nfd2004

A very close reminder of what happened in Worcester when six firefighters were lost at a very similiar fire. This time NOBODY LOST. That's some of the BEST NEWS in the Fire Service today.

Those are Great pictures there "x635". Thank you for taking the time to post them and keeping us in mind. At one time about 30-40 years ago, Houston was one of the Fastest Growing Cities in the Country. They were on a Massive recruitment to hire more cops and firefighters as the city expanded. I don't know if that still holds or not. Around the same time All of Houstons Fire Apparatus were all White in color. Today Houston is the Fourth Largest City in the Country. But here's something to think about. If Brooklyn, N.Y. was a City, Houston would be in the Number Five Spot. "Sorry Houston, make room for Brooklyn". Thanks for the pictures.

"trauma74", Don't feel too bad. I'm completely lost when it comes to programming all this High Tech stuff. From scanners to computers to cell phones. I hardly understand the language like downloading, mega somethings etc. But I can add 2 + 2 without a calculator. We all have our given gifts and talents. That's what keeps this world turning. I know that I'm alittle off track here, but I'm just really kind of proud of myself for being able to post this. "Just like Abe Lincoln, I'm a self learned man".

Another Very Sad Story, and Another Great American Lost. Rest in Peace USMC Staff Sgt Josh Cullins.

I heard about Firefighter Rory O'Flaherty's death. Very sad. I think he was only in his early 30s as I was told.

That's a very good point there "was...". Something that anybody moonlighting all those extra hours should probadly give some thought to. Let alone the fact that you can kill or injure an innocent person.

Its very sad that life savors in the EMS field must first work a double shift in one place, then go to another place to work another 12 hours on top of that. Maybe if they were paid more for saving lives they wouldn't have to do that. Rents, car payments, food etc, etc all add up. I completely agree that our EMTs and Paramedics should NOT be allowed to work those hours. Wall St exectives make millions. While these people that save lives daily, have to work for a salary not even enough to feed their families. I have to guess that Nobody wants to work 28 hours straight. But people sometimes have to do what they gotta do.

In Eastern, Ct where I live, there are few Career Depts. Even in cities like New London that has 18 Firefighters on duty (also run two ambulances), Norwich, has 13 Firefighters, Willimantic has 5-6 (also run the ambulance), and Groton with two seperate Depts of 5-6 Firefighters each. All these cities have their share of 2 1/2 and 3 story frames. Old factories and a few high rises. There isn't enough firefighters on duty to fight the fire, let alone assign a FAST Co. New London and Groton uses the Sub Base Fire Dept (Federal Firefighters) Norwich uses The Mohegan Sun Casino on duty Fire Dept (a Fire Dept run at a Tribal Casino) Willimantic uses the Uconn Fire Dept (A state run Fire Dept run at the University of Connecticut) For these depts, there's just Nobody else to count on. At least these cities can count on some type of response from a fully manned and trained Fire Dept. There's just nothing else. Some Volunteer depts in the area have been trained but the problem is how long will it take them to get there, and who will show up. I would also like to say that the above depts that provide FAST CO response have done a good job. I know of a few times where they were put to work. We just hope that these depts aren't out on their own calls when they are needed. I know in Norwich, "if it sounds like work", the FAST Co is started prior to arrival of the first companies.

They were "The Greatest Generation of Firefighters" to ever live. They grew up during the Great Depression, Most fought in WWII, Came back to build America, and Fought the Fires during the Busiest time in History. And as for your question as to "Do they make them like that anymore" ? I say; "That mold has been broken".

These are some of the Best Photos (www.fdnysbravest.com and doyleimages )out there. And don't forget about "r1smokeaters" videos on his site. We are very lucky to have these people who have taken the time to preserve this most histoic time in the Fire Service for us. Thank You Gentlemen.

As far as I know, the only staffing in Groton is 3-4 Firefighters assigned to what is called Groton City F.D working out of two stations, and Pequonock Bridge F.D. also working out of two stations. I think they operate with 5-6 on duty guys. Then there is about 9 Volunteer stations, a Federal F.D. at the Sub Base, and a Private Industrial Dept at General Dynmanics. If "Izzy's" on the air, he might know a little more about it. But I'd say that their present staffing certainly is an issue.

No Goose, its "I" appreciate what "You" have done. For your EMS service to the people of NY and for you putting a face to the many EMS workers we lost that day. And "I" appreciate "DMC2007", and "Cpage" for adding those pictures too. Each one of those EMS workers we lost that day died a Hero helping their fellow man. Each one a family of their own, whether a brother, mother, father, or sister. You helped me to understand better just what these brave people did on that Terrible Day. You helped me to understand some of the pain my friend apparently is going through. He had mentioned to me of how counselors really didn't help. His help has only comes from the Emergency Service workers that were there that day. I for one will NEVER Forget those EMS workers we lost. And putting up those faces reminds us of who those Great Americans really were. "THANK YOU".

Thank you for posting and remembering these casualties of 9/11. One of the above who lost his life that day was a partner to a friend of mine. He was working with him that day. He had told me his story of how he saw his partner die. A young EMT that will live with that for the rest of his life. And he is lucky to be alive himself, as he had some pretty serious injuries. A head injury, burns to his back and pieces of glass, wood, and cement dust embedded in that back also. One of the things that he had mentioned to me was that nobody really cared about the EMS Workers that died that Day. I hope that this tread will show him that "we do care", and thanks to some, "they have NOT been Forgotten". They were Hero's just like those Firefighters and Police Officers we sadly lost on the Worst Day in America.

Long story short, I sure agree with the above.

That's the first impression I got when I read the above post. "Our kids are too good to become Cops". If that's true, I know of a few other places that only want doctors, lawyers, or Wall St Pros. And like somebody said, "lets get those laid off Firefighters a job somewhere". It will be some place else gain, and White Plains F.D. loss. Same for Yonkers. Well trained, experienced, cops and firefighters could sure benefit someplace else looking for new recruits.

I am glad to see that we are not forgetting Yonkers Firefighter Patrick Joyce, and his Family. "EMT" Thank you for making this a permanent thread and combining all the post into one.

Thanks Jamie for posting that.

Those well off, very educated people of Westport are sure lucky they don't have some wise a$$ street bum like myself as Chief. If it was me as Chief and I had my time in, I'd be more than happy to retire, but first tell them all where to go. I almost lost it dealing with those people back in the 70s when I was a young letter carrier there.

A Great showing of support for the Bridgeports Bravest. I noticed members from as far away as Seattle,Wash., and Calgary, Canada. In addition I noticed depts in to cover all of Bridgeport's Firehouses from Milford, Fairfield, Westport, Stamford, Danbury, New Haven, West Haven, Waterbury, and Hartford, so that all of the Bridgeport Members could attend the services. And there might have been more. A very Sad day in Bridgeport for its firefighters and family members. It was a very Sad day for the citizens of Bridgeport and all those firefighters who attended the services. I hope that the families and Bridgeport Firefighters will find the strength to accept what they can NOT change. These Brave firefighters died in a type of building that most cities have today. Fighting fires will always be a dangerous business as long as burning buildings have to be searched for occupants. That's what Steve and Mike were doing when something went wrong. I guess you could say that "I'm on the outside looking in now". And I have the highest respect for what firefighters do. You really are "Americas Heroes"

The Blackout lasted for about 24 hours. After it was over, I took a ride down to Brooklyn. From the Williamsburg Bridge, I traveled down Broadway. There were still many places with an FDNY Engine and Ladder on the scene. The FDNY had probadly it's busiest night in History. This was during their Busy War Years but the night/day of July 13/14, 1977 they fought probadly ten times their number of building fires. Again, this was a most historic timefor fires without any Blackout. Broadway was a diseaster. Blocks and Blocks of burned out stores. Sissor Gates pulled right off of buildings, then looted, then set on fire. Streets were covered with spoiled food, broken whiskey bottles, and pieces of charred wood. I just couldn't believe it. Next day the FDNY just went back to its routine job. Fighting the fires of the War Years.

Curfew in effect in City of Bridgeport. Started at 5:30 PM. Bridgeport has declared a State of Emergency. No lights or power in many parts of the city. Relatives living in Bridgeports East End have reported Connecticut State Police on every street corner. I-95 is a total mess. A tractor Trailer roll over on I-95 during the height of the storm. Exit 28 closed. As many as 5 building collapses. Ct Urban Search and Rescue Team activated and in Bridgeport. All Bridgeport on duty Day shift firefighters held over. Mutual aid from Shelton, Long Hill, Nichols, Fairfield, Milford, and Westport into Bridgeport. This was the first time I have ever heard Westport go into Bridgeport in my 60 plus years. This was a first. Apparently Stratford not able to go into Bridgeport as they were dealing with their own numerous incidents. Several other cities and towns along Connecticuts Fairfield, and New Haven County Shoreline affected. Tonight (Thursday 6/24) Bridgeport is trying to clean up what took only eight minutes to destroy.

M'Ave, I can appreciate what you are saying. The fire dept in the city I live has had one for awhile. The slide out rear tray is really heavy to roll out. And as you point out, being on a hill just presents more problems. The added stripping is missing too. And not having those highway lights will make a difference while operating on those busy expressways. Some very good points that you have presented.

I have to agree. Clearly it seems to be all about a firefighter job without the competative exam process. I'm sorry I have to say this, but I also believe that is the reason for such strong support for this new system. Otherwise, it just wouldn't make sense. I would never consider a job that would be putting others with families out of work. Espically firefighter jobs where we use the term "Brotherhood" so often. As you know, I took several test before I got the job. It sure didn't come easy, but I was always willing to accept what ever happens without trying to take another "Brothers" job to support my own family. After reading these pages on the Stamford merger, I feel one of the leading motivators for being in favor of this issue has to be "self satisfaction".

Promotion in a Career Dept requires hours of study. Sometimes years. Competation is extremely high. First passing a written exam is required, and not just passing, but scoring the highest. Next generally comes an Oral exam, where under pressure you are asked several questions pertaining to Fire Tactics, Hazmat, Training, and Supervisory skills. Generally you are graded by three or four individuals of Higher Rank from different depts. After that you may recieve another interview from the Chief of Dept and maybe the second highest ranking officer. At this point your job performance may be discussed, and you may be presented with other senerios. It's not easy. Some go through the process and Never get promoted. For others it's their second or third time. Promotions are Not given out in Career Depts. They are Earned through hard work. I know, I took several promotion exams myself. I also was a Volunteer in Fairfield, Ct where I had no trouble at all taking orders from the more experienced firefighters and officers. I believe it still works like that these days.

How True that is. Agree, Agree, Agree.