nfd2004

Izzy, on the issue of square miles and response areas we can compare a place like Fairfield (CT) to Stamford. I believe that many parts of Fairfield are very similiar to that of what could be found in certain parts of Stamford. Lets take this point. Stamford, with its roughly 52 sq miles being protected by 9 Engines means each Engine Co protects approximately 5 sq miles. Fairfield, with its 31 square miles and 5 Engines is protecting approximately "6 Square miles" each. As for Ladder trucks, in Stamford each ladder company protects approximately 17 sq miles, while in Fairfield each ladder company protects approximtely 15 1/2 sq miles. In my opinion, based on these facts, square miles in this case may not really be a key factor in determining if Stamford would be adquately protected. It appears to me that Stamford would be adquately protected with its 9 Engines,3 Trucks and a Rescue company. I ask this question, if you feel 9 Engines, 3 Trucks, and a Rescue Company is NOT enough for a city the size of Stamford, then how many Engine and Ladder Cos would be needed to protect this city.

What I really don't understand is why a City like Stamford would need two seperate depts. By comparison, the City of Bridgeport, Connecticuts LARGEST City has 9 Engins, 4 Trucks, 1 Pumper/Rescue, and two Battalions to cover the entire city. Why would the City of Stamford need more than that. Right now I believe that the Stamford City fire dept mans 8 Engines, 3 trucks, and one Rescue (correct ?). I have to agree that Bridgeport has had to use mutual aid much more now than they did years ago, but it seems to work for them. And a similiar comparison can be made with Connecticuts other larger cities, both Hartford and New Haven.

I think these are some Great words of advice. I my own case, the City wanted to borrow from Our Pension Fund. We wouldn't let them do it and our pension fund is actually doing quite well, NO THANKS to the City. It is our own adminstrators that keep an eye on it, and insisted we keep it in our own pockets.

Get well Officer Tillistrand. I certainly respect you for the job you do. You face danger everyday. Now your job is to get better and get home. Thank you.

As I understand it, the city will drop the minimum manning, which I believe now is "27" down to "24". I believe that Ladder 12 will NOT be manned if members of the on duty shift are off for various reasons. This leaving the City of New Rochelle, referred to as "The New Roc City" with only two ladder companies. The politicians over the years have given away millions of dollars for "Pet Pipe Dream" projects. They did this to enhance their own political future. Now the cities are crying they have no money. It's the same story everywhere. Fire Depts didn't break these cities, "Politicans Did" trying to buy votes for their own policical future. From what I know of New Rochelle, it is a city with a high fire load. An older northeast city where its firefighters face the dangers of older buildings, exposures, and today even high rise buildings. So when tragity strikes, the people of New Rochelle can Thank their local politicians for letting them down.

Izzy, you're right, but I was just refering to the one in Bridgeport near fireheadquarters. There's many in FFld and New Haven County.

No, that overpass that I was referring to was a railroad overpass on Congress St and ran along Houstonic Ave. If the rigs pulled out of fire Hqs and turned right they came right up to it. It was demolished several years ago, just before the Congress St Bridge construction.

Its not only firehouses. Izzy makes a good point. Years ago when Bidgeport Cts Fire headquarters was built next to that firehouse was a railroad under pass. They purchased a high ranger Snorkel as their Truck Co 5. When a run came in as the other companies (Sqd 5, Eng 1, Eng 5--rest in peace) would turn Right, and go under that overpass, Truck 5 had to turn Left and go about eight blocks out of their way. That underpass has now been torn down and has been replaced with a new one which doesn't interfere with the response at all. Good thing, because the left turn that Truck 5 would then make is now closed due to very long term bridge construction. So now, everybody turns Right even though the fire is a few blocks on the Left. Right or Left, as long as they get there, I guess. So in some places, its not just the firehouse that needs to be considered. Thanks Izzy.

Thank you all for those kind words. My wife Helen was in Excellent physical shape before getting this lung cancer in November, 2009. She Never smoked, Never was around second hand smoke, always ate right, and always exercised. But I am Not the only one to have such a huge loss. Recently, two of my good friends also lost their wives from lung cancer, and it is the same story with their excellent health history and lifestyle factors. All three wives had these factors in common. 1) All passed away from lung cancer in their mid 50s. (54,55,56 years old) 2) All had been in "Excellent physical health" before being diagonised with this disease. 3) All NEVER Smoked and were never exposed to second hand smoke 4) All were married to firefighters 5) All of them never had any children. These three victims of this lung disease have all passed away within the last two years. Is it possible that there could be a link to any of these factors and lung cancer ?

I completely agree with this point. Being pulled over at GUNPOINT is my thought that I tried to make earlier. A somewhat Over reaction based on what I've seen as a civilian (not a police officer). I'm sure police officers pull over thousands of vehicles everyday and don't react like this. Several years go, I was pulled over buffing in the Bronx as I turned a corner on 169th St and Intervale Ave. This was in the middle of one of Americas worst ghettos in the Country. The NYPD Officers walked up to my car with their guns drawn and told me to get out of the car. They did NOT scream at me and point that gun directly in my face. But they were ready, if the need arose. They told me that I was getting pulled over because they had a report of me dealing drugs. Whether that report was true or not, I really don't know. But if you knew the neighborhood, this kid from Connecticut just didn't fit in. Of course after all was said and done, I certainly weren't there for drugs. A sergent later pulled up. He apoligized to me (and the other two friends of mine with me) for pulling us over. He said "you understand the situtation down here"? Of course I did. I was in a place that most people really don't belong. Those officers treated me with respect. However I understand they had a job to do. A very different outcome, by comparison to this Florida incident. In what actually for those unknowing NYPD Officers, very well could have been armed drug dealers making their buy in this ghetto area of the South Bronx. As dangerous as it could have been, there was no screaming for me to get out of the car. There was no gun barrel pointed at me. Yet, their weapons were out of their holster and in their hand as they told me to get out of the car. In addition, I was searched for weapons which I didn't see in this Florida video.

Wow, you guys (sfrd18, Izzy, and SageVigiles) sure have done a Great job on the profile of the New Haven Fire Dept. In answer to Chief Flynn's question, YES, there always is a Deputy Chief on duty, besides the two Battalion Chiefs. Here's an interesting point. Recently due to a huge number of retirements there actually are NO Deputy Chiefs in the dept at this time. So as I understand it, the Battalion Chiefs are all acting Deputy Chiefs. Here's another point. As I understand it, there is only two Battalion Chiefs left and they are working 24 on, with 24 off as Deputy Chiefs. Captains are acting Battalion Chiefs etc on down the line. There has been a massive retirement over the last few months in the New Haven Fire Dept. For anybody who is looking to get on the job, the next upcoming list would be the list to be on. I think they realy would like to give paramedics preference. But that's just a guess. I sure would like to thank those guys for the update on the New Haven Fire Dept. I kind of lost touch over the years but I hope to get back into it soon. (rig shots etc).

Joe, I think he did fight Muhammed Ali. Wow, we are loosing some big names. Also Andy Rooney today.

With this said, I guess thats a good reason why I'm NOT a Police Officer. A trained Police Officer would look at this video and see things much different than I would. That's why people like myself depend on police officers to protect us.

Jez, Maybe I'm Monday morning quarterbacking, but this FHP Officer sure reminds me of Deputy Barney Fife of the Mayberry RFD Police Depts TV show. Deputy Fife would do things like this all the time, and Sheriff Andy Taylor would always have to step in and calm things down. I guess of course this Miami police officer could actually be a phoney and Not a police officer at all. I'm not a police officer but I think I would have done things a little different. Gun drawn, handcuffs, maybe a litte overkill.

Thank you for all those kind words. I sure do appreciate it. On Monday October 17th I went to a doctor in New London, Ct. I thought that he'd check me out and send me home with a few pills. Instead I was transported to the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital by the New London Fire Dept ambulance. The two fire fighters who transported me each had less than a year on the job. But they sure were Great. Word spread that a retired firefighter from nearby Norwich, Ct was taken to the hospital. Those New London, Ct firefighters made it a point to get my car from the doctors office to the more safer firehouse parking lot. One brought in a scanner for me to listen to. They visited me Everyday to check on how I was doing, and offer any assistance they could. Everything from driving me home when the time comes, to helping me with grocery shopping. What a Great Group of Guys. Exactly what this Brotherhood thing is all about. My Brothers a little farther to the north from Norwich did the same thing. I had visitors from the dept both Active and Retired. One guy visited me almost Every day. In fact there were two guys that came on the job afer I retired that came down to visit. I had a Retired FDNY Captain and his wife stop by to visit. He had worked some of the busiest companies in the FDNY during their busiest so called War Years. A "War Years Warrior". That certainly was an honor. My point is that this Brotherhood thing is Alive and Well. From the newest probie to the oldest retiree. Or from city to city. The Brotherhood is Alive and Well. The nurses could not believe the number of firefighters that showed up. I explained to them about this Brotherhood thing. And I certainly can Not begin to say how very Greatful I am to those dedicated and highly skilled nurses and aides that cared for me during my eight day stay. We ride by hospitals everyday and in every city in America. From the outside we never really give much thought to it as to the care and compassion that goes on behind those walls around the clock, everyday of the year. I saw those nurses working on a poor guy who was in pain and apparently had a serious speech problem. Those nurses worked on him for a long time and finally he was able to rest. Their skills and knowledge are helping us in our time of need and saving lives everyday. They really are Our Guardian Angels. For myself, it is a bit of a kidney issue and a well needed "tune up". I need to go back again for a few test and have a few things taken care of. But I think its just a matter of time when I'll be back in the streets buffing the Bronx again.

The guy who posted these photos for me is "R1SmokeEater". A great guy whos on the job working in the Yonkers Fire Dept. As for the great work by Willy "D", if you heard Willy "D" can walk on water, its not true. But I certainly appreciate the kind words. I was just very lucky to be able to have the time to photograph these rigs. And yes, he does look like Steve McQueen to me too George. Finally, I think you might find that "R1Smoke..." posted several of these on this site earlier under "Protection from the Past". And yes, you just gotta love those Macks. I hope you enjoy the photos.

George, I don't think those cats want anything to do with "Truckies" like Dan P. The last time they were with a Truckie, it was my brother (retired Bridgeport FD), and one bit his finger. He told me later, he'd rather tangle with a pit bull.

I have read all the above post. I know and certainly respect what each guy has told you. I am friends with a few and they have been there and done that. But just as it was in the firehouse during my time on the job, we would sometimes disagree. I think its Great that you would like to get your degree. BUT, there are many more things that you can do Right now to get that firefighter job, before getting that degree. First file and take every firefighter test you can. Most places require a current CPAT card. You need to keep that up. Get your EMT or better yet, your medic cert. Some places are looking to hire EMTs and Paramedics. BUT, you better be willing to work as a paramedic and keep up your skills. That may not be too easy to do if your not into that kind of work. A few have mentioned about housing for students if you spend some time at the firehouse doing calls. Thats a Great idea, but don't focus on the Fire Degree yet. Sounds simple, but pick up one or two of those Firefighter Entrance Exam books. Degree or no degree, if you don't score high enough on the written exam, you won't have a chance at getting the job. Some places now have Recruit School. I know in Connecticut they have a 14 week course that isn't easy, but you can maybe put yourself through. Some places in an effort to save money are making that a requirement to be able to take the test. Remember, you are looking to become a "Probationary Firefighter" not a Chief. If you get on the job, certainly a degree would help you with any promotion. But for you, thats a ways off yet. Talk to some of the newer guys that are on the job now. I'm sure they will be able to help you too. Keep yourself in Excellent physical health and have yourself a back up plan in case things don't work out. And certainly stay out of trouble. (And George, I got your PM).

Joe, of course the EMTBravo guys would certainly be welcomed to join us if anybody can make it up to East Haven, Ct. (Friday Oct 14th 10AM to 10 PM). Its nothing special just a couple of coffees and maybe a few burgers. There is a Dunkin Donuts and a Wendy's near a Home Depot. Plenty of parking and hopefully, plenty of stories. It is located the North Side of I-95 off Exit 51 in East Haven, Ct. Everybody is welcomed. The only requirement is that you have some interest in the Emergency Services. You can bring your scanner and camera. I expect to be there between 10 AM to 10 PM. I'll be driving a black Nisson Versa Hatchback. The only time I won't be there is if there's some action going on in the area. There is supposed to be a few members from the web site "CTFIRE-EMS". I hope the weather cooperates,but even if not, its just a simple get together of guys with basically the same interest. And other than some gas, and maybe a few burgers and coffees, it shouldn't cost anybody more that a couple dollars. So come on out.

the inital response from the Bronx was only Eng 38, Lad 51 and Batt 15. On arrival it was reported that Lad 51 was putting the bucket to work and Batt 15 transmitted the 10-75 bringing in additional units from the FDNY. They later transmitted a 10-86 for foam operations. At the time, I was staying at the Ramada Inn on Baychester Ave near Co-Op City. A friend of mine had called me and said that Mt Vernon was getting numerous reports of an explosion. I listened for awhile but had no idea of exactly where this fire was. That is until I heard the Bronx Dispatcher advising units to take the New England thruway and get off at Conners St. Then go take Boston Rd over the bridge. It was right out the Front Door. It was about 2-3 miles from where I was staying so I took it in. What a Great operation it was. First time I actually ever saw so many mutual aid companies working together in the NYC Metro area.

Thank you all very much for the very kind words and "PMs" I recieved. They mean so much. Its nice to know that there are friends out there that care so much. Some of who I don't even know. One of the "PMs" I recieved was from a member in Texas. He had told me how his wife of 33 years had passed away from cancer on Christmas Day 8 years ago. An E-mail I recieved from a good friend of mine who was a retired Bridgeport, Ct Firefighter and later became a Deputy Chief in Fairfield, Ct told me how he lost his wife, Kathy, two and a half years ago. Every month he goes to the cemetary on her monthly anniversary to visit her. On another web site I recieved a "PM" from a Firefighter in Waterbury, Ct of how his then 15 year old son was diagonised with brain cancer. His son is now 21 years old and about to enter the United States Air Force to defend Our Country. He was treated in Boston using the "Jimmy Fund". When I as a "Probie Firefighter" in Norwich, Ct I remember catching a small one or two room fire. It was pretty hot, and smokey. The guy on the line with me kept saying; "Move in, don't give up, don't give up". And that's what we have to do with this cancer. "Don't Give Up". There has been a huge amount of progress with this cancer battle. When my wife Helen first got this cancer in November, 2009 we were told that her lung cancer had already spread to her brain. There were six spots that had to be taken care of. We made the trip to Yale New Haven Hospital where they used a new machine called "Gamma Knife Radiation". There they were able to completely get rid of those tumors and it was fairly painless. That machine had only been developed a few years earlier in Pittsburgh. If it had been a few years earlier, she wouldn't have had a chance. It gave us more time together. But we sure still have a long way to go. This battle is by far over. Cancer is affecting so many people these days. I guess what I really want to say is please try to help the best you can when it comes to donations like The Cancer Society, or the Jimmy Fund. They have made a huge difference over the years. But there is still a long way to go. I do want to mention that my wife Helen donated her eyes to the National Eye Bank at the time of her death, so that rght now, someone who was NOT able to see, can now see. I am told that at some point I will recieve a letter describing the person who recieved this gift. When I do, I will be sure to pass it on. Again, Thank you so much for your concern and kind words. And "Pumpkin" I Love you so much. I'm sure gonna miss you. Rest in Peace "Punk".

Thank you to all. My wife Helen, who I called "Pumpkin" gave up her battle with lung cancer on Saturday morning Oct 1, 2011. She was such a good wife. Very mellow and low keyed. To this day, she looked the same way she did when I married her on Oct 9, 1976. Even after all those chemo and cancer treatments, she could still pass for a beautiful 25 year old. She just never aged. Our first date was on Valentines Day, February 14, 1975. We went to see a new movie out about a high rise fire called "Towering Infernio". I told her that I was on the list to get on the fire dept. But I really don't think she was too impressed. Our second date, I had to stop back home because I had forgotten to take the tickets for the show we were going to see. I invited her in for a few minutes and she talked with my mother. Later when I came home, she said to me "that's the girl you're going to marry". She was right and we would have celebrated our 34th Wedding Anniversary on Oct 9th. "Pumpkin" was an Angel. She died peacefully at Backus Hospital in Norwich, Ct. Those nurses were the Greatest.

Hi George, "efdcapt", good to hear from you. Yeah, I sent a disk to "Anesti", who is also a friend of mine, and asked him to post these for me. And as we see he's done a great job. As somebody mentioned earlier, several of these NYPD photos were taken on 58th St in Queens at the NYPD Shops. I would make it a quick routine stop on my FDNY buffing trips. Sorry, George, I'm way overdue. I'll give you a call soon.

I'm very saddened by this even though I don't know Chris. Passing away at such a young age. My condolunces to his family and the members of the FDNY/EMS. And Thank You Chris for your services to the people of New York and for the thousands you helped during your short experience with us. May you Rest in Peace.

Anesti, I remember seeing that picture too. But how and when did you find out it was a FAKE. I do know that for a long time,(pre 9/11) I would ride by the NYPD Shops in Queens and see all kinds of police vehicles parked out on the street. I took many pictures of them. I believe I also have pictures of the vehicle being discussed earlier in this thread. Anesti, if you want, send me a "PM" with your address and I'll mail you down the disk, if you're willing to post them. (posting photos from a disk is WAY Beyond my Computer Skills). I may be calling you soon too.