Favorite Dispatcher Past or Present?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bigandy
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Res5cue said:
BEEF !!!!!!!
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 Had the Honor of meeting one of FDNY's Favorite Dispatchers the other day in Da Bronx. He is "The Beefer" as most know him. I know him Best as Dispatcher "Tree-Tree-Oh". However he told me his new number, and I think it might be # 123 (?).
 In the past, I had seen his picture somewhere. "Anesti" and I were riding by the Bronx C.O. and it looked like "The Beef" standing outside. So we stopped, introduced ourselves and sure enough it was "The Beef".
 We talked for a while and I found out that before he became a FDNY Dispatcher, he spent 20 years with the former Fire Patrol in NYC. He knew many of my friends that used to work there also (Paul Wormsley, Bill Bernhard/ I buffed with many times), a few of my other favorite dispatchers (Warren Fuchs, George Munch, and former Dispatcher Tim Sullivan who I used to buff with years ago). Beef grew up near 60/17 during the very busy War Years there. We talked about second and third sections running out of that busy firehouse in those days. As I understand it, G-man and "The Beef" were buff/neighbors together. So again, it just shows you it really is a small world out there.
 The "Beefer" now has 22 years as a fire dispatcher. I think he said he is looking at retirement in three years. When that happens, we'll all miss you Mister Beef. But until then "we got you tuned in".
 If you're out there Beef, it was Great meeting you. Best wishes and Thank you for your service to the Millions of NYC citizens you have served over those many years.
 
 
I would love to bring my son if ever possible to see a boro CO obviously when he gets a bit older, he is 3 so firehouse visits are his favorite.
 
In the very early 1970s dispatchers used their badge number as radio ID, #408 then was a Brooklyn Dispatcher who ultimately got promoted and retired about 10 years ago as SFAD in Brooklyn.

Next series of Dispatcher numbers were two-digit  and repeated from one borough to the next.  Dispatchers were then on a five group chart, the same guys worked together every tour.  The Supervising Dispatcher of the group had the group number as the first digit, and "1" as the second, so the Group 2 Supervisor would be #21.  Dispatchers on that group followed, generally - but not always - in order of seniority: #22, 23, 24 etc. Since there were never more than 7 or 8 dispatchers per group, the numbers never ran out. Dispatchers on probation who circulated from one group to the next were assigned numbers in the 90s series.

About 1981 with implementation of the 25 group chart and other changes, Dispatchers were again renumbered.  Supervisors were given a unique two-digit number in seniority order, and dispatchers a three digit number starting at 100 and ultimately running up into the 400s or 500s.   There was no duplication of numbers from one borough to the next.

Chief Dispatchers were usually given a single digit, using a number equivalent to their borough preliminary telegraph signal: Manhattan CD 6, Brooklyn 7, Richmond 8, Queens 9, and last but not least Bronx 10.

Then about 2002 or so the "powers-that-be" (or the "powers-that-think-they-are") decided to change everyone's number again.  Again two digits for SFAD and three for FAD (starting at 100).  There were special series like 700s or 800s to denote probationary or provisional people.   Therefore FADs that had been there a while, got new numbers.  Old #247 became new #102 etc.

 
Previous discussions, and subject of dispatcher numbers reminds me of a funny story from the war years:

"A female EMS or PD dispatcher is talking with our Brooklyn Dispatcher. At conclusion, she asks the routine question, "What's your number, FD?"

He replies "Six and Seven-Eights!"

She asks "What?"

He says "We have a new system here, we use our Hat Size as the dispatcher number, and what's your number?"

She replies "We have a new system here too, my number's 38-C!"

(This was made into a cartoon for the Communications page of WNYF, but the editor did not allow it.)
 
The Chief Dispatchers still have single digit numbers. There are a couple of newer chiefs who have 12 and 13, and I think 14. Supervisors start at 21. Probationary/Provisional Supervisors are in the 70's 80's and 90's. Probie/Provisional Dispatchers are in the 700's. I believe 22, and 120 are the only two numbers that have been retired. I don't remember if #10 (Chief Ramsey's number) is retired, or if #11 is retired either.
 
Russ Ramsey was #7 at last numbering as Brooklyn Chief [Telegraph] Dispatcher as the plaque on his wall stated (one of the last promoted with that title), I think when the latest numbers were issued, they skipped 120 (Wah) and maybe 124 (Herb), also #11 Carolan may have been eliminated.

Also when the new Chief Disp or Supv Disp numbers were assigned, certain numbers were skipped by Porcelli, with the thinking that if the person was demoted back to previous title, their old number would still be available.

About 5-10 years ago I believe the City Council approved a bill granting FAD and SFAD "uniformed" status as well as EMS maybe, but I believe FDNY does not recognize it, nor did any additional benefits accrue (yet).  Maybe current dispatchers can clarify.
 
vbcapt said:
FDNY150: Are Chief Dispatchers civilian or uniformed?
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  Dean, the dispatchers are civilians. Also, "811", Great story about the 38-c's. I wonder if the same thing can be said today.
  One other thing, anybody hear that Herb Eysser (retired # 124) had a recent medical problem. If so, I hope he's okay.
 
We are uniformed for the purpose of collective bargaining. We wear uniforms as of one year ago. We are still considered civilian employees of the FDNY.
Thanx for the refresher, 811. I wasn't sure if it was 10 or 7. I have to look the next time I am at work to see if 11 was retired as well. 124 wasn't retired after Herb left. It was used again briefly by another dispatcher before that guy retired. That is correct about numbers being left open on the SFAD and FAD lists. However, Porcelli missed a few people. Some people who got hired around my time did not have a number left open for them in the event they demoted.
 
BronxFireRadio said:
Alright, I'll bite. I can't comment on "favorite" without stepping on toes...but all mentioned so far are good picks. Doc (RIP), Bill Treanor, Wah, Yak, all aces. Beef gets points for being fun to listen to and to chuckle at. Mark Mianulli, #281 (RIP) was always a comfort on the radio. Ted Byers, mister TWO TWO TWO. Though only a dispatcher briefly in the 90s, I was always partial to Joe DiBernardo #356. He went on to R-3 and was involved in the Black Sunday incident. Bill Hahn # 106 also is pretty good.

Let's not forget some of the new kids on the job who are aces... Jeff F #244 in the Bronx comes to mind, also Eddie O in M.

It would be a telling survey to see who was your LEAST favorite dispatcher...

It's always an interesting question to ponder about what makes a "favorite" dispatcher...it's kind of like a DJ on a radio station. It's a combination of personality, unique delivery, speaking style, and of course, knowing your sh*t!
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Yak is good but can't be mentioned in the same sentence with O'Connell, Fuchs, Treanor , Byers and Hahn.
 
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