nfd2004

Mike has added his latest photos from the Bronx and Harlem to page # 14 on his web site. Surely some of the Best Photos out there from the busy 1980s. To view hislatest, go to his web site....... www.fdnysbravest.com THANKS Mike.

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn. I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner. His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

I Agree. To all the Heros that so many of us take for granted in our daily lives. The police officers, the firefighters, the military, our nurses and our "911 Dispatchers". We can't live without you. Thank you for what you do and helping us in our time of need.

Thank you for that info regarding the Bridgeport Fire Dept Boats. I was not aware of that at all. I only remember that smaller boat that I believe was usualy towed by Engine 1 if needed. Yes, there was a Private Industrial Fire Dept at the old Sikorsky Plant. That was near Seaside Park. Helicopters would often land there and the Fire Dept would be standing by. That is in addition to the Airport Fire Dept and Sikorsky's Plant in Stratford.

Thanks I wasn't aware of that. It used to be such an embrassment seeing that row boat along side those big ships.

Yes, it certainly was a much busier time for fires then. Remember there were no smoke detectors, no automatic fire alarm systems, and no cell phones. In some cities, only a fire box on a few street corners that would only signal that someone has pulled the box. As for Bridgeport, Ct I grew up there and my father was on the job there. I'm going to guess that the Bridgeport Fire Dept did away with their street corner pull boxes sometime in maybe the late sixties. After taking them out some were replaced with phone call boxes. You would just open the door and pick up the phone which would be answered by a Bridgeport ERS (Emergency Reporting System) Operator. If it was for fire, they took the info and dispatched the units. If it was for a police matter, they told you to hold on as they transferred you to a police call taker. Those phone boxes really did not last very long. The wires would get cut or the phone left off the reciever. I'd say they were around for about ten years, maybe less, before they were removed. As for the response to alarms,it has been reduced over the years. Now 2/1 would have been 3/2. Automatic Fire Alarms would get a full response not like now with only one Engine. Even during the very busy War Years for Bridgeport, they Never called in mutual aid like now. There has been many changes in the fire service over the last 30 years or so, whether Bridgeport or any other city. Bridgeport has never really had a decent fire boat. Always a smaller boat with an outboard motor. Usually towed on a trailer by an Engine Co. Hard to believe with the ships that come into the harbor. I'm glad that you've been able to read some of the other stories written. "My Younger Buff Years" on www.nycfire.net turned out to be a pretty big hit. But of course it was many others that also added to it and made that happen. Same for the "Bridgeport's War Years" on www.ctfire-ems.com . And by the way, Thank You for all the rundowns that you post on here. I follow them pretty closely as I enjoy reading whats going on in that part of the state. I was down there Labor Day. Caught two seperate pin jobs (Bpt and Stratford), and Fairfield and Bridgeport both had workers. Not too bad. I live 75 miles away now. Kinda miss the place. Glad you keep us informed.

"sfrd18", Nice job on explaining how the Bridgeport, Ct fire dept dispatches the companies. It all sounds so complicated, but for any of us who know the area, its the was it is. Just to let you know, the Letters came out right after they did away with the street pull boxes. That was probadly 30 years ago. At that time it went something like this : Signal 29, Signal 29, the assignment for this fire is Box 552 Freeman St and Stratford Ave, this is reported to be a house fire on Miles St near Stratford Ave. The term Signal 29 came from the police dept as that stood for a fire. Over the many years, I have buffed many cities in the northeast, and even many throughout our country and from what I've seen, NOBODY dispatches like Bridgeport. I would like to mention that when Bridgeport had 15 Engines, for a long time Three of those Engine Companies ran as Combo Companies. Engine and Truck 10, 11, and 12 ran with a pumper and those Quads (old Mack City Service Trucks). The Engine and Truck would always run together. On another Web Site called www.ctfire-ems.com is a picture of those Quads (Tk 12) and also some stories about how busy Bridgeport was during their busy War Years during the mid 70s to the early 90s. (Search Bridgeport War Years).

Thank you and although I was not able to attend this memorial service, I clearly remember the day it happened. It was a very hot humid day. My brother in law was working for AMR ambulance service in Bridgeport. He was on the scene and transported one of the firefighters. He called my sister from the Emergency room and said that there was a fire on Elmwood Ave and something bad had happened. My brother (retired Bridgeport Firefighter) and I attended the funeral service. May they Rest in Peace. And Thank you for your services to the City of Bridgeport.

I could certainly be wrong, but I really don't see this idea as a "Trend Setter". A shooting, stabbing, or street fight can happen anywhere. The Fire dept or any other organization for that matter, can't be on EVERY Street Corner at the same time. This is an example of what could happen. Several years ago I was in D.C. in one of their tougher more crime ridden areas. The McDonalds there was also used as a small police sub station and served that community. A police officer was stationed there and of course there was the usual police officers assigned there. It had a rest room, locker room, and small office. I thought that was a pretty good idea. I don't know if it still works that way or not. But putting firefighters on street corners to deter crime, may not be the way to go.

I also wanted to mention that book. But "Bad Box" beat me to it. I know one of the Firefighters interviewed is from Rescue 3. He,like many others is paying a price as a result of that WTC dust. Somebody who used to jog five miles, but certainly can't do that now. He loved the job, but his life certainly changed that day. He's just one who tells his story in His Own Words. Another book which was recently released is called "By the Grace of God". Written by Jean Potter and who was working on the 84th floor of one of the Towers when we were attacked. Her husband Dan,a FDNY Member at the time, saw the Tower Burning and went there to check on his wife. Shortly after the Tower Collapsed. Dan is the firefighter whose picture was taken sitting on that park bench.

Seems those guys sure gave up a lot to protect their Brothers jobs. Five percent reductions in pay, incentives, and staffing levels. I guess they show us what real Brotherhood is all about. EVERYBODY pays the price. I sure hope it is remembered and appreciated. And I hope in fairly short time, they will be able to regain what they have willing given up.

I don't very often do this but I would like to recommend an excellent book that I recently read. It is called; "By the Grace of God". This book was written by a woman named Jean Potter. She was working in the World Trade Center on the 81st floor in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. The day that America was attacked and a day we will never forget. It is also about her husband Dan, a New York City Firefighter who saw that Tower Burning from over in Staten Island. He went to Manhattan to check on his wife, when the Tower Collapsed and his duty as a New York City Firefighter kicked in. It is the story of their survival and how they were renunited after hours of searching for each other. I think the book sells for about $25.00 for a hard cover. But I do think it is available in soft cover too.

Yes, that is Fred Potter. Now a retired FDNY Member who the story is about. Both he and his wife survived "By the Grace of God".

"Fire84", The truth is that you just can't walk into any career fire dept job today. There is alot of competetion to get on this job, Anywhere, whether Newark or anyplace else. There are many test you have to go through and score very high on. Usually a written, oral, physical agility, and a medical. U.S. military veterens are usually given extra points on the final score. Many today are also college graduates that get on the job. I certainly don't want to discourage you, but its not easy. I took Six test before I got on a career dept. And it was some small city that I actually had no idea where it was in Connecticut. I started taking those test when I was 18 yrs old and didn't get the job until I was 26. And now with this poor economy, its probadly alot harder. Just to give you an example., I took one test with over 2,000 people all to fill just about 40 openings. Of course, I didn't get THAT job. My test I took with 87 and came out number 3. I finally got the job about a year after I took that test. Good luck there my friend. Certainly if you work very hard at it, you may be one of the lucky ones. I hope so. But just don't count on getting on the job in one place. I didn't get on the dept I hoped for either. But when one dept opens the door for you, you gotta take it and walk in. I'm glad I did. And Take every test you can.

Went on the job in a small city in Connecticut in May, 1975. No formal training. Only thing the Capt told me was ride the back step and hang on tight. He then brought me up to the third floor attic area of the firehouse and told me to pick some gear that fits from a pile of used stuff. Of course Nothing really fit, but I took the best I could find in that junk pile. Then he brought me out and showed me how to tie into a hydrant. One thing that helped me was that I had been a volunteer in a combination paid/volly dept. Those career guys (Fairfield, Ct) were Great. They gave us a lot of training, and the Capt of training would train us every Wednesday Night. Everything like air packs, hose handling, and ladders. I was told that I had to put the flag out and take it in. And make sure there was always fresh coffee on the stove. Being thick skinned was certainly a requirement. The senior guys had no trouble telling you what they thought. Around 1990 or so, we went to the new Bunker gear. I hated the stuff, but I know it was a lot safer. We also all got to carry our own radio on each shift. Before that, only the officers had portables. I put in 30 years. Saw so many changes its hard to list them. One such change was that we used to watch the ambulance go by the firehouse for a heart attack victim. In those days you would respond to a trash can fire, but, NOT for a life threatening medical emergency. We were just starting to get EMTs on the Dept. I was one of the first. The older guys would say "We're Not doctors, we're Firemen". Now, in that 50 man dept, EVERYBODY IS an EMT. In those days maybe we didn't go on medicals, but we sure went to a lot more fires. I loved the job. When I retired it was like I had "Won the Lottery and Lost my Best Friend" at the same time. A bitter/sweet day. But I knew it was time. When everybody in the firehouse wasn't even born when I got on the job, I guess its time to go. So in January, 2004, I did. Firefighting is certainly a young, strong persons job. No longer called "Firemen" they are called "Firefighters". Another major change to the fire dept during those years. We had our first lady "Firemen", I mean, "Firefighters".

I certainly have to agree with you on this one "lad45der". I remember the incidents well. I think both rigs were hit by tractor trailer rigs. Stamford and Stratford on I-95 in Connecticut. No striping or vest would have helped there. Its a Miracle nobody was killed. I think its all about salesmenship. I actually think some people are getting smarter and starting to catch on. Kind of reminds me of the days when every fire truck should have been painted Lime Green for better visability. The desk commandos thought that one up too.

He probadly should have studied alot harder in school and be able to become a Career Firefighter. But lets think about this. Any pay or benefits that ANY Fire Dept has been given was given with the full knowledge city officials at the time. It was a give and take game. Each step of the way was a battle and it took years to get anything that was given to them. It wasn't just out of the Goodness of some politicians heart. It was negotiated fair and square. When I went on the fire dept in another city in Connecticut, people thought I was CRAZY. I started working for one third of what the average factory worker was making. The benefits were not as good as the rest of my working class friends of people. People tried to talk me out of the job because of the very low wages, and terrible benefits. While I worked my share of the holidays, most people enjoyed EVERY HOLIDAY. At the time, I loved the job and about the only thing I had more than those factory workers was job security. Nothing has been handed to any IAFF Firefighters no matter where they come from. Stamford or other. Now as the tables have seemed to turn, Firefighters appear to be "Letching Off the System". After reading that letter, its no wonder there are serious problems between career and volunteer firefighters. I was a volunteer firefighter in Fairfield, Ct for several years before becoming a Career Firefighter. I would NEVER consider insulting those guys. I sure wanted to be a part of them, BUT I never let jealousy take over. I had respect for them. And by the way, all my Volunteer buddies from Fairfield got on a Career Fire Dept. Most have now retired.

Nice job done by the Yonkers FD, PD and EMS. I consider Yonkers, "New York City's Sixth Boro".

Battalion Chief Bob Berdick, the Author of this has been a friend of mine for a long time. We attended a few classes together and its sure been a long time since I saw him last. But I know Chief Burdick as a true Gentleman who's into the Fire Service. He is always ready to help and as a chief, he worked his way up in the ranks. Chief Burdick is the kind of guy that all firefighters, for sure our younger members, should try to follow. I just hope that the Meriden, Ct Fire Dept realizes how lucky they really are to have Chief Berdick within their ranks. Thanks "Izz" for posting that.

Thank you all for posting those photos. May Detective Falcone Rest in Peace. And may the Lord watch over the Police Officers out there who's job it is to Protect us all. Thank You.

Continued from above: As the snow kept falling and the night shift came in, all the on duty crew was held over. Besides the four engines, one ladder, and rescue, our reserve engine and ladder was also manned. In addition that brush truck would now be pulling the trailer with the snow mobiles and the two snow mobile operators riding in that rig.. The city plow trucks were out trying just to keep up with some of the main streets espically the ones with the firehouses, the hospital, and the police station. We had maybe one or two calls. Around 1:30 AM one of the members working at Engine 3s firehouse saw flames in the third floor window of the high school. This is a four story brick building of ordinary construction about 50 x 150. Called the Bradlaw building. One of about four other buildings on the high school property. Engine 3 pulled across the street and stretch a line into the building using a ground ladder. The snowmobile crew was able to find a hydrant burried under the snow. They got the supply lines off the back of the rig, tied them into the hydrant and got the water started. As luck would have it, a city plow truck was in the area at the time and plowed a path for the other engine and the truck to reach the front side of the building. That Engine wasn't able to lay in because they couldn't find their hydrant. Once again, the snowmobile was put to work grabbing the supply lines from the rig and taking them out to the street to find the closest hydrant. After all was done, NO DOUBT it was the snowmobiles and that city plow truck that saved the entire building from burning down. The next day and night shift everybody was held over again. Those snowmobiles responded to a few calls, but by far there were two medical calls that those snowmobiles had a huge affect on. Both calls were houses located at the end of dead end streets. One was a woman who was described as a bleeder. No vehicle was able to drive down that street due to the huge amount of snow. She was towed on a plastic stretcher using the snowmobile to the corner of the main st where an ambulance was waiting. The second was a call, also the last house at the end of a dead end street. It was for a male with chest pains and went into cardic arrest. CPR was done on that male while being pulled in the snow covered street by the snowmobile. We later found out that both civilians survived. Those Snowmobiles played a huge part in fighting that High School fire and saving those two civilians. They earned the name of "Rocky" and his "Flying Squirrel". I'm sure those Snowmobiles worked out just as well for the Chicago Fire Dept, as they did some three or four decades ago for Buffallo, N.Y. and Norwich, Ct.

I must say, I certainly enjoyed watching this video. It reminded me of the Blizzard of '78 where most of New England got record snowfall for three straight days. I had about three years on the Fire Dept in a small city in Eastern Connecticut (Norwich). At that time, we ran four Engines, One Ladder, and One Rescue. There were reports of a coming snow storm but nothing like what we were about to get hit with. I left for work at the firehouse about 4 PM. It was just starting to snow. I was working an overtime shift at Engine 3 which happens to be right across the street from the firehouse. We were also the first due Engine at the Hospital. I remember reading in Firehouse Magazine maybe the year before how the Buffalo, N.Y. Fire Dept had used snowmobiles during some of their heavy snowstorms during that year (I guess it was 1977). I worked the firehouse that night with one of the more senior members in the dept, and the senior Captain who was in great shape for his age. We didn't make a run until about 4 AM and that was for an alarm at the Hospital. As we went out, I couldn't believe how much snow was on the ground. It was up to the bumper on the truck, and still coming down extremely heavy. When we got back to the firehouse, the Captain told me that "HE" was going to shovel the ramp to the firehouse. I said; Are you kidding me Cap". He said, "No, you go put on the coffee because I want the exercise". He was one strong 50 year old plus guy. He's in his late 80s to this day. The next day I had to work my regular shift at fire headquarters on the Rescue. A Small Ambulance type rig. Just some extrication equipment etc. As the snow kept falling much faster than anybody could keep up with, one of the guys mentioned that he had a snowmobile that he was willing to use. Then somebody mentioned about Buffalo using them the year before. Then another guy said that he was also willing to bring in his too. These two guys loved playing on their snowmobiles in Vermont etc and it would give them a chance to play. The Chief of Dept gave them the okay, with the understanding that they respond to Every Call. It was decided that the two snowmobiles would be towed on a small flatbed trailer using a four wheel drive brush truck we had. An old army surplus jeep. By the following night shift we had the two snowmobiles in service, and everybody was held over. We couldn't get home if we wanted to. The snow just kept coming down. To Be CONTINUED :

I guess we shouldn't get too upset with this. It actually helps to keep the Unemployment Rate DOWN. I'm sure that's what he would say if asked about this.

A long that line, with the recent cutbacks to the Newburgh Fire Dept, do they respond on medical calls ? Did they respond prior to the cutbacks ?

Congradulations to both members. I have talked to "efdcapt115" several times on the phone. He's really into the job. For those that don't know, he also attended funerals and memorials just about everyday he was off for the members that were lost on 9/11. As I see it, you couldn't have picked a better guy. Again, all the Best to Both Members.