nfd2004

The miniaturization continues. What will they shrink next?

These cars are not for routine patrol.
They are not assigned as precinct sector cars.
Most are assigned to Traffic Enforcement and many are operated by Traffic Agents.
They are assigned to precincts, but are primarily used for summons duty and traffic enforcement.
They are not used to answer emergency calls, transport prisoners or complainants, or any normal patrol function.
They are utilized in limited patrol settings, such as parks and boardwalks where traditional RMP's may encounter difficulties.

They are replacing the three-wheeled scooters.
These vehicles have the following advantages over a three-wheeled scooter:
real heat,
A/C,
better seating for operator and the ability to seat more than one person,
more storage, 
am/fm radio,
seatbelts,
airbag,
side-impact protection,
require no mcy license to drive,
...and I am sure a few other benefits.

oh, and they cost about $2,500 less than a three-wheeled scooter.

They "DO" look like "Clown Cars" and I know I wouldn't want to be the guy driving it. I have trouble getting out of a full size SUV, let alone this little midget.
 
BUT, maybe for practical purposes, it's use will be very good getting around tight traffic spots of Manhattan, or as those scooters were sometimes used, for the parks and maybe a few housing projects.
 
The plus side of it for the officers is that they are heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer. New York City is the Proving Ground for anything new. Whether it be the police dept or the fire dept.
 
 As I look back on the years, at least as I remember, with few exceptions, it was NYC that changed from OPEN CAB fire apparatus to ENCLOSED CAB fire apparatus. After that we all just followed. Or from three quarter boots to bunker gear.  NYC was the first place to have a designated fire company as a FAST Co, despite what others might like to take credit for. Which in the beginning was referred to as a FAT Company (Firefighter Assist Team).
 
 Whether the "Clown Cars" work for the NYPD is something that NYC will test for any other major city before they have to spend the money for themselves.
 
 All kidding aside, any police or fire chief, police officer or firefighter, that wants to learn from the most experienced department in the world, "they are very often willing to share the information they have to others who may need it. For those who live just outside the NYC area, you have a pretty good opportunity to learn from the most experienced. Just don't go in there and tell them how to do their job. I know on a few occasions, and ONLY A FEW, I had such a character with me. He ended up making a fool of himself and it just didn't go over too well. 
 
 In this case, if your a Police Chief, let NYC do the work for you. If your department might have an interest in anything like this, give them a year trial and see how they work out. I know before the fire dept made any commitment on bunker gear, that's just what they did. A trail period of one year in some busy companies before they made the final decision to buy about 10,000 sets of bunker gear.

They "DO" look like "Clown Cars" and I know I wouldn't want to be the guy driving it. I have trouble getting out of a full size SUV, let alone this little midget.
 
BUT, maybe for practical purposes, it's use will be very good getting around tight traffic spots of Manhattan, or as those scooters were sometimes used, for the parks and maybe a few housing projects.
 
The plus side of it for the officers is that they are heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer. New York City is the Proving Ground for anything new. Whether it be the police dept or the fire dept.
 
 As I look back on the years, at least as I remember, with few exceptions, it was NYC that changed from OPEN CAB fire apparatus to ENCLOSED CAB fire apparatus. After that we all just followed. Or from three quarter boots to bunker gear.  NYC was the first place to have a designated fire company as a FAST Co, despite what others might like to take credit for. Which in the beginning was referred to as a FAT Company (Firefighter Assist Team).
 
 Whether the "Clown Cars" work for the NYPD is something that NYC will test for any other major city before they have to spend the money for themselves.
 
 All kidding aside, any police or fire chief, police officer or firefighter, that wants to learn from the most experienced department in the world, "they are very often willing to share the information they have to others who may need it. For those who live just outside the NYC area, you have a pretty good opportunity to learn from the most experienced. Just don't go in there and tell them how to do their job. I know on a few occasions, and ONLY A FEW, I had such a character with me. He ended up making a fool of himself and it just didn't go over too well. 
 
 In this case, if your a Police Chief, let NYC do the work for you. If your department might have an interest in anything like this, give them a year trial and see how they work out. I know before the fire dept made any commitment on bunker gear, that's just what they did. A trail period of one year in some busy companies before they made the final decision to buy about 10,000 sets of bunker gear.

I sent this email to TWO members of the Yantic FD on August 7, 2017. They had contacted me earlier through my email address regarding this issue. I don't personally know these two individuals.
This is part 1 of 2 - although the entire mail was originally sent as ONE.
 
QUOTE:
To: Yantic FD member - Brian K.
      Yantic FD member - Chris C.
 
I kept your email addresses and I would like to pass on a few thoughts that I'm hoping you will pass onto the members on the Yantic FD. Especially to the officers and the Chief. Just a couple of thoughts that I think the guys might be interested in.
 
 1) I am told that when one member of the Yantic FD needed transportation to his doctors appointments or medical treatments and he wasn't able to get there, "it was a member of the Norwich Fire Dept that took him there".
 
 2) I am also told that recently a former Fire Chief from another department apologized to the Norwich Fire Dept for the way he acted AGAINST those Norwich Firefighters during his time as chief.
 
 3) About four or five years ago, I organized a FREE Class to help anyone interested in becoming a career firefighter. How to prepare for the written, the oral, and the CPAT agility etc. I was able to get use of the Jorden Firehouse in Waterford to use the night of that class. I was also joined by another Norwich Firefighter, Retired B/C Stu C., as well as one career firefighter from New London, West Hartford, Hamden, and Stamford. Those guys didn't ask for ONE DIME. Not even gas money. In addition, the guys set up separate tutoring sessions to give more help to individuals living closer to their area.
  One guy who attended that class was Ryan F., who at the time was a member of the Yantic FD. As you know, he is now employed as a Norwich Firefighter. He credits that class and Norwich FD Retired B/C Paul S., for helping him to get that job.
 
 4) After some comments were made accusing the Norwich Fire Chief of putting his own firefighters at risk, I checked into that. NOT ONE NORWICH FIREFIGHTER EVER MADE SUCH A STATEMENT. That rumor is Totally FALSE. In fact, he is very much concerned with the safety of his members.
 
 5) When some individuals falsely accused current members of the Norwich Fire Dept of "encouraging me" to begin this campaign roughly 2 1/2 years ago, requesting the nearest, quickest fire dept to respond to serious incidents within this city, that was totally WRONG as well. That has been all of my own "free will". In fact, for the first year or so, I was discouraged from taking such action by Norwich Fire Chief Scandariato and President Scott M., IAFF892. I was told at the time that a plan was in the works that would benefit EVERYONE.
  AGAIN - NO MEMBER OF THE NORWICH FIRE DEPT EVER ENCOURAGED ME TO PURSUE THIS CAMPAIGN.
 
 6) I am being told by some city officials that the Fire Chiefs of Taftville, East Great Plains, Laurel Hill, and Occum are ready and willing to agree to working more closely with the Norwich FD, for the benefit of ALL the citizens and their own members. We have seen proof of that since the first of the year by requesting the Norwich FD to the scene.
   a - December 31, 2016 (New Years Eve) - East Great Plains - Fire in an office building located at 598 West Main St.
   b - July 3, 2017 - Taftville - Fire in an apartment building at 3-7 South Second St (exactly one year after a front page headline story July 3, 2016 titled: "Norwich's Fire Service More Fractured Than Ever Officials Say").
   c- July 28, 2017 - East Great Plains - Structure fire in a large wood frame building (Cottage 6) at Uncas on the Thames Complex, 401 West Thames St.
 
 Just ONE YEAR PRIOR to that, Five serious incidents within the city had NO Norwich FD Response - despite the NFD being closer than any second due fire company. The list includes:
  a - Yantic - Norwichtown Rehab - 93 West Town St
  b - East Great Plains - 401 West Thames St. - 2 1/2 frame known as Cottage 8.
  c - Yantic - U.S. Foods - 222 Otrabando Ave - Dangerous Chemical Leak - Norwich Fire Dept Haz Mat Team responds at the request of U.S. Sub Base FD Officer responding from Groton 15 miles away.
  d - Yantic - 182 Vergason Ave - Structure fire with reported children trapped
  e - Occum - 17 Taftville Occum Rd - Structure fire.
 
 So clearly as you can see by the incidents described there has been some very good progress made throughout the city. The ONLY issue of concern is the Yantic Fire Dept. Why ?
 
 Why is it necessary to call a fire dept like Colchester - 14 miles away, to an incident in which TWO STAFFED fire stations are much closer. Norwich Fire Headquarters - 2.8 miles, and Engine 2 - 3.9 miles away.
 
 If the reason being that Colchester is listed on the next running assignment at Norwich Dispatch, that may NOT hold up should a very serious incident occur as a result of that action.
 
 In addition, few, if any firefighters themselves actually agree with this. They feel that goes AGAINST any logical, common sense rule on the fire ground. It could be a very tough one to prove otherwise.
 
7) I have been told by MORE than one individual that the younger members of the Yantic FD feel they should work more closely with the members of the Norwich FD. I've also been told that there is some pressure put on them by many of the more senior members to do otherwise. However, I'm sure that you know much more about that than I do.
  But here is an example from many years ago;
   When I was offered the job to become a Norwich Firefighter, the guy ahead of me on the hiring list was a member of the Yantic FD. When he was offered the job BEFORE ME, he turned it down and I was hired instead. The reason he turned it down.....because then, Yantic Fire Chief Walter K., told him not to take it.
 
 8) I also understand that the Yantic FD has it's own fireground radio frequency that might be put in use at the scene of an incident. Is this an FCC assigned frequency to be used solely by the Yantic FD without regard to any Incident Command System ? Do the officers realize how this can have a serious affect on the Yantic members and other firefighters operating on the scene. As well as civilians and members reporting fire conditions within an area. Creating a very dangerous situation to all who do not have these radios.
 
 9) There are also reports of city owned fire apparatus arriving on the scene, when in fact that is NOT the case. But actually a civilian owned, personnel vehicle rather than a piece of fire apparatus as a way of perhaps "padding response times". Below is a photo taken of what appears to be a personnel vehicle and NOT a piece of city owned fire apparatus. When this vehicle arrived the operator stated: "Squad 36 is on the scene". Is this Squad 36 ?
  * Note for the purpose of this web site - I was NOT able to show that picture of a maroon colored pick up truck - personnel vehicle *
  The problem today is we never know who's out there taking photos or videos of an incident. In this case as the civilian was being put into the ambulance (parked behind this vehicle) a small rescue truck was about to arrive. When that happened the incident was over and before that small rescue truck had arrived, the driver of the pick up truck said on a portable radio; "Squad 36 you can return".
  There are other reports of such activity as well.
  This could really go sour if something were to go wrong (accident etc) prior to the actual arrival of any piece of fire apparatus.
 
 I am very happy to see that so much progress has been gained over the past two years. It has certainly been a very tough journey. But it's well worth it. To get four out of five depts. to understand and cooperate is something that the Fire Chiefs of East Great Plains, Taftville, Occum, and Laurel Hill should be very proud of. They have taken a serious look at the priorities of their own members, as well as the civilians they are assigned to protect.
  But why not 100 %. What is the issue with the other 20 % ? Is everybody else wrong ?
 
   TO BE CONTINUED..........as part 2 of 2.
 
 
 

Time for another Progress Report. I must say that things have GREATLY IMPROVED since New Years Eve, 2017. I had another meeting with the Norwich City Manager on Wednesday August 16th. Here is an email that I sent out to individuals on how that meeting went, including two members of the Yantic FD.
 
 QUOTE -
  On Wednesday afternoon, August 16, 2017, I met for the second time since January with the Norwich City Manager, Mr John Salomone. Of course this was in regards to my campaign to take on the issue of the Norwich Fire Dept responding to the Town area known as the TCD. I would like to share with you and the members of the Yantic FD, some of the highlights of that meeting. I am also sending a copy of this to City Manager John Salamone, City Council member/Safety Committee - Bill Nash, and City Council member Jerry Martin for taking a special interest in hearing my side of the story. They do a very difficult and thankless job. I've told them many times, "They never have to worry about me wanting to take it over". I would like them to know that there has been much progress made, so their efforts have not been in vain. THANK YOU.
 
 1) Both the City Manager and I AGREED that there has been much improvement since the beginning of the year starting with a fire on New Years Eve in the East Great Plains Fire District. Since that time, there have been a total of six incidents throughout the TCD area which required additional resources beyond the first due response area. Of the six, five brought out the Norwich Fire Dept.
    1a) Three involved the East Great Plains area
    2a) One involved the Taftville area.
  The other two involved the Yantic Fire District area.
    3a) In one case I am told the Norwich FD only responded because the Mohegan Sun Tribal Dept (FAST CO) was busy elsewhere.
    4a) The other, The Norwich FD did NOT respond. But instead the EGP and Colchester FDs responded. I learned that the fact that Colchester FD was requested from "14 miles away", Yantic Fire Commanders have come under criticism by city officials and even citizens with no ties to the fire service.
 
  We both agree that the focus seems to be mainly on some of the leadership within the Yantic FD. Those leaders are burying themselves within their own peers throughout the city. Even those outside the city are asking questions about it. I am being told by several individuals , including a few council members, that even some of the younger members of the Yantic FD want to work more closely with the Norwich FD.
 
 2) The city manager read an email to me he received regarding a joint drill that apparently was organized by one of the younger Lts within the Yantic FD. The email was written to the city manager by Norwich Fire Chief Scandariato, expressing his appreciation to this younger member for helping to set up this joint drill involving the Yantic FD and the Norwich FD. Of course some of the older Yantic leaders boycotted that drill.
 
 3) With the Yantic issue in mind, I presented the case of a very recent structure fire on Orchard St in the Norwich FD district. In that case , NFD requested the Taftville FD and Mohegan Tribe FD as the FAST CO. What if the Fire Commander of that incident had requested perhaps the Bozrah FD or Colchester FD (14 miles away) instead. Would that be acceptable ?
 
 4) I also presented the "What if" case of a passerby reporting smoke coming from a house in the Yantic FD district. Yantic request EGP and Taftville. They then realize that there is a serious fire condition in that house. Additional help is requested from Bozrah and Colchester. As the fire is knocked down, it now becomes known that there is not one, BUT, FIVE members of a family that perished. This becomes a National News story with the major TV channels covering this. Those reporters now learn that there were TWO staffed firehouses much closer that never responded. What does the city officials or fire commanders tell the news media then ?
 
  In the PREVIOUS year there were at least SIX incidents throughout the city which required the  response of an additional department in the TCD area. Even though the Norwich Fire Dept was staffed and closer, NOT ONCE did they respond.
 
 For the last 2 1/2 years, I have taken on this job at my own free will. It hasn't been easy at all. But I am in the perfect position to try and do something about it. I have talked with people, text. called, and emailed. I have come under fire through face book slander by some. I have even come under fire by some of my own peers. In the long run, I certainly think it's been worth it. I think there is no doubt an improvement. It's not over yet. But I'm seeing and hearing that some of the leadership within the Yantic FD is being laughed at by their own peers throughout the area. Either those types of leaders change or their days are most likely numbered.
  END of Quote.
 
 I also shared this with two members of the Yantic FD and I understand it was read at one of their meetings.
 
 I also sent an earlier email to them as well based on a few very interesting facts that perhaps some did not know. Soon I'll post that as well.

If the Port Chester firefighters committed these offenses they are WRONG. Calling in a false alarm, spitting on an individual should not be tolerated. As frustrated as those Port Chester Firefighters might have been, this kind of activity just can't be done. If these charges are correct, "it is an embarrassment to all career firefighters, no matter where they are from". When a firefighter commits a wrong doing, it is a reflection on all other firefighters.
 
Have the individual firefighters who committed such offense been named and singled out ? Are there witnesses willing to come forward with facts ? Are there photos or videos of such action ? On the contrary, I think there is an audio of Chief Quinn suggesting members break windows at the home of a career firefighter union official.  Two Wrongs don't make a Right.
 
 The Fire Service is probably the only place were there has been more hatred among those who are expected to help each other than perhaps a victim towards a their criminal. Really very sad when you think about it. As a volunteer firefighter in one town serving with career firefighters, we got along great. Then as a career firefighter serving in another town with volunteer firefighters it has been decades of hating each other. Two totally different worlds only about 75 miles apart.

I would like to introduce you to a lady who lives in Oklahoma and who has taken the time to honor all of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs/Medics, as well as our military. Her name is Linda Wells and she has produced many videos to honor those who serve us each and everyday. Those who risk their lives for us. Those who have been responsible for saving so many lives. It is her way of saying Thank you.
 
I believe (?) she has become a member of this site with user name "imlost2you". Her goal is to do a video honoring these members of every state in our entire country.
 
 She has quite a story to tell of herself, including being a POW for 47 days. I salute this woman for all she has done. I know she has done much more than I have ever did.
 
 Here are just two of her videos that she has produced. They honor our Brothers and Sister Firefighters in both New York and Connecticut (my home state).
 
 Thank you Linda for ALL you have done. (I hope these links work)
 
 1) New York FD - Suspicious minds sung by the famous Elvis Presley
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJwkAHwyYtk 
 
2) Connecticut FD - Will you wait for me by Brett Young
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGXZpPXjBA

A new policy has been established by the Career Department in Norwich. Perhaps this policy should have been established a long time ago.
 
In order to assure a faster response to an incident, if a second source is received or there are numerous calls reporting a fire within a building, the dispatchers are to now automatically dispatch the volunteer fire depts. assigned on the second alarm and they are to stage one block from the incident. If I have it correct, this response is usually made up of one engine from one volunteer dept, another engine co from another volunteer dept., plus one ladder from another volunteer dept, within the city.
 
 It remains to be seen if the volunteer depts. will do the same. With very few exceptions, it is the Career dept that is usually the closest and certainly can get there the fastest throughout most of the city. Will "they" be likewise dispatched based on a second source or numerous calls ? I guess we'll find out when the time comes.

If the Port Chester firefighters committed these offenses they are WRONG. Calling in a false alarm, spitting on an individual should not be tolerated. As frustrated as those Port Chester Firefighters might have been, this kind of activity just can't be done. If these charges are correct, "it is an embarrassment to all career firefighters, no matter where they are from". When a firefighter commits a wrong doing, it is a reflection on all other firefighters.
 
Have the individual firefighters who committed such offense been named and singled out ? Are there witnesses willing to come forward with facts ? Are there photos or videos of such action ? On the contrary, I think there is an audio of Chief Quinn suggesting members break windows at the home of a career firefighter union official.  Two Wrongs don't make a Right.
 
 The Fire Service is probably the only place were there has been more hatred among those who are expected to help each other than perhaps a victim towards a their criminal. Really very sad when you think about it. As a volunteer firefighter in one town serving with career firefighters, we got along great. Then as a career firefighter serving in another town with volunteer firefighters it has been decades of hating each other. Two totally different worlds only about 75 miles apart.

If the Port Chester firefighters committed these offenses they are WRONG. Calling in a false alarm, spitting on an individual should not be tolerated. As frustrated as those Port Chester Firefighters might have been, this kind of activity just can't be done. If these charges are correct, "it is an embarrassment to all career firefighters, no matter where they are from". When a firefighter commits a wrong doing, it is a reflection on all other firefighters.
 
Have the individual firefighters who committed such offense been named and singled out ? Are there witnesses willing to come forward with facts ? Are there photos or videos of such action ? On the contrary, I think there is an audio of Chief Quinn suggesting members break windows at the home of a career firefighter union official.  Two Wrongs don't make a Right.
 
 The Fire Service is probably the only place were there has been more hatred among those who are expected to help each other than perhaps a victim towards a their criminal. Really very sad when you think about it. As a volunteer firefighter in one town serving with career firefighters, we got along great. Then as a career firefighter serving in another town with volunteer firefighters it has been decades of hating each other. Two totally different worlds only about 75 miles apart.

 
http://nypost.com/2017/05/21/jetblue-honors-nypds-heroes-with-painted-plane/

I have no idea how the operators of those two HUGE rigs were able to get them through some of those streets with cars parked on both sides.
 
 Then once they got there, came the job of being able to get that bucket up. That required the use of those outriggers to be come out and put down. The distance of the overall spread was much more than other aerials or tower ladders.
 
 What a GREAT JOB those guys did operating a truck of that size on some of those NYC streets.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-jersey-roosevelt-volunteer-fire-department-bond-vote-badge-417487813.html
Link to the story.
Why should a town of 900 people, and not even 2 square miles have its own FD ? Great merge it with nearby departments and let the members join other departments in the area.

They can call Port Chester  volunteers they have over 300 !

Thank you very much for posting this story. I would like to pass it on as well.
 
Today, Saturday March 25, 2017, in carrying on with the tradition of George, the Steinbrenner Family will open Yankee Stadium for FDNY/EMS EMT Yadiro Arroyo's funeral logistics.
 
Arroyo, 44, was killed last week by a schizophrenic, career criminal., who tried to steal her ambulance and ran her down with her own vehicle.
 
For One Day, Yankee Stadium will be the House that Yadira built.
 
The Bronx Bombers will provide free parking today (Saturday 3/25/2017), for some of the 10,000 people expected to be at slain EMT Yadira Arroy's funeral.
 
EMTs and Medics from around the nation are expected in the city to honor the mother of FIVE.
 
The Yankees will cover the cost of opening and staffing parking lots, including those opposite the stadium, gates 4 and 8, for the roughly 5,000 cars and buses expected.
 
The Yankees arranged for the post funeral meal with refreshments and food served in the ball parks Great Hall between 1 pm and 4:45 pm.
 
 Here we Remember FDNY/EMS EMT Yadira Arroya, who spent 14 years saving lives in the City of New York. May she Rest in Peace and THANK YOU for your dedicated years of service to the citizens and visitors of New York City.
 
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvnUVkyU_M

Thank you very much for posting this story. I would like to pass it on as well.
 
Today, Saturday March 25, 2017, in carrying on with the tradition of George, the Steinbrenner Family will open Yankee Stadium for FDNY/EMS EMT Yadiro Arroyo's funeral logistics.
 
Arroyo, 44, was killed last week by a schizophrenic, career criminal., who tried to steal her ambulance and ran her down with her own vehicle.
 
For One Day, Yankee Stadium will be the House that Yadira built.
 
The Bronx Bombers will provide free parking today (Saturday 3/25/2017), for some of the 10,000 people expected to be at slain EMT Yadira Arroy's funeral.
 
EMTs and Medics from around the nation are expected in the city to honor the mother of FIVE.
 
The Yankees will cover the cost of opening and staffing parking lots, including those opposite the stadium, gates 4 and 8, for the roughly 5,000 cars and buses expected.
 
The Yankees arranged for the post funeral meal with refreshments and food served in the ball parks Great Hall between 1 pm and 4:45 pm.
 
 Here we Remember FDNY/EMS EMT Yadira Arroya, who spent 14 years saving lives in the City of New York. May she Rest in Peace and THANK YOU for your dedicated years of service to the citizens and visitors of New York City.
 
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvnUVkyU_M

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
 
 Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE".
 
  THEY CAN NOT SEE
  THEY CAN NOT BREATHE
  THEY BECOME DISORINATED
  THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN
 
 Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know.
 
 At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters.
 
 We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".
 
  

Thank you very much for posting this story. I would like to pass it on as well.
 
Today, Saturday March 25, 2017, in carrying on with the tradition of George, the Steinbrenner Family will open Yankee Stadium for FDNY/EMS EMT Yadiro Arroyo's funeral logistics.
 
Arroyo, 44, was killed last week by a schizophrenic, career criminal., who tried to steal her ambulance and ran her down with her own vehicle.
 
For One Day, Yankee Stadium will be the House that Yadira built.
 
The Bronx Bombers will provide free parking today (Saturday 3/25/2017), for some of the 10,000 people expected to be at slain EMT Yadira Arroy's funeral.
 
EMTs and Medics from around the nation are expected in the city to honor the mother of FIVE.
 
The Yankees will cover the cost of opening and staffing parking lots, including those opposite the stadium, gates 4 and 8, for the roughly 5,000 cars and buses expected.
 
The Yankees arranged for the post funeral meal with refreshments and food served in the ball parks Great Hall between 1 pm and 4:45 pm.
 
 Here we Remember FDNY/EMS EMT Yadira Arroya, who spent 14 years saving lives in the City of New York. May she Rest in Peace and THANK YOU for your dedicated years of service to the citizens and visitors of New York City.
 
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvnUVkyU_M

Thank you very much for posting this story. I would like to pass it on as well.
 
Today, Saturday March 25, 2017, in carrying on with the tradition of George, the Steinbrenner Family will open Yankee Stadium for FDNY/EMS EMT Yadiro Arroyo's funeral logistics.
 
Arroyo, 44, was killed last week by a schizophrenic, career criminal., who tried to steal her ambulance and ran her down with her own vehicle.
 
For One Day, Yankee Stadium will be the House that Yadira built.
 
The Bronx Bombers will provide free parking today (Saturday 3/25/2017), for some of the 10,000 people expected to be at slain EMT Yadira Arroy's funeral.
 
EMTs and Medics from around the nation are expected in the city to honor the mother of FIVE.
 
The Yankees will cover the cost of opening and staffing parking lots, including those opposite the stadium, gates 4 and 8, for the roughly 5,000 cars and buses expected.
 
The Yankees arranged for the post funeral meal with refreshments and food served in the ball parks Great Hall between 1 pm and 4:45 pm.
 
 Here we Remember FDNY/EMS EMT Yadira Arroya, who spent 14 years saving lives in the City of New York. May she Rest in Peace and THANK YOU for your dedicated years of service to the citizens and visitors of New York City.
 
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvnUVkyU_M

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
 
 Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE".
 
  THEY CAN NOT SEE
  THEY CAN NOT BREATHE
  THEY BECOME DISORINATED
  THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN
 
 Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know.
 
 At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters.
 
 We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".
 
  

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
 
 Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE".
 
  THEY CAN NOT SEE
  THEY CAN NOT BREATHE
  THEY BECOME DISORINATED
  THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN
 
 Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know.
 
 At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters.
 
 We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".
 
  

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
 
 Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE".
 
  THEY CAN NOT SEE
  THEY CAN NOT BREATHE
  THEY BECOME DISORINATED
  THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN
 
 Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know.
 
 At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters.
 
 We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".
 
  

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
 
 Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE".
 
  THEY CAN NOT SEE
  THEY CAN NOT BREATHE
  THEY BECOME DISORINATED
  THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN
 
 Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know.
 
 At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters.
 
 We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".
 
  

If the members currently assigned to this firehouse want to be considered "professional" then they must meet those "professional standards". Beginning with a quick response out the door when the alarm comes in. The question is, "will they be able to replace the laid off professional career firefighters who once operated out of that firehouse" ? That means 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
 
 Any one who has ever been inside a burning building knows very well how dangerous it is and how quickly that heat and smoke can build up. As firefighters operating inside those buildings we get to appreciate our protective equipment, and our life saving air pack giving us fresh air. It's tough enough for those guys, BUT for the UNtrained and Unprotected citizens trapped in there, "IT's VERY MUCH WORSE".
 
  THEY CAN NOT SEE
  THEY CAN NOT BREATHE
  THEY BECOME DISORINATED
  THEIR SKIN MAY START TO BURN
 
 Every passing second counts as they try to breathe. For those people there may be no way out. The super heated air that's left starts to burn their lungs as every breath they try to take. They are the one's that will truly decide at that moment who the Professionals really are. The Professionals will make the utmost attempt at getting them out because that's their job and there is NO TIME TO WASTE. This is NOT a Game or some Make Believe Training session. But in a matter of minutes, people could die. Somebodies mother, father, brother, sister, friend. Maybe somebody you know.
 
 At least to me, I consider BOTH Career and Volunteer Firefighters to be Professionals with a very important job to do. But here in Port Chester, it was decided that this job can be completed WITHOUT the use of any career firefighters. Most places these days find it to be quite the OPPOSITE though. Due to todays very busy work schedules and much more training requirements, the volunteer numbers are dwindling and it is necessary to hire MORE Career Firefighters. Not really because they want to, but because they HAVE TO. It is just more and more difficult these days to count on the skills of the required number of volunteer firefighters.
 
 We can assume that Port Chester is about to prove otherwise. As Professionals, those Volunteer Firefighters should be able to prove themselves "Each and Every Time", without the use of any Career Firefighters. So with this unique, newly created situation, many of those involved in todays fire service will be closely watching. "I know I will". But most importantly, for the Citizens who live and work in Port Chester, and for those PROFESSIONALS that Protect Them, "IT'S SHOWTIME".