MStep
Member
For the most part, firefighting has always been a "family affair", with wives and moms and kids always "listening up" to where there dads (and yes, some moms too) are responding to. ten13, who posted above, is pretty astute and aware of these select groups that also monitor the FDNY and other Fire Departments. Perhaps the "Commissioner's Channel", the Fire Marshals, and one or two other entities within the department would prefer to maintain privacy, but the borough dispatch channels and handi-talkie frequencies do not require that level of security.
I once again remind folks of the digital handie-talkie debacle that occurred in the FDNY many years ago, when some critical traffic got missed during a test of said equipment. Once bitten, twice shy.
The use of cell phones to communicate critical information back to the Central Office has also negated the need for secure FDNY radio communications.
Perhaps some over-zealous communications retailers may bait the hook, but I don't think many departments, let alone the FDNY, will nibble at that bait.
I once again remind folks of the digital handie-talkie debacle that occurred in the FDNY many years ago, when some critical traffic got missed during a test of said equipment. Once bitten, twice shy.
The use of cell phones to communicate critical information back to the Central Office has also negated the need for secure FDNY radio communications.
Perhaps some over-zealous communications retailers may bait the hook, but I don't think many departments, let alone the FDNY, will nibble at that bait.
Last edited:
