Sorry you can't drive your fire truck back to the firehouse.

NYS has apparently came up with a new DMV law about 4 years ago and forgot to tell anybody.. So now you can't drive your fire truck back from a fire call or go to a parade unless you have a CDL.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=771996&c...

Our station may have to go "out of service" until we can match this requirement although NYS Association of Fire Chiefs think they have control over all of the volunteer stations. We do not have the funds or the manpower to meet this requirement. Our Governor is too busy with cuts to the budget to tackle this problem at this time.

So what do you think.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on February 21, 2009 at 11:03am

Welcome to the 21st century. Be safe and good luck. TCSS

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug on February 21, 2009 at 12:33pm

Right, I should have explained more in depth. PA is exempt from federal law when it comes to operating emergency vehicles and having to have a CDL.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by PFC Harmon on February 21, 2009 at 8:20pm

Common sense? How is it common sense that over the road truckers and people that drive large vehicles every day for a living have to have a CDL but a firefighter that drives an engine once a week can do so under stress and adrenaline with out any federally mandated training? I'm not being critical but having CDL's will protect you from the money hungry public and verify that your firefighters can operate large vehicles and air brakes.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tony P on February 21, 2009 at 8:43pm

Here, if you don't have the endorsement to drive the size vehicle that your trucks fit nto, you don't drive them, not at all. So I'm with you Lt.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rhys Emery on February 21, 2009 at 10:32pm

Justin Iam from Oregon and we have that exemption in my state.
On the back of my license it clearly states. "ClASS: C- Any vehicle with a GVWR of not more than 26,000 pounds with the proper endorsements. ANY emergeny vehicle operated by a firefighter.
Other states could have similar waivers.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on February 21, 2009 at 10:37pm

WOW! Here in Oregon there is no requirement other then a regular license. Obviously there are State certifications and Dept SOP's. I believe that at some point we are going to see some sort of State licensing for this.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by LVVFD622 on February 21, 2009 at 10:48pm

I think that New York State has gone completely insane. Do they realize that there are few if any CDL holders in many of our fire companies. In the one I belong to we have at least 10 CDL holders, and who's to say that they are going to be at ALL of our calls. There is a paid company nearby that to my knowledge has only 1 CDL holder. How interesting would that get. He would have to be on duty 24/7/365. I think the State has gone off the deep end.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by DoubleH..Harry on February 21, 2009 at 11:38pm

Hi Mel
What is your best guess as to when this will be straightened out? We too wonder if we're gonna be in deep dodo if we run a non-CDL driver on calls.Currently we require a CDL for our 2500 g. tanker(tender) but only NYS reg license for the rest of fleet. Thanks, Harry

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rick on February 22, 2009 at 1:19am

In MD or DC you have to have the correct catagory of licence , A for tractor drawn ladders or B for engines/ straight trucks but they do allow you to respond to and FROM emergency incidents. This is an oversight or ignorance on your politicians part, 25 or more calls to your state politicians office will get this changed.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on February 22, 2009 at 4:07am

There is no law in the state of PA that says FFs need a CDL to drive fire apparatus. The Chief has to give a driver card to all drivers that states what they can drive. That info. comes from a PSP Fire Marshal.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by FIRE BEAR on February 22, 2009 at 8:01am

they are working on it and im glad here in the part of new york im in its nuts right now all of our cdl holders all work driveing trucks here during the day so if we get a call we have to hope one of them responds or the truck will have to stay at the scene lol try telling that one to the cheif when we run out of trucks

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rom919 on February 22, 2009 at 8:03am

I will say it again.. more requirements... less volunteers have joined or remained..... If your state has bucked this trend, then let everyone know what you are doing different.
Maybe you are right.. CDL's mandatory.. to drive and return from a call.. so if you have a volunteer fire department with 12 members... and remember "no truck goes anywhere" without this state/federal requirement in your pocket.....

Now, let's try that requirement at 11 AM on a Thursday and the call is only two structures down from your volunteer firehouse (a real adrenaline rush) and your volunteer members are not qualified and do not want to be (volunteer you know) because big brother is not going to tell me what to do, or I didn't need that requirement when I joined, or the hell with it, or someone else will get the requirement done, or, you fill in the blank.

What is your next step.... mutual aid .... 12 miles away, right.. with another department w/12 members.

EVOC and in house training has been easier to sell, then making something required and cost's $$$$.