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Firefighter Mentorship Program

by Battalion Chief Gerald A. Tracy, Battalion 49

The intent of this program is for FDNY members to work on and respond to written drill scenarios during their tours and generate answers and solutions. Before the end of their tour, the Firefighters submit their worksheets to their Officer, who reviews the answers and provides comments and corrections if needed. The Officer signs and dates the sheets and returns them to Chief Tracy. The Chief then compiles the information and returns the data to the members for their review and edification. This facilitates and encourages the veteran Firefighters to share their extensive knowledge and experience with the younger members of the Department.

Goals of this program are to improve and enhance FDNY efforts toward teamwork, interaction, attitude, character building, pride and fire/emergency efficiency. This program encourages veteran Firefighters to mentor those members with fewer years on the job and provides them with a forum and motivation tool. It provides Chief Tracy with an opportunity to identify his members’ strong points and shortcomings and focus on the areas that should be addressed in future training drills and exercises.

This first segment provides two common problems that Firefighters might encounter. Answers from Battalion 49 Firefighters follow each problem. Readers should feel free to print this material from their computers, answer the questions a nd send them to Battalion Chief Gerald A. Tracy via the FDNY Department mail service (“the bag”) at Battalion 49 or U.S. mail at 22-63 35th Street, Astoria, New York 11105. Or, fax your answers to him at 718-932-1378. By sharing knowledge, we all become more competent.

Astoria Blvd.Problem #1
You are driving into work for the night tour. It is a winter afternoon. The weather is sunny and cold. The temperature is 34 degrees Fahrenheit, with an expected drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. The humidity is 70 percent, with winds at 25 mph from the east and gusts up to 35 mph throughout the night.

Given this information, are there any significant factors that will affect firefighting operations on this night tour?

What are your duties when you report for work? Engine Firefighters should respond with Engine duties and Ladder Firefighters should respond with Truck duties.

Answers

  • Anticipate slippery conditions while responding.
  • Expect delays in responding, stretching hose-lines and members reaching their assigned positions.
  • Second-due Engine should be prepared to assist first-due in an arduous stretch.
  • Be aware of the weather, especially as it impacts the roof Firefighter.
  • Ensure salt and sand are on the apparatus.
  • Frozen hydrants are possible. Ensure hydrants drain properly.
  • Ensure the foam can is ready and charged for oil burner operations.
  • Ensure the apparatus and all tools that require fuel are filled to capacity.
  • Conditions may require two hand-lines for a fire stoked by high winds.
  • Recognize the significance of controlled ventilation during high wind conditions.
  • Due to the humidity, smoke and heat may not lift.
  • Use caution on fire escapes, gooseneck ladders, etc.
  • Dress appropriately for cold weather.

Residential StreetProblem #2
When encountering narrow streets, what units have priority to enter the street first? What are the protocols for entering a one-way street from the opposite direction?

The Engine has priority into the block when responding with Truck Companies from the same direction. The Engine and Truck should enter from the same direction.

Units entering from the opposite direction are to communicate their intention before entering the block and ensure that the first-in Engine has a working hydrant.

The Ladder is given preference on “dead-end” streets when the building is three or more stories high.

Answers

  • All responding apparatus shall make a concerted effort to enter the block with the flow of traffic.
  • Engine should enter first and consider a back stretch to leave room for the Truck in front of the fire building.
  • When an Engine stops at a hydrant before the fire building, the Chauffeur should position the apparatus with sufficient room for a Ladder Truck to pass and set up in front of the fire building.
  • The second-due Engine shall not enter the block if it would obstruct positioning of Ladder Trucks.
  • Ladder Trucks attempting to enter the block from the opposite direction must communicate with the Engine to determine if they have a hydrant before entering the block. These Truck members shall proceed to the fire building by foot and the apparatus shall enter after the Engine has a positive water supply.

About the Author...

Battalion Chief Gerald A. Tracy is a 27-year veteran of the FDNY. He is assigned to Battalion 49. He has had several articles published in Fire Engineering and WNYF. He is a noted speaker on fire service topics.