Town of Ocean City
Department of Emergency Services
Fire / EMS Division
Joseph Theobald
Charles Barton
Director
Division Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Ocean City Fire / EMS Division Provides Fire, Rescue, & EMS Service to the entire Town of Ocean City
The Fire/EMS Division of the Department of Emergency Services is a full service public safety agency that provides Fire, Rescue, Special
Operations and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents and
visitors of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. The Ocean City Career
Fire Fighter/Paramedics are municipal employees of the Town of Ocean
City.
The career personnel consist of 74 certified Fire Fighter/EMS employees
who consistently deliver first class, efficient and timely response to
serve and protect the community.
The career personnel protect the lives of over 7,500 year round
residents, the local business community, property owners, over 8 million
annual visitors, and 11 billion dollars in property.
In 2007, the Fire/ EMS Division responded to over 5600 fire, rescue and
medical calls for service.
The career personnel staff, maintains, and respond from all Volunteer
Fire Company stations located in Ocean City, and operate all Volunteer
Fire Company fire apparatus, and municipally owned paramedic units.
In addition to operating all Volunteer Fire Company apparatus, career
personnel staff and operate the Volunteer Fire Company’s Engine 16, a
Maryland State Certified Paramedic Engine, housed at Station 3 on 74th
Street.
The Town’s Fire/EMS Division is a proud recipient of the Maryland Seal
of Excellence. The Seal of Excellence is awarded to Fire, Rescue, and
EMS organizations that maintain high standards to assure the delivery of
quality emergency services.
The Fire/EMS Division manages a State approved Fire/Rescue/EMS Training Academy. Career personnel have extensive experience and training and all are certified and/or licensed to state and national standards. Some areas of specialization include dive and water rescue, high rise firefighting operations, advanced technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
In addition to training career personnel, Fire/EMS instructors offer a
wide range of classroom instruction and practical training for members
of the Volunteer Fire Company.
CAREER FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE PROVIDED THE OCEAN CITY COMMUNITY DEDICATED SERVICE FOR NEARLY FIFTY (50) YEARS. WE ARE DEDICATED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICE AND PROTECTION TO YOU AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST, AS WE DO TODAY, AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY, INTO THE FUTURE.
“ALWAYS ON THE FRONT LINE…SERVICE, COURAGE AND DEDICATION”
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
52 comments:
“The career personnel consist of 74 certified Fire Fighter/EMS employees
who consistently deliver first class, efficient and timely response to
serve and protect the community.”
Except for the summer before last when a young girl and her father died from exposure to carbon monoxide due the fact that the EMS crew never went to the unit after 911 was called. When you started your careers I bet you wanted to make a difference. Well, you did. Way to go guys!!!!
Hmmmmm... How many Volunteers showed up to assist on this call? Well, let me think- they rarely show up for anything!
"Except for the summer before last when a young girl and her father died from exposure to carbon monoxide due the fact that the EMS crew never went to the unit after 911 was called."
If I recall correctly, there were numerous victims suffering form carbon monoxide poisoning, not just those that made the call. A discrepancy of the room location, followed by finding victims who were complaining of the same symptoms, caused the mistake.
It was not determined that is was CO until later. What are the symptoms of CO again?
Besides, following the incident widespread changes were made to ensure something similar to that incident cannot happen again. If I recall, the city changed the radio/reporting policy to ensure crews were at the correct address. Furthermore, building code changes addressed this by mandating buildings have CO detectors installed.
Granted it should not have happened, but it doesn't take a genius to understand how such a mix-up could occur.
As far as the volunteers go, it's hard to be held accountable when you're never there.
Many, but that was after the family members were dead because of the actions of the Fire EMS Division. We are talking about a 12 year old little girl whose mother called 911 and the EMS crew never went to check on her. As a matter of fact command was transferred to a volunteer chief by Chuck Barton because EMS managed to muck the scene up so badly that they could not handle it! The EMS division members should hang a copy of the death certificates next to all their fancy training cards.
"Many, but that was after the family members were dead because of the actions of the Fire EMS Division. We are talking about a 12 year old little girl whose mother called 911 and the EMS crew never went to check on her. As a matter of fact command was transferred to a volunteer chief by Chuck Barton because EMS managed to muck the scene up so badly that they could not handle it! The EMS division members should hang a copy of the death certificates next to all their fancy training cards."
What the hell was the chief going to do? Sit around and look important?
http://publicsafety.com/article/article.jsp?id=3673&siteSection=16
The EMS crews didn't detect it, the hospital and their doctors didn't detect it. It was a rare scenario, and does not speak of the entire Fire/EMS division. We had something similar happen here in Philadelphia not long ago, it's not as rare of an occurrence as you'd think. Furthermore, it says nothing of the competence of the volunteer chief.
Unfortunately, events such as these happen in nearly all major cities and areas. What does that say about those departments, then? I guess they should just be replaced with volunteers, right? I bet the mayor of DC will be pleased to hear of all the savings!
It's odd because, this isn't even the real issue. It's just another smoke-screen cover to fool the citizens of Ocean City into believing their lies.
The fact of the matter is that the career employees do most of the work, and do an excellent job. One mishap doesn't determine the ability or capability of the department. The progressiveness and forward thinking they exercised in handling the incident, and altering their protocols, speaks volumes.
Are you serious how about asking the question . How many time has david cropper had to be removed from a emergency scene because he was to intoxicated to function.
Or how mnay times theres a fire call and cant get enough people to properly staff the truck to go to the county. Mean while 15 or so people sit at a chiefs house right around the corner.
As for the call on that day there were some mistakes and they were acknowledge and changes made. If you have been in this job long enough things happen.
Lets ask this question to how can we go from asking for a chief to no we dont want one because we cant get our way.So we will now start our own fire services.
Were are these freaking idiots going to come from oh maybe the legend jester or hedges ,savage,bunting,cropper,coleman,all those great people who couldnt cut it in the real world.
You guys are too funny! Why would I take a pay cut of about 60% and alter my lifestyle? How you come up with this stuff is beyond me. LOL! I love you guys. Sincerely, Will Savage w_savage@comcast.net
Anonymous at 5:22, you must not be a part of the OCVFC or the Fire/EMS division and happened to be at the scene observing when this tragic event happened. I mean, if you were you obviously would have tried to come the aid of this family yourself. But because you have skewed what you believe to be the facts of that incident you have taken advantage of another family's suffering just to take a low blow at one of the most professional and highly trained organizations in this area. The cause of their deaths was not due to any actions of the emergency personnel on that scene. There were several people that were experiencing CO effects and no one had any idea how many patients we would eventually have. That is why the administration changed operating procedures to include notifying communications the exact location of patient contact, placed $300 CO monitors in every ambulance to bring in to detect CO levels. If you are going make such ignorant and petty statements that you know nothing about it's probably a good thing you aren't man enough to post your name with your comments.
Chris Brown
"Many, but that was after the family members were dead because of the actions of the Fire EMS Division. We are talking about a 12 year old little girl whose mother called 911 and the EMS crew never went to check on her. As a matter of fact command was transferred to a volunteer chief by Chuck Barton because EMS managed to muck the scene up so badly that they could not handle it! The EMS division members should hang a copy of the death certificates next to all their fancy training cards."
to whom ever posted this statement (and likely the other asinine statements in conjunction with it) don't ever let your identity be known. for your own welfare. oh, and while you guys are busy saving the town money how about you snag back those 4 monster SUV's that your chiefs can drive within a 60-mile radius. AND stop paying them $10,000 dollars a year (volunteer my ass!), and stop paying your board members up to and over $5,000 a year (volunteer my ass again)
Fedup - shows what you don't know. The Chief is the only one at $10,000 and donated most back, ask for the facts. Regular Board memebers are not paid. One problem, UNION, ask how many will do ANYTHING when not being paid.
To knock the personnel for the CO incident is just wrong, when you run nearly 6000 calls a year there is bound to be a call when something doesn't go right. Yes it is very tragic and unfortunate for that family. Someone posted that they called 911 and EMS never came to their room, the call was for "sick Persons". The first arriving crews were met with several sick persons. That would like being dispatched to a house fire with reported people trapped, you know the address, someone called 911 and you show up and are met in the front yard with several victims that have to be treated and ties up your resources and the people still inside end up dying because the responders never went to their room or couldn't find them in time.
I was not involved in the CO call, but don't sit and slam the division for that call and the people on it, volunteer or career.
Oh my! Testy testy. It looks like the glory boys have poo on their face.
“to whom ever posted this statement (and likely the other asinine statements in conjunction with it) don't ever let your identity be known. for your own welfare.”
Can you be more specific as to what you will do to me tuff guy? Perhaps you might want to post your name. It looks like you can dish out criticism but can’t take it. Go back to sleep paid boy!
i got that info from one of YOUR board members... and who said i was part of the paid division? you guys are making volunteers everywhere look bad
Fedup, that was a good try, no board member would say that, they have no reason, Second, I see you didn't want to touch the UNION question. You guys bitch, then can't answer real questions. Let the public know, you WONT answer thier call for help anymore, unless your PAID. Hurts huh? Just the fact you didn't answer shows the truth, now lie about it. Your turn. And lets also inform the public how many of you were paid six figures? Oh, thats been done ......... and that hurt.
That entire C.O. call was turned over to the the volies, AFTER your EXPERTS screwed it up, and it was turned over by the director, errr.. paid city "chief". And the courts will show whose fault it was. The truth seems to bother you guys after your weeks of slander.
While we are discussing your "calls", just how many working fires, storms, power outages, have the EMS staff ever been in charge of in OC? MOST EVERY major call was run by the OCVFC. You guys have had every oportunity to dicuss this in public, but chose to hide, and thats the first class service you have? How honest have you been, thats a great future for everyone.
"Fedup, that was a good try, no board member would say that, they have no reason, Second, I see you didn't want to touch the UNION question. You guys bitch, then can't answer real questions. Let the public know, you WONT answer thier call for help anymore, unless your PAID. Hurts huh? Just the fact you didn't answer shows the truth, now lie about it. Your turn. And lets also inform the public how many of you were paid six figures? Oh, thats been done ......... and that hurt."
Almost all of the career staff in OC are volunteer firemen in their own towns. They have no problem with volunteering. In fact, most of then are chiefs or officers in their fire departments.
"While we are discussing your "calls", just how many working fires, storms, power outages, have the EMS staff ever been in charge of in OC? MOST EVERY major call was run by the OCVFC. You guys have had every oportunity to dicuss this in public, but chose to hide, and thats the first class service you have? How honest have you been, thats a great future for everyone."
You see, you post an interesting problem. Admittedly, they have not been in charge of most of the calls in Ocean City. Now, you may ask, why? BECAUSE THE VOLUNTEER CHIEFS TAKE COMMAND. The vollie chiefs (you know, the ones with no officer training) take command of the incidents. The fact of the matter is, most of the career officers have more experience running fires, more training, and more experience than your volunteer chiefs. They don't get to be in command in Ocean City because the volunteer fire department has a strangle-hold on the power there.
Why don't you post the qualifications of your officers? Oh, wait, they don't have FOI? The career staff is good enough to train the volunteers, just not good enough to be in command? You mean, most of them have been firemen twice as long as your chief?
You're all a bunch of power hungry idiots. If the public knew of the quality of service the volunteers have actually been providing, maybe they'd realize it's not such a deal.
I'm not a member of the union. Again, I AM NOT A MEMBER OF THE UNION. And howcome the press release doesn't come right out and say "we don't like your paid guys, so we want to hire our own". Yea that'll be a big savings for the town.. And howcome there hasn't been mention of the volunteers who didn't support the moving out to west oc (some of which are your most active members)?
and as for your question of the career guys doing something while not on the clock, i'll give you this- they get paid to do a job. do you go to work after you're off and say "hey i want to work a few more hours for free"? i doubt it. But lets not forget that almost EVERY chief officer in your neighboring volunteer departments are all paid by OC. so you're statement of them not volunteering is a bit off based don't you think.
this is my last post. my intent was not to slam volunteers (i am one myself), but to call you out for being an ass. however, you clearly don't need my help for that- you're doing just fine on your own. Keep on drinkin that kool-aid buddy!
This will be my first and last post on this web site. There is no need to to be bringing up calls such as the co event or any other ones. You have heard me say it before people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
As for all those people who think that this is going to save money you are sadly mistaken its going to cost more and as a resident and taxpayer in this town its nuts.
Why should we be duplicating services, if you want to crunch numbers i imagine that the fire ems division can do what is being proposed by the fire company a bit cheaper because they allready have people in place. And it would take alot less people to bring staffing levels up.
As for somemone talking about flsa yes it will cost the city a big chunk of money. There is such a thing called the 80 - 20 rule and when that happens overtime has to be payed.Maybe you should read a ruling WEST vs Anne Arundel County it went all the way to the supreme court and the county lost.And no not even the great one downtown can fight that one.
Listen there are alot of people on here that dont have a clue and have no balls sign your name and be a man.
I know there are alot of people who dont agree with me on either side and i am fine with that but you know were I stand.
Tim Jerscheid
10:52 power hungry, the city already voted to put the chief over you, offer declined. (bet you guys s***) Try again, if power was the key, they had it. Fedup, so you admit after union people work no more helping just to help, just overtime, yep thats a union. The ocvfc is tring to keep vol and offer the other spaces to paid persons that will accept both. You say your not union, but sure can't defend them.
What is wrong fedup and Tim? You were man enough to open your big mouths but do not want to finish what you started. You are just like the rest of your division a bunch of cowards. You throw BS out there and then cannot back it up. I guess that is why you needed a union because as individuals you are just spineless sissies at heart.
excuse me 12:23 what is that you want me to back up. please ask away oh have a set and sign your name
Tim Jerscheid
tim thought it was your last post, like the other union men, can't keep your word. "first post" even your sister knows better. also flsa has been addressed guess you havent asked the dept yet. and as far as duplicating services again you havent done the homework,bet you will be the first paid fireman on your days off on the engine, dont sweat it
Word on the street is that Mayor Meehan commented that the fire company proposal would be over his dead body. We could only be so lucky! Lets see what the citizens have to say Rickey boy.
lets hope the mayor does whats best for everyone hopefully he will talk with all players before he takes a direction not like barrie from salisbury. there were a few from the ocean city fire dept that badmouthed him but the admin and chief like him i understand
i know for a fact the chief has said the mayor wanted to work with he and everyone to fix the problems and that they will continue to work together and they have a joint respect for each other, so no salisbury here yet
Tim you wonder why you are stuck in your career. Promotions come and go, elections come and go, and you know what Tim is still stuck as the outspoken firefighter. This is everyone’s way of telling you that you are a real Jack A**. Do I hear screaming!
enough of the bulls**t!!! Let's talk about the important stuff. If to ocvfc moves to WOC, who is going to pay for all of the free meals for the board members and the shrimp feasts!!!
Timmy does get a little excited sometimes on a fire, but you cannot question his dedication to the fire service and to help people both as a career member in AA Co and as a volunteer in OC. Lord knows he did more than his share of duty crews and he is on the scene of more calls in OC than anyone else other than maybe Mike Hastings, but no one can beat Bud in mark ups!
It is said to see everyone bitching on this website about something that we all love to do! Fight Fire.
I have a solution, Let get all of the paid staff and Vollies in one room and have a bitch session instead of hiding behind all those computer screens.
WE HAVE REALLY MADE OURSELVES LOOK LIKE SHIT TO OUR SURROUNDING DEPARTMENTS, EVEN OUT OF STATE.
Well you have got me wow so i lost an election oh my at least i had the balls to run.Stuck in my career oh maybe its because i am good at what i do and dont wish to promote. Go ahead and put you reputation up against mine i'm pretty sure that your going to lose.
As to the person that wants to say i am all about the union please feel free to go down to hq and check my stats for the last 10 years in the fire company.
Oh ok so my voice gets a little high maybe you should turn your pager down then or turn the tv up when your sitting at home.
If i am so bad how come I have been named Fire Fighter of the year in two different department and have been given medals and awards for bravery and doing the job above and beyond. And I didnt even have to write myself up for any of them.
I am done on here if you feel the need to continue bashing me feel free . I Guess i must have struck a nerve. Ps ask the fire chief or the president that any thing i have said on here is not what i have said to there face. But any time you want please feel free to give me a call.
Tim
The EMS is highly trained and qualified...ok they have the certifications but i can guarantee that almost 2/3 of that division are certified but not qualified. They do have some exceptionally smart ones with live expereince can't deny that but i wanan know about their training. They have 2 training days a month 7am to 7pm. BUt they get an hour for lunch and then are done by 5 so we are paying them a lot of money to sit around til its time to leave. In 2 days they get 6 hours of free pay time. Hmmmm training looks to be wasting some taxpayers money. Some of the vollies have just as much training as the "certified" ones with most likely the same experience. Just not a big fan of paying guys over 30$ an hour an more to be sitting around drinking coffee when supposed to be training.
Why is everyone bashing tim. He wears both helmets and wears both well. Does his job to collect the check but does even more as a vollie. Til you have the guts to put your stats up against his quit running your mouth
2:42 Paid staff would not show up, unless they were paid if it's like PG county, and they don't even speak in thier meetings (staff ones). "Give me my pay check and let me be, and don't ask me to do any more work, just hire more so I can be a boss", thats what they really want. And, where's my overtime ? Does the paid staff in OC even clean thier own buildings? I heard they are asleep in the summer by 11:00am "to hot to work" Wait untill they throw the vollies out (which I predict will happen)and get a real chief, thier paid officers couldn't lead the homeless to a free dinner.
3:08 I agree you have a point, ask about our training this week.(what a joke) We have some good people but VERY POOR management. I am not sold the OCVFC can do better though. The brass needs to work this out, shame its got to this point. Maybe we should stick with the offer, then we don't have any headache of fire, and will be able to get the EMS training we used to.
3:08 for EMS CHIEF. I need new bosses.
"We have some good people but VERY POOR management".
I could not agree more. Fire/EMS needs to clean house! Now might be our chance.
As far as training and being certified and qualified goes, all of that is important. You have to have training and qualifications, but without experience it isn't worth a hill of beans. Just because I may be paid one day and not the next has nothing to do with me walking the dog on anyone on a fire any day of the week. Just because you are a member of an department doesn't make you a firefighter.
Deena Bennett
For get Tim and the rest of the 'BS'. The issue here is what the OCVFC has proposed... I have never seen a bunch of people try to take the REAL issue and change the subject to something that has NOTHING to do with it...
Why hasn't anyone seen this GREAT plan? Lets start with JUST FACTS...
Tom
20 members live in the Town of Ocean City
22 members live in West Ocean City
19 members live outside the Ocean City response area (Bishopville,
Delmar, Salisbury, Bethany Beach, Berlin, Ocean Pines, etc)
7 members are on probation
1 member is on Active Military Duty
5 members are listed as Active, but are actually on Life Membership
4 members are listed as Active, but are actually no longer in the OCVFC
KEEPING THE FACTS
Ocean City Volunteer Fire Co Operational and Administrative Officers
4 Chiefs live in the Ocean City response area
2 of the 4 Captains live outside of the Ocean City response area
4 of the 6 Lieutenants live outside of the Ocean City response area
5 of the 9 administrative members live outside of the Ocean city
response area
The foundation of a Volunteer Fire Company is to live in the community
you serve.
KEEPING THE FACTS
scenThe Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company requirements to be a Chief have
been the same for at least twenty years. The training hour requirements
are less than what a probationary firefighter has coming out of fire
school. They are elected by the members eligible to vote. Captains and
Lieutenants are appointed and although there are currently no training
requirements, some possess the NFPA recommended training appropriate to
their position and function.
KEEPING THE FACTS
TRAINING INFO:
Chief Larmore: Essentials of Firefighting IV, EMT-B, Rescue Technician
NFPA standards are recognized and widely followed throughout the fire
service.
Hey Ball-less 1:07, what does Tim's sister have to do with this blog? And furthermore, what does "even your sister knows better" mean? But, I do know this, apparently you haven't done your homework either. Because you haven't learned how to write a complete sentence with punctuation. Apparently YOU don't know how to play NICE in the sandbox either. You are all acting like a bunch of pansies. JJ
Unions Really Create Problems!
You know, it has gotten kind of sad. Looking at the various posts on this relatively public forum, and recognizing elements of writers from both sides (Paid and Volunteer), I have become disappointed in both. Not because of the actions occurring at City Hall or in Town, but because of the postings on this site.
Suffice to say that it appears the vast majority of those "blogging" do not appear to be fully educated on the subject matter they speak of (the current situation in OC-I don't claim to be, either), so the bloggers are likely those with limited influence on either side, using this forum to vent their own frustrations. Mr. & Mrs. Taxpayers, these are hopefully not those individuals in decision making positions.
With that said, this issue really is out of many of our hands, firefighters. It is a decision to be made by the taxpayer, and thus the city council. For those that truly want the best for the city and it's citizens and visitors, it's now time to drop the pot shots at each other and use these forums to UNBIASEDLY educate the public and council.
Really, the decision seems to boil down to two options, both of which center on who will MANAGE the program:
1. Volunteer Fire management by Board of Directors/Chief, who supports and appreciates their career staff; or
2. Career management and fire/ems employees who support and foster volunteer activity to bolster their own roles.
Here is a news flash for those fuming right now...It's up to the PUBLIC to decide how they want their Fire Service run, not you. It doesn't matter who has Fire Officer classes, who has decades of experience here or elsewhere...The decision that will be made will be who they trust, and how they want their department run, and ultimately, how much it costs them individually.
I wish the bloggers on this site and others would drop the crap, and start talking HONESTLY about issues....set your emotions aside. Recognize that no matter which way it goes, there will likely be parts of both in the finished system, and a place for you.
Start stimulating ideas for IMPROVEMENT that give our leaders concepts to move forward, ideas that don't end with "...and that'll really piss 'em off."
Education vs. Experience
YOU NEED BOTH!
MFRI is a great institution, but it's no secret that you can sit through the classes and obtain "CERTIFICATIONS" incredibly easy, with limited practical knowledge. That's not a bad thing! You just need to couple it with experience and OJT to make sure you are qualified, not just certified. Instead of talking about how much all the "others" need more experience/training, how about helping them to obtain the KNOWLEDGE you have (from experience OR training) and get it out to them BEFORE they need it on a call. Guess what, Mrs. Taxpayer doesn't care if a firefighter has 30 years on the job, or 15 cert cards from ProBoards...she cares whether or not he can save her when her house is on fire...
6:34 Very well said. Frankly, lets hope the tempers and personel agendas subside, and the reamining blogs will reflect to the public what we stand for.
Ok I'm seriously getting tired of this crap! The problem is not with the people we work with and volunteer with, It's the damn politics in the fire department! They are like the damn plague and all of us have caught it. We have all forgotten where we came from and what we were sworn in to do whether it be paid or volunteer. We have all gotten stuck in the politics whether on purpose or by accident. The fire service is NO place for politics. As for a comment made previously in another blog about No volunteers ever show up....That is not correct. Now I admit that yes there are not alot of vollies that show up. But to say that no vollies show up is simply in accurate. unfortunately we are plagued with certain people who just go to the firehouse mark up and go home. And you gotta admit that at one time or another most of us have done that. I view it like this...the ones that go on the calls and are active with duty crews and what not are the true dedicated vollies...the rest are just members. Now you can't fault someone for having a family and not being as active as they used to be but thats the whole thing about volunteering your time....give what you can. As for the whole C.O. call, that was just a call that went bad. Things happen and unfortunantely people die. There are bound to be a few calls go bad through the years. It's no ones fault. As far as the command issue with someone saying that the career guys have not had command because of power hungry vollie chiefs...that is incorrect again. Have you listened to the pager or radio at all. I have heard plenty of calls that career guys have had command and plenty that vollies have had command of. I think everyone needs stop their bickering for a day and just start over from scratch. I will continue to be a dedicated volunteer and show up but I'm tired of the politics. Some said that if the vollies pay there own people that it would drive the younger guys away from volunteering. Well I can tell you that is not what is going to drive me away. it's all the attitudes and politics. How about everyone grow up and get on the damn fire truck and do what we are supposed to do. I am sorry if anything is misspelled for all of you people that scrutinize on that. This will be my final post on this subject. Oh and if I made anyone upset or mad through this post....I believe that is a personal problem and you should deal with it.
Hey, Just do your job,be happy,dont talk crap,forget the politics b/c its giving me a headache,and keep the public 1st in mind. I signed up to become a volunteer Firefighter,not for personal gain,but for the best interest in Public Safety. What goes on with the politics and the brass WHATEVER. I just want to continue to serve the public as a Volunteer and do it with my head up high.
OC even has associate members too
After reading through most of the comments left it's not hard to tell that there is much tention built up between the volunteers and paid personal. As a volunteer in a town outside of ocean city I am not directly involved in the issues going on, but I do have a solution to your problem. Quit being a bunch of A** holes and do your job. If you want to be a volunteer then volunteer and get up and go to calls, if you want to get paid fill out and application and get just DO YOU JOB. For the paid personal that may read this, don't think just because you collect a check you know or have seen more then a vollie, cause there is a good chance that you havent! The town that I volunteer for also happens to be the hometown of many OC EMS personal at least 4-5, many of which think they are gods gift to the fire service all because they have been paid to do it somewhere else, but do us all a favor and WAKE UP!!! Just remember what you are there for to provide a service to the community leave all the other crap at the door.
TO TIM KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO. You are a great firemen teacher and friend. I wouldnt want anyone else by my side no matter if you were being paid or giving up your free time.
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