nfd2004

Yes, "SECTMB" is totally CORRECT. The problem then was there was NO HEATED Cabs to ride inside of like today. In most cases there wasn't even a place to sit. I can tell you, "it really was no fun riding that back step in the middle of some Sub Zero night coming back from a job. Trying to hang on for dear life with turnout gear (as it was called) and gloves covered in ice with frozen hands under them. "They didn't tell that story on those T-shirts". Then came those super hot humid days, and a totally different story. No nice cool air conditioned cabs to cool down in. Take it from a guy who "DID" ride the back step. It really didn't take too long to realize, "this really isn't that much fun anymore'. To my Brothers out there that did ride the back step, "you know exactly what I'm talking about". For those that DIDN'T, "just be very thankful for the simple things you have today". And just try to remember, it's not that those guys that rode the back step were plain stupid. It's just that there was NO OTHER OPTION.

Thanks Chief. "I kind of sweat it out". I thought to myself, "Man, I respect the $hit outta this guy (referring to you Chief), I sure don't want him coming down on me for this". A little off tale story about Chief JK, aka "Squadstuff". He was a firefighter during a time when there was NOT one fire every week in New Haven, BUT At Least One Fire EVERY SINGLE DAY. Some of us actually referred to it as "The War Years", similar to the days when the FDNY experienced a staggering number of fires. The City of New Haven certainly saw it's share. I'm witness to that and tell about it today. Chief JK was on the busiest companies throughout that city during those years. He worked his way up through the ranks the hard way. Nobody gave him any promotions. As I understand it, Retired Chief JK played a key role in organizing the first two Tactical Units. They were special units assigned the duties similar to a Rescue Company of any large city. One Tac Unit responded to each and every working fire, or any serious pin job throughout the city, haz mat etc. Of course Chief JK was a part of one of those Tac Units himself. Today those Tac Units are now referred to as Squads 1 and 2. They now operate with a Rescue Pumper and operate very similar to the way the Squads throughout the FDNY do. But it was Chief JK who had a hand in first organizing them. As Chief JK also reports, the New Haven Fire Department is rated as a Class 1 fire dept by the Insurance Services Office, known as "ISO". There are currently only THREE Fire Depts in Connecticut that receive that rating. They are Hartford, Milford and of course New Haven. That rating has a huge impact on what people pay for insurance coverage, particularly for large businesses. Let me also tell another very quick story here, somewhat Unrelated but interesting. I had the honor of recently meeting another War Years Firefighter. A retired chief of the FDNY. He was the Captain of Engine Co 82 when a famous book was written called "Report from engine Co 82". About the busiest fire company "in the World". He told me that during July, 1975 while he was captain there, Engine Co 82 responded to "210" all hands or multiple alarm fires. That's an average of 7 Working Fires a Day, 24 hours, every day during the month of July, 1975. Hard to even imagine such numbers today. I would like it to be known that these are the kinds of guys I look up to. Not some rich politicians only concerned about their own political future, standing there making me a bunch of promises. These retired firefighters are the guys I respect. They actually saved hundreds of lives during their careers. "THEY ARE AMERICA's REAL HERO's". Chief JK, I hope you are enjoying a well deserved and healthy retirement.

Chief, my young friend is only trying to help based on his own experience and how it has been since beginning his career with the New Haven Fire Dept. I don't even think he is a member of this site. Believe me, in no way is he trying to give any impression otherwise. I promise everyone, this is not some young cocky kid trying to make a name for himself. He is just a young firefighter who I know and is only trying to offer a potential candidate some advice. I don't think he is trying to over ride any 33 year chief of that department. I would also like to add that as a Brother Firefighter, I have the highest respect for members of that department such as yourself. But it was "MY IDEA", NOT his, to contact this individual to try and help with a question.

Yesterday (7/21) I was contacted by the Norwich Fire Chief. He wanted to tell me that he believes there is some very positive action being taken to improve the system. He did not give me any specifics. Perhaps a large front page, plus an additional full page coverage had something to do with that possible improvement. Perhaps the fact that as of this moment, should those Norwich Firefighters NOT be called to a serious incident some Fire Commander could be held totally accountable for his actions resulting in some legal action against him. In the past, I have witnessed hand shakes and agreements that were broken at the next incident. This time it will be in writing, clearly spelling the type of actions that must be followed. If not followed, then be removed from that position. In addition a possible legal battle, I have witnessed discussions by five career chiefs and several elected volunteer chiefs. Also six or seven separate Union Presidents between several different volunteer fire chiefs over the years. Sit down and talk, talk, talk and more talk with absolutely nothing accomplished. What a waste of time all that was. Only difference is "this time" a newspaper story told citizens within the city, as well as those with family and friends living and working in that city, of a group of firefighters willing to turn their backs on its people rather than make a serious effort to protect them. Firefighters who were apparently willing to go against every rule in the book. I hope whatever it is that this Chief and the Volunteer Chiefs have in mind will finally work out. As I see it, they really have no choice. Lets put these years of old outdated thinking behind us with a future towards what way ALL firefighters can best serve the public.

Sorry, I'm a little late getting back to you but I did send you a message with some info. My NHFD friend was NOT assigned to an Engine Co as I earlier reported. He was "detailed" there for a period of time. He now is assigned to a firehouse where there is an Engine, a Ladder, and an Emergency Medic Unit. He says the officer is pretty good about rotating him around. So that's as I have it from a guy with about 3-4 (?) years on the job.

One thing I've noticed about Firefighters. They have Great memories. They just don't seem to forget anything. Especially if it's about the fire service. As I watched that video, I would have absolutely no patience dealing with local politicians. There are periods in the video where two of the three sitting at that table are doing everything BUT paying attention to the speaker. I guess that's just a normal trait for local king pins. It sure takes a special kind of person to deal with those kinds of people.

The friend I had that got on the job there a few years ago worked as a paramedic on an E-Unit for about two years. He then got assigned to an Engine Co. It wasn't a 10 year requirement that he work an E Unit, just maintain medic status. I'm sure if the need arises whether the beginning of a shift or covering for medics on vac etc, he is still required to work that unit.

After being involved and knowing the system for a very long time, it is my opinion (only opinion), that there was a conscious effort by those involved in the leadership of the Five Volunteer Companies to make the case that "they can prove" to this city, that they are perfectly capable of providing fire service WITHOUT ANY USE of those Career Firefighters. I also believe it was also in the plan to eliminate twelve of those firefighter positions by closing an engine company and reducing the manning on another. They apparently were also working with one or two city council members, as well as one or two outside CAREER Firefighters who went against their own brothers so they could continue to be the heros within their volunteer organizations. In fact during one budget hearing earlier in June, one council member used many facts that seem to point in the direction of one particular OUTSIDE CAREER Firefighter. However, just as expected the Norwich Fire Chief had all of his facts well prepared to present countering those comments. That's how sure the members of that Norwich FD were that this Outside Brother Firefighter would be used against them. Then after that first recorded incident involving a nursing home, apparently most of my opponents thought this "old retired dinosaur" really has NO IDEA what he's talking about and we (Volunteer Chiefs) could just "write him off". When the second serious incident occurred with no response from that closer, fully staffed fire dept., another email was sent out. This time word is, "I am going to the newspaper no matter who tells me not to". Between the time of my scheduled appointment with this newspaper reporter and this second incident - TWO more serious incidents get added to the story. When I do finally meet with that reporter we talk for about two hours. I remind her that she is certainly entitled to hear from the other side and she advises me of such. She tells me that she will be heading to the dispatch center to get some facts related to these incidents so she can start with the story. The next week she contacts me and shows me an email she received. It is apparently from someone who works there and that email basically states: "When you showed up to get the facts, (named individual) was in a PANIC MODE after you left". She was apparently referring to one individual that wears TWO Commanders hats and was directly involved in one of the incidents reported. To this day, I still have no idea who that person reporting this was. However I did see the email claiming to be J. Citizen who apparently was fully aware of what was going on. The reporter was instructed to come back in about a week to get those detailed reports. Once she did get that, those facts conflicted with facts I had given her. Through further investigation those documented facts conflicted with other witnesses and fire dept reports. That story was never mentioned. If that were true, that could very well be a MAJOR story in itself. I will add this as well. I have offered this story to readers of this site in light of what has been going on as posted with some other fire depts. Hopefully stories like these can be avoided BEFORE getting to this point. This is a perfect example how being a fire chief trying to maintain some type of ego has turned around putting them as the main cause of a serious problem. These were the Chiefs that were "Voted in" by their own membership. A leader they chose who is willing to put their own lives at risk rather than call that career fire dept. And now, not only are their moves being watched by some old retired guy who once was a part of this outdated system, but after that newspaper story, maybe those moves are now being watched by many more individuals OUTSIDE of the local fire service.

As the saying goes; "You can run but you can't hide". When the day comes to get the judges decision, that judge will look over the entire case given all the facts. If found that these firefighters were wrongly laid off given any written contract, that could be the deciding factor. As a result, Port Chester's residents/taxpayers could end up paying the price for those dictators wrongful actions. Add in the fact that 4,300 taxpayer signatures were collected to RETAIN those firefighters. Should that happen, once AGAIN the spot light will shine on Port Chester as a "Lesson Learned". I would assume that it could later take place that some residents might then pursue some type action against those who made the final decision to lay off these eight firefighters. It just could happen that ANOTHER LESSON could be learned as well. This story may NOT be ending now. It could actually be only the beginning.

Gamewell, I hope that is the case. They all got other firefighter jobs NEVER to return to Port Chester again. And I hope they win their case and get all back pay that they should have collected as PC Firefighters before some dictator tried to get rid of them. And let those taxpayers know who just is to blame here for costing them all that back pay and benefits.

This is breaking news. CNN and CBS reporting seven police officers shot in Baton Rouge. Three dead. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/baton-rouge-police-officers-shot-wounded-airline-highway/

Our Cops don't have a chance. We loose them and "WE'RE ALL IN TROUBLE".

Any updates on what's the latest news on these laid off Port Chester Firefighters. The fund raiser has reached $5,320. With word that these firefighters have NOT been given their jobs back, have they filed for some type of legal action ? With reported 4,300 signatures filed to hire them back, what is the argument given for not doing so. However, even if they did, that is going to take time. Of course the longer this gores on, the more likely it is to cost the taxpayers much more should those firefighters win their case. I assume they are collecting Unemployment right now. Have any applied for other firefighters jobs ? I assume there has also been an increase in response times ? Does the Port Chester Fire Depts respond to medical incidents as well ?

In this case they have turned their backs NOT only on firefighters, but MORE IMPORTANTLY on the citizens they are assigned to protect. There is even a case where one career firefighter from a different nearby city has posted various statements on the internet going against this career department. All in an effort to defend the local volunteer dept that he belongs to. Will it take the death of a civilian to change this ? No, because that has already happened. The difference now however is that a newspaper article pointing out a past of no regard for human life by some fire commanders. That in addition to the fact that there is a record of several serious incidents now clearly documented over the last year and a half or so. Let me also add this, and Pete "FFCogs", you will understand this much better than others here will. Several years ago I was writing on a web site and commenting on some of the statements made which to me were totally inaccurate. I was contacted by that Norwich Career Chief at the request of some of the local volunteer fire chiefs. This was a fire chief that through a completive testing process came from another state. He had asked me to "tone it down" because as chief he was hoping to improve relations among the career and volunteer fire depts. I had never worked for this chief and I basically told him that I was not about to stop telling what I know to be true facts. My point is that if anybody tried to work with these individuals it was this chief. And if anybody read my earlier post here you also read how he tried to discourage me from going to the newspaper to report these incidents. Apparently it was his hope to try and continue to try and work things out after the first incident. That was unsuccessful and when three other serious events happened, it was time for some retired firefighter and citizen of this city to do something about it. Now as you read this, I also ask you to keep in mind the fact that I was a volunteer firefighter for five years as well. Coming from a very progressive combination fire dept that to this day, still functions using a group of volunteer firefighters. Of course not as many as there once was, just by the virtue of todays society beyond our control. In addition as some may know, I have a brother who retired from the Bridgeport (Ct) Fire Dept as Battalion Chief. He spent his entire career on the busiest companies in that city during a time when Bridgeport was burning every single day/night. Although not directly within the Norwich limits, his story is one of a nearby volunteer fire dept he joined. If I were the chief, I would think we had just won the lottery getting a guy like this. But that didn't happen at all. Apparently the chief there wanted no experienced career firefighters or chiefs around. As a result he no longer belongs to that small town fire dept. My brother was retired and willing to donate his time. He also lived within a quarter mile of that firehouse. He was willing to offer them his services but they apparently would rather not have it. I can't put the blame on the Norwich politicians for that one. A place that has nothing to do with the issues involving the Norwich FD. What I find so different is how many volunteer fire departments throughout the state feel so different. For my friends throughout the state, as well as outside the state, who are volunteer firefighters there is a mutual amount of respect we share among each other. Just NO RESPECT for each other right here in my own neighborhood.

I can only add this relating to this topic. Either a group of people learn exactly what this fire service thing is all about OR when the time comes. somebody just might be forced to learn it the hard way. This does not only pertain to fires either. If some soul is pinned behind his steering wheel screaming he can't breath while he waits for a fire dept to show up, rather than a some on duty staffed one much closer, that might be considered as well. So its not just the guy chocking on some super heated toxic smoke, gasping for air either.

"v85", thank you for your understanding. While I am at it, let me thank this web site for allowing me to tell my side of the story. As I read some of the previous threads on here, I soon realized that I am NOT alone. Other places have similar issues. In most cases I believe it is NOT the peoples safety that concerns some fire service leaders, but rather their own self centered egos that leads them in this direction. And when it comes to the fire service, we all belong to the same club. Any firefighter who has ever been deep inside a burning building can fully understand that is exactly what this thing called Brotherhood is all about - Volunteer or City Paid. "United We Stand - Divided We Fall". The fire service is not designed to serve of our own self serving egos for our own satisfaction. But for every single person out there who depends on each of us to be there for them in their desperate time of need.

That is very interesting. I'll pass that on. It could possibly be used as a "last ditch effort" to defend some so called Fire Commander the next time this happens. Because yes, "Big Brother is watching". That Big Brother is ready and willing to assist anyone affected by this style of fire ground tactics. City Officials, as well as those Fire Commanders, have been made fully aware of that. Whatever those Incident Commanders decide to do next time could very well put them in the spotlight of some type of legal action. Would that hopscotch plan also cover the reason of not sending that fire dept that was only 1.8 miles away, fully staffed, while calling two other Unstaffed departments from 5 and 8 miles away respectively. What about the Haz Mat incident where a Haz Mat team was called from some 15 miles away, rather than the closer Haz Mat Team only 3 miles away. Might I also add that was fully capable of providing the two in/two out requirement. Does it work like that if a civilian or several people are trapped in a room above a fire who can't breathe. Their lungs being filled up with heat and toxic smoke and desperate to find a way out ? Would it still be a good idea to put that hopscotch plan into effect even for the closest or next closet department, as was the case in all of these incidents throughout that city. The fact presented also that some chiefs will not call for a neighboring FAST CO because "they could get too emotionally involved" is certainly a new one to me. Would that same rule hold true in a place like New York City ? I was always told that it was the early stages of fighting a fire that firefighters might have the most need for the FAST CO. It's been a while since I attended any fire school but I sure am out of touch to the fire service of today. "v85", please understand that I do appreciate your comment made here. You are only suggesting what could be the reasons for a fire department to operate under these conditions. However, the job of the fire service no matter where it is, is still to save lives and property. Whether those lives are the lives of civilians or firefighters who depend on their Brothers/Sisters to save their lives. That is really what it's all about. People in trouble and dying should certainly receive a much higher priority than worrying about not depleting another side of the city. Or even when it comes to protecting their property. Should a fire dept commander hopscotch a department while the nearby exposure starts to light up. As I have told many people in the past, "who would you want to respond if it were a close friend or family member in need of some quick life saving action" ? Better yet, what if YOU were the one trapped in that room trying to get out. All while the heat and smoke gets worse by the seconds and you can't breath. And you are unable to find your way out of your own house because the smoke is so thick. My guess is that it would feel like you are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean trying to find your way back, except you are right inside your own house.

Here is an interesting video of a fire that occurred a few years ago in Norwich, Ct. This fire occurred in the area covered by the Norwich Fire Dept (career). Of course ALL Five of the city's Volunteer Departments were requested to respond. Yet according to the first few sentences of that newspaper article (Post # 1), if this fire had occurred in the Yantic Volunteer FD, that career Norwich FD would NOT be assigned up to and throughout a Fifth Alarm response. Now what if that Norwich FD did NOT call the local five volunteer fire departments for this fire, but rather companies outside the city and from much farther away. Would that be viewed as a good decision ? It happens in the Volunteer districts within the city, yet no one has been held to answer to that kind of foolish decision. Anyway, here is that video in which the Norwich FD called for the FIVE Local Volunteer Companies. So should that Norwich FD operate in a similar mode to the five local volunteer depts. ? Hope this works. www.youtube.com/watch?v=of0WF7O3lf4

On July 12, 2016 many of us watched as a Memorial Service was being held for these FIVE Dallas Police Officers who had been randomly shot down and killed only a few days earlier. A very sad ceremony as we learned of each officers individual life. Most were family members with a wife and children at home. On that date, exactly 30 years ago, July 12, in 1986, there was another tragic event involving a police officer. This involved the shooting of NYPD Officer Steven McDonald while on patrol in New York City's Central Park. As he and his partner approached three young individuals between the ages of 13 and 15, they started to run away. Those teenagers were in possession of a stolen bicycle. One of the suspects hid behind a bush. As Officer McDonald approached him three shots were fired by that youth hitting Officer McDonald. One bullet hit him in the head. A second bullet hit him in his throat causing a speech disability. The third bullet shattered his spine making him a quadriplegic and in need of a ventilator. Since that shooting NYPD Officer wrote a book called; "Why Forgive". He also watched his son follow in his footsteps into the NYPD and recently get promoted within the ranks. Here is a short video that tells some of his story. www.youtube.com/watch?v=buEduIW86wo

I believe that is correct "somebuffyguy". All new members ride those EMS units as a start. Also, only those who took the test will be able to tell what it was like. Otherwise, none of us have any idea on how easy or difficult that test was to take. Generally speaking, I think the first part of any testing process for any firefighter is the written. When those test are designed, they are designed to separate and eliminate the competition. It is really not designed so that everyone will get a high mark and pass. Could we assume that most people taking that written test were below average. It is possible. However I had a friend who got the job last time around. I don't remember how many they hired but I do know there was a huge line waiting to get in to take that test. He came out Number 2 on the list. But really a great guy and I would say well ABOVE average intelligence. Besides already being a paramedic. I also know he was assigned to ride one of those EMS Emergency Units for about a year or so, until he got assigned to an Engine Co.

Thank you for all you do. You keep our country safe Under the red, white, and blue. That was written in a Thank you card by a young child and dropped off at a police station near me.

Of course everyone is certainly free to express their opinion on this subject. No one is obligated to write to any web sites either. That is entirely their own choice. I have been a resident of this city for 40 years. 30 of which was a firefighter, including an officer. Prior to that I was a volunteer firefighter in Fairfield, Ct, a combination dept. At that time among a large group of young volunteer firefighters all hoping to become career firefighters. After taking six firefighters test, I finally get the job in a place I knew very little about. I very quickly learn that I have entered into what I refer to as a "War Zone". I am hated by many for the sole purpose of being a career firefighter. I just could not believe how different things were here in comparison to where I came from just about 75 miles away. In one of the incidents I had mentioned to this newspaper reporter, one volunteer department responding to a house fire drove right by Norwich Fire headquarters while the members were training in the rear parking lot. The Norwich Firehouse was only 1.8 miles away. They could have walked to that fire. It should also be known that after the first incident involving a grease fire at a nursing home around January, 2015, I personally met, one on one, with the Norwich Fire Chief. He advises me to talk to the city manager. I do and that city manager declines to do anything about it. I also later find out that he is a member of one of the volunteer depts. I advise the Chief I plan to go to the newspapers. He asked me NOT to do that, apparently hoping for some comprise. I also went to the Norwich President of IAFF 892 as well. A Captain at the time, who also asked me NOT to push this hoping things could work out. I respectfully complied with their wish. Three more serious incidents go on and I advise the chief, the union president, as well as that city manager, that I have written documents involving each incident and how dangerous this is for both civilians as well as members of the fire dept. I tell them that I now plan to go to the newspaper about this. The Chief and Union President still is not in favor of me doing this. But the Acting City Manager, with only four more DAYS in office tells me "Go ahead and go to the paper". I had then told the Chief and Union President that as a 40 year resident and a retired firefighter, I was in the perfect position to tell this story. I owed no one and I was fed up with the total lack of concern for people of this city. "I really didn't care if people liked me or they didn't". I already knew that many already didn't for the sole purpose of just being a city firefighter. In fact, I never put any IAFF Union decal in my 2011 Nisson car window because of that. As word spreads that I plan to go tell this story, I am WRONGLY ACCUSED of being "Coached" into doing this. That is absolutely UNTRUE. Not one Norwich Firefighter pushed me into doing this. Most just assumed nothing could be done. "I was on my own the entire time" and that is a fact. I met with that reporter several times. A few times she had questions for me which she uncovered that were never brought up in the article. They could be headline stories in themselves. In 2009, there was a fatal fire only a few houses from the Norwich FD response area. In that fire mutual aid was called from much farther away from all volunteer departments. At that time, I should have gotten involved and I regret that I didn't. All I had asked was to have the Norwich FD respond if they were closer than other departments. If that had taken place, there would have been no Front Page story of a "Norwich's Fractured Fire Service". If any member of this site wishes to send any questions or comments to anyone involved, that is their every right to do so. I can also tell you that throughout the State of Connecticut, as well as Va, Fla, NY, and RI, after the release of this newspaper article, many friends of mine, both career and volunteer, retired and active, from firefighter to chief officers, just can NOT believe that any fire dept would operate under these conditions today. Willy D Retired Norwich FD

Just to explain a little better and follow up on the above comment about the FAST Co. Why didn't the Occum FD originally call for the Norwich FD (Staffed), rather than the Yantic FD (Volunteer) for the FAST CO when they were both equal distance or LESS than six miles away ? That is a good question that most of us in the Fire Service today can NOT really understand. Whether it be for a FAST Co response or to become actually involved in the incident, it is hard for me to remember the last time that career dept was called into any of those fire districts. It is my hope to spread the word way beyond the local city limits or this part of Connecticut, to show the world through that newspaper article and through the use of some fire dept web sites, just how foolish these decisions appear as they are viewed from the "outside world". Perhaps, before some innocent people suffer at the hands of these Fire Commanders, they will come to their senses through the embarrassment of their own decisions. Let me suggest as I did earlier, your concern and your help could may be just the right words to make these people reconsider. I'm sure you can do that through their web sites. You don't even have to tell your name. Just that your read what is going on and that change is way overdue. With your RIGHT WORDS telling them of these foolish, very outdated decisions, just perhaps, YOU may indirectly save a life that might not have happened otherwise.

The Norwich FD members are all trained for FAST Co operations. However, the entire city of Norwich uses the Mohegan Tribal as a FAST CO. The Yantic FD is also trained as a FAST CO. I think one of the reasons that the Norwich FD uses the Tribal FAST Team is because they are staffed around the clock and are able to reach any where in the city fairly quickly. Also the Yantic FD is NOT used as a FAST Co because if there is a fire in Norwich they could be assigned to the fire or relocate into that career dept. But you are correct in thinking that the Norwich FD could have also been used as a FAST Co in this latest fire. I don't remember the Norwich FD ever being called into the Vol Area as a FAST Co. It just doesn't happen. For the Vol area it's either Mohegan Sun or Yantic. In the days of horse and steamer, Norwich was divided. Not by any geographical boundary however. We used to say they followed a drunkin' cow around to set up these boundary lines. The boundary lines go from one yard to the next. Your next door neighbor or across the street neighbor could have a totally different fire department respond to their house. All within the same town with the same services except the FD. In 2009 there was a fatal fire (Lafayette St). Several volunteer fire depts. responded from 6-8 miles away. All while a career dept of nine guys remained in their firehouse less than two miles away. Only a few houses separated that response. Its a outdated mess and some think that everything is going along just fine as is.

On Tuesday, July 5th, another fire. TWO DAYS after a front page and a full page article appeared titled: "Norwich's Fractured Fire Service". This fire occurred almost across the street from the first due fire company, the Occum Fire Dept. They along with the Taftville FD were dispatched on the initial call. The Occum Fire Chief, Car 4, was on the scene within minutes reporting "Smoke Showing". He requested the Baltic FD (nearby Town of Sprague) as well as the Yantic FD (within Norwich) to stand by their stations. Within a few minutes, Car 4 requested Baltic to the fire scene as well as Yantic to respond as the FAST Co. While enroute, Yantic was reassigned to go to work and Mohegan Sun Tribal FD was assigned as the FAST CO. Let us just focus on that Yantic FD response as Car 4 requested. Yantic is a fully volunteer fire dept. In this case they are a six miles from the scene. Now lets compare that distance to the On Duty Staffed Norwich FD. 1) Norwich Engine 2 is staffed with an officer and two firefighters. They are one and a half miles closer than that Unstaffed Yantic FD. The distance Eng 2 needed to respond is 4.5 miles away. While Yantic was farther away at 6.0 miles. 2) Norwich Fire Headquarters (Squad A, Engine 3, Truck 1, Batt 1) is staffed with nine firefighters along with a Battalion Chief. They are the EXACT same distance away as Yantic, Unstaffed at 6.0 miles away. Yet, this chief felt it was better to call an Unstaffed fire department with no idea of who might show up rather than a fully trained group of on duty firefighters. Within six miles of this fire the chief had the option of calling a total of 12 on duty firefighters or a volunteer fire dept with UNknown number of qualified firefighters. And in the case of Engine 2, they were even closer. He chose that volunteer dept instead. Which I think goes against every rule in the book. No talks have worked in the past. I had gotten involved over one and a half years ago, and all city officials as well as each volunteer chief was made aware of the request to make changes. A front page newspaper article confirms there are serious problems going on within the fire service here on as that July 3rd article pointed out called; "Norwich's Fractured Fire Service". It seems clear there apparently is no attempt to change things for the benefit of its citizens, as well as members of the fire service. I'm afraid the only answer is to follow through with some type of legal action once a tragic event happens. I will support any type of action necessary to hold any Fire Commander fully responsible for their action involving any innocent victims affected. I have also made that very clear to city officials, as well as each volunteer fire chief of these departments. It should also be known that the Norwich FD has no problem bringing in these departments as mutual aid companies. Seems to be a one way street coming in but not going out. Interesting that the Taftville FD was selected this year to host the upcoming Connecticut Firefighters Convention. It is considered an honor to be selected for this and the planning often starts two years ahead of time. It brings together about 500 fire departments. It is a major boom to the area hotels and restaurants. Many take part from large city's to the smallest rural areas, volunteer as well as career firefighters alike. Now with this "Huge Black Cloud" hanging over this city, will that have any effect on it's visitors. This convention is scheduled to take place between Sept 15-17th.