61MACKBR1

Seth - Your comments were well said and clearly communicated. When you said "For example, maybe Mount Vernon should fire their fire commisioners, and contract with Yonkers for fire protection. All the Mount Vernon staff could be transferred to YFD, and get the better pay, benefits, and most importantly, proper staffing and equipment-that they and their citizens rightly deserve." you may have hit a potential bullseye, but I am not sure if it would go anywhere in Westchester County. Like many areas throughout the country, rather than having individual city, town or village fire departments, some have adoped "District", "Regional" or "County" Fire Departments. Correct me please if I am not correct, but wasn't there some recent talk about "Merging" several Fire Departments (ie: New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and Pelham)? Maybe having a Southern Westchester Fire District, comprising of Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Eastchester, Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Greenville, Larchmont and Ardsley, maybe an idea worth looking into. As well, you could have a Central Westchester Fire District, comprising of Elmsford, Hartsdale, Fairview, White Plains, Harrison, North White Plains, Rye, Blind Brook, Mamaroneck, and Port Chester. And then a Northern Westchester Fire District, with those combined communities within the Northern Section of Westchester County. All would be controlled and managed by the Westchester County - Department of Emergency Services, dispatched by 60 Control, with sets of District Cheifs, Assistant Chiefs, etc. Now for the complicated part. You have the Unions that would certainly not be in favor of such a plan. Then getting all of the Cities, Towns and Villages that dispatch their own Fire Departments (ie: Mount Vernon, Yonkers, etc) to all work out of 60 Control in Valhalla, would certainly present another roadblock to hurdle. Just a concept that I would be interested in hearing what others might have to say about?

Here is a thread to a Photo of New Rochelle's Old TL11, which was retired back in 2006. I think that this was one of the reasons why NRFD borrowed Yonkers FD's Old Spare Ladder 78, to be used as their Spare Ladder (14). With NRFD getting their New Ladder 12, does anyone know if the Old Ladder 12 will now be used as Spare Ladder 14? And if so, what will become of the Loaner Ladder Truck that Yonkers gave New Rochelle to use? http://public.fotki.com/lfd171/westchester...14_retired.html

Mount Vernon FD may not have the proper number of Apparatus that is needed to cover a city the size of MV (hopefully that will be rectified soon with the reinstatement of Engine 1, Ladder 3 and Foam 1), but no one can say that the Members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department don't have the HEART as big as any department in the County, bar none. By reading the article below, you cannot say enougth about the kind gesture given. These guys are "TRUE CLASS" through and through. Mt. Vernon firefighters help injured man celebrate Christmas By THERESA JUVA THE JOURNAL NEWS (Original publication: December 26, 2007) MOUNT VERNON - Bryant Mix received his Christmas gift one step at a time yesterday. Seven Mount Vernon firefighters carried the 22-year-old up three flights of stairs to his grandmother's apartment on Millington Street, so he could celebrate Christmas with 30 relatives. Mix has been unable to walk since July when he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx. He was hospitalized for four months at Jacobi Hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation center. Mix suffered a broken femur, sternum and severed artery in his arm, his grandmother Farnese Shelton said. Yesterday was the first time he was at home with family since the accident, and it would not have been possible without the help of Mount Vernon firefighters from Ladder 3 and Rescue 1, his family said. They marked the event by taking photos of Mix with the fire fighters. "The gesture and timing and being that his condition is what it is, it was extremely warming," Shelton said. She cooked some of Mix's favorite foods for the occasion, including candied yams and sweet potato pie. Mix said the best part of being home was seeing his 2-year-old son. "I can see my son open his first present by himself," he said. Mix's cousin, Larry Oakes, a Mount Vernon firefighter, arranged for him to be carried. He said firefighters are sometimes called to aid people up stairs, but said this situation was special because it was Christmas and Mix was returning home for the first time. "He can't walk without assistance," he said. "He had to be handled very delicately." Last night, seven firefighters came back to the apartment to carry Mix down the stairs when it was time for him to return to the rehabilitation center. Mix said spending Christmas with family boosted his spirit and gave him the motivation to face the months of recovery ahead. Shelton said having her grandson share the holiday with family meant more than any present under the Christmas tree. "It's not so much the gift you give, it's the idea that he is able to be home," she said. "Him being home, it makes Christmas that much better."

Happy Birthday Chief Campbell - Your professionalism and dedication to both the Rank n' File and the Community is "Second to None" You are a model that all Chief's within Westchester County should emulate. Enjoy and Happy Holidays

With the assumption that the current Ladder 12, will now become Spare Ladder 14, what will NRFD do with the Current Spare Ladder 14 (Old YFD Ladder 78) that they got from Yonkers? Will they give it back to Yonkers? Will they Junk it? Will They Sell it? or will it become another Additional Spare Ladder?

Below is a copy of a letter that was distributed in late September to all ALF Distributors:

Just read where "onthejobny.com" and "nycfire.net" are having a TURN BACK THE CLOCK WEEKEND, this upcoming Thanksgiving Weekend. By the sample teaser photo posted (see below), its going to be something really special. Just seeing the Old Yonkers Truck 4, brings back allot of memories (Did you know that besides the CIRCLE on the front grill facade of the Truck that has the Number 4 on it, that same circle (not shown) was also embossed on the actual Ladder, not too far from the controls). PLUS, they are indicating that they have a "Special Announcement" as well (Maybe some converted old 8mm or Super 8mm Film of some Classic Incidents back in the 1960's and 70's Stay Tuned

Absolutely awesome job done by Michael, Joe and the rest of the OnTheJobNY.com and NYCFire.net gang. Those Classic Yonkers FD Shots were great (They don't make rigs like the old Mack C Engine 1 and ALF Midmount Truck 1 (White Cab). They were "Built to Last" . Any change that we might see some "Classic Photos from New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and White Plains sometime in the near future?

Having had the recent opportunity to visit the Fleet Maintenence Department for the City of Orlando, this department is a "First Class" Operation, from Chief Jim Reynolds right down to Michael Belanger, Fleet Management Superintendent. The City of Orlando FD current runs with Sutphens, as their Front Line Engine and Ladder Companies, with 18 Engine Companies, 6 Tower Ladder Companies, 1 Heavy Rescue Company, and 1 Haz-Mat Company. Also, the City of Orlando FD also supports all ALS/EMS Operations thru the use of 8 ALS Ambulances (International/Hortons). They also have a Combined Mask-Air Service/Light Apparatus, along with Dive Rescue Unit, 1 Aircraft Emergency Apparatus (to support the units at the Local Airports), and a Arson/Bomb (EOD) Unit. Below is a photo of their Station 1 (Very Impressive)

Jim - I can get back into the site this morning now as well. Again, kudos to you and Chief Campbell. Are there plans to continue on from Page 17 in the History Section, to include the 1900's (Especially, the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980, and 1990's). Such information on how the Old Companies evolved into the Engine, Truck, Snorkel, Foam, and Rescue Companies they eventually became. Also information about the Volunteer and Paid Departments, and how they were structured during the 1900's would also be very interesting reading Thanks again !!!

Absolutely OUTSTANDING !! Chief Campbell and others within FDMV should be extremely proud of what they have been able to assemble. I understand that this site is still a work in progress, but I think allot of people would like to see some photos of some historical fires/emergencies within Mount Vernon. FINALLY, it is really sad to see FOAM 1, just stilling behind the Fulton Avenue Station, not doing anything. Ideally, I would bet that the members of FDMV would like to see: STATION 1: Engine 6 Ladder 2 STATION 2: Engine 5 Ladder 3 Rescue 1 Foam 1 STATION 3 Engine 3 Ladder 1 Engine 1 STATION 4 Engine 2 Engine 4 This would be, what I believe, the ideal service level for the City of Mount Vernon, New York Again, Kudos to all those who built this wonderful site. And to the Members of FDMV (Past and Present) STAY SAFE and WELL !!

R1 - Thanks ! As usual you are on top of things in Yonkers. PS - What was this old 90 Mack Ex 309 running as before being put out for Auction? (Ex Spare 301?)

Here is the Old 305 (Ex 303) that is being auctioned off tomorrow, but the Auction Site says that there is a 1990 Mack Pumper also being sold (Really can't figure that one out? Is it the Old Engine 310?). Does anyone have any information on that one?

I saw the Old Ladder 76 (Old 72) and the Old 305 (Old 303) as being auctioned, but did not see the 1990 Mack? (What rig is the 90' Mack?) - The Old 301 or 302?

Can anyone identify the rig that is parked in the Bay inside "The Big House" in this photo (Not Engine 1 which is pictured on the outside). PS - Does anyone know where this Closed Cab Ward LaFrance Engine 1 ended up when Engine 1 received the Mack C in 1968?

Chiefhac: Do you have access to any to any printed History (and Photos, if available) of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, say from 1964 thru 1984, that might be available? I have tried to contact Chief Everett and Commissioners Cicchetti and Norman, but they were not much help How much information do you have on that Fanny Farmer Incident in 1980 (wow, I thought that it was earlier in the 1970's, but after thinking about it, you are right)? What was the initial responses from within FDMV? What additional FDMV Companies ended up responding? What additional Mutual Aid responses came in to help fight the blaze? I also remember the Train Crash back then as well. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated Thanks

ChiefHac - Very nice comments relating to your personal history with that Rescue Rig in Mount Vernon during the 1960's and 1970's. I remember fondly, the Mack C's (Both the Engine Companies and Rescue 1 that ran with the Mack C's, along with the Snorkel Unit, Foam Unit and the Ladder Companies running ALF's). Mount Vernon had a very nice compliment of front line apparatus, that were very well thought out. I remember the "Big Job" in Mount Vernon, back in the Early 1970's, at the Corner of 4th Avenue and 1st Street, when a huge fire took out the Pool Hall, Jewelry Store, Fanny Farmer, The Old Bee Hive Restaurant and others. When I saw FDMV fight that fire, I knew that Mount Vernon had an excellent fire department.

They don't make Rescue Trucks like that anymore. That was one fine looking MACK C Rescue Rig. Dead-Ringer to the West Hempstead Truck. Someone mentoned that the West Hempstead Rig is up in Orange County? Does anyone know where? Is it still in service?

Corgi - 1/46 scale

again, sad to see such a wonderful piece of equipment just rotting outside behind the Fulton Ave Staton, along side the Old Rescue 1 (which is now used as the Field Service Unit, but why this rig is also stored "outside") is just mind-boggling, with the room that the 3rd Street Station has. Was the original intention for this Crash Truck to be used as "FOAM 1" ? I definately see other uses for this truck, as I have outlined above

Was the original intent of the Crash Truck to be the New Foam 1? Or, did FDMV have additional plans for it (As a Fire Supression Unit - Kind of a Super Pumper of sorts?). That would be a terrific unit, not only for Mount Vernon, but for Mutual Aid use in New Rochelle and Yonkers, on an "As Needed Basis". In my opinion, what should be done with this Lime Green Crash Truck (would need to paiint it Red and White), would be to take it and have it part of a Westchester County, Department of Emergency Management Fleet, stored somewhere in Lower Westchester County, that could be used and deployed all over Southern Westchester County, as part of a Mutual Aid/Homeland Security/Disaster Deployment Fleet (along with those SOP Rigs that Yonkers FD currently has, such as their High Water Rescue Vechicle, their Medical Trailer, Their Collapse Rig, etc.). This way, all municipalities have access to such equipment. Now the question remains, who would be responsible for manning these rigs? (The County? Select Memebers of various departments throughout Southern Westchester County? Others?) Does anyone have a suggestions?

Really sad to see the Lime Green Foam Unit 1 sitting idle and unused behind the Fulton Avenue Firehouse (along side the Old Rescue 1). Foam 1 was always a key piece of equipment within the Mount Vernon FD, especially given the Oil Stations down off of Samford Blvd and Route 22. Does FDMV have any plans, whatsoever, to utilize this former Airport Unit?

Also similiar to the Old Truck 3 (See Photo Below) - Thanks to John Bendick for this wonderful photo

What a Terrifif Restoration Job Done on this rig !!! The Y.F.D. on the doors is exactly like the similiar "Truck Companies" of the 50's, 60's and Early 70"s in Yonkers. I would say that all that would be needed, to replicate the era that this rig would have been in, would be to add on each door (In Gold Leaf) Truck Co. 1 and on the Right Front of this rig, place a Black ""1" within a Reflective Circle, all similiar to the way that Truck Co. 5 is pictured above. Chief Dunn and R1Smokeater, would the restoration committee ever conisder doing this, to say "complete" the job?

This is terrific news ! Does anyone know who within YFD has spearheaded these projects? They should be highly commended for their efforts. ANY CURRENT PHOTOS YET OF THIS RESTORED YONKERS 1952 ALF? Is it one of the old YFD ALF Mid Mounts that was in service in the 50's and 60's (See Truck 5 below) or is it that ALF Tiller that Yonkers used in later on (See old Ladder 74 below)? Does anyone know the history of this rig in Yonkers (What "Truck Company(s)" did it serve? (ie: Truck 1 (Hdqrs) , Truck 2 (Vineyard) , Truck 3 (Bronxville Road) , Truck 4 (Radford) , Truck 5 (Central Park Ave/Racktrack or Fortfield) , Truck 6 (Kimball Ave) or Truck 7 (Central Park Avenue North?) - PS - Thanks to Michael Messar and YFD.org for their photos.