VFD's

[ERNIEB]

VFD\'s

I'm a little nervous about approaching this subject. I'm not out to attack anyone, so please, take this for what it is. Ignorance. Like a lot of folks I grew up in the country, life took me to other places, the city, got fed up with that, moved back out to rural America. Of course things change, and I've always thought of myself as a pretty flexible thinker, but when I compare the VFD's of my youth to the one's of today, man it's like daylight and dark. What happened? I don't have a problem with newer, and better equipment, or to some extent with the training they go through. Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid, but sometimes it seems they go a little above and beyond.
Bird, I hope you see this since you live in Texas, and on one of your replies I saw, you mention something about being in a VFD. I'm most anxious to see if you can shed some light on this. And I always value your comments.
I would also like to hear from some of you in other parts of the country, and what your thoughts are.
Yes, I've talked to some of the locals , they seem unwilling to discuss the subject, and I can't figure out why. I start feeling like I'm walking on eggshells. Somebody help me out here! Whats going on?

 

[Thomas]

Re: VFD\'s

ERNIEB,
I guess I lived on this mountain to long,but what does VFD's stand for?

My guess..very fine days.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

 

[ERNIEB]

Re: VFD\'s

In this case, Volunteer Fire Dept.

 

[Muhammad]

Re: VFD\'s

VFD = Volunteer Fire Department

 

[Thomas]

Re: VFD\'s

ERNIEB,
I'm not a VFD,but also seen this in other areas of life,tractor owners&home owners&jobs&sports etc..
Maybe you seen both sides of life and are more open minded than some.
Here example what happen 6 years ago up here.
Just about everybody hunts around here and there was over 900 for sale.
A out of state gentleman bought the land and with in a week or so posted his land,there were a lot of bad feeling floating around about him,and soon as he knew he remove the posted sign now he was accepted once again with in the town.
I'm not saying what he did was right or wrong,but it was his choice and he choice not to walk on eggshells.
One has got to be who they are so there better understood.

The times are a changing ERNIEB,and what use to be very hard to find once again...believe me!!

Take care and have a pleasant weekend.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

 

[Bird]

Re: VFD\'s

ERNIEB, I'm not sure what your question is. Are you wondering whether they should exist, how good or bad are they, whether you want to join one, or what. I spent two years on the local volunteer fire department, but am not involved with that anymore. If a person had time, you could write a book on the pros and cons (someone probably has already) of VFDs. I learned a lot about the ones in this area; some are better than others, and I'll be glad to try to answer any questions you have. Personally, I'd rather pay the taxes to have a professional full time fire department, but obviously I must be in the minority since the VFDs are so common.

Bird

 

[ERNIEB]

Re: VFD\'s

I guess my question is kinda broad so let me say it this way. First, let me say that if a neighbor had a grass or brush fire, and needed my help, I sure would . The VFD's around here are much to structured, I just don't have the time to devote. So, no I would'nt be interested in joining one. Many of the people I've seen in the VFD, seem to be younger people trying to get certain certifications, they are sent off to various schools. I'm sure you are familar with the one at A&M. I have a hunch, their main goal is to get hired on with a city FD. I guess I see that as being a bit self serving. Others may not.
One question I have is what authority do these people have and where does it come from? I've heard several stories from people who have had a fire chief come on to their land to investigate, or to inform them they were breaking one law or the other. In some instances, the chief was freindly and polite, in other cases very authoritarian, and stern. No one has told me that they recieved any kind of citation, or fine. So. how did this man get to be a chief, and what power does he have?
Understand, that I usually roam over four counties down here, so I've talked to people from several different areas. What puzzles me too, is that some I've talked to seem almost fearful, suggesting that if you did'nt pay your dues or donation, and your house caught fire they may not show up. I've rejected that as being silliness, if anything from what I've seen they are almost too anxious to show up at anything that even smokes. Driving their personal cars at break neck speed, with all manner of light bars on top flashing away. It's quite a sight to see at night.
Anyway, I hope I explained better.

 

[Bird]

Re: VFD\'s

Yep, ERNIEB, it's just too broad a topic to cover here. And VFDs vary tremendously. Funding depends entirely on the local area. In Navarro County, the county was paying each VFD $75 per month per truck (raised it to $100 this past year, I believe). They send out letters to the local residents telling them what they have, what they've done in the past year, and what they need, soliciting entirely voluntary donations. They also have garage sales, fish fries, barbecues, dances, etc. to raise money. Each VFD should have a Constitution and By-Laws and only if they are properly written can donations be tax deductible. There is a great deal of military surplus equipment that is given or sold to state forest services, and in Texas, VFDs can get most of their equipment at no cost from the State Forest Service (with an agreement that it be painted, available for use anywhere in the state, if needed, etc. etc. etc.) The Constitution and By-Laws also determine how the officers are selected. In ours, a board of directors, President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer (which may be combined or may be two people) and two additional directors are elected by the membership, the board of directors appoints the Chief and the Chief appoints an Assistant Chief. I know of at least on VFD in which the membership elects a Chief and he appoints people for all the other positions.

You're right about the way some of them drive, and even that can be a little complicated. I put together a training program for our VFD, including all the applicable state laws. Considerable research was necessary, so I won't get into that, but the bottom line is that they may legally violate most traffic laws enroute to, but not returning from, the scene of an emergency BUT THAT DOES NOT RELIEVE THEM OF THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DRIVE SAFELY. In other words, if they cause an accident they are subject to both civil and criminal sanctions. I tried to train ours to protect not only themselves and others on the road, but also to protect our reputation and image in the community. And I know that the way some volunteer firemen drive is a concern for the local Sheriff.

As for their authority, I'm not sure I'd even want to get into that; it's very little except at the scene of an actual emergency. Personally, I think any enforcement action should be left to the paid Fire Marshall or the Sheriff. If a volunteer fireman could issue a citation, I didn't know it (except of course, I know a deputy sheriff who is also a volunteer fireman, so there's no doubt he could issue a citation; just depends on which hat he's wearing that time/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif).


Bird

 

[gordon]

Re: VFD\'s

I've been for a couple of rides in a VFD ambulance and I'm very glad that they are structured. Because the schooling and the time that these people devote saved my live!!! Once was for third degree burns and the other was for hypothermia. The first took alot longer to recover from a few weeks in the hospital and skin grafts to my arms---no fun! After something like that happens it makes you think about the smaller things in life! Also makes you wonder that if the VFD was not as well trained and structured what my outcome would have been. Reguardless after being admitted to the county hospital I had to be transfered to the burn unit in Johns Hopkins. But thats a story in itself.

Now you say that it is self centered about the kids getting the schooling and then moving on yes some do and others stay that is the gamble that the vfd has to deal with but at least they are there when needed until they move on.
Thats my two cents on the VFD

Gordon

 

[ERNIEB]

Re: VFD\'s

Bird, If you get back to this thread, I want to thank you for your response, and I also want to wish you a speedy recovery ( I saw in one of your other replies you were having some problems). With the help of the Texas Cop Shop I've looked up some of the laws pertaining to VFD's. I can see why they can vary from one to the other.
Ernie