VFD's

[scruffy]

Re: VFD\'s

RobertN, and all, I hope I don't antagonize some with my observations, but the other side of the coin not mentioned here, and most certainly not directed at anyone on this board, is the simple fact that every individual is exactly that, an individual. Those that do, each have their own reasons for becoming a volunteer fireman. Some have the time-honorable desire to help their fellow man, others nothing more than to set a fire so that they can go 'help' put it out, thus raising their status in their own eyes if nothing else. Others fall in between, volunteering for the 'status and bragging' rights in itself. I personally hold that the majority are there for nothing more than returning to their fellow neighbors something of intrinsec value in a manner beneficial to all. Although not seen as such through their own eyes, it is a nobel and often herioc deed that is well recieved (for the most part) by those in need of their services.

 

[civguy]

Re: VFD\'s

When my grandfather had a stroke, my grandmother made a phone call and there were 11 VFD vehicles on the property almost immediately.
In contrast, a woman just across the county line called 911 because of a burglar on her property and then called her husband who was at work several counties away. It took her husband 45 minutes to get there but he beat the state police there. There was only one officer on duty and he was busy on the other side of the county.

 

[scruffy]

Re: VFD\'s

civguy, that response time is not an unusual complaint. When I used to work that particular field, I ran a patrol route that was 95 miles in length. On the graveyard shift, there was one person covering the route. Invariably, when there was an accident, it was always at the opposite end of your route. Running top speed, overheads, siren, etc. you were a minimum of 45 minutes out for response time. Not a good thing for 'unhappy' victems, but no help for it. Many people were not understanding of that fact.

 

[RobertN]

Re: VFD\'s

We see this too with SO and CHP. They are spread pretty thin when you get up in the hills. There have been some long waits while one of the two officers in the region, came in from way on the other side of the region.

Sometimes you are on scene for a while, just waiting for law enforcement to show up. In Many places, they just do not have the people-power.

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif

 

[RobertN]

Re: VFD\'s

You pretty much summed up why I'm out there. I think I was born a helper; I like helping people.

In doing so, I have learned a lot too. Things I have learnt have been beneficial at home, work, and life in general.

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif

 

[scruffy]

Re: VFD\'s

The unfortunate answer to the 'manpower' shortage is often the proverbial tax dollar. Most of us are feeling 'taxed out', I know I sure am. While direct taxation of wages will eat up 30 to 35% of most wages, it's the hidden taxes that put a hard bite, they will add up to another 30% on your tax bill. I am almost ready for another Boston tea party! Surcharges, and other forms of 'taxes' should be outlawed. The Feds, and State govts find more ways to increase their take, even though the populace enacts laws (by voting for a bill for example) to limit what they can collect. A politician's temporary tax last much longer than most lifetimes!

 

[ERNIEB]

Re: VFD\'s

Well Scruffy, there you go, you went and brought up the T word. As much as I would love to take off on that, I'm of the opinion that it deserves a thread of it's own. Hard as it may be to swallow, Your manpower to tax dollar is the sad truth. Not unlike buying a tractor,when it comes to police/fire protection the question is. What do you want? and how much are you willing to pay in order to get it? In either case, a decision requires information.