- Joined
- Feb 4, 2010
- Messages
- 882
Well i finally made it back to the Emerald Isle yesterday and am still on US Time (Sleeping at day wide awake at night)
It was an amazing 2 wks and like all before me i'd like to Thank ALL those who added to Our Get Together 2014 trip It really was amazing
To give my rundown It started of with my annual trip to the World Trade Centre Site followed by O'Haras. I was amazed at the transition of Downtown and the Memorial Pools. Its the first Time ive ever been down there when its all been open and not 1 big construction site (although building work still ongoing)
Following day i walked around Midtown / Central Park to see what trouble i could get into and as usual your always guaranteed a turnout at 54/4/9. Next day i went down to the 9/11 Memorial Museum and spent over 3 hrs there. They have done a really good job documenting the events of Sept 11th 01. Its a very emotional place especially when you stand at 3 Truck and see whats left of their rig. After that i went to 10 House to meet a FF who i'd set up with a Station Visit when he was here in Kerry this year. They were on BISP and stuck in traffic as Pres Obama was in town and downtown was at a standstill. But even so they had just assisted in a run where a child was choking and managed to get him/her sorted and sent off in Ambulance. I was brought up to the roof to get some shot of the WTC and over look the plaza. It was a great visit as ive never been to 10 House as they are always jam packed with Tourists.
Wednesday i attended the Memorial Mass on Riverside Drive which was really special. It was a beautiful day and a reported over 7,000FF's in class A attended where Lt. Gordon Ambelas, Firefighter John Monteverde, EMS Lt. Walter Nelson and EMT Luis de Pena were all honoured. It was especially poignant moment when Commissioner Nigro said that all 4 members probably stood at this spot a year ago to the day. After that it was back the the hotel to check out and wait for my chauffeur in his buff mobile Willy D. We made good timing into Queens where i met the other gathered members and introduced to my first white castle burger. How i didn't get sick even by the smell of it i will never know but as it was bought for me i did eat it. Its a taste i'll NEVER FORGET!!!
As has been covered already we attended Vigilant Volunteer Fire Company in Great Neck and were treated to a Turnout for a Gas Leak to which the Air Raid siren sounded over the whole town something i never heard in person or knew happened for Volleys. I came back across the road from getting the turnout photos and politely asked the Group what the hell that was for (as i thought something bad was coming our way) to which they informed me thats how some Volleys turnout. We got a great Training exercise and Chow after they came back
Following Day was The Rock with Chauffeur Willy D driving Frank D in the Bosses seat and me riding the nozzle seat. We also had a female in the car directing us from inside the Sat Nav. She got us out of Queens onto the R F Kennedy Bridge where the signs for Randalls Island said straight the which the Boss pointed out but the Chauffeur said no theres a turnoff if we go Right to the toll as ive taken it before. Again as has already been said due to us taken the EasyZ Pass Lane the turnoff the Chauffeur spoke of was blocked off due to Road Works so we ended up in Manhattan with the female working out a New Plan. We did laugh and got quickly back on track to which the Chauffeur wanted to take another turn off it was then when the Boss lifted his voice to say follow the signs and never mind ur shortcuts. It was like watching the Sunshine Boys with Walter Matthau & George Burns lol But even with our unexpected detour we made it to the Rock on time
The Rock was an amazing tour a place ive always wanted to visit and glad we got to. Later was the Elmhurst Eagles which we were treted like royals even when the Div 14th Chief turned up with a huge cigar and husky voice. Following Day was Squad 288 & Haz Mat / 316 Eng & Res 4. Again treated like Royals at both Houses. It was only as i was leaving did i realize that the young Lt we met earlier was in fact the Lt at the Rescue. He looked like a kid and he told me how much he enjoyed Ireland when he visited last
Following day Myself and Willie D took the buff mobile to Manh for the Museum where the female tried to send us over the BKLYN Bridge to which the Chauffeur overruled her. I started to Worry as i hadn't got Boss Franks Cell number but in fairness to Willie D he got us there well ahead of time. We got to speak to Ret FF Gary Howard Ex R2 Sq 41 to name a few who told me he used to run marathons with Capt Paddy Brown (3 Truck 9/11 RIP) Himself and the lady working their gave us great detail / information of the Museum and the Dept. After that it was Chow and those left all parted ways
Following day i headed to The Intrepid FDNY event where i walked around snapping photos. I had just missed Rescue 1 do their High Line Rope Rescue from the deck to the ground but i did bump into a FF i met at Haz Mat 1 who noticed me. He informed me that Lt Ill (R4) was working at R1 that day and they were really good friends and in Probie School together. After the 343 boat left and 4 Truck did a Pin demo i headed to R1 where i met Lt. Ill. He showed me around R1 as i told him anytime i went to R1 they were never there. I got to see the Famous Paul Hashagen wall mural and the old house front which is now in the kitchen. He had to go do some paperwork and when he learnt i was on my own and not much on the Monday he invited me back to R4 for dinner the following day.
I went out on the Monday after spending the morning in around Bklyn Heights where i caught 224 Engs KME on a run. I got the train out to Queens later that night and did the 15 min walk to 316 / R4. I planned on getting a box of PD food (Dunkin Donuts) for the R4 lads but as i approached the store a woman start annoying me to buy her a coffee. (I though it was the female from the Sat Nav) and she was getting quiet loud so i just walked away.
As i sat with the R4 lads at the back of the rig a FF from 316 came in and said there was a Hawk inside. I thought he was breaking Balls but infact a member of the public had brought an injured Hawk to the house. One of the R4 FFs who had worked as a vet rang a friend and as we waited for him we had dinner which did hit the spot. Following dinner the R4 FF's did a training drill at the back of their rig to rescue a trapped FF who had fallen into a basement when the stairs gave way. Lt Ill explained to me step by step what the guys where doing. They had a FF there who seemed to be new to the Rescue and the other guys seem to focus explaining to him their experiences of Rescuing trapped FF's in the past (Things that worked well and things that didn't work so well) Lt Ill did say to him that if a Co. has lost a FF into a basement with no stairs that by the time they turn up a Rescue attempt may already be underway by his Co already and they may be overthinking things.
He said to take a step back and 1. remember there may be a basement door so a rope rescue from above may not even be needed or 2. that if there too many people around the top of the stairs they have the tools to go through walls somewhere else and they can work by themselves at that. The newer FF was taking it all in
After that the Newer guy and 1 of the other guys worked on their dive suits the newer gut getting tips on how to maintain his and how they should feel on. They also explained to me all about dive operations and that they have an up coming dive exercise coming up at an unused mine in PA. After this all they Rescue FF's and i where at the back of the Rescue and they were swapping stories. Lt Ill said when he was 11 and hanging at 2 Truck where his Father was Capt Fred Ill Jr (9/11 RIP) he remembered his father walking into the Kitchen and placing a Halligan onto the table and walking back out without saying anything. He said he came back in 5/10mins and all the guys were passing it around telling of the different ways of using the Halligan and their experiences with it. He said it was the simplest training session you could ever think of but a real important one. I said it was kinda like the demo they just did. It was a 5 min job but it took 1hr or so as everyone had an input and their where many ways to discuss a rescue. He said yea and it keeps the mind fresh
Another thing i learned is that there are many of Lt Ill's probie class (Feb '01) are now in SOC and this hits home at how young the Dept really is. I told Lt Ill that the Halligan Tool is a new tool to the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) they've had it about 2/3 months now and i know some of the guys in Dublin were looking for any tips from US FF's on its use. He said to me to set it up and when he comes over in June for a family holiday he'll take a day out and give a training session to the DFB and that he would try get someone else over with him. The Chauffeur of the Rescue whos name i forget now but was half Irish said he was already up for it. Any excuse to get to Ireland for a Guinness he said lol
I headed back to the city that night and stopped off a BC Mike Meyers Bar The Gramercy Ale House where he was working with a barman from County Cavan called Martin. We got talking and turns out Martin lived just up the road from me in the 90's. Its a really nice bar and setup and i look forward to returning. Turns out Chief Meyers worked in R4 and hopes to take the step up to Div Chief to wish i wish him the best
Next Day i headed to NJ by train to meet the EMT Friend from Dublin where she brought me to her local FD to meet the Chief who has worked in the station for 65+ years. Again like in Great Neck the set up was amazing and Equipment they have is something special. Next stop was Spring Lake "The Irish Rivieria". Door was open and i went up to talk to 2 FFs there. One of them pulled the rigs out for me and told me they where heading down to the beach beside the 9/11 memorial to stick the ladder up on their tower if i wanted additional shots. We followed the down and i got some great shots of them setting up the rig in the sun. He called me over and asked "if i was afraid of heights"? so you know what came next. Up i went and the view of the Jersey Shore was amazing
After that it was Ashbury Park which are fulltime and i was shown around there. The guy i spoke to was on the Ambulance so headed off on a call but another FF continued the walk around. After that it was train back to Manh for Boston the next day
I got to Boston for around 6pm hungry and tired so i headed to the pub lol. Next day i called over the Eng 8 Lad 1 as suggested by Mack but his friend was not working. I sat and spoke with a FF in front of the rigs for about 30mins then headed over to E10 TL3 Res1. The weather turned real nasty so got there just in time. Young FF on house watch called Sean showed my the rigs and explained Bostons Setup. Really different to NYC but like NYC it seems Bosotn have a real young Dept also. Following day i toured Fenway Park and looked for their 1st due house but couldn't find it. I headed back to go to Eng 33 Lad 15 to see if Macks son was working. Of course as i got near the Truck pulled out and the house was empty. I hung around outside for 30mins and the Truck returned. I asked one of the FF's if Macks son was on and he said no hes off and not due back for 4 days so i left a shirt and patches and headed off for food.
Next day was Saturday and leaving day i walked around Quincy Market and up to get an outside snap of Cheers before heading to the Airport. It brought to an End an great 2 wks of meeting Great People and Seeing great things
(ps the HAWK had a broken wing the vet showed us when he turned up at 316/ R4. the bone was sticking out when he opened the wing. He said he reckons it hit a tree or building when going for so pray and that he would try mend it but that the type of Hawk it was it was not meant for captivity. If it didn't heel it would be sleepy time for the Hawk)
3 Pages of Photos on website
http://fire-ireland.com/USA-Trip-2014-Page-1
http://fire-ireland.com/USA-Trip-2014-Page-2
http://fire-ireland.com/USA-Trip-2014-Page-3
It was an amazing 2 wks and like all before me i'd like to Thank ALL those who added to Our Get Together 2014 trip It really was amazing
To give my rundown It started of with my annual trip to the World Trade Centre Site followed by O'Haras. I was amazed at the transition of Downtown and the Memorial Pools. Its the first Time ive ever been down there when its all been open and not 1 big construction site (although building work still ongoing)
Following day i walked around Midtown / Central Park to see what trouble i could get into and as usual your always guaranteed a turnout at 54/4/9. Next day i went down to the 9/11 Memorial Museum and spent over 3 hrs there. They have done a really good job documenting the events of Sept 11th 01. Its a very emotional place especially when you stand at 3 Truck and see whats left of their rig. After that i went to 10 House to meet a FF who i'd set up with a Station Visit when he was here in Kerry this year. They were on BISP and stuck in traffic as Pres Obama was in town and downtown was at a standstill. But even so they had just assisted in a run where a child was choking and managed to get him/her sorted and sent off in Ambulance. I was brought up to the roof to get some shot of the WTC and over look the plaza. It was a great visit as ive never been to 10 House as they are always jam packed with Tourists.
Wednesday i attended the Memorial Mass on Riverside Drive which was really special. It was a beautiful day and a reported over 7,000FF's in class A attended where Lt. Gordon Ambelas, Firefighter John Monteverde, EMS Lt. Walter Nelson and EMT Luis de Pena were all honoured. It was especially poignant moment when Commissioner Nigro said that all 4 members probably stood at this spot a year ago to the day. After that it was back the the hotel to check out and wait for my chauffeur in his buff mobile Willy D. We made good timing into Queens where i met the other gathered members and introduced to my first white castle burger. How i didn't get sick even by the smell of it i will never know but as it was bought for me i did eat it. Its a taste i'll NEVER FORGET!!!
As has been covered already we attended Vigilant Volunteer Fire Company in Great Neck and were treated to a Turnout for a Gas Leak to which the Air Raid siren sounded over the whole town something i never heard in person or knew happened for Volleys. I came back across the road from getting the turnout photos and politely asked the Group what the hell that was for (as i thought something bad was coming our way) to which they informed me thats how some Volleys turnout. We got a great Training exercise and Chow after they came back
Following Day was The Rock with Chauffeur Willy D driving Frank D in the Bosses seat and me riding the nozzle seat. We also had a female in the car directing us from inside the Sat Nav. She got us out of Queens onto the R F Kennedy Bridge where the signs for Randalls Island said straight the which the Boss pointed out but the Chauffeur said no theres a turnoff if we go Right to the toll as ive taken it before. Again as has already been said due to us taken the EasyZ Pass Lane the turnoff the Chauffeur spoke of was blocked off due to Road Works so we ended up in Manhattan with the female working out a New Plan. We did laugh and got quickly back on track to which the Chauffeur wanted to take another turn off it was then when the Boss lifted his voice to say follow the signs and never mind ur shortcuts. It was like watching the Sunshine Boys with Walter Matthau & George Burns lol But even with our unexpected detour we made it to the Rock on time
The Rock was an amazing tour a place ive always wanted to visit and glad we got to. Later was the Elmhurst Eagles which we were treted like royals even when the Div 14th Chief turned up with a huge cigar and husky voice. Following Day was Squad 288 & Haz Mat / 316 Eng & Res 4. Again treated like Royals at both Houses. It was only as i was leaving did i realize that the young Lt we met earlier was in fact the Lt at the Rescue. He looked like a kid and he told me how much he enjoyed Ireland when he visited last
Following day Myself and Willie D took the buff mobile to Manh for the Museum where the female tried to send us over the BKLYN Bridge to which the Chauffeur overruled her. I started to Worry as i hadn't got Boss Franks Cell number but in fairness to Willie D he got us there well ahead of time. We got to speak to Ret FF Gary Howard Ex R2 Sq 41 to name a few who told me he used to run marathons with Capt Paddy Brown (3 Truck 9/11 RIP) Himself and the lady working their gave us great detail / information of the Museum and the Dept. After that it was Chow and those left all parted ways
Following day i headed to The Intrepid FDNY event where i walked around snapping photos. I had just missed Rescue 1 do their High Line Rope Rescue from the deck to the ground but i did bump into a FF i met at Haz Mat 1 who noticed me. He informed me that Lt Ill (R4) was working at R1 that day and they were really good friends and in Probie School together. After the 343 boat left and 4 Truck did a Pin demo i headed to R1 where i met Lt. Ill. He showed me around R1 as i told him anytime i went to R1 they were never there. I got to see the Famous Paul Hashagen wall mural and the old house front which is now in the kitchen. He had to go do some paperwork and when he learnt i was on my own and not much on the Monday he invited me back to R4 for dinner the following day.
I went out on the Monday after spending the morning in around Bklyn Heights where i caught 224 Engs KME on a run. I got the train out to Queens later that night and did the 15 min walk to 316 / R4. I planned on getting a box of PD food (Dunkin Donuts) for the R4 lads but as i approached the store a woman start annoying me to buy her a coffee. (I though it was the female from the Sat Nav) and she was getting quiet loud so i just walked away.
As i sat with the R4 lads at the back of the rig a FF from 316 came in and said there was a Hawk inside. I thought he was breaking Balls but infact a member of the public had brought an injured Hawk to the house. One of the R4 FFs who had worked as a vet rang a friend and as we waited for him we had dinner which did hit the spot. Following dinner the R4 FF's did a training drill at the back of their rig to rescue a trapped FF who had fallen into a basement when the stairs gave way. Lt Ill explained to me step by step what the guys where doing. They had a FF there who seemed to be new to the Rescue and the other guys seem to focus explaining to him their experiences of Rescuing trapped FF's in the past (Things that worked well and things that didn't work so well) Lt Ill did say to him that if a Co. has lost a FF into a basement with no stairs that by the time they turn up a Rescue attempt may already be underway by his Co already and they may be overthinking things.
He said to take a step back and 1. remember there may be a basement door so a rope rescue from above may not even be needed or 2. that if there too many people around the top of the stairs they have the tools to go through walls somewhere else and they can work by themselves at that. The newer FF was taking it all in
After that the Newer guy and 1 of the other guys worked on their dive suits the newer gut getting tips on how to maintain his and how they should feel on. They also explained to me all about dive operations and that they have an up coming dive exercise coming up at an unused mine in PA. After this all they Rescue FF's and i where at the back of the Rescue and they were swapping stories. Lt Ill said when he was 11 and hanging at 2 Truck where his Father was Capt Fred Ill Jr (9/11 RIP) he remembered his father walking into the Kitchen and placing a Halligan onto the table and walking back out without saying anything. He said he came back in 5/10mins and all the guys were passing it around telling of the different ways of using the Halligan and their experiences with it. He said it was the simplest training session you could ever think of but a real important one. I said it was kinda like the demo they just did. It was a 5 min job but it took 1hr or so as everyone had an input and their where many ways to discuss a rescue. He said yea and it keeps the mind fresh
Another thing i learned is that there are many of Lt Ill's probie class (Feb '01) are now in SOC and this hits home at how young the Dept really is. I told Lt Ill that the Halligan Tool is a new tool to the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) they've had it about 2/3 months now and i know some of the guys in Dublin were looking for any tips from US FF's on its use. He said to me to set it up and when he comes over in June for a family holiday he'll take a day out and give a training session to the DFB and that he would try get someone else over with him. The Chauffeur of the Rescue whos name i forget now but was half Irish said he was already up for it. Any excuse to get to Ireland for a Guinness he said lol
I headed back to the city that night and stopped off a BC Mike Meyers Bar The Gramercy Ale House where he was working with a barman from County Cavan called Martin. We got talking and turns out Martin lived just up the road from me in the 90's. Its a really nice bar and setup and i look forward to returning. Turns out Chief Meyers worked in R4 and hopes to take the step up to Div Chief to wish i wish him the best
Next Day i headed to NJ by train to meet the EMT Friend from Dublin where she brought me to her local FD to meet the Chief who has worked in the station for 65+ years. Again like in Great Neck the set up was amazing and Equipment they have is something special. Next stop was Spring Lake "The Irish Rivieria". Door was open and i went up to talk to 2 FFs there. One of them pulled the rigs out for me and told me they where heading down to the beach beside the 9/11 memorial to stick the ladder up on their tower if i wanted additional shots. We followed the down and i got some great shots of them setting up the rig in the sun. He called me over and asked "if i was afraid of heights"? so you know what came next. Up i went and the view of the Jersey Shore was amazing
After that it was Ashbury Park which are fulltime and i was shown around there. The guy i spoke to was on the Ambulance so headed off on a call but another FF continued the walk around. After that it was train back to Manh for Boston the next day
I got to Boston for around 6pm hungry and tired so i headed to the pub lol. Next day i called over the Eng 8 Lad 1 as suggested by Mack but his friend was not working. I sat and spoke with a FF in front of the rigs for about 30mins then headed over to E10 TL3 Res1. The weather turned real nasty so got there just in time. Young FF on house watch called Sean showed my the rigs and explained Bostons Setup. Really different to NYC but like NYC it seems Bosotn have a real young Dept also. Following day i toured Fenway Park and looked for their 1st due house but couldn't find it. I headed back to go to Eng 33 Lad 15 to see if Macks son was working. Of course as i got near the Truck pulled out and the house was empty. I hung around outside for 30mins and the Truck returned. I asked one of the FF's if Macks son was on and he said no hes off and not due back for 4 days so i left a shirt and patches and headed off for food.
Next day was Saturday and leaving day i walked around Quincy Market and up to get an outside snap of Cheers before heading to the Airport. It brought to an End an great 2 wks of meeting Great People and Seeing great things
(ps the HAWK had a broken wing the vet showed us when he turned up at 316/ R4. the bone was sticking out when he opened the wing. He said he reckons it hit a tree or building when going for so pray and that he would try mend it but that the type of Hawk it was it was not meant for captivity. If it didn't heel it would be sleepy time for the Hawk)
3 Pages of Photos on website
http://fire-ireland.com/USA-Trip-2014-Page-1
http://fire-ireland.com/USA-Trip-2014-Page-2
http://fire-ireland.com/USA-Trip-2014-Page-3
8) :
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