nfd2004

I agree with "mustang1". I just can NOT figure out what these people did to improve the system. They are back to square one with one change. Another Chief in Charge of the Chiefs. And it doesn't make sense to run an entirely different dept from the City Dept. Not at all. I'll remember the date. June, 2010 and see how long it takes to prove that this system isn't any different than what it was. We can thank politics again for doing just what they are best at, "NOTHING". I think One Fire Dept under One Chief would have been the answer. So how long after this Honeymoon do you think it will be before the problems start to show up again.

I know Mohegan Sun goes to many of the surrounding towns as a FAST/RIT company. I also know that Foxwoods responds to the Tribal area of housing and on many calls to the nearby Town of Ledyard. Ain't that right Izzy ??? And Joe, you did very well at the Casino. Most people don't do that well. That's how they get to build those Great looking firehouses. It wasn't funded on winners.

Yes, its really all about the military that have given up so much for us. Sadly one died from his injuries recieved while operating in Afganihistan this week. His home was only a few miles from my house. I believe he had a wife and two kids. Reality of what is going on over there. He died for our country just as so many others have. Let's remember what Memorial Day is really all about, and be Thankful for all the sacrafics that so many have made.

Thanks "Cap" for posting that story. And Congradulations on your recent Promotion. Willy "D"

Me too guy.

As a young guy, I worked as a letter carrier in Westport, Ct from 1970-1975. For me it as a Great job. Single, living at home with Mommy and Daddy, good pay, and good benefits. But I think even in those days, the general attitude of most people there was that they were always better than everybody else. It was a completely different lifestyle than what I had known growing up about 15 miles away in Bridgeport. In Bridgeport, if a young guy had a job as a letter carrier, or a cop or fireman, it was looked upon as having a Great job. But it was sure different in Westport. As I remember, the firefighters there talking that in Westport, people didn't have much use for public servents. I knew most of the firemen then because I would take my lunch break at the firehouses. With all those beautiful homes, fancy expensive cars, maids, butlers, and swimming pools, those people taught me a lot. I saw at a young age that money really doesn't buy happiness, because so many people there appeared to be UNhappy. I do remember that there were some good people though, and they were happy. I delievered the mail to a guy by the name of Harry Ackley. He was the Fire Chief of the dept. A Great Guy. I think his son is now the chief. Great people. I also delievered the mail to the Fire Dept Union President at the time. I think his nickname was "Moose", and a few other firefighters and police officers. But none of them had the maids or swimming pools. But they seemed happy. I hope the firefighters of Westport are careful when it comes time for them to perform. You could get hurt there and those people could care less. I respected those firefighters then, and I respect them now. But for me, I have no use for about 90 % of the people there. Just a very different lifestyle and priority for them. Just my own opinion I formed a very long time ago. Give me the ghettos of Bridgeport any day. At least I know where those people are coming from.

I certainly agree with that. Where ever these multi fire depts exist, the best thing that can happen is to combine services under ONE AUTHORITY. As it stands, not only do these seperate depts have their own Chiefs, Asst Chiefs, etc running their own show the way THEY see fit, but also each dept has to have its own fully equipped dept. When it comes to saving money, more is NOT better. A huge savings comes from much less fire apparatus, gear, equipment etc. Thousands of dollars could also be saved. It doesn't make sense to run 5-6 totally seperate fire depts in a city that really should have only one. (or a county that should have one). Or to pay the cost for all this equipment for each of these totally seperate depts. "One dept, One Leader, One Budget". I am not advocating doing away with any volunteers. But having them be accountible to one boss who runs the entire one dept. As I posted earler regarding the Fairfield, Ct dept. It does work. But the egos must disappear.

Sorry about this topic ruining your day. But I sure agree with "FD288". I've been involved in similiar issues for my 30 years on another dept with very similiar problems. Both my brother and I were volunteer firefighters back in the 1970-1975/76 in Fairfield, Ct. We worked well together with the career guys. As I understand it the volunteers still man a rig at that Stratfield Firehouse Station 3. They also man a rig at Station 4 in Southport. I'm sure there's been problems along the way, but it has worked since the 1970s and still works today. The career firefighters were basically our bosses, and I really was able to learn a lot during those years. We had a Volunter Chief, Asst Chief etc, but they were accountible to the Career Chiefs, and were more of Administrators with the Volly Dept/Company. Our training sessions was conducted by a Career Captain once a week. The system worked out well, and we all got along great. Most of my volunteer friends later became career firefighters in various depts. I'm very thankful to the Fairfield/Stratfield Dept for all they did for me. On the other hand, when I went on the Norwich, Ct Fire Dept as a Career Firefighter, I soon found out that I had entered a "War Zone". People hated me for what I did. We have Two Career Stations, and there are Five Volunteer Stations. The Volunteer stations run as totally seperate depts, similiar to Stamford. I thought it would be the same as Fairfield. I was sure wrong on that. I could write a book (maybe I should) called a "Tale of Two Cities". Fairfield vs Norwich, Ct Career/Volunteer Fire Depts. So Stamford, you are not alone. Although 100 miles away, I can relate to the problems you face. If this mess you have ever gets straightened out, maybe Norwich can follow your footsteps.

Good advice for anybody taking a Firefighter Exam, anywhere today. I had a little trouble trying to figure out that language spoken earlier, But after some time, I enjoyed reading those Posts written in Polish (above). "Dzienku" (that means "Thank you" in Polish)

"No investigation". Maybe not by the City of Stamford, as they try to sweep this under the carpet. But I'd sure like to be an Attorney representing the homeowner. Everything lost, photos, jewerly, memories. I would guess that the homeowner and lawyer would certainly be able to put a few extra dollars in their pocket after a court case like this. Seems to me, the City of Stamford, and the chief involved could become a little short on cash soon. I retired from a career dept where similiar situtations took place, not Once, but several times. As a Career firefighter, I could watch buildings burn down while I sat one or two miles away. They would call for help from OUT OF TOWN MUTUAL AID, before calling us. Nothing was ever done as these buildings would burn, and the on duty career firefighters watched from the firehouse. I'm referring to Norwich, Ct. And somebody made a very good point. What if people were trapped in the building. My friends, all kidding aside, "its all about egos". I hope the guy looses his shirt. He sure would if it was MY HOUSE.

Engine Co 65 was the ONLY American LaFrance with that color. But I always thought it was called "Lime Green". Guess I learned something.

I sure agree with you there "M". Really not a good idea if you ask me.

I'd like to share with you a little story about a "Role Model" that I had most of my life. I nicknamed him "Smokey", or "Smoke" for short. He was my father and he really didn"t mind that I called him "Smoke". The reason I called him that was because he smoked a lot of cigars, and was a firefighter in Bridgeport, Ct. The name just kind of fit him. I went to Catholic Grammer School and the Nuns always wanted the boys to become a priest, a doctor or a lawyer. I wasn"t doing very good in school, and myelf, and my father met with the Nun, while my mother stayed home with my brothers and sister. The Nun asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up and I said : "Be A FIREMAN". It really wasn"t what she wanted to hear and I think my father was actually a little embarassed over my response. I was probadly about 9 or 10 years old and in those days firemen worked long hours for low pay. I think at the time it was Seven Days, Two Off, then Seven Nights with Two off. I remember my father and his friend, who was also on the job, studying for promotion exams at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and "Smoke" would have his cigar. I would be sitting nearby to listen as they asked each other questions and then, every once in awhile they"d talk about a "Big Job" they had. I sure used to like listening. Later both got promoted to Lt. One day while walking home from school there was a Big Job in a six family house. As I watched the fire, I heard over the fire Radio the chief saying; "Send me Truck 5". That was the rig Smoke was on as Lt and working that day. I told everybody in the crowd, "they just called for Truck 5 and my fathers coming". I don"t think they really cared, but I sure did ! As the open cab American La France Tiller pulled up, my father waved and then they put the ladder to the roof. I watched the entire fire until just about everybody was gone. Then I ran home to tell my mother that I saw "Smoke" at a fire. Later while he was still a Lt on Truck 5, a job came in on Fulton St. It was reported as a Vacant House Fire. Smoke went around the back to the second floor. He had a light with him and for some reason an axe too. Apparently, he had to force his way in. (they didn"t have what we know as a forcible entry team then). Through the smoke and fire, he found a guy, unconsious in the bathtub and dragged him out. At that time, the only truck to carry oxygen was their Rescue, called Squad 5, and they couldn"t get the door open that had the oxygen in it. It was just too close to a parked car. So Smoke began mouth to mouth resusciation on this guy. The guy took a deep breathe and started breathing again. Later I remember Smoke telling me that the guy was wearing a brown coat and the hospital had to give this guy a permenet stoma. (I think that's the term). Smoke recieved the "Highest Medal" in the Bridgeport Fire Dept for his actions that night. In his 30 plus years, only about 10 or 12 othes ever recieved this Medal called "the Gold Star". About a year later I was waiting for a bus to go home. A homeless guy came up to me and asked if I could spare any change for a coffee. I won't give him any money but I bought him a coffee at the diner across the street. I had one too. I was now about 16 years old. While drinking the coffees, the fire engines went by. Then the Homeless guy said to me, "those guys saved my life". I said "What do you mean"? He then told me he was rescued from a fire on Fulton St and told me his story. Then I looked and the guy was wearing a Brown Coat as Smoke had described, and then I also noticed the stoma in his neck. I asked him if his name was Ed Martin and he said "Yes". I was so "Proud" to meet this guy and I couldn"t wait to tell Smoke. Smoke retired as a Captain in 1978, about the same time my brother went on the job. Prior to going on the Fire Dept, Smoke was a "Combat Medic" in WWII. Sadly Smoke passed away in March, 2007. If you have a Role Model or had a Role Model in your life, maybe you can share your story with us.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SMOKE", from Red, Taylor, Bucky, and Mary Ann, and all the grand kids. You represent what "The Greatest Generation" was all about. From growing up during the Great Depression, to your World War II days as a Combat Medic, To your days on the job in the Bridgeport, Ct Fire Dept. And that night you saved the life of a homeless civilian by the name of Eddie Martin. He was trapped in a vacant house fire on Fulton St. You broke down the door and found him lying in the bathtub. And it was "your" own breathe of life that saved him from dying that night. And Thanks for all you've done for us, and the GREAT Job you did as a father of four. We sure do miss you. Someday, we'll all be together again.

I remember a study done by the FDNY. I believe it was right after their busy War Years. In that study, they found that by dropping ONE Firefighter, it took an Engine Co twice as long to stretch that inital line. Now that doesn't match the 25 % given earlier, but I don't really recall what the amount of manning was. I believe there was a story in WNYF Magazine about that. Anybody else remember that FDNY Study ?

The General Public does NOT understand what it takes to fight a serious building fire and the duties that must be performed within a very short period of time. Each and every firefighter assigned to a company, whether they are first or second due is vitally needed. Unfortunately, in the nature of this Fire Dept business, espically a city like Yonkers, there just isn't any way to do it without the proper manning and apparatus to arrive in a timely manner. Somebody has to hook up the hydrant line. Others have to stretch hose, sometimes up several flights of stairs. Locked doors have to be forced and apartments searched. Windows and roofs have to be vented. Opening a roof is very diffucult and dangerous. Somebody has to stay outside and pump the truck. Searches have to be done on the floor about the fire and sometimes another line has to be stretched to this floor above. Ladders may have to be raised and people in danger rescued. These are some of the chores that MUST be done very quickly to prevent the fire from spreading, and more importantly to effect a rescue of seriously trapped building occupants. If there is any Political Wizard that can show us how to do these important essential duties within a very short time, with only a handful of firefighters, or companies coming from longer various parts of the city, then he/she needs to explain themselves. But, so far from what I've seen, Every Firefighter Counts. Political Leaders and Civilians need to know just what it takes to save lives and protect property from fire. Every building doesn't have sprinklers and people still make mistakes that cause fires. And then there is the Arsonist who sometimes want to injure people. These are just a few points that your local politician or citizen need to be aware of before cutting the Yonkers Fire Dept or any other Fire Dept.

Congradulations Joe. I've been in hiding lately on Ctfire. But Best of Luck to You on that New Promotion. Willy "D" .....NFDs (Norwich,not Norwalk),--HALL of FAMER

Recently, Todd Williamson, a career Firefighter with the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Dept (Groton, Ct)was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. This young 29 year old firefighter has a wife and two young children (ages 7 years old and 7 months old). Todd has been going through chemo in Boston where he must make the 100 mile ride every three weeks. There he recieves chemo treatments for 4 days and stays an additional day for observation. Before this, Todd was a healthy young fire fighter helping his fellow man. Now he needs our help. There have been various fund raisers set up to help Todd. The Poquonnock Bridge Fire Dept web site is also offering T-shirts. If you'd like to view Todds Story, please go to www.pbfd2704.com . Thank you for your help.

As I read this, after all the talk etc., it really doesn't seem like much will be changing in Stamford. Unless I'm missing something, that's what I get out of it. I closely followed this as my home town operates a similiar system.

That says it all, "JBE". Agree 100 %.

As Usual, some EXCELLENT Shots by JJPinto. Thank You.

Any word on a recent working fire at the Mcdonalds located at Fordham Rd and Southern Blvd. I recently got a page of "fire through the roof" at this location, but can't confirm that. I ask this because it is now my favorite hang out site while buffing the Bronx.

I haven't been in the Bronx for awhile. But I assume the numbers for FDNY/EMS has changed. As "18 Zebra" has become "18 Rescue". Is that true with the Haz Mat and Rescue EMS units ? Can somebody post a list of the newer numbers for me. Thank you.

"ny10570", yes sir, I do remember our conversation. Myself and "Anesti" will be pounding down a few of those Big Macs on Fordham Rd. "ny10570", I sure respect you for what you do. Be safe out there my friend.

"NY10570". Maybe its me (NFD2004) that you met over there at the Mcdonalds. I'm the fat guy and I had a light blue Nisson Sentra. I remember talking to one guy there who was in a FDNY/EMS Haz Tac Unit. That was probadly around last summer. Also, it really is a small world because I also know "Anesti" and Both of us have hung out there. But "Anesti" is a young slim guy, while I'm the old Fat Guy. Maybe you remember, I think I told you that I have been coming down to the Bronx for a long time and that I was a retired firefighter from Connecticut. I'm hoping to be there this Wedensday if all goes well. "Anesti", you gonna join me ??? And just to stay on track here, "ALL are invited".