Armed police officers or security guards didn't have to walk the school hallways. In most cities we left our doors Unlocked and didn't need security bars on the windows. These are just a few of the dozens of changes that occurred over the years along with "busting chops' as we once knew it. So do most people think we've made successful progress over the years since we all now have a pretty good understanding of what we can say or not say. It seems at least to me that things like "Road Rage", "Home Invasions",or "School Shootings" are much more of a serious problem today than "busting chops" would ever be. I guess maybe one of the reasons that "busting chops" could be considered serious is that maybe it could lead to violence. But I don't remember any of Our "busting chops' leading to violence. Maybe a little ego destroyer, but thats about it.

I really can NOT disagree with you or anybody else on this. My point is that, in my opinion, we all just had clean fun at everybody's expense. Now to explain that, I guess is pretty diffucult to anybody who wasn't apart of it. Actually, I think it was GOOD FOR MORAL. Now try to figure that one out. There were certain subjects that were NEVER discussed. Family was one. Race and religion was another. No one ever had to have "Thick Skin" for that, because it was never an issue or even thought about. There was actually a Great amount of respect for each other, although in the firehouse it would sometimes seem to be almost that of a battle zone. And when we went out the door, those guys that had just acted like little kids in a Day Care, gave a service that was second to none. I still keep in touch with many of my retired and active brothers, many who now live throughout this country. I certainly recieved my share, of a good Verbal Beating. In fact we all did. Speaking for myself, I'm glad I was a part of it from 1975 to 2004. Of course things started to change near the end. Instead of giving the old Verbal Beating in front of Everybody, I noticed there was more talking behind each others back. So no longer is "thick skin" an unwritten requirement. Nobody takes a verbal beating at the kitchen table anymore. The verbal beating they take is behind closed doors, where an individual can't even try to defend themselves. At least I had a chance to speak my piece when the time came. So today, we only speak of what is politically correct at that kitchen table. There is no need to have "Thick Skin". I guess if you happen to get a few strange looks during the day, it was your turn to get that Verbal Beating, "BEHIND CLOSED DOORS".

I certainly agree with Crime Cop above. As a Retired Firefighter I think Thick Skin was part of the basic requirements. Those guys would remember everything and years later when the time came, whether it was me or anybody else, it was open game. If you showed signs that you couldn't take it, the gang would just get on you worse. There was no symphany. At times, if someone would walk into the firehouse, they would think we hated each other. Everybody got their share and everybody dished it out. I'm glad I got many years of it that way. Things started to change and I think today, I'd be afraid to open my mouth. It's really kind of hard to explain, but it was a lot of fun even if you were on the recieving end.

"sfrd18" is exactly correct. New England is loaded with these types of buildings. And that is "ONE GREAT PROJECT".

May he Rest in Peace and Thank you for your services to the people of Houston.

I knew Ben well. But I never had the privilage of working with him as I had retired earlier. Ben was in Great physical shape and he Loved the Job. I would see him working a few of those jobs and I could easily tell that he was into it. I just recently saw Ben when I stopped down to the firehouse to visit my Brothers. In his style, Ben shook my hand in a firm grip and said "good to see ya Cap". He was a very respectful firefighter and he had the respect of every member in the dept. Bens two children, ages 4 and 6 were also seriously injuried in that accident and taken to Childrens Hospital in Hartford. According to my Norwich Brothers, the Hartford Firefighters have been stopping by to give support to the family during this very tragic time. My Norwich Brothers are very Thankful for what these Hartford members are doing. For me, I'll miss you my Brother Ben. You were taken away much too soon. Thank you for serving the citizens of Norwich, and may you Rest in Peace there Brother.

Thanks there NY10570. That is a True Statement. And everyday there are young people out there such as Our Great Military, Police Officers, Nurses, 911 Dispatchers, and EMS workers saving lives across the Country. I recently had a visit to a local Emergency Room and Hospital stay. I could not get over the very young, both male and female nurses, dedicated to saving lives. They did a Great job. And this goes on everyday of the year behind those hospital walls. They have picked up the ball and ran with it. And now its their turn to score the points. But I do have to say, what was referred to as the "Greatest Generation" truly was the Greatest. They grew up in the Great Depression, fought WWII, and came back to build America. I often refer to the FDNY members that fought the historically high number of fires in NYC, during their so called "War Yeas", as the "Greatest Generation of Firefighters". Many were Vietnam Vets that returned to fight the highest number of fires in FDNY history. I feel, that they certainly were a breed in itself.

I was born in 1949. So let's see, that makes me "32', or is it "62", I'm not quite sure. Terms like "Road Rage" or "Cyber Bullying" did not exist then. In school we got in trouble for chewing gum, not for carrying a gun. As a kid of the 50s I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct which was always a pretty tough place. But nobody locked their doors. Unlike today where many homes have security bars on the windows. Yes, alot has changed over the years. And maybe not for the best. Growing up during that time was probadly the best time to be a part of the fire service. Radio scanners came out later in the 60s and you could listen to the fire and police calls just as they were happening. Then in the late 60s, and into the 70s and 80s, fires increased to their highest level in history. With portable scanners it became possible to now follow the action. In 1975, I was able to get on a career dept in Connecticut as a firefighter. Every city was seeing a high activity of fires. There was a huge amount of changes to the fire service during the 70s and 80s also. The use of air packs, handie talkies, and power saws were making the job as a firefighter a lot easier. Many fire depts decided to look into also responding to medical calls. There was talk of females entering the fire service once reserved for males only. Automatic transmissions replaced the need to double clutch when driving a fire truck. When the Senior Guys fade away, I have confidence that the newer younger firefighters will continue to carry the torch and run with it. They will continue to fight fires and save lives just as the firefighters of the 70s and 80s did. I base that on what I see today. The younger firefighters of today, at least the ones that I know, are a "credit to their generation". Many are parents themselves now and doing a very good job at raising their families. And I must admit, I think that's a much tougher job to do today. Today, I am on the outside looking in. And I see todays firefighters as one of the groups that hold this country together. I certainly respect them for what they do.

Please let me point out a few facts that certainly pertain to Connecticut, but also maybe some other states. Some places in Connecticut now are requiring EMT and Fire Recruit School in order to become a career firefighter. If its not required prior to testing, it surely is required as part of the employment process. Apparently many cities now really don't recongize FFI or FFII as the standard. And rightfully so. How can you compare the training of a 14 week, full time Monday thru Friday training schedule (roughly 560 hours) to that of FFI and II. The 14 week Recruit School in Connecticut uses some of the best instructors out there. Many officers from Cts larger busier cities, and even a few members from the FDNY. They are the Best out there. I have seen the results of the training that each recruit recieves. Every one of those recruits no matter what city they are in is an Excellent Firefighter. In comparison, I have seen many, many Firefighter I and II's in action. I took the course on my own a few years ago. Whether anybody recongizes it on paper or not, there clearly is "NO COMPARISON". In fact, many volunteer firefighters are now attending this Recruit School at their own expense and time, in hopes of landing a career firefighters job. Most are Firefighter I and II's but realize themselves that there is quite a difference in the training hours and standards. I know that the dept I retired from now requires newly hired members to attend that 14 week recruit school. It says nothing about Firefighter I or II requirements. Will Part Time Firefighters be a thing of the future for many cities that have only fulltime career firefighters now ? I couldn't tell you that. It certainly would depend on contract negotions with curent members. But I do think that those P/T'ers should be held to the same very high standards as their F/T career firefighters, not just a simple, few hour FFI or II class.

Would somebody be willing to attend a full recruit school. In Connecticut, most depts send each new firefighter to recruit school just outside of Hartford which last about 14 weeks. They go Monday - Friday and the course is very strenous. The bigger depts, Bridgeport, Hartford etc have their own recruit school. Also, now most depts in Connecticut require all their firefighters to maintain an EMT card throughout their career. For most career depts there is training EVERY DAY. These are just a few of the requiremnts of todays career firefighters. Would a part time, or paid on call firefighter be willing to go through the entire hiring process of written test, oral interview, cpat, criminal investigation, all just to get a PART TIME JOB. After all that, if an opening came up, they should certainly get first shot at it. But I just don't know of too many people willing to go through all that for a few extra hours pay. But in reality, if all is equal, those are just some of the requirements that part timers would have to maintain.

Another "PHONY STORY". About a month and a half after 9/11 in Norwich, Ct there was a parade. At least two groups of firefighters marched down Broadway there carrying banners that said; "WE JUST RETURNED FROM NEW YORK CITY". These guys were members of some of the local volunteer depts in the area(about 100 miles from NYC). I have several witnesses to my account. And we knew it wasn't true because all the depts in the area were advised NOT to go into NYC. They were told remain here in service in case the need would be to relocate to other closer Ct cities. And as far as this Phony FDNY Firefighter who claimed to be from Ladder 133. I have been a FDNY buff for many, many years. Over those years, I have talked to probadly hundreds of FDNY members from "Probis" to "Chiefs". I have NEVER, EVER known them to Brag about themselves or look for "a pat on the back". It seems to be just one of the qualities they have. Maybe they've been taught that, I don't know. I think if I had ever heard this "Circus Clown" talk, that would have signaled a "Red Flag" for me. That day the world lost so much, including some of the most experienced and bravest firefighters out there. We have lost others because of the effect of that World Trade Center dust. And as you read this, others are paying a very steep price with cancer, sinus, and resporatory problems. And then I think about these PHONY WANNABE'S. The members of the FDNY went through enough and are still going through many serious issues. They certainly don't need any jerks like these to deal with.

I don't know if this has been posted before, but if you haven't seen these photos from "mikeindabronx" they are what I consider to be some of the Best. There are numerous Color Photos from the FDNY busy 1980s. Go to his web site and checked them out. He just added Page 13 to it. www.fdnysbravest.com

Mike has added Page 16 to his EXCELLENT Photos of the Bronx/Harlem of the 1980s. But let the truth by known. While Mike did take these Excellent photos, actually what I consider to be the probadly the BEST out there, we wouldn't be able to view these photos without the help of his wife Marie. You see while Mike sits at home listening to the FDNY on his scanner, its Mikes wife Marie, that is taking the time to post all of these photos for us to enjoy. So with that said, lets give credit where credit is due. And we Thank both Mike and Marie for allowing us to see these Excellent photos. For his latest page (Page 16) of photos, go to his web site www.fdnysbravest.com . And "lad45der" just check your pms, okay.

My good friend, Mike Dick has advised me that he has added Page 15 to his EXCELLENT set of photos from the FDNYs very busy 1980s. Mike had permission to ride with some of the busiest Bronx and Harlem compinies during some of the busiest years in the history of the fire service. So with that said; Thanks very much Mike for sharing your photos with us. So sit back and see for yourself what I consider to be, some of the very best photos from what I call "Mikes Younger Buff Yeas". Go to; www.fdnysbravest.com

Here in Connecticut there are private ambulance companies that DO Charge for a non transport. And it doesn't matter who calls. It could be a MVA and I ride by and call 911. I tell them, "I think there's injuries". The ambulance shows up, the parties refuse transport and say they are Not injuried. Then the EMS team ask the victim to sign the release form and that victim is later charged for a Non Transport call. Of course not the full rate, but about half the normal transport fee.