Out and about, the Putnam County DEATH MARCH!

[JBE 328]

I drove up to Middletown to check out the Fire Expo, and after some skillful maneuvering of the Rock Box, dodging soccer Moms on Route 211, I strolled on up and did a little shooting. However, those rigs inside the building will be the subject of an out an about somewhere along the way. It was good to see some friends (HI JEEPER!!!!) and network a little.

Here's what I shot there.

Middletown Chief

Now, I'm not really big on rigs from the 50's. I've been more fond of rigs from the years from like 1965 to present. But, this rig is sharp looking. Major respect to the Fire Cats.

On my way to lunch with an old friend, I spotted Middletown Engines 4 and 5. Did a U turn and off I went.

Today's festivities to come...

[JBE 328]

Last week, while on our Lazy Sunday excursion, Bronx Fire Radio and I discussed heading up to my old stomping grounds. I hadn't shot Put Lake and wanted to get a few rigs I hadn't shot on the east side. Fret Not Mahopac Falls and Put Valley, you're coming up. So after getting up, and meeting up, we headed up the Saw Mill, 684, and 84 at Ludicrous Speed. I had an 0900 appointment, but if anyone knows me, I kinda operate on Jimmy time. It's like Daylight Savings time, but you just add a half hour to my ETA. First stop Brewster Station 1. I hadn't shot 11-4-1 and 11-2-3, so that was my goal. Unfortunately 11-2-3 was OOS, so I was happy with 11-4-1.

After saying our thank you's and discussing Brewsters new firehouse, it was off to the North Brewster Deli for a little grub(Anyone want the Boars Head Card??), then we hit the Lime Green Jackpot!!!

23-6-1

23-4-1, Good Lord, is this thing big!!!

23-2-3 BFR was liking the LaFrance..

23-2-4 and 2-5 were out on hydrants, and we went to catch up to 2-5. Granted it is a different color and few years younger, but I see this rig and it reminds me of the old 17-2-3, and teary eyes at 40 miles an hour with Robbie Shannon on the backstep in 1992.

Still more up ahead..

Edited March 16, 2009 by JBE

[99subi 121]

I dont kno much about orange county fds, does middletown have any career staff?

[JBE 328]

While shooting 23-2-5, 23-3-1 showed up..

LCFD968 had filled me in on some training they were doing up in East Fishkill and we worked our way there. But, not before I stopped into Patterson to get 22-6-1 before it gets retired. 22-2-1 was an added bonus.

After going up to East Fishkill, and seeing absolutely nothing, we went over to LCFD station 2 and got told to look a little closer(Thanx, Craig!!!!), like in the back.

Ta Daaa!!!!

Now for some strange reason, Lake Carmel had this rig for almost 6 years before I left in 1998, and up until last summer, I had never gotten a picture of it.

Here's one with better lighting than the parade.

More coming..

Edited March 16, 2009 by JBE

[JBE 328]

Chiefs car..

My old rig, 17-4-4. I miss riding in that thing, because I stunk at driving it.

Yes, it's a bus. Sorry, I'm a born again city boy..

I'm starting to like this rig, it's an interesting set up..Although the old 17-2-2(1986 Ford) has a special place in my heart.

A few more coming...

Edited March 16, 2009 by JBE

[JBE 328]

Another nostalgia shot...Since I understand this is going to be replaced soon..

After some more thank yous, we headed over to Carmel to shoot 12-2-2. I had been griping about shooting this for a while. Finally got around to it.

Extra added bonus for the chiefs car.

Took a crapshoot with Mahopac, and got the privately owned former 18-2-1.

With a little bit of luck, we ran into a friendly face at the firehouse, and got some shots of 18-6-1.

And with this, and a trip to Putnam 911, we bid Putnam a fond farewell. Lessons learned, set the alarm clock for 7 next time, look a little harder, it's no fun driving up there on an empty stomach. UNBUNCH!!!!!

Big thanx to the following people, Mr. and Mrs. FF274, LCFD968, the gang at Put Lake, EJS1810, Fitzjr11, Ex-Chief Drew in Mahopac, and Chief Earle from Carmel.

Enjoy!!!!

[AndyC3J 190]

I dont kno much about orange county fds, does middletown have any career staff?

Middletown's drivers ("chauffeurs") are career. Officers and manpower are volunteer.

Engine 4 is about to be replaced. The new one was on display at the Expo. Twin to E-5, basically, but all red. The white 1957 Ward LaFrance pictured above is a recent acquisition into the Andy Leider collection. The ex-Franklin, NJ 1981 Hahn is co-owned by a couple of our members.

[Guest]

nice pics thanks for sharing!! Ever think of doing an out and about in Dutchess???

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Next time you're in the area give a shout, New Fairfield has plenty of rigs for you to shoot.

[JBE 328]

I did Rombout and Glenham about a year and a half ago. I want to do East Fishkill and Pawling. However, I have a friend or two up in Dover, and I think one of them is one of your new probies and town supervisor. He was my little brothers best man and one of his closest friends. I could be persuaded to head up that way. I remember the old Cadillac ambulance you guys had back in the 80's when I was a Boy Scout going to Camp Siwanoy.

[LCFD968 10]

Great Shots as usual JBE...

[Guest]

Great picts

[markmets415 524]

I did Rombout and Glenham about a year and a half ago. I want to do East Fishkill and Pawling. However, I have a friend or two up in Dover, and I think one of them is one of your new probies and town supervisor. He was my little brothers best man and one of his closest friends. I could be persuaded to head up that way. I remember the old Cadillac ambulance you guys had back in the 80's when I was a Boy Scout going to Camp Siwanoy.

this would be the caddy, Dover sold it to us.

Well if you make it up to Dover, please head alittle further North to Wassaic, we would love to have you, thanks for sharing.

[JRS2817 1]

Nice shots again

[Guest Rogue Rescue]

Nice, i want that Mack tanker!

[Guest chieftk]

Nice pictures Jim maybe I will see you next time

[Guest]

this would be the caddy, Dover sold it to us.

Well if you make it up to Dover, please head alittle further North to Wassaic, we would love to have you, thanks for sharing.

that was only one of them we had a red and white one too

[Guest]

I did Rombout and Glenham about a year and a half ago. I want to do East Fishkill and Pawling. However, I have a friend or two up in Dover, and I think one of them is one of your new probies and town supervisor. He was my little brothers best man and one of his closest friends. I could be persuaded to head up that way. I remember the old Cadillac ambulance you guys had back in the 80's when I was a Boy Scout going to Camp Siwanoy.

Great cant wait and like Mark said Wassaic just up the road. Maybe i can persuade some one to pull the 1927 seagrave out for you

[PVFD113 6]

Don't forget about us here in the Valley--LOL

[brian19fd 22]

... And the Falls- kill 2 birds with one stone...

But great shots...

[Guest EFFP411]

Hey, Next time you might be swinging up to East Fishkill give one of us a shout, I'm sure we can wrangle up a driver to pull out some apparatus for ya, but be prepared and pack some snacks, you might be here a while!! HAHA

[JBE 328]

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the next few weekends are pretty much out for me. I will be planning one in the next few months. I will be in touch.