2008 plaques have not been issued yet, thus making this a valid plaque... That car is about 9 feet from the hydrant whats up?

What's up? The car is 9 feet from the hydrant, that's what's up. The FD needs a full 15 feet on either side and it's not up to anybody with a dashborad ID to say otherwise.

The general rule of thumb is: If it's illegal for a civilian, it's illegal for everybody. Since civilians with a press pass can park in the truck parking, that's legal for permits.

No standing, no parking, hydrants, bus stops, etc., are out of bounds.

I've seen the fire dept work with less space than whats shown in the picture. Whose thumb are you reading? Double standards come both ways my friend, I guess you have a press permit... news flash, they can only park where ever there is a story. (not by the studio) check out 43 st between 2nd ave. and 3rd ave. write back with what your feelings are now. I think I know the answer.

The FDNY does not actually need 15 feet on each side, and your body does not actually need 8 glasses of milk, and 8 glasses of water every day. these are guidelines. Yes, you MIGHT get a ticket for not heeding the guideline as a civilian, but if you are being helped by a police officer, would you want his attention on you, or worrying if he or she is 6 feet too close to a hydrant?

Besides... if a car is too close to a hydrant, even a cop's or fire fighter's car with a placard, they will break the car windows and run the hose through the car. So there is in fact no safety hazard at all, its more a protection for the motorist, who probably does not want to pay 800 bucks for a new set of windows. See how the government is always trying to protect you?