Mr. Longanecker said he would focus more on the ski trails now that he has retired, but he will also stay connected to fire.
The city says that because the pipes were connected to fire hydrants on city sidewalks, it may be possible to gain access to the system without interfering with traffic.
In the past two days it has driven a small jeep-like car over a short, twisting course, walked over ramps, steps and rubble, negotiated various doorways, cleared debris from its path, cut a hole in a wall with a power tool, connected a fire hose and shut off a series of valves.
Some smoke detectors are connected to fire alarm systems.
Varuna's and Dhrumils' stories make me feel connected and fired-up because I know what its like to make a choice that others don't understand.
Atlas looks disconcertingly like the Terminator, and its makers hope that it will be able to do the complex, human-like tasks that will be tested in the Robotics Challenge: get in a car and drive it; run through a rubble-strewn field; climb a ladder; open a door; break through a wall; locate a valve; carry, unspool, and connect a fire hose.
According to officials briefed on the proposals, the plan will also call for a "digital literacy corps" to help unwired Americans learn online skills, and recommendations for $12 billion to $16 billion for a nationwide public safety network that would connect police, fire departments and other first responders.
Mr. Menchini said the city could also decide to narrow the scope of the contracts it eventually approves to allow Verizon to continue to provide the 911 service, a huge system that connects police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services through a single number.
climbing a ladder, finding and closing a valve and connecting a fire hose.
Hard suction hose may also be used to connect a fire engine to a hydrant.
