Mnrvllifer has brought up a very good point that many are overlooking. It was recently stated by Councilman and Fire Chief Ron Harvey that the current amount of fire apparatus which the municipality has was "necessary" to be compliant with the ISO rating that would in turn keep "our" property insurances lower. Now he has made a proposition that the municipality "cut" one of these "necessary" fire trucks out of the budget and replace it with a truck that is not necessary ( Fire hydrants every 500 ft by municipal code, just ask the Water Authority) but entirely financed by the Fire Dept. This "tanker" holds 3000 gal. of water and can be made "potable" if necessary. Region #13 from AlleghenyCounty has numerous water buffalos' available to communities in need. These were secured with federal monies from the office of Homeland Security. If this resource is available to us, why do we need to have one of our own? As for the availability of water, a tanker is only useful if there was a total water outage. Monroeville has 9 engines, each with a minimum of 500-750 gal each. Do the math! Over the brief few years that Monroeville has had a tanker available, has it ever been used "IN MONROEVILLE?" It has been requested for "Mutual Aid" several times but never needed here at home. Why are we to supply a vehicle for "other communities" when we "refuse" to utilize mutual aid in Monroeville? I beleive that one of the reasons for purchasing such a truck by Mr. Harvey's station was to increase mutual aid calls outside of Monroeville! We,the residents of Monroeville,provide the maintainance, fuel and supplies, insurance, etc. for this truck that is not "necessary" for "OUR COMMUNITY"! The foam capabilities that this truck has also duplicates the services that already exists within the municipal fleet and is due for replacement soon. If it is acceptable to eliminate one engine from Station #5, why have 2 engines @ Stations 1, 3, 4 & 6 as well. Why should we sell this truck and give the profit (remember, the engine was bought with municipal funds ) back to Station #5? Sounds to me like we are being played and paying off debt which was incurred by Station #5.

While we are at it, let's discuss the proposal of the ladder truck. The type of truck that is being suggested requires two (2) drivers to operate and has a maximum reach of 100 ft. The current truck only requires one (1) driver and can reach 135 ft.. Municipal building code restricted the height of new building construction to be no more than 135 ft., the maximum reach of this truck. It is with understanding that a vehicle with this specific reach capability is no longer available and the manufacturer "reportedly refuses" to refurbish the existing truck. There are other trucks available that reach close (127 ft) to the existing one but is not maunfactured by this specific company. If this current truck "must" be replaced, why are we not replacing it with a truck with the highest available reach in today's market and standards? Did the height of the buildings in Monroeville shrink or is it no longer a priority to have the capability to reach the distance any longer. Won't this decrease in capability decrease our ISO rating? In the recent times, manpower is at an all-time minimum. Every firehouse throughout Pennsylvania is feeling this impact. Why then are we going to replace a truck which requires 1 operator with one that requires two (2) just to get it out of the door! Does this make sense? I don't think so. Is this the right thing to do for the safety of the community. Apparently Councilman/Fire Chief Ron Harvey and the others (Chiefs B. McCollum, J.Hyzy, D.Cole, H.Katofsky) think so.

The following is what was included in the previous Chiefs’ agreement:

FIRE CO.1: Engine 11, Engine 12, air compressor and a car.
FIRE CO.3: Engine 31, Command 32 and a car
FIRE CO. 4: Engine 41, Engine 42, Truck 4
FIRE CO. 5: Engine 51, Engine 52, Truck 5
FIRE CO. 6: Engine 61, Engine 62 and a car

Currently this is the apparatus that the Municipality of Monroeville provides for the Fire Departments. The new truck agreement is as follows:

FIRE CO. 1: Quint 1, Engine 12, Rescue Squad 1, and a car.
FIRE CO. 3: Engine 31, Mini Pumper 3, Command 32 and a car
FIRE CO.4: Engine 41, Engine 42, Truck 4
FIRE CO.5: Engine 51 Engine 52, Truck 5
FIRE CO. 6: Engines 61, Engine 62 and a car.

When did we start to add additional trucks to the list? What is the policy and procedure for obtaining specifications for these vehicles, i.e. is there an actual need for these vehicles or are we just trying to see how much the municipality is willing to spend on equipment that the fire departments already has but does not utilize. Does Council know what types and amount of fire apparatus and equipment the Municipality has and how they are utilized? “NO” Let me inform you. Monroeville currently has 10 Engines, 3 Aerial trucks , 3 Rescues, 8 Ambulances, 4 Pickup trucks, 1 Tanker, 1 Mini Pumper, 1 Command truck, 3 Trailers and 4 Cars. The Municipality owns the following: 10 engines, 3 aerial trucks, 1 Mini Pumper, 1 Command Vehicle and 4 cars.

Recently, Station #1 initially purchased an engine but then upgraded to a combination pumper/aerial truck. Was this additional aerial really necessary since the municipality ALREADY owns 2 aerial trucks of greater height and has had only 2 trucks for many years? Station #3 had replaced the Mini Pumper that was previously not to be replaced due to the purchase of the Command Vehicle. This truck was replaced with a larger version and also includes yet another rescue hydraulic tool. Station #5 recently placed into service a Rescue/Engine adding yet another rescue equipped vehicle to the fleet. They are also due to replace an aerial truck soon. They currently have a truck with a reach of 135 ft. A truck with this reach is no longer available but there is one that extends 127 ft. The Fire Official for Monroeville at that time (Dan Aston) limited to overall height of buildings so that this 135 ft aerial truck would be able to reach the top adequately with the exception of the Radisson Hotel , which was pre-existing. This truck should be replaced with the next highest reaching aerial that is available on the market. It is common knowledge that Station #5 is planning to replace the current truck with one that can only reach 100 ft. Why? Station #6 is currently looking to replace a foam unit which is never utilized properly by the fire department chiefs. Why are we spending these great amounts of money for vehicles that are over and above what is really necessary to provide adequate service to the community? Do we really need to have 3 or 4 municipal owned vehicles in each station? Why do those stations with aerial trucks have 2 engines as well? No individual station has enough manpower to adequately staff all of this equipment.

With the minimum cost to purchase a piece of apparatus @ $300,000(estimated), shouldn’t we take a closer look at the needs of the fire department jointly as opposed to what each station wants!; especially when the taxpayers are going to have to pay for it!

I agree with the above postings of Xman and Mnrvlifer. Why, as a taxpayer am I funding such duplication of equipment. For example, Rescue 4 has a 2 bottle cascade system on board. Councilman Ron Harvey, also known as Fire Chief Harvey of Station 5, stated that there are currently no other vehicles in Monroeville's fire fleet that has the capabilities of Air 1, known as Rescue 1. This is simply NOT TRUE! Rescue 4 and Rescue 6 both currently have the oxygen multi-leader on board as well. Rescue 6 currently carries a misting fan. Why are we as taxpayers being forced to buy this same equipment for Squad 1?

Since Council is very much in favor of trimming the budget, especially in fuel costs to the Municipality’s vehicles, why are the taxpayers paying for the Police chief and his Assistant Chief to drive out of state in 2 separate Municipal vehicles to teach classes that they receive pay from an outside source for doing so? And yet, Councilman Kucherer brags at a Council meeting how he disciplined 2 Public Works employees for idling their vehicles in front of the Borough Building in his effort to save fuel costs. Is that in the best interest of us taxpayers?

Concerning the new ladder truck for Company 5 that will be configured as a tractor cab and trailer, refer to the above post by Xman.

Would someone PLEASE answer these questions? Where is Mr. Bond in this discussion? Shouldn't he be overseeing this? Whose responsibility is it? It seems that there are some very knowledgeable posts here? Can we get these questions in front of Council and the public? It is said that Monroeville is run by the Fire Departments, from the amount of these expenditures it appears to be true.

It seems that alot of bad blood is being shown on here. Why doesnt any of this come out in council meetings. I could probably think of a few reasons but its not worthing getting into it with other people who think they know everything. I not saying that everybody is right cause that is definitly not the case but the people with problems should step up to the plate and and those who want answers should take notes and and either start making phone calls,writing letters,drive around and get the answers you deserve. Im sure if you ask around town enough you will get the answer you are looking for. As far as the fire department running the Boro.... I dont completly believe that but it seems to me that this town has bigger problems then the fire departments. Just look at who sits on council. If you look deep enough you will be amazed at what you find.

To bring light on one of the subjects posted, regarding the relacement of Station 5's Ladder Truck. Yes the current Ladder Truck is 19 years old, yes the vehicle is in good condition. However, every year the Truck is tested and inspected by an outside agency as required by our municipal insurance carrier, to make sure that it is working properly and safely and still operating as it should to national standards, and in recent years there have been more and more items that have been noted in need of repair. Items such as aerial structural twist, speed of extension and retrataction is below standard,and many other major mechanical items that the Municpality have repaired such as a complete motor rebuild in 2006, and this was only with approx 9700 miles on the vehcile and multiple other items basically, the vehicle starting to show its age and duration of service.

Regarding the options available for replacement of the current ladder truck, more specifically the 127 foot Ladder Truck that is currently offered which is the next highest ladder truck available to the current 135 ft Ladder Truck and what some think would be a viable replacement option however it is not. Yes, it does exist, yes it is 127 foot tall, however, it is 12'6" in total overall height, which is too tall to fit in ANY station in monroeville let lone the station it is destined for, as all stations are currently equipped with doors ranging from a minimum of 10 ft to a maximum of 12 ft. Purchase of this vehicle would cause major rennovations to any station. This Ladder Truck was investigated as a potential purchase by Station 5 but was eliminated as a possible replacement due to that detail and that alone.

Along with the above comments concerning the replacment of Station 5's ladder truck, there are quite a few other "misinformed" statements. the smaller 2 bottel cascade systems are not large enough to be used at the scene of a fire. Yes they can fill air bottels, but few, it's just simply not big enough, not to mention that or any rescue truck was not purchased by the municipality.
Station 6's foam unit is not properly utilized by the Fire Chiefs by opinion of those at Station 6. If there are those that want to compain about duplication of services, lets look at them. It was explained to me that station 6 is the "Haz-Mat" station, my question is why should the tax payers pay for that when they can get the same service offered but the County's Haz Mat teams. So the tax payers pay for "hat-mat" apparatus, that they can get from the county for free?!? Not to mention that they are at a fire station that can barely respond to calls. Don't believe me, listen to a scanner. I can think of many times where I heard them not get to a call, Or one of the other stations gets there first. If thats the case and we're talking about saving money, why not close station 6, the other stations, Station 5 and I believe Station 1 can cover their area just fine, they seem to be doing a fine job now. It would cut the cost of thie fire trucks, insurance and the like.
As far as Foam units, the tanker, wich I was told actually carries 3200 Gal. of water and 300 of foam, and due to the percentage of foam mixed with water can use two tanks of water to one tank of foam, that seems more usefull than a small engine with "some" foam on it.
Since we're talking about the tanker dosent station 5 run on the Parkway and the Turn Pike? I don't know about you be I've never seen a fire hydrant on either, and if you look I'm sure you see some sort of gasoline truck traveling on those roads...if they wreck they have the capability to immeadiatley fight the fire and have what I would think is enough foam to put it out.
Acording to the last ISO report, Monroevilles Fire Dept. has 2 more fire engines than needed, and they were short one ladder truck. With the addition of Quint one, that solved the ladder problem. Also, since the last report, ISO added a catagory, that being "Alternate Water Source," this is covered by the tanker truck. That leaves them still with two, we'll call them "extra" fire engines. What I don't understand is why one of the 2 busiest fire stations in Monroeville (arguably allegheny county) would want to and or have to get rid of one of thier fire engines. That dosent make any scense to me.Also from what I heard & saw at the meeting, the offer was to "give up" one of thier fire engines, in return they would get $150,000 to put towards a new tanker in 10 years. So you ask how dose that save? Well although it's low, We'll use the $300K mentioned above. If they keep the engine, it will be replaced in 2012. the cost of fire apparatus goes up every year on average, 12% due to NFPA and EPA regulations. Also in 2010 2 of the 3 major mfgs. of fire truck motors will no longer offer them for fire trucks, leaving one lone company to charge what ever they want. but we'll ignore that... That same $300,000 fire engine will cost about $475,000 in 2012. Not to mentions the savings right now, fuel, maintanence, insurance and so on.
From what I'm told of their new ladder truck, they do not need to get rig of an engine so that they have room in their fire house. I'm also told it will carry more tools, equipment and ladders (besides power ladder on top)they the one they have now. When at a fire station 5 isn't the only station that uses their ladder truck for tools, so it sounds like a good usefull apparatus for ever station. Nedding 2 drivers didn't seem like it would be a problem for them, they have 10 firefighters living there now with 2 moving in with in the next month, and possibly 2 more the month after that, seems like there will enough guys to respond in the new ladder truck.
Bottom line here is that there is obviously someone with a bone to pick with the FDs, and thats fine, if you don't like tham it's your opinion, but be truthfull with what your saying. Do what I did, go to the staions and talk to the chiefs and their Firemen.

First off I would like to say to some of you here, SHAME ON YOU, most of us know one if not more of you are members of one of the fire companies here in town, and you should be ashamed. Whatever happened to supporting your fire companies (even though we are independant, we share a name). I am honestly shocked by some of the statements here and feel several statements are very selfish and self motivated.

Second, Engine 52 is slated for replacement in 2013 (per the CHIEFS agreement). And last time I checked it was all 5 CHIEFS that agreed to the purchase and support of the Tanker, same as EVERY vehicle at EVERY station). You have issues with that, talk to your fire chief. (Once again all 5 chiefs sign off on the agreement to purchase apparatus). And yes R. Harvey did made a suggestion to try and save the Municipality a little money in this ever tightening budget. We were the ONLY ones to make this suggestion to help. I applaud him for making that offer. Do I want to lose an extra engine, NOT A CHANCE, but if it helps us and the municipality down the road, then hey, why not?? (I am a tax payer.) What we should do is all try and think of a way to help out, especially with how much the Municipalty does for us!! I support that 100%. (And no, no one at our station gets any kick backs, money or greased palms in the purchases of fire apparatus.)

Third, lets learn some simple math. Most of the numbers you have posted are somewhat correct, however, a new engine runs closer to almost $400,000, not the $300,000 previously stated. So lets do some REAL number crunching...

Engine 52 is to be replaced in 2013 at a cost of ohhh lets say $350,000...
R. Harvey suggested getting rid of this vehicle and to not replace it, saving the Municipality $350,000+ in 2013. And yes, he did ASK for $150,000 earmarked for the year 2018 when the Tanker turns 10. That saves the municipality about $200,000 to bank over 5 years, how is this not saving money??? Not to mention the money they will save on insurance, gas, and general maintenance for Engine 52 that will eventually be needed...RIGHT??? I don't think that's swindling, you can call it what you want, but I think it's makes a lot of sense, or maybe you'd prefer laying people off instead or how about cutting municipal services?? I'd rather see neither personally.

Oh, and our ISO rating lists us actually one engine heavy for insurance, so getting rid of Engine 52 wouldn't change our rates or our ISO rating. So that's not an issue.

And lastly, last time I checked almost EVERY city in the US cannot reach it's highest building...Monroeville was VERY fortunate to have that ordinance passed limiting how high a building can be. Unfortunately, that day has passed and we have to make do with what is offered, believe me when I say, we honestly weighed EVERY option out with the purchase of the new aerial comming next year. And instead of being angry at what you DON'T have in your station, appreciate what you DO have.

I refuse to bash ANY station on this platform, nor will I argue any more points. I think we do a fantastic job here in town and "having too much" to me simply does not exist. There are budget problems, I agree, trust me, but I think there are many other outlets to save money and I don't think Monroeville as a whole is that bad off.

And if ANY resident has any question as to what is spent and how and why, you are more than welcome to come stop by Station 5 when the Chief, President, or either one of the 2 Asst. Chiefs are there and we will be more than happy to show you around and try to answer any questions you may have. I know I'd be happy to spend the time.

G. Fred Gerstacker, EMT-P
Asst. Fire Chief
Monroeville VFD #5

Firefighting is more than admirable work. With all these posts, I think you are right, someone is beign selfish/competitive. It is partly personal.

But with all these posts and all these details, I am left to wonder, what is there to compete for? Is it just about who is right? And I say that thinking the last poster is one of those making the most sense.

Duplicating county services in any way is wasteful and from where I sit, is selfish and pigheaded. It's a backwoods mentality, we'll do it our way and screw everybody else, we don't need them.

But this is not the backwoods anymore. And I say that to anyone duplicating county services, including the duplication of the RDA (costs us money,) and any duplication/unneccessary equipment in fire depts.

Doing things "our way" is not better, in many cases, it's ignorant. It's letting a hometown boy feel like a big fish in a small pond just for his ego (and his friends egos,) when the bigger fish in the bigger pond are more prepared and smarter, most times.

I am not including the 911 services in that bigger pond. That's the one case where the knowledge of the backwoods actually counts.

Will the ex biker cop agree to abstain from voting on any issue that pertains to expenditures for the fire department. There is a serious conflict of interest concerning this issue if this guy were to vote. How an ignorant ex biker cop sits on a city council, even in Monroeville, is beyond rationalization. But we must remember that the voters of Monroville elected a K9 cop over an experienced attorney to sit as District Justice. This is very embarrassing.

The cost of the new Engine 52 in 2012 would actually be closer to $600,000 not $450,000. Thus, the savings to the Municipality would be even greater. Another point to understand, is that Station 5 is offering to sell the current Engine 52 in the near future which could potentially aquire $100,000 or more from the sale, which would be given directly to the Municipality. So by my Math, the savings to the Municiaplity could be close to or greater than a half of a million dollars....(Thats $500,000+) in TAX PAYER funds which as a taxpayer sounds good to me as well. Not to mention again as previously stated, the savings in fuel, maintenance, and not having to carry insurance on a piece of fire apparatus.

Lastly, as far as the duplication of rescources, yes to an extent there has to duplication of services within a certain distance of each resource and for the type of area which the services are being provided. Meaning, that one type of vehicle cannot adequately provide its speacial or unique service 15 or 20 miles away, mainly because of geography of the county and wear and tear on the vehicle and rising fuel costs are now a factor. So yes there is a need for duplication to an extent. Also, have an understanding of what Monroeville is from an emergency standpoint. The daytime population is almost a quarter of a million or more and the sheer volume of traffic which is only increasing each day, with the Route 22, 48, 286, The Parkway, and PA Turnpike bringing everything from tourist and school buses your every day motorists, and some potentially very dangerous hazardous chemicals, which pose a potential volatile emergency situation which does require redundancy in the emergency apparatus that is currently present in Monroeville. Another example is the need for Ladder Trucks. The following are buildings in Monroeville that exceed 7 stories in height; 1 Monroeville Center, Raddison Hotel, Jonet Building, Palace Inn, Hampton Inn, Shaw Building, Raquet Club Apts, Amabassador Towers at Cedar Ridge, Fox Hill Tower, Forbes Hospital, Lavalle Apts, Parkvale Building, which one Ladder Truck could not adequately cover so there is another need for duplication. Unlike the rationale of some that their apparatus should be the only specialized apparatus in Monroeville. There have been many cases where ALL and I mean ALL apparatus including specialized apparatus was utilized on emergency incidents from fires to large scale accidents.

I have several points to add to this discussion. This is going to be long, but I think it's worth reading.

The members of Station 5 have spent nearly 2 years researching the replacement of Truck 5. We started with the knowledge that, for various engineering reasons, we would not be able to replace the truck with another 135' ladder. We looked at several different options and styles of ladder trucks before choosing the option that we thought would best serve Monroeville for the next 20 years.

Now, for those of you who are not involved in the Fire Department, a ladder truck is more than just the big ladder on top. It is a giant rolling tool box, with ground ladders, saws, hooks, fans, hand tools, and various other pieces of equipment used to rescue victims (civilian and fire fighters), fight fire, preserve property, and do the hundreds of other jobs it is called on to do.

After looking at all the options (and many late night number crunching meetings), we decided that a tractor drawn ladder would be our best option for several reasons. First, it has more compartment space than the current truck, so it can hold more ladders and equipment to help us do our job better. Second, because it bends in the middle like a tractor trailer, it is more maneuverable than our current truck, which will not fit into some of the newer shopping plazas because the turns are too sharp.

As for the reach of the new truck being shorter, we don't have much choice. The standard aerial ladder height is 100'. That is roughly 10 stories. This is the standard size used in almost every major city across the country. In New York, Chicago, Los Angles, and even Pittsburgh the standard ladder size is 100', and the standard building size is usually more than 10 stories. A few companies build ladders over 100 feet tall, but they have some drawbacks. They are either too large to fit inside any Monroeville fire station or they do not fit into the Monroeville budget. The current replacement is being shoe horned into a price that was set 3 or 4 years ago when the ladder truck at Station 4 was purchased, and has not been adjusted for inflation over the years. To purchase a 125 or 134 foot ladder truck would be $200,000 or $300,000 OVER the current figure we are working with.

You, as residents, should also know that the current apparatus agreement has a standard list of options and equipment that is purchased by Monroeville. Anything above and beyond that list is paid for by the station that is getting the new equipment. I can tell you that the last pumper Station 5 received had about $50,000 or $60,000 worth of equipment and options paid for by Station 5, and NOT the residents of Monroeville.

Now, let’s take a look at the issue of the tanker truck and try to get some answers. Tanker 5 was purchased by the members of Station 5, with the approval of the Monroeville Fire Chiefs' Committee. It was purchased with our own money, and not Municipal funds, for about $350,000. Not very expensive as fire equipment goes, but because of the support we get from the Municipality purchasing the other heavy equipment, we were able to add it to the Fire Department's fleet at no additional cost to the residents.

It carries 3,200 gallons of water, and 300 gallons of foam. Someone mentioned on an earlier post that Station 6 carries foam, and this is true. While this may seem like duplication of service, it is not. Someone else posted earlier that their are no fire hydrants on the Turnpike or the Parkway, and I'm sure you all realize the high level of truck traffic on these roads. In the event of a truck accident on one of our major roads, we would need their foam, and our foam to hold us over until Allegheny County Haz-Mat could arrive to help.

Also, after years of research, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) wants communities to have an "alternate water source" in place. These studies looked at numerous fire incidents around the Country and found that the "loss of water pressure" was a major issue in preventing the loss of property because of fire. Monroeville has one of the best hydrant systems around, but even the best systems sometimes break down due to the stresses placed on them during a major fire.

We also looked at adding other options to benefit Monroeville, and found that we could make the water "potable" in the event that one of our neighborhoods should loose its water supply. Does Allegheny County have water buffalos? Yes. Is this duplication of service? Yes. But most of our "duplications" are in place so we can start helping our residents until assistance from Allegheny County arrives in Monroeville.

I think by now I have posted quite enough and you are tired of reading, so I will leave you with a few final thoughts. Funding public safety (fire, police and EMS) is like funding an army. You don't ever want to use them, but when you need them you are glad the money was spent. I would invite any resident of Station 5's district who has questions to stop by the station and have a look around. Myself, our Chief, and our Assistant Chiefs, will be more than happy to discuss these issues and try to answer any questions you may have. And, unlike so many other people who post on here, I will sign my real name.

Robert Bourdon
Vice President
Monroeville Station 5

I normally would not take the time to respond to these uneducated remarks, however, you did indeed get my attention. So, that being said, I would Glady debate any of you on any of these issues, face to face, on camera or off, your choice.
I am not taking the time to post ALL of my personal information, because for some reason.....I think you all already have it. Give me a call.

Ron Harvey
Chief, Monroeville Station 5

It's amazing how we hear about this tight nit family type atmosphere within the fire department, except here in Monroeville where one of the fire stations is doing everything it can to screw over the others, and for what? Everything from starting harsh rumors to not following department policies. Who is really going to sufferfrom all this?... The citizens and visitors of Monroeville. You would think that you would need to be mature to be a fireman. I guess in Garden City you don't. What a shame....

First of all let me just say that I could really care less who has the bigger/newer/repeat truck. The fire department is a good way for my husband to get out, give back to his community and enjoy time with his friends from all the departments.

What I do disagree with is the "boys" club that is the Chiefs Committee. These "men" have their little meetings, that NO ONE oversees. They sit around and say "Well if you give me this, I'll give you that....blah, blah, blah.

Well for those of you that want to know what they get out of it here it is......

Chief Ron Harvey/Councilman/Station 5

Affiliated with a major fire truck manufacturer. Hmmm..... wonder what company is going to make the new truck for #5?

Chief Brain McCollum/Station 1

Works for a company that sells EMS supplies. Hmmm.... wonder where Monroeville buys their supplies for their ambulances from?

Chief Harold Katofsky/Station 6

Owns a drug testing company. Hmmm.... wonder who has the contract for Municipal employees for their (firefighters fall under municipal employees)drug testing and physicals?

Chief Doug Cole/ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF/Station 4

Hmmm......Assistant police chief, what could I possibly add to that?

Chief Joe Hyzy/Station 3

Hmmm....works for the Water Authority, not really sure where that puts him...yet.

As a taxpayer you draw your own conclusions. Perhaps this "committee" needs a committee to oversee their spending practices, especially since it's OUR money. How do these "boys and their toys" get to be un-regulated? That is the bigger question.

What you should be asking is how can a Fire Station (#6) can be allowed bill for ambulance calls, and solicate for donations when they pay for their members to go on all inclusive trips to Cancun, or Caribian cruises every other year? For those reading and thinking that this can't be, I assure you it is true. I spoke with one of their members about it, even looked at the pictures he took. If they are so concerned about spending boro money, then why don't they step up an buy their own fire trucks, pay for their own fuel, insurance and so on. That would show they care. But I guess it's easier to complain about the other stations, and keep getting your boro monies so you can send you members on a week long get away. I can asure you that I will not be sending them a donation again.

All this complaning about the fire service. Folks as a citizen of Monroeville I feel that I am very blessed to live in a community that has a volunteer fire orginization. If we, the citizens of Monroeville, had a paid fire department we would sureley be paing higher taxes. Think about it. X amount of firehouse needed to protect the Municipality. X amount of employees to run the fire stations. Health benifits for each employee. Dont forget all the fire appratus needed in each station. Yes folks this would mean HIGHER TAXES...I am sure there are other expenses that I have forgot to mention. Think about that...

And to Notafirefighter, what is worng with the chiefs supporting there business that they work for. I personaly know Ron Harvey and I know for a fact that he is not affiliated with any firetruck manufacturer. So I am not sure where you were going with that one.

And so what if Chief McCollum wants to buy from his EMS Supply company. Guess what? Its probably cheaper...So you are saying that if you worked for XYZ company that sold household products, you wouldnt shop at your own store for your own house...I know I would

And you are saying that the fire chiefs get together and have a meeting and nobody oversees it...have you yourself ever thought about stepping up and asking one of the fire chiefs to sit in on the meeting...Gee, I bet you didnt think about that.

My final thought that I will leave you all with:

If any citizen has any problems or questions about the fire service, why not seek the fire chiefs to answer your questions or hear your complaints. Or stop in at one of the fire stations and talk to the firemen, I am sure they will let you in and may even give you a tour of the place. Talking all of this nonsense infront of a computer and behind a fake name will not solve any of these problems. Monroeville is a great place to live. Lets support the Men and Women who protect it.

"And so what if Chief McCollum wants to buy from his EMS Supply company. Guess what? Its probably cheaper...So you are saying that if you worked for XYZ company that sold household products, you wouldnt shop at your own store for your own house...I know I would"

Not a bright comment, independent thinker. A business owner buying things for his own house from his own business is using his own money.

A public employee using taxpayer money and donations to "buy" things from his own private business and who sees a profit or bonus or other reward, has a conflict of interest. He is not legally allowed to use his publicly funded position to make a profit.

But if Monroeville buys things from an EMS company b/c it has the most competitive rates and the Chief does not profit from the sales, and his friend on council abstains from voting on that contract, then it's kosher.

...please clear that up for us. What contracts do you have with the municipality, and how many of them were in effect when you served in elected office? If zero, that's cool. If some, please educate us more completely since someone sort of tried to out you here.

Notafirefighter, after reading your post again, I am truly at a loss. You say that your husband is a firefighter, how ever you have a problem with they way you "claim" the fire chiefs purchase equipment. Monroeville's fire stations have some of the best equipment available to keep our citizens and our firefighters safe, I would think that with your husband being a firefighter you wouldn't care how they got it, as long as it was what was best for him, to ensure that he comes home after the call.
I imagine the chiefs could just go out to bid for any old fire ax, but not the Chiefs do what they can to get our guys the best and most reliable equipment on the market, to help ensure they go home after the call. God forbid one of our guys gets killed becasue of mediocre equipment.

Im here to clear up any questions about Monroeville Station 1. Im currently a Asst.Chief with MFD 1. Our company gets our medical supplies from the hospitals that we transport our patients too. And if you need additional supplies we order them from BOUNDTREEMEDICAL.COM if you would like to view a catalog or an invoice please contact me and I will show you those items. Chief McCollum does NOT sell medical supplies to our station. So for those who think they know everything please verify your information before posting on here. IF you have any further questions please contact me our web site is www.mvfc1.com. Thank you

Also to somebodies comment about having somebody over see the Chiefs spending I believe that would be council that you the public vote in because they have to vote on everything so.....

That's all. And thanks overall for protecting and saving people and property.

Let’s see...........

1. Fire Trucks-Well were do I start. Does Monroeville Have too many Units... Yes. But lets see here what happens if an Engine/Ladder Truck gets wrecked or has mechanical issues. Do the math. If xyz station has 2 engines then Monroeville (ME, YOU,) still has the closest Fire Department coming to my home. (And guess what that’s were my kids and my wife are). But the TAXPAYERS are the first to say how much time it took for the fire Department to get there but yet you want to cut the Bills. Are You Kidding Me

2. We have our own Animal Control. I know we live in Back Woods Monroeville. Home of Raccoons and Groundhogs. Yet we Purchase a vehicle capable for these duties, pay a person 40 hours a week, health INS, a kennel and gas. Ummm what about that....It gets Better, Then on the weekends that person Gets called out he Gets 4 hour call out pay even if it takes 30 min to catch the animal. And by the way has anyone seen that guy. I know when I work my place of employment makes me wear a suit. I the taxpayer am not paying someone to wear jogging pants and sandals while he is on the clock. Then when he files for workmens comp because he got hurt, cause he wasnt wearing proper attire, but thats ok we'll just pay someone overtime to do his duties till he gets better. REAL SMART But wait lets still talk about the FIRE DEPARTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Public Works-I Don’t want to get my self all worked up.... We will leave it at that.

Get your facts straight! This is totally inappropriate and childish behavior to post inaccurate and pot stirring info. Listing the fire chiefs "supposed jobs" is not necessary to the discussion. Because it is UNTRUE!!!! I AM PROUD FIRE CHIEFS WIFE AND MOTHER OF 2 FIREFIGTHERS! HOW DARE YOU!!!! You accused my husband and all the other Fire Chiefs of inappropriate and illegal behavior on this board. THIS BOARD IS OUT OF LINE!! YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!

First of all my first and foremost concern IS my husband coming home safely. How dare you say otherwise! All I am saying is as a TAXPAYER (which we all are) I do not NEED/WANT any of my taxes going higher because the "boys need their toys"! I know of many municipalities that do more with alot less. Yes Monroeville is lucky for what they have, but aren't they also quite greedy?

When was the last time that the ladder truck was NEEDED in Monroeville? Can anyone answer that? If you say Cambridge Square well that was 2 years ago and I don't think it was NEEDED! Most of the buildings in Monroeville that we would need it for THANK GOD have never caught on fire. But if I did read correctly in an above posting, that truck wouldn't reach the top of those buildings anyway.

As far as listing the Chief's "supposed jobs" the taxpayers of this borough have a right to know that there is a litte bit of nepitism going on. You can't tell me that even if someone could get a better price on something that they are not going to buy it from their "brother". I NEVER SAID IT WAS ILLEGAL, BUT YOU MUST THINK IT IS.

Unlike most of the postings on this site, I have not picked on one station or the other. For those you who think that someone from another station is out to get you I hope you change your thinking real soon. With thoughts like that I surely wouldn't depend on someone from Station 4 rescuing someone from Station 5. You just might have to let him burn because he called you a name. Grow up people and realize it's not about you and your trucks it's about taxpayer money and how to spend it wisely.

I never said that your concerns were other wise, I just don't understand how you would want them to spend less, on lesser equipment when it's your husband thats putting his life on the line. I would think you as a wife would be beating the war drum to ensure that the equipment your husband uses is the best, reguardless of cost.
It is a proven fact that on average, the ladder on a ladder truck will only be used on average 8% of all calls it responds to, however it is a priceless piece of equipment that fire departments need, and that ISO says monroeville should have. I know your talking about TAX money, ISO determins how much YOU PAY in fire insurance.... dosent matter who you cut the check to, money is money. So if they don't get a new ladder truck, what are you going to do start a thread about how the monroeville fire department "failed" you as a resident with their ISO rating becasue now YOU have to pay more for your fire insurance?
Quite a few of the buildings that would need the ladders have had actuall fire in the building, aside from cambridge square, The Radison, the hospital, Ivanhoe, Cedear Ridge Highrise, and the Fox Hill High Rise, just to name a few. Why don't you hear about them? It just so happens that with the quick response of "most" of the Monroeville fire stations, the fires are caught soon enough that they don't get too out of hand.
I'm sure they could purchase a new ladder truck from a different manufacturer, however the manufacturer they picked has NEVER HAD A LADDER FAILURE... EVER. There is only one other fire truck maker that hasn't had a failure, and they don't make the kind of ladder truck they are looking for, all the rest of the ladder truck makers have had failures. If it were me that was going to be up on that thing I would be glad to pay for the one that has never failed. By failure i mean the ladder falling out of the sky while it's being used at a fire. As crazy as that sounds, it dose happen, recently happend in Chicago as a matter of fact.
And in closing i happen to know for a fact that one of the stations is out to screw over the others, I heard it from the horses mouth. It's amazing what kind of conversations you can get into at station 3's bar.

IF YOU HAVE A BONE TO PICK STEP UP. AND STATE YOUR NAME AND JOB SINCE YOU FEEL THE NEED TO POST EVERYBODY ELSE'S JOB LETS SEE WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DO FOR WORK. IM PROUD TO BE PART SOLUTION NOT THE PROBLEM AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ANYTHING OTHER PROBLEMS THEN YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND ME AND HOW TO GET AHOLD OF ME.

JASON M. SONAFELT
MONROEVILLE FD 1
ASST CHIEF
WWW.MVFC1.COM

THE EDITOR OF THIS COLUM/ISSUE SHOULD CLOSE THIS OUT ASAP. THIS FORUM HAS GONE DOWN THE DRAIN. IT STARTED AT HOW TO HELP MONROEVILLE TO LETS POST PERSONAL INFOMATION. THIS NEEDS TO STOP NOW.

You share a common concern about bars at a fire station, and back in the day, yes, it was a problem, I would imagine that any fireman who has been around for some time will tell you that. However, in todays fire department it is no where near the same. I have spent enought time as a patron of their social club to say that I HAVE NEVER seen any of our firefighters leave the bar after drinking to answer a fire call, and to even imply tht it happens is un called for. We are lucky to have some of the best trained and most profesional volunteer firefighters I have ever seen, and we should be thankfull.
Every one who wants to jump on the bandwagon and complain about department spending needs to wake up, take a step back and look at the money these guys and girls are saving YOU the TAX PAYER. I don't think you could even fathom the amount of YOUR TAX money it would take to supply the citizens of this town with a fully staffed fire and ems service. You are talking MILLIONS a year, compaired to about 3% of the anual budget, and about 36% of the 2 year capital improvement plan. That is peanuts for a fire department. With a paid department, those numbers would sky rocket and make the fire department by far the biggest piece of the budget pie. Lets not forget, with the way the pumper agreement is structured, there will be a huge gap between replacing the last fire truck thats due for replacement and starting the cycle all over again. I think it was about a 7 year gap or so where there will be no fire trucks purchased, maybe more now that station 5 has offered up one of theres. So I ask again....why do you complain? I honestly don't think that it has anything to do with spending of money, becasue they save you money accross the board, so it is obvious, to me anyway, that there is some underlying reason for all the negativity.

Let’s finish this out with a few of today’s political statements of rhetoric.
Obviously, notafairefighter you have shown that the newest saying in politics is very true. That just because you are married to a firefighter does not make you a firefighter. Hopefully you will never be exposed as to embarrass your husband. We thank you for your comments but please do not “think” anymore. Fortunately for you and the majority of the people on this board we have educated, professional firefighters and EMS personnel to do that.

Paying Attention er…… I mean Madame Chairman; your rhetoric is extremely overbearing and obnoxious. You need to leave the professionals do their job also. Even though you try to show us how educated you are, you have filled your brain with so much negative knowledge that you have no room left for common sense. Thankfully you will not be in control of your little situation for long and you will at last be put back in your rightful place, judging and looking down your nose at everyone else.

As for the comments and posting on this board. Why do you feel the need to speak of our firefighters, EMS and our police in this way? These people do not bother you. They do not call people names, put people down or even accuse them of unethical acts. The quietly go about their business each day and find that extra time to help you or someone you know in trouble. They are the nameless and faceless. Until you need them, and then it is at 4 AM, even though they have a regular job to go to at 8 AM, or on Christmas morning or Thanksgiving dinner time you see them. Then you are happy to see their faces and hear their sirens. And after all this bad mouthing you as Monroeville Citizens expect nothing less than the best from them. Or maybe I should say is, because your Monroeville citizens, you feel you deserve the best. So either way in the long run it all comes down to you, doesn’t isn’t now. Thank goodness our men and women of public safety feel the same way…it is all about you.It appears there may be some common ground after all.

The anger and approach to the real issues here, is idiocy. You see if you actually tried to argue the real issues of money, taxes and the trucks you would find you have no ammunition. So of course you turn to what you know best and that is personal attacks against the people involved. Amazingly you slammed everyone this time! You left no stone unturned on this one for sure. You even managed to pull in the magistrate. And now comes the bar issue, leaving the impression that our heroes (my word) have drinking problems and do not deserve the time of day, just as the impression was made that our chiefs are unethical in their business dealings. But as we all know once the lies have been introduced and innuendo has been planted they are hard to shake. Impressions are long lasting, and rumors are killers.

But you know that, that is why you do it. Your goal is destruction to any and all who cross your path. You are clueless about how this people work or what they do and the decisions they make. You just want to be crude, rude and inflammatory. It is the only thing you know. Hide behind you alias and scream lies and derogatory remarks here because no one listens anywhere else. What a shame you do not put this negative energy into solving what problems you have as people, rather than trying to start problems with others.

I do not understand how these men and women continue to do for this public what they do and still maintain their professionalism. But none of this will change, you will continue to be nasty and cruel instead of discussing issues how to help them and we meet our goals, you will put them down and try to ruin their reputations. And they will continue without pause to answer your calls for help at any time of any day. And for that I am thankful.

Commonwealth v. Worthy, 2006 PA Super 160. Mr. Harvey, Sergeant at the time, was operating a roadblock to check for drunk drivers in May 2002. Because he was operating the road block unconstitutionally, the Common Pleas Court suppressed the evidence of the stop and the Superior Court Affirmed. Thanks to Harvey, there is one more drunk driver still out on the street. Doesn't seem that he did his police job any better than he is doing his job on council or in the firehouse.