BFD2553

Our automatic tri-village dispatch is not in place out of "need" to deal with "even a private dwelling fire", but is instead a proactive policy to deal with "What If". The other two departments are dispatched to stand-by in quarters, and apparatus is called in as-needed. Our departments have designated first, second and third alarm assignments from within the area to deal with what MAY occur. It's a pre-plan, in place and it works. For example- My department does not operate a ladder truck therefore we rely on any of the surrounding departments which border us on any side to provide one if needed. The point is, instead of waiting to arrive on scene and then have one dispatched, the other two depts. are already in quarters ready to roll. We operate a dedicated cascade truck which we will respond anywhere called upon as we did at this fire, with qualified interior firefighters two of which in this case, were put to work. Volunteer numbers within many departments are lower than what they once were as many who grew up in their communities cannot afford to live in them anymore so they move out. Others work two jobs and cannot volunteer their time. Planning for this possible shortfall in available manpower with multiple area departments is a working alternative to consolidation.

This fire got a huge head start before anyone was ever aware of it- burning in the walls of an unoccupied home with rapid spread to the attic before any units arrived. Crews from Put. Valley, Yorktown, Peekskill and as I can personally attest, Buchanan, worked with Mohegan in an excellent and coordinated effort and kept the damage from being worse than it was eventually was. Should mutual aid departments be included on the initial dispatch? That is a question Mohegan should consider, at least during the daytime hours. We do it in the tri-village (Buchanan, Montrose and Verplanck)24/7/365 on all structure fire calls (even if it's an oven fire). The district with the fire is toned out immediately followed by the other two to man their stations. Works very well anytime of the day for all situations. Again- this fire was well involved before anyone even noticed and the crews did "make a good stop" considering what they faced. Not making excuses here Chief Flynn- just giving a little first-hand insight to what I experienced on scene.

#1 for Westchester has to be the Taconic Crash

From an article by the Associated Press... "All of our members are qualified to make that initial assessment and in some cases, start medical care," said Robert Ungar, spokesman for the Uniformed EMTS and Paramedics, FDNY. "Being dispatchers is not a defense" for inaction, he said. A FDNY spokesman said all members take an oath to help others whenever emergency medical care is needed. Department spokesman Jeffrey Hammond said, "The charges are appalling and the Department is vigorously investigating both EMTs." The Fire Department has suspended Green and Jackson without pay. Any questions?

Initial reports are NATUARAL CAUSES. Not drugs. Not Foul play. As for who cares.. I'll bet her family and friends certainly do. If this was either of yours, I think you would take the previous comments a tad on the offensive side. Especially from people on this forum.

What happened to "Duty To Act" here???

Re: Dry Bites Coral Snakes are rear-fanged and actually have to "chew" up to where their fangs are to envenomate.

Best of luck kid- Have you started studying for the Captain's test yet? ; )

Higgins is from Smithtown. Tough, skilled, griitty guy with a scoring touch. The Rangers are lucky to get him. This from an Islanders fan.

Thanks for the update Izzy

Re: Nassau- Doesn't Great Neck (Alert) also run one?

Ronnie "The Thumb". A teammate. A Friend. I will miss your smile, your laugh and your hugs.

We're in Westchester but available if requested. Buchanan FD's Utility 4 is a converted school bus with Heat, A/C, roll-out awning, coolers, tables for IC and...A Bathroom. Lights and siren up Route 9 and we're in Fishkill in 25 min.

Did he say I could use it on weekends?

Hmmmmm.................

Good Luck Barry- Wish I was retiring myself!!! Best wishes from another guy with "no space left in the basement".

Tell Boddie to move out of your shot!

You are my hero! I promise never to call you 2556 again! Missed you at drill tonight.

Buchanan cannot afford a Seagrave...next time we are buying you guys a horse and carriage!!!! [/quote Have you been peeking at the specs for the new Rescue-26?

Buchanan Best Engine

Same problem as most others for about three days on EMTBravo.com- on several different computers. Can get in through EMTBravo.net, but only after logging in.

Wow! I'm just gonna bite my tongue here and see where this goes...

Wheel Suck!

Good to go for three more years!