nfd2004

I had been working the day shift at fire headquarters in Norwich, Ct. As the events played out, off duty guys were calling in asking if they should go down to NYC. The Chief of Department came out and said, "if we get called to go, we will go down as a group, not individually". Norwich, Ct is about 130 miles from that WTC site. The chief did say that it is possible many of the on duty shift would be held over into the night shift. That entire night shift was held over as nobody really knew what was next. I think the biggest concern for us was the fact that two nearby casinos were a possibility of being a target. Later that afternoon everyone was advised NOT to go down to NYC. There was already enough people and fire companies coming in from outside the city. As I remember both Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium were used as staging areas for companies coming in from Westchester County and Long Island. However, a list was made up of our guys willing to relocate into the cities of New Haven, Bridgeport, Norwalk or Stamford, as those guys would be much closer to relocate to New York City firehouses. I remember about half the guys signed up and we were willing to bring supplies with us for about a two week stay. The group would be divided in half known as "A" Group and "B" Group, taking turns to relocate. A reserve engine and ladder would be used. The other half of the guys were told, they would required to cover our empty positions while gone. This was fully understood by ALL of the members of the department. I think it really hit me when one of the first names I had heard was Chief Ray Downey as one of those 9/11 LODDs identified about 8 pm. Chief Downey was a Role Model to me. I used to attend many of the classes put on as a fund raiser for the NYC Burn Unit. Those classes were held about once every three months at the FDNY Fire Academy. The guest speakers got no money for this and they would very often then bring the classes to the Fire Expo etc. Chief Ray Downey, as well as the very well respected, Lt Andy Fredricks, who we also lost, were very often a part of that program. Everything basically shut down. In fact, late that afternoon, even the casinos shut down, where my wife worked the 3 - 11 pm shift. My brother was a battalion chief in Bridgeport. When he walked into the firehouse the next day, he was to report to the Chiefs Office. There he was also told to get a list of guys from the shift willing to go down to NYC. They were also told it would be for a period of one or two weeks. I also believe during the initial stages the Metro North Railroad was offering free rides to firefighters who were going into NYC. And the Bridgeport Firefighters were part of the group that went down there through the department. It was the first time in the FDNY history that there was such a huge response from outside the city put into effect. This had never happened before. I believe after the event was finally over, the FDNY came out with a full report on the entire operation. There were lessoned learned that today they would do different. Also some changes would take place in the D.C. area after the huge operation that was organized to deal with a large commercial airliner crashing into places like the Pentagon. Not only did some operations change for the FDNY, and DC area departments, BUT "THE ENTIRE WORLD CHANGED AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. Security is now a key issue for the safety of many people who work within Federal areas, as well as those who travel within our airlines. Even major events such as the New Years Eve celebration in NYC, as well as other cities, have taken major steps in trying to secure the publics safety.

The Day of Terror, September 11, 2001, when America was attacked. This year marks the 15th Anniversary and we should NEVER FORGET. So many innocent lives were taken away. Including: 343 - New York City Firefighters (FDNY) 37 - Police Officers of the Port Authority of NY/NJ (PAPD) 24 - New York City Police Officers (NYPD) 8 - EMTs/Medics It was the "Deadliest Attack on American soil". 2,606 - killed from the World Trade Center, plus 6,000 injured. 265 - killed from the Four planes that crashed (Two into the WTC, One in a field in Shanksville, Pa., and One into the Pentagon) 125 - killed at the U.S. Pentagon 2,996 - Totally innocent Americans murdered that day. Each one not just a number, but a human being with families and friends who still miss them today. Today that count continues to rise as more people are dying from the effects of that dust cloud when those Two - 110 story buildings collapsed. For many of us we watched this all live on our televisions. WE MUST NEVER FORGET. All flights in America were forced to land. For the first and only time in America there were no planes flying. The only planes in the air were U.S. Fighter Jets. Many of the injured were expected to be transported by train to some of our hospitals in Connecticut. For my sister in law, an RN at Bridgeport (CT) Hospital, a Code D was activated. Meaning all off duty nurses were to report back to work. As they waited, nobody arrived. Retired FDNY Captain John Vigiano lost two of his sons on September 11, 2001. One a FDNY Firefighter (John) and the other a NYPD Detective (Joe). Ironically his two sons were often referred to as "The Twin Towers", named after the two World Trade Center Buildings. www.americanpolicenews.com/vigiano.html Sometimes there were five or six funerals a day for those FDNY Firefighters. It was sometimes impossible for these firefighters to go to all of these funerals. There was a request made for firefighters from anywhere, just to show up in uniform to try and give each member the full fire department honor they deserved. Not only was it necessary to fill those 343 firefighter positions to give the city adequate coverage, but there was also a required amount of firefighters needed to continue searching through the huge pile from the collapse of these two buildings. In addition there was a commitment by the members of the FDNY to cover each and every firehouse in which a funeral was occurring. Just so that those who worked with them could attend the funeral of those they shared the same firehouse with. There were times when those guys did not get home to see their own families for weeks. And this went on for almost a year. Today, many Ground Zero Firefighters, EMTs, Police Officers, and other nearby Ground Zero workers have come down with 9/11 linked cancer. Others have severe breathing problems. PLUS, the other, over 5,400 people who have suffered from the 9/11 linked cancer. They were also exposed to that dust. There were many hero's that day. Each one with a story to be told. A country singer named Alan Jackson decided to write a song about it. He called it; "Where were you when the World Stopped Turning". For those of us who watched these events play out, it is a day we will Never Forget. To this day, 15 years later, it is still hard to believe. Our condolences to those who lost so many of your friends and family members. We thank all of the first responders and other workers involved for the job you did. A job that no one else in our civilized society, has ever had to do. As we listen to this song, these are some of the memories we saw. Live on TV as it happened, from The Day of Terror, September 11, 2001. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ittG66J8_hQ

"PCFD Eng 58, can you give us more details ? Was this car fire extinguished by the Port Chester Firefighters ? I assume that is the case. Is the mayor aware of this picture ? Does he/she have any comments to say about it now ? Was it the fire departments head (assuming Vol Chiefs), that told the mayor, these guys did nothing ? Was there volunteer firefighters also on the scene ? How many ? Since the Port Chester Firefighters have lost their jobs, does somebody monitor everything that goes on regarding incidents involving the FD ?

Marcy Borders, age 42, known to most as "the Dust Lady" dies from cancer believed to be related to the World Trade Center dust when those two, 110 story buildings collapsed. Here is the sad story, as many today still suffer from the effects of that dust. Many also have since passed away from it. http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/26/us/9-11-survivor-dust-lady-dies/

Speaking for myself, as a young career firefighter and a guy who wanted to learn, the FDNY was the place to be. The timing was perfect. It was the busiest time in the history of the fire service and it wasn't necessary for me to take an airline flight into the city. Less than a tank of gas and I was set for the entire day. No place offered so much when it came to learning the job. Every time I made the trip, I always came back with a new experience. I would make that trip just about every week. At one point I was so "hooked", I was visiting the place twice a week making my 120 mile trip. Just hang around a bit and before long there was some action to see. The action was across the board. A brush fire with helicopter water drops, some serious MVAs, and fires of every kind. From row frames to 2 1/2 frames, high rises to car fires, and everything in between. I would attend classes given every three months at the FDNY Fire Academy by speakers from the FDNY. Put on for a $25.00 donation they collected which went to the NYC Burn Center. That was run by the late Lt Jim Curran, a highly decorated member of FDNYs Rescue 1. Among the GREAT speakers were Chief Ray Downy and Lt Andy Fredricks who we lost on 9/11. Chief Salka was a regular from Batt 18. I also got their Training Manuals and publications, reading them, cover to cover. I am here to say that my days/nights following the FDNY taught me much more than any book or class room that I attended. I attended many, but no offense, "it just wasn't the same". Today, at age 67, and after following the FDNY for almost 50 years, I am here to tell you that there is no place in the world like it if you want to learn. The guys treated me great too, and I thank them for that. My only regret I have is the time I brought down a young firefighter from a small dept. He started telling them "how much work "he" is catching and how to fight fires". We had been talking outside of a very busy Bronx firehouse with a few of the members. I could see things were not going good. They then asked him if, "you have buildings like that across from your firehouse" (as they pointed to almost an entire block of burned out buildings). It was a quick good bye, then the guys went in and the doors came down. And I never brought him down again.

"lt411", if you ever saw a white kid wearing shorts showing some chubby legs, carrying a scanner in one hand and a camera in the other, that was probably me. I remember the TCUs and the budget crisis in which they closed 50 companies and laid off 300 firefighters. I spent most of my Bronx buff time first hanging out around 82/31. Then after the place slowed down it started to pick up more to the West Bronx and 92/44 was a favorite area too. Also Eng 41 (now Sqd 41), 48/56, and 75/33. Spent many nights at the McDonalds on Webster Ave near 170th St. I sure learned a lot from watching you guys operate. How about the night of the World Series being played at Yankee stadium (1976/77 - ?) when the cameras would focus on a 4th alarm school fire and the late Howard Cowsell told the entire country, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning". Two presidents, both Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, walked among the burned out shells on Charlotte St promising aid to rebuild the Bronx. It didn't happen right away but Charlotte St is now a block of single family raised ranch houses with yards and white picket fences. From an entire block of five and six story burned out brick apartment buildings. At one time on Simpson St, the only building in the entire block that wasn't burnt out was the 41st Police Pct.

Pete, just prior to coming on here tonight, I was talking to a high ranking retired member of the NFD. He had just finished reading the latest here and he too, said how you made some very good points. We talked about the two recent letters posted here that were written by those five volunteer chiefs. My guess is that what will happen to Stamford, will eventually happen in Norwich too. And if the day comes that there is no volunteer fire departments in either city, they CAN'T blame you and they can't blame me for it. These self serving Fire Commanders did it all to themselves if they put themselves out of business. For those who truly had a desire to help the people of those cities, they too can blame those leaders for what has happened.

A once very popular weekly TV series called "Rescue 911" actually did a story on one of the very busy Fourth of July nights. This is it. Its a little tough to see at times but I think you get the point of how it was. Also in this video is the late Chief William Feehan (seen around the 4:40 mark), who was sadly one of the 343 Firefighters murdered on September 11, 2001. Lets try it. Hope it works. www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkufguWIExY

"X152", that is exactly as I expected it. No wonder "FFPCogs" decided to give up on these guys. Just so you know, I've been doing a monthly newsletter for many of the active and retired guys here (Norwich). The next newsletter coming out contains that first letter. Along with it I wrote; "We are NOT Alone". The only people to blame for the failing of the Stamford system is those Five Volunteer Chiefs. The same thing here. In fact the Norwich Fire Chief came out with an EXCELLENT eight page report that he did on improving the entire fire service for Norwich. A lot of facts and details in a way that would give everyone better service. I'm sure he spent a lot of time working on it. But once those chiefs read it, in the trash it went. Never to be seen again. Let me also add that the Norwich Career Fire Chief was chosen from a Nationwide search to find someone who could get the place on the right track. He came from the Providence, R.I. area and had a very good reputation there. But we have Five Volunteer Chiefs, all of who were elected by their own friends, who have little concern for peoples lives and property based on their own past practices, allowed to get away with it, and calling the shots. Of course many NFD members are watching to see just how things turn out for Big Brother Stamford.

Thanks Garrett, aka "Bad Box", for posting that. What a world it was, huh !!! I remember buffing and setting priorities on which fire I went to. Sometimes rigs would pass by one job, on the way to another. And those Fourth of July's were something else. If I had to work, I always put in for the time off. I would gladly work a Christmas, New Years, or whatever. Just let me be off the 4th of July for a trip to the Bronx. It sounded like being in the middle of a war zone with all the fireworks, M-80s. Rockets going across the street from both sides. Many landing on the roofs of those buildings. We had to keep all the windows up in the car so none would get in as we rode by.

Here is a documentary made in 1972 about Engine Co 82. It's about 50 minutes long so grab yourself a cool one or perhaps a cup of tea. This is how it was. And it wasn't just this one area of the Bronx either. Of course the Safety Officers will go "nuts" when they see this one. But these guys were the most experienced firefighters in the entire world. After most of 82s area was burned out, Bronx companies in the West Bronx started to increase their load dramatically, almost over night. So just sit back and watch. I'm sure you will be amazed if you haven't seen this before. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygF3NJvy3bY (Sorry link is not working - but go to youtube and type in "The Bronx is Burning")

Pete, if that training is a fact in Stamford, then Stamford is by far the exception to the rule. To begin with, before most new career probies in any Connecticut city even ride on any fire truck, they must successfully attend and pass a full time Recruit School. That school consisting of a 40 hour week, for 16 weeks. I think now it has been boosted up to 18 weeks, I'm not sure. At 16 weeks, that is 80 days of fulltime training or equal to about 640 hours. That's just the start. Once they enter the firehouse, it's not quite over yet. The training continues whether on an individual basis or among the entire shift. Just say an average of 2-3 hours a day, maybe twice a week. They continue to be evaluated by their company officer in which case, most places this will require regular evaluations by that firefighters officer. Again, most places, up to one year. It was also common practice, at least where I was, to advise the probie to go to the main apparatus floor to demonstrate what they know. Sometimes while creating difficult and stressful conditions. Every type of scenario stressing "what if" must be successfully proven. If there are any volunteer firefighters out there that have the time to undergo similar training, personally, you have far exceeded the expectations. The other thing I wanted to mention was the two recent letters sent to the BOR by the Five Volunteer Chiefs. In the first letter, it is apparent that these chiefs are totally AGAINST the request of the Stamford Firefighters union to get an additional firefighter for Engine 8 and Engine 9. Then I read the second letter as posted here. In that letters second paragraph it says: QUOTE: "In fact, the volunteer departments fully support our career counterparts who deserve a fair and reasonable contract". In the First letter posted here on August 5th, (page 69) the Five Volunteer Chiefs speak AGAINST the Stamford Firefighters union. Then the Second letter posted here, just 19 days later on August 24, (page 70), the same Five Volunteer Chiefs tell how they SUPPORT that Stamford Firefighters union. So as I see it here, "YOUR EITHER WITH THEM OR YOUR NOT". Which letter should we accept as the true feelings of the Stamford Volunteer Fire Chiefs ? But let's ask this first; "Did you, the Five Vol Chiefs, submit both letters" ? Or did somebody else submit one of them using your titles and names ?

Yes, very impressive. But let's go back to the 1970s. The time is referred to as "The FDNY War Years". No other place in the world has seen more fires on a daily basis than the FDNY. I believe the busiest month for MULTIPLE ALARM FIRES was August, 1977 (according to a newsletter from the Fire Bell Club). During that time, the FDNY had a TOTAL of 100 Multiple Alarm Fires. The numbers of fires were staggering at the time. In addition, I recently had the honor of meeting the Captain of Engine 82 during the time when a famous book came out called "Report from Engine Co 82". According to this former captain, now retired chief, Engine Co 82 responded to 210 working building fires just in July, 1975. That's a rate of seven working fires every day of the month. In fact, it's more than the Entire City had for the previous month of August, 2016. This now retired FDNY Chief is 79 years old. Still loves the job but as he says "It was the Best and the Worst of times". Many civilians and firefighters were hurt and many lost their lives. In the South Bronx where Engine 82 was, along with many other large areas of the city, it looked much like a bomb had been dropped on it. All because so many buildings were burned out from the huge number of fires. I spent many days down there buffing and watching these guys work. What I saw was Unbelievable and I will never forget it. I once brought a few buddies down there with me. In only a few square miles we saw 11 working fires that day. Of course there were many more throughout the city as well. But after spending about 12-14 hours there it was time to leave. As we left the Bronx, one of the guys told me, "it was like they opened the gates and let us out". Today I have many friends who are retired members of the FDNY during that time. I still can't believe the amount of work these guys caught. I refer to them as "The Greatest Generation of Firefighters". You can check out www.nycfire.net in the history section for more details. The thread "My Younger Buff Years", is one of them. And here's a few pictures from another good friend who had permission to ride with a few Harlem companies back in the 1980s. www.fdnysbravest.com

Just as a point of interest. Last month, August, 2016, the FDNY had (Unofficially) 166 All Hands Fires. Fires ONLY. This Excludes any all hands operating for things such as Haz Mat incidents, MVAs, Water Rescue, Confined Space Rescue etc. In addition City Wide there were: 8 - Second Alarms 2 - Third Alarms 1 - 4th Alarm 1 - 5th Alarm 1 - 6th Alarm

Perhaps only those who have been directly involved in incidents such as these can fully appreciate the work these Brother and Sister Firefighters have done. Because of these very brave individuals, someone's mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend or neighbor is alive today. As we honor the "Bravest of the Bravest", we see what the words "True American Hero's" really mean. Thank you all for the job you do. From New Haven, Ct. http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20160830/new-haven-firefighters-honored-for-heroic-actions-during-two-rescues From the FDNY. www.firehouse.com/news/12246273/fdny-It-brian-colleluori-recieves-top-valor-award From Firehouse Magazine. www.firehouse.com/article/12236956/2015-valor-awards-winners-4-12

Since the very beginning I have followed this thread very closely. I've never lived in Stamford and never was a part of the fire dept there. Most guys who have written about the issues have first hand knowledge of what exactly is going on. But as an outsider looking in, I can totally relate to Big Brother Stamford and exactly the kind of thing going on 100 miles away, in Little Brother, Norwich, Ct. That is why I have always been hoping for the best for Stamford. Were a group of individuals could all work together to protect lives and save property. Just as it is done in so many other places where the combined efforts of both career and volunteer firefighters perform exceptionally well together. Some rated today as the Best Departments in the country. The problem in Stamford is the EXACTLY the Same Kind of Problem we have here in Norwich. A group of FIVE Volunteer Fire Chiefs who want nothing to do with any change for the best, regardless of who they hurt along the way. It is all about a group of guys with just one thing in mind. Their own selfish-self egos. And they preach their ideas on any members within their departments and do whatever it takes to fight against a group of career firefighters. Who they are afraid will take their civic power away. I of course agree with "FFPCogs" in his dealings with these individuals. I've watched the same thing happen here over the last 40 years. Shake hands and smile, then first chance, stab those they are so jealous of right in the back. I also agree with many things "Lay the Line" states, except like Pete says, waiting around for a fire to use some type of support services would quickly loose interest for many. Perhaps one member riding a Stamford unit in that support would be making much better use of these volunteer members. But let's all understand one thing. Very clearly, there really is no comparison to the amount of training and skills required to be a career firefighter. It goes way beyond that of NFPAs Firefighter I or II, or Fire Officer etc. From the very beginning a weekend course can NOT compare to that of a minimum 40 hour Monday-Friday mandatory Recruit School for about 16-18 weeks. Followed by a probationary period under the watchful eye of his commanding officer. To compare career officers to volunteer officers, the requirements are much more stringent as well. It's not just sit down and take a written test and pass. It's about getting the highest score based on a written, oral, and perhaps an evaluation by a higher ranking member. Then everything is added together and the competition is keen among the best. I want to see Big Brother Stamford succeed. Your younger brother, Norwich, is counting on it. Don't let him down. He has three engines and one truck with two firehouses. One B/C and 12 Firefighters per shift on duty. And like you there are also Five Separate Volunteer Fire depts. within the same city. And perhaps like Stamford, most of the blame for any failure of the system falls on it's Five Volunteer Fire Chiefs as well. If things don't change, eventually my guess is there will be trouble ahead, and those five chiefs just might find themselves right in the middle of it.

On Sunday, September 4th, the annual Father Mychal Judge Walk of Remembrance will take place. The day will start at St Francis of Assisi Church on 31st St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, just opposite the quarters of Eng 1, Lad 24. With a rosary at 8:45 am followed by a Catholic Mass at 9:30 am. The Walk is scheduled to commence at 10:30 am and will follow the route taken by Fr Judge to the Trade Center. With stops at the firehouses and police precinct station houses along the way. Father Judge was the FDNY Chaplain who is listed as Victim # 0001. The walk is meant to honor Father Judge, the members of the Uniformed Services, and all those whose lives were so brutally taken on September 11, 2001 and by disease since then. A NYPD Auxiliary formation will be formed at Seventh Ave and 19th St, at the quarters of Eng 3/Lad 12/Batt 7. A bugler at that location will present taps. There will also be a second buglar who will blow Taps at the processions end at St Peters Church, Barclay and Church starting at approximately 1:30 pm. One block north of the Trade Center Site. St Peter's is where Fr Judge's body was placed upon after following his removal from the site. Anyone who can do so, please join in either at St Francis or the firehouse at Seventh Ave/19th St., or St Peters Church. A large turnout is the hope of those who organize this. Too many people have forgotten the events and what they mean. Here is a video from the Father Judge walk of Rememberance of September 5, 2010 as we remember FDNYs Chaplain Father Mychal Judge. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce6UD-n3cQg

Thank you very much for providing that photo and article. In that article it mentions a few paragraphs down about Father Judge going to a hospital to visit police officer Steve McDonald, who had been shot by a youth in Central Park. In the earlier video posted here, is Police Officer Steven McDonald, who is the individual sitting in a wheel chair at the 2010 Walk of Remembrance.

Sorry, for those members who were NOT able to view that video (Bedroom fire - above), the video has been corrected. The problem was as simple as a comma placed instead of a decimal point. Even hard to see with the super special lens on the bifocals I have on. So for you to view that example of a bedroom fire and how quickly it could spread if not attacked in the very early stages, just click on it above. Also, it was this same campus where there was a working fire in an occupied 2 1/2 story frame building, just about one year ago from this date. That is one of the eight incidents that I had been referring to. Also in that fire were several other occupants for treatment of some type of social issues under the care of a trained staff. That building had to be closed down for a period of two weeks while repairs were made. Resulting in the relocation of these clients and the staff members. Interesting to note, that while the same number of career firefighters (9) and a battalion chief were located only that 1.8 miles away, this building fire got the response of one volunteer fire dept as it's normal response area (actually farther away than that career station within the same city), plus they requested the assistance of another local volunteer fire dept, 5 miles away (they actually rode right by NFD Hqs while they were outside training), plus another volunteer dept from an entirely different town - 8 miles away. Now, you be the judge and tell me if that makes any sense at all. If it does, please give us the reasons why. Thanks for your interest.

Part of my latest email to Norwich City Officials. I titled it: "Totally Unacceptable by ANY Standards". I will QUOTE the majority of it to you. "As you may know, I work a part time job as a security guard at SMHA (Southeastern Mental Health Association). I happened to be working the 4-12 pm shift, on Saturday August 27, 2016. My job is what they refer to as a Rover. I basically drive around the campus and assist in anyway that I might be needed at the various buildings on that site. At 7:07 pm I was driving by what is called "the Brief Care Building" and I noticed about 20 people standing outside in a group. In that Brief Care Building, there are people and patients being treated for various mental or social issues, under the care of a supervised staff. Some are sent there under court order. As I went to investigate, I was informed by my partner security guard over the radio that there is an active fire alarm coming from that Brief Care Building. I went to check to make sure everyone was out and the Brief Care staff informed us by radio that everyone was out and accounted for. My job then was just to make sure that no one reenters that building. Then we all waited for the Fire Department to arrive. As the clock was ticking, I thought of the Norwich Fire Department Headquarters only 1.8 miles up the road. Staffed with 9 Firefighters and 1 Battalion Chief. They could be here in no time. Then according to the official time on my cell phone, the next thing I notice is an individual show up at 7:12 pm. We are ALREADY Five Minutes into this incident. This individual gets out of his pick up truck, wearing shorts and a tee shirt, and no fire gear at all. He was only carrying a portable radio. By this time, I would assure you, had that Norwich Fire Dept been allowed to respond, there would have been nine firefighters, all fully equipped in full gear, and ready to go to work. In addition, there would be a battalion chief and I can assure you "he would NOT be wearing only a tee shirt and shorts, carrying a portable radio. Then much latter, at 7:19 pm (now 12 minutes into the incident), I notice EGP (Volunteer FD) Ladder 55 show up. Then later at 7:23 pm, EGP Engine 52 shows up. Now even if upon investigation they were told by radio to proceed with the flow of traffic, it still wouldn't take the Norwich Fire Dept that long to respond. I once joked saying; Those Norwich Firefighters could almost walk there and make it quicker. As it turned out, it was a defective smoke detector in Room 377. In that room were two beds with cloths piled on them. I will submit a video for you to view at the end of this email, to show you how quickly a fire could spread under similar conditions. Only THIS building having several more occupants, most with serious social issues. This is NOT at all meant to put down ALL volunteer firefighters. Just recently, a very well respected member of the Norwich Fire Dept returned to work after a full recovery from a very serious accident. When he returned back to work, I went to Norwich Fire Headquarters to visit him. One of the FIRST things he told me was how THANKFUL he was to the Volunteer Firefighters who helped to keep him alive during the very initial stages of his emergency care (Note - he is one of four captains within the dept). He had also told me that he had planned to visit those volunteer firefighters and personally thank them for what they did. I believe he was referring to the Volunteer Firefighters of the very small Town of Voluntown (CT). My point is, the Norwich Firefighters are NOT "Anti" or "Against" Volunteer Firefighters, as some might like to have you believe. (In the next two or three paragraphs which I excluded here, I went on to talk about the competition and required 18 week recruit school that any new Norwich Firefighter must undergo. Then a one year probation period under the watchful eye of his commanding officer BEFORE he can consider himself/herself OFFICIALLY a Norwich Firefighter. I also talked of the competition among the best to become a Lt., Capt., or B/C often taking years of study etc). Then I added: I make that comparison to the Five Volunteer Chiefs we have here in Norwich. They DID NOT go through any of that. Yet we allow them to have total control over the citizens safety and show up in tee shirts and shorts to fire alarms in occupied buildings. They were ELECTED by their own friends to these positions. And with that comes the POWER to have total control over an entire city and break any rule they choose regarding the safety of so many lives. As well as the lack of concern for the property within their own response area. Someone needs to tell these Five Chiefs; "This is the way it is going to be". "Your duties will be clearly spelled out in writing". "Either you accept this change and send these Norwich Firefighters or you leave". "If not, we will find someone who is really concerned with the publics safety and put them in charge". What gives these people the right to dictate to an entire city ? Why are people so afraid to stand up to them ? There are many documented cases in which the decisions they have made are totally wrong by any standards. If nothing changes soon, I can assure you they will one day be held accountable for their actions or lack there of. Don't let these individuals drag you through the mud with them. Because I fear that could very well happen. Our Previous City Officials were all aware of this as well, yet they allowed this to continue. This marks the "Eighth Incident" since I began documenting cases starting in February, 2015. ALL of which the Norwich Fire Department SHOULD HAVE RESPONDED. But, THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO RESPOND. And being totally honest with you, these incidents are only the ones that "I" am aware of. There could very well be more. In closing, it is now up to you and I ask that you please consider the RIGHT thing to do for the benefit of ALL the citizens. The lives of our citizens, your friends, their children, are all at stake here. Most have no idea of exactly what is going on here. Unless these Fire Commanders are willing to make these changes now, "tell them to pack their bags". "Their services are NO Longer required". You as our city officials owe that to the people of this city. Now for that video. This is what can happen if a bedroom fire is not attacked in the very early stages. This could very well have been the case Saturday night August 27, 2016 at the Brief Care Building, Room 377, at the Uncas on the Thames Campus. Thank you for your concern and I will work with you in any way I can to help make our city a safer place". End Quote www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezJ6SorlpJo

These are jobs that if those Port Chester Firefighters had NOT been eliminated, perhaps could have been filled by younger volunteer members currently from within the Town of Port Chester. They sure MIGHT have had a better chance of becoming a career firefighter if not taken by those Port Chester Firefighters. But can you blame these places like Rye Brook and Rye. Those guys can just step right into these jobs. So those younger wanna be career firefighters just think about this. Not only did your leaders sell those Port Chester Firefighters down the river, "they did it to you too". So you all can personally thank your Fire Service Leaders for taking a great possible future away from "YOU TOO". And for the younger volunteer members OUTSIDE of Port Chester who have any hopes of someday becoming a career firefighter, "just remember what happened here". It won't affect me, but it sure might have an affect on you.

I would think that is ruling could certainly be appealed. Espically if there was a written contract by these Port Chester Firefighters when these lay offs took effect. That is a legal document agreed upon by and signed by each side. If there was no contract in place, then I think it could be much tougher to appeal it.

In 1975 I took the test for Bridgeport. Didn't get the job because I didn't look the way they wanted me too. Basically I didn't get it because of Affirmative Action. Yet I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the same schools as some of those that did get it. Shortly after I got a job as a firefighter in another smaller Connecticut city. Where I spent 30 years on the job, 13 of which as an officer. Later one of the affirmative action candidates was arrested for driving a get away car in a murder. Others got two years back pay and benefits after winning their court case. Some worked the job for two or three months, took all that back pay and quit the job never to be seen again. Hartford has had similar cases. What is really sad is the decent people who earned these jobs, some who would have easily gotten them without putting affirmative action to work for them.

That is an interesting point. In particular the part about "renting out a room to someone who could assist". That was exactly the case recently I know of. An honest, trustworthy woman, moved in to care for an elderly person. She was NOT a certified CNA, and did NOT drive a car. But she was there to take care of that person and a family member did the shopping etc, or to cover for a day off that this caregiver was given. She was NOT employed through any agency. She took very good care of this elderly person until the person passed away. The problem for her was once she passed away, she was out of work. With no other skills and no drivers license, she was then had no place to go. As a result, she had to move out of state where I believe she is now living with her son. She is willing to work but few will offer her the chance.

I think most SOPs would clearly state the engine co to leave the front of the building open for any incoming ladder company. That's a pretty standard policy. Basically what it says is: "You can stretch more line but you can't stretch more ladder". Whatever the way the boss there decided to fight that fire was his responsibility. In this case the point is NOT "HOW he decided to fight it", "but how long it took them before they even could BEGIN to fight it".