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Does anyone out there use CB radio as a way of communicating between members? I have heard a few departments talk about mounting CBs in the fire trucks for talk around and training purposes. I could see where it could be good for communications training.
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"Illegitimis non carborundum."
- Gen. Joseph Stilwell
(Lat., "Don't let the *~#%&S grind you down.") -
The question is...why?
The CB radio frquencies are open to anyone. Imagine somebody playing games on the radio while you are trying to conduct a drill or talk to another rig...
Breaker breaker, Engine 5, what in hell are you doing?"
This is Engine 5...we're doing just what you said, Chief..."
"Engine 5, belay that order and go back to the station"
now, the "real" Chief signs on...
Breaker Breaker, Engine 5, what in hell are you doing?
It's far too dangerous to use a CB radio...too many chances for confusion, too much static, too many idiots on the frequencies!
Use your FCC issued frequencies for all communications...it's safer!"The education of a firefighter and the continued education of a firefighter is what makes "real" firefighters. Continuous skill development is the core of progressive firefighting. We learn by doing and doing it again and again, both on the training ground and the fireground."
Lt. Ray McCormack, FDNY -
go to radio shack , purchase hand held twelve channel radios(yes the cheap ones)these work great for truck to truck communication...fire fetish???......
...damn right!!!!Comment
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I'm not sure if this is true or not, never confirmed it with the FCC but Ive been told that it is illegal to use cb's and the family band radios for emergencies. We looked into getting a dozen or so of the Motorola Handheld Family Units and our communications center told us it was illegal to use. You may want to look into this if you plan on using CB's. As I ve said I havent checked this out so if Im wrong Im wrong.Comment
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Also keep in mind the earlier post that said anyone can use them, imagone if an arsonist used it to stand down a unit or air bad information regarding a suspect vehicle. too many possibilities I dont want to think about.
Sure they can get a scanner but all they can then is hear, not interfere.Comment
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Our dept. uses the FRS radios for training and for some traffic details. (when we don't have enough portables to go around.) Our neighboring district has some dead-spots that our regular radios won't work in and there is no cellular service. They do have C.B.s in their engines and they can either reach the station or have a person relay info by land-line. This dept. had a structure fire that they lost due to not being able to get word out for mutual aid tankers. After, that the C.B.s went in.Capt Gonzo does have a point about fools on the radio but this hasn't been a issue so far due to a assigned channel and codes.Comment
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i think you would be better off to obtain a fireground freq and use it as neededComment
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