Was that a whistleless crossing, or were we missing something from the video, because there is only one horn blast from the train before the crossing, and it seems to cover a lot of ground before the horn is sounded.
As Paul Harvey(paraphrased) used to say: Here is the rest of the Story:
Linked here From March 1,2010 TRAINS Newswire:
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/170124/1867687.aspx#1867687
And that is what happens when Amtrak takes out a $600,000.00 AERIAL TRUCK!
BaltACD ChuckCobleigh From the humor thread today:Kootenay Central The Firemen were not happy when the Diesel came. http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22911112/index.html Police not any smarter than the FD....just luckier that the Police car could move more quickly than the Fire truck.
ChuckCobleigh From the humor thread today:Kootenay Central The Firemen were not happy when the Diesel came. http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22911112/index.html
From the humor thread today:
Kootenay Central The Firemen were not happy when the Diesel came. http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22911112/index.html
The Firemen were not happy when the Diesel came.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22911112/index.html
That absolutely qualifies as one of those lifetime/career moments when the ony comment is an expletive deleated OOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSHHHHHHHHH-%#@%%% moment!
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Kootenay CentralThe Firemen were not happy when the Diesel came. http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22911112/index.html
When I was a firefighter, both towns I worked for, and for that matter, town I dispatched for for 7 years all had strict policies on parking the fire engine on, or near railroad tracks. Our SOP manual even described the procedure for operations on, or near railroad tracks. It was also standard practice that dispatch notified the railroad if we had any incident of any kind along the tracks. We had a couple of spots where kids liked to light fires, and especially tried to burn discarded ties. There was plenty of room along the tracks for us to travel if needed, but our officers liked to make sure the railroad was aware of our presence.
Someone was not paying attention, plain and simple. The Company Officer as well as the driver are at fault. SOMEONE should have noted that the truck was on the tracks and moved it.
blue streak 1A CDL is required to drive any vehicle of more than 26,000# for hire. The state of GA and other states around here takes that to mean that a paid fireman driver is for hire so therefore therefore a CDL for fire trucks over 26,000#. Granted many fire trucks do not meet that weight so drivers of those vehicles not required to have a CDL.
Say Wha??
I don't know of many fire trucks that come in under 26,000lb gross weight, except for grass fire rigs, built on 4wd pickup chassis. Even a single axle medium duty fire truck would probably weigh close to the 30,000lb limit for two axles (12k steer, 20k drive, steer may have a 20k front axle and tires, though) with all the onboard equipment and water tank.
Pretty sad that such an expensive piece of equipment had to be wrecked to learn that lesson, though...
Randy Vos
"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings
"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV
Oooof...perhaps Operation Lifesaver should spread their message to Emergency Personnel in addition to through them
TimChgo9I never needed a CDL to drive a fire engine when I was a firefighter, all I needed was a Class "B" license here in Illinois. I have never heard of a CDL being needed to drive a fire truck.....Maybe it's different in other states
A CDL is required to drive any vehicle of more than 26,000# for hire. The state of GA and other states around here takes that to mean that a paid fireman driver is for hire so therefore therefore a CDL for fire trucks over 26,000#. Granted many fire trucks do not meet that weight so drivers of those vehicles not required to have a CDL.
Part of the problem is that not all states have the same drivers' license laws and classifications. The laws only follow the US guidelines for commercial vehicles ( Tractor trailers, heavy trucks, intercity buses, etc) but allow just plain people to privately operate those vehicles in most states. I'm certain that the ladder truck that was discussed earlier was over 26,000# but have no idea if it was driven by a volunteer.
blue streak 1Among other items --Since you have to carry a CDL to drive a firetruck the feds should require the CDL to be suspended for 5 years, If I drove a 18 wheeler and did this they can require suspension. That will short circuit the union.
Among other items --Since you have to carry a CDL to drive a firetruck the feds should require the CDL to be suspended for 5 years, If I drove a 18 wheeler and did this they can require suspension. That will short circuit the union.
I never needed a CDL to drive a fire engine when I was a firefighter, all I needed was a Class "B" license here in Illinois. I have never heard of a CDL being needed to drive a fire truck.....Maybe it's different in other states.
OldArmy94 Having been an EMT and volunteer firefighter, I can tell you that tunnel vision is one of the most dangerous aspects of working in a pressure-packed atmosphere. Emergency personnel are killed by other vehicles, "bad guys", downed power lines and all kinds of things due to this phenomenon. It is something that you're trained to recognize, but it's still very difficult to overcome when things are happening.
Having been an EMT and volunteer firefighter, I can tell you that tunnel vision is one of the most dangerous aspects of working in a pressure-packed atmosphere. Emergency personnel are killed by other vehicles, "bad guys", downed power lines and all kinds of things due to this phenomenon. It is something that you're trained to recognize, but it's still very difficult to overcome when things are happening.
The Associated Press reported that eight firefighters from the Lake Geneva fire department were injured when a bucket truck they were on came in contact with power lines while visibility was obscured by the thick smoke.
While the firefighters’ injuries were described as non-life threatening, one firefighter suffered serious burns and was expected to be sent to a burn unit.
Full story: http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/county_firefighters_give_aid_as_blaze_destroys_delavan_bar_7489838.html
And now another fireman in DE. Tree -- maybe the NFPA needs to send out a national reminder?
ChuckCobleightree68 As for Dixie - she was originally supposed to be a "love interest" for one of the characters (that plot device was quickly forgotten), but who was she married to in real life? At the risk of showing my age, I'll answer that one. She was supposed to be a love interest for Dr. Kelly Brackett (Robert Fuller) which, as noted, died off quickly as a plot device. Of course, we also know that Julie London (Dixie McCall) was married to Bobby Troup, who played Dr. Joe Early. Bobby Troup had a claim to fame not only as a band leader but as a songwriter of a very "American" popular song.
tree68 As for Dixie - she was originally supposed to be a "love interest" for one of the characters (that plot device was quickly forgotten), but who was she married to in real life?
As for Dixie - she was originally supposed to be a "love interest" for one of the characters (that plot device was quickly forgotten), but who was she married to in real life?
At the risk of showing my age, I'll answer that one. She was supposed to be a love interest for Dr. Kelly Brackett (Robert Fuller) which, as noted, died off quickly as a plot device. Of course, we also know that Julie London (Dixie McCall) was married to Bobby Troup, who played Dr. Joe Early.
Bobby Troup had a claim to fame not only as a band leader but as a songwriter of a very "American" popular song.
Troup wrote the song "Route 66" FYI
Have fun with your trains
tree68In the driver's defense (but just barely - he still made a serious mistake), it's easy to get so focused on something that you fail to notice other, potentially important, details. In this case it was another traffic accident, which is something we in the fire service deal with on a daily basis
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Here's number two, with a more serious outcome:
Firefighterclosecalls.comTuesday, March 2, 2010 - A veteran Fire Inspector with the Wilmington (DE) Fire Department, reported to be on-duty, was struck and killed Monday night by a train near Newport. WFD Fire Inspector Brian P. Waynant Sr., 45, a city police officer before joining the fire department six years ago, was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a southbound Amtrak train at 9:30 p.m. Delaware State police, along with Amtrak police and the city of Wilmington are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death but no foul play is suspected.He is survived by his wife Cheri, a son and a daughter. A preliminary investigation has determined that the decorated fire inspector was on duty Monday night when the incident occurred but the circumstances leading to his tragic death-and determination of this being a line of duty death-have not yet been released. More to follow. Our condolences to all affected.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
garyla Now, where's Dixie?
Now, where's Dixie?
She's on duty at Rampart, giving the boys of Squad 51 instructions to start an IV D5W TKO.
Ted M.
got trains?™
See my photos at: http://tedmarshall.rrpicturearchives.net/
tree68 In the driver's defense (but just barely - he still made a serious mistake), it's easy to get so focused on something that you fail to notice other, potentially important, details. In this case it was another traffic accident, which is something we in the fire service deal with on a daily basis. As for Dixie - she was originally supposed to be a "love interest" for one of the characters (that plot device was quickly forgotten), but who was she married to in real life?
In the driver's defense (but just barely - he still made a serious mistake), it's easy to get so focused on something that you fail to notice other, potentially important, details. In this case it was another traffic accident, which is something we in the fire service deal with on a daily basis.
"Dixie", the lovely Julie London, was (at one time or another) married to Jack Webb, who was executive producer of the show, and to Bobby Troup, who was one of the performers.
Fire service news references to the story gave the cost of the truck at $600K. It appeared to be a "straight stick", as opposed to an aerial platform. If you like, I can easily spec you one that will close in on $1M.
Some states do require a CDL for fire apparatus. In some cases it's only if you're being paid to drive (vollies are exempt), in others, it's everybody. IIRC, MD requires a tank endorsement to drive a fire department tanker, as well.
Of course, everything has value, even if it's as a bad example. With any luck, firefighters everywhere will file this one in the back of their heads and a "bell" will go off next time they think about parking on the tracks.
chatanuga You'd think that emergency personnel would know better. Guess not. Fortunately nobody killed or seriously injured. Unfortunate that it's an obvious embarrassment to the fire department there. Captain Stanley would never have allowed something like that to happen. Where are Gage and DeSoto when we need them? Kevin
You'd think that emergency personnel would know better. Guess not. Fortunately nobody killed or seriously injured. Unfortunate that it's an obvious embarrassment to the fire department there.
Captain Stanley would never have allowed something like that to happen. Where are Gage and DeSoto when we need them?
Kevin
In too many cases, put someone in a vehicle with flashing lights and they loose all common sense.
samfp1943 Looked to me like about 100' or 110' aerial ladder/platform unit. you can bet new the price was something very north of $500,000. I'll try to put a photo of a similar apparatus on here for comparison. [snip] Not use of the make of the particular unit involved in the crash, but they are pretty impressive pieces of apparatus . . . [snip]
Not use of the make of the particular unit involved in the crash, but they are pretty impressive pieces of apparatus . . . [snip]
Yes. A few years ago I was peripherally involved with procuring a couple of them for local fire depts. - between lining up all the funding sources and the governmental procurement regulations that come along with that money and of course the preferences for certain manfacturers and/ or options and 'specials' - it was quite an administrative challenge. There's lot of sophistication in them - I believe the one was around $650K.
But the one aspect I've noticed most about them is that these aerial platfrom trucks really fill out and use up all of the truck equivalent of 'loading gauge' - they pretty much occupy all of the space within their length, up to 12 ft. or so above ground, and to the 8 ft. width. There's not a lot of wasted or unused space anymore.
- Paul North.
Paul_D_North_Jr Carl, that link isn't working for me. Here's another one that did - http://www.freep.com/article/20100301/NEWS01/100301028/1003/news01/Amtrak-train-collides-with-Detroit-fire-truck Apparently the fire truck was parked across all 3 tracks at a grade crossing - and it's now a 'total loss', according to the article. What were they thinking ? Not !! Well, maybe the manufacturer and its employees get to build a new one now . . . - Paul North.
Carl, that link isn't working for me. Here's another one that did -
http://www.freep.com/article/20100301/NEWS01/100301028/1003/news01/Amtrak-train-collides-with-Detroit-fire-truck
Apparently the fire truck was parked across all 3 tracks at a grade crossing - and it's now a 'total loss', according to the article. What were they thinking ? Not !! Well, maybe the manufacturer and its employees get to build a new one now . . .
Looked to me like about 100' or 110' aerial ladder/platform unit. you can bet new the price was something very north of $500,000. I'll try to put a photo of a similar apparatus on here for comparison.
Most municipalities don't require CDL's they operate with a special exemption in most cases. The liscense is State issued, but not classed as a Commercial Operator's CDL.
Not use of the make of the particular unit involved in the crash, but they are pretty impressive pieces of apparatus, you can bet there'll be retribution unleased on the firefighter who parked that on the tracks, and the Officer (usually a Lt.) riding-in-charge.
petitnjthe Fire Department is so used to parking a fire truck anywhere convenient that parking on the grade crossing was natural
SAY WHA??????
Natural? As in natural stupidity?
Sorry, but there is absolutely NO excuse for this lapse of judgement, unless perhaps if it was at night, while responding to a extreme emergency situation, where one MIGHT be excused for not noticing the tracks.
Good thing this clown was not a haz-mat driver. Or drove a gasoline or propane truck. Or a school bus.
Ted Marshallchatanuga Where are Gage and DeSoto when we need them? Kevin In my "Emergency" DVD collection, right next to "Adam 12"
chatanuga Where are Gage and DeSoto when we need them? Kevin
Where are Gage and DeSoto when we need them?
In my "Emergency" DVD collection, right next to "Adam 12"
I was wondering how long it would take for somebody to recognize the reference there.
http://chatanuga.org/RailPage.html
http://chatanuga.org/WLMR.html
aricat My son is a St Paul Minnesota firefighter and he says that ALL the blame should be on the firefighter who drove a $600,000 piece of equipment on the tracks in the first place. ...... The fire Captain in charge or an assistant Chief should have taken care of this
My son is a St Paul Minnesota firefighter and he says that ALL the blame should be on the firefighter who drove a $600,000 piece of equipment on the tracks in the first place. ...... The fire Captain in charge or an assistant Chief should have taken care of this
That's my question. Wasn't there a fire department captain or lieutenant in charge of, and with, the ladder company? It's bad enough that the firefighter parked the truck on the tracks. It's worse if an officer let him do it. It's much worse that the officer allowed a firefighter to endander his life trying to move the truck.
Can you imagine the conversation the driver had with his wife when he got home.
Firefighter: "Honey, I may be in a little trouble at work."
Wife: "What happened?'
Firefighter: "Well, I parked the truck on some railroad tracks. And when the train came it hit the..."
Wife: "YOU MORON!"
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