brown out v. phr.— «The Redwood City Fire Department can stave off “browning out” one engine by cutting one fire firefighter per truck on all companies—a move that significantly limits the ability to respond to emergencies but will...
Bambi Bucket n.— Note: Appears to be a trade name. «Inter-Island employees…helped firefighters attach to the chopper a 144-gallon Bambi Bucket, which hangs suspended from the aircraft after it lifts off.…D’Attilio hovered over...
Kelly shift n.— «Under what is known as the “Kelly shift,” adopted by the Fire Department in 1969, firefighters worked a 27-day rotation consisting of one 24-hour shift, followed by 48 hours off. After repeating that cycle...
bonk n. a sound made by a hand-held radio, indicating a transmission cannot be made, characteristic of digital trunk radio systems typically used by fire and police departments. Also bonking. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)