OK, this is where I have issues with the Salisbury Fire Department. Tower 16 was just called out to a garage fire in Johnson Street. Come on guys, a Ladder Truck? At this rate you'll be replacing that thing in 4 years after running to car accidents and whatever else you can make excuses for. Will WaWa be next?
101 comments:
Wouldn't a smaller truck done the job just as well? I don't understand the need for the largest truck to be used. I'm sure if I ask someone will jump in my face with an answer.
Maybe it was a six story garage.
They're already using it as a food taxi. At the rate these bozo's are running it four years is conservitive. Seems the cost of fuel alone is no deterant to these so called firmen.
Maybe it was the only truck available? Or blocking other vehicles, so it had to be moved first?
In any case, what is the oversight over at the SFD? Is there any?
I'm sure it will be labeled as a training excersize.
Ok so why was Tower 16 in Station 2 area in the first place? The last I heard it was kept at the new palace and that's why they build it for the Tower 16. If they want to play with it leave it at Station 16 there is plenty of room there. Plus how much fuel does the truck get one gallon to 5oo feet.
A Taxpayer in SBY
Wow!! WHo knew there were so many certified firefighters living in 'Bury?!?! With all of you knowledgable, internet firefighters, I don't know why we have a paid department at all! Why don't you all go put out fires with your compact cars with garden hoses in the back. I don't know why I'm wasting my time, but ladder trucks are used for much more than the aerial. They carry specialized equipment for ventilation, ground ladders, RIT, atmospheric monitoring and overhaul. But of course you all knew that already. I guess you computer firefighters taught me something that my Fire Protection Engineering Degree didn't. The old saying should'nt be "big fire, big water", it should be "big fire, big trucks!" Stick to flippin burgers and let the firefighters do their job.
Thanks Alan, God Forbid anyone have a different point of view. That's OK though, I divorced one of you once.
What so funny about this is, a friend called me and said, how long do you think it will take before they use the "TOOL BOX" excuse. Hey Friend, NO LONG! ROTFLMAO!
'Tool box' is not an excuse, its what it is. I'm sure all of you certified "Computer Firefighter I's and II's" know that the least used tool on a ladder truck is usually the aerial. I'm sure I don't have to tell your readers, but the least ordered meal at McDonald's is the salad, but your readers still gotta toss em fresh every couple weeks!
It only exposes your narrow mind Joe. It's not an excuse. Do you honestly think that because the truck has a ladder that it has to be used on every call?
Alan, I'm sure the other Fire Trucks don't have TOOL BOXES and that's why Gordy and See are spending millions buying new ones. I'll tell you what REAL MEN do. We go to Sears and we buy Craftsmen Toolboxes. You can also go to Gander Mountain and Tractor Supply and actually buy one for the back of your pickup truck. Now there's an idea for ya.
come on people, you know you need to train on something before you come proficent. So, would you rather them come to your house fire and be under the real stress and using this truck for the first time and making mistakes that could save your or your loved ones life. Judge slowly and speak wisely.
Joe, his name isn't Alan it is Anonymous. This joker is a paid firefighter wannabe.
Alan Brunacini is his idol. See this about the real Alan Brunacini:
http://firechief.com/management/firefighting_simply_best/
i dont know why they needed huge truck or fireboat. everybody already knows that these paid fireman arent real fire fighters but merely foundation savers
anonymous 3:27,
There you go! A nice, calm, professional answer. No fists in the air, just a good clean response. That's what I like to see.
Joe, thanks for pointing this out to everyone. The bottom line is that "Tower 16" was not needed on the call period. It was just a small garage fire on Johnson Street, an up and coming ghetto of Salisbury. Station 2 has a truck and an engine so all 3 stations that were alerted wasn't needed. If the new Tower 16 was needed then why didn't the paid men take it instead of Engine 16? Not only was that truck not needed can you guess how many actual vehicles from the Salisbury Fire Department responded to that call?
You buy a ladder truck to be ready for the worse case scenario. Don't you people have anything better to do than attack public servants I hope they never have to save your sorry butts.
Nah, the point is you and your readers have no idea what you/they are talking about. Before you begin questioning the decision making of proven fire service leaders, educate yourself. How many posters on here who act like experts in fire supression know what PPV is? or could set it up without killing every firefighter in the structure? Or could set up and execute RIT if needed? The first commenter says, "wouldn't a smaller truck done the job just as well?" That's ignorance bordering on lunacy. Then, when there's a fire at the hospital, the same genius will be wondering, "shouldn't they have had a bigger truck?"
If your commenters really want to know what they're talking about,they should stop in on the staff and command class being held right now in Ocean City. Maybe they could teach those firefighters that have dedicated their lives to educating themselves in their field a thing or two. I can see it now, "Welcome our next speaker Earl! Earl has no formal fire training, no specialized degree, no experience aside from extinguishing a camp fire, but he lives in Salisbury and he comments on a blog! That makes him able to make decisions effecting the lives of emergency responders in The 'Bury and beyond!"
But you know what they say about the man who argues with a fool, and since I feel dumber for arguing, I'm going to go read some fire text books, I'll look for your name in the credits!
Joe,
To you and the readers if you want to know the magnitude of this massive garage fire check out the pics on Fire in The Hole.
ROTFLMAO
http://www.fithp.net/story.asp?ID=566
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
Joe, I hope your house burns to the ground while we stand around and watch it.
Grow TFU! You know something. Some of you guys are incredible individuals buut then there's the others who are complete a-holes.
Here's a question for you. When a man reaches 300 pounds or more, is he still called a Professional Firefighter? I mean, you can be a 300 pound linebacker or wrestler but when I look at some of the fat around the SPD Administration, I'm just wondering if they consider themselves professionals too?
I guess that's why they don't call Football Coaches Professional Football Players, right? I mean, many of them used to be called that back when they played but once they STOP going out there and actually Fight Fires and don't know jack about what it really takes like See, Gordy, Comegys, (just to name a few) do they still call themselves Professional Firefighters?
If they are professionals, can someone please tell me when and where See, Comegys & Gordy actuually went into the heat of a fire. Not just one, I want to hear the history of all three men because I'm sure one of them actually fought fires. Can you help me out here guys?
Well Al, why aren't YOU there teaching that Class, since you're such the Pro?
anonymous 3:44, WOW, that's one mean fire. Must have been at least 5 stories high. Thank God they had that mega million dollar fire truck.
Thanks for the link though, sriously. I love Wayne's Site! Best photographer on the Eastern Shore, hands down.
Its funny that someone had to tell you who Alan Brunicini is. If you know anything about the fire service, you know that name. Let me dumb it down for you, if you know Sesame Street, you know Big Bird. So all of you are qualified to make decisions about the Fire Department, but you prove time and time again that you know nothing. Other than the disgruntled FD members that fill you in, you know nothing. Ever take a basic NIMS class? Any idea how many firefighters you need to initiate an interior atack? Know who makes that rule? The fire department is not a government, its not run "by the people, for the people". You need no education to run for office, no certifications, but you need many to be a fire chief. That's why you don't see mayors all over the US running fire grounds. They are in charge, so deal with it.
And to answer your question, why aren't I in class in Ocean City? I took it last year, but I learned much more about the fire service from reading this blog! I guess the firefighters in Ocean City could have put the DoughRoller fire out in minutes if they'd have just had a bigger truck! Big fire=big truck!
I just asked my 4 year old what a ladder truck does at a fire and he said, "vent, enter, search." he officially knows more about the fire tactics than most of the keyboard firefighters here!
Didn't it cost 1.1 Million?
Wouldn't that = Just over 1 Million Dollars.
Doesn't multi or mega equate multiple millions?
Please explain Joe.
Joe,
This is not the first time tower 16 has been used when it was not needed. Thursday at 4PM it responded to an MVA at Bus. Rt. 13 (South Salisbury Blvd) and Carrol St. On scene were 2 EMS 1 Technical Rescue and Engine 16 on the way. Command was set up and Tower 16 was used to block traffic. Why? How much fuel was used to assist in an MVA with out anyone pinned in or seriously injured? All of the patients were ambulatory at the scene. So "Alan" please explain that one? What special equipment was needed then?
Alan, that's NOT what I asked you. I said, "WHY AREN'T YOU TEACHING THE CLASS," IF YOU'RE THAT SMART?
anonymous 4:10,
Didn't the Fire Department just order FIVE BRAND NEW TRUCKS? Of the five, aren't THREE of them Ladder Trucks? Learn NOT to mess with me, Son.
Thank you Grady. Here's the deal guys. As many of you know, I own 14 cars. I have two pickup trucks. One has a V-6 in it and gets great gas milage. The other has a V-10 Hemi in it but it's a 4x4. I use it to pull the horse trailer and during heavy snow. That being said, do YOU know the last time I actually used that new Hemi Pickup? The Christmas Parade of 2007! It has only moved on my property. Do you know why? Because I haven't needed the SOB! Try to imagine what DISCIPLINE actually means.
Tell the crew from Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad that the fuel they wasted to drive their big, expensive Squad to the scene of a minor accident was too much. The same squad that saved all their lives when it bore the brunt of a car slamming into it instead of the back of the ambulance they were loading. Tell the National Highway Safety Board and the National Traffic Safety Board that they are wrong in recommending responding large apparatus to protect responders working on roadways. Tell the National Qualification Board that certifies firefighters around the US that they are wrong in teaching the response of large apparatus to protect responders on roadways. Tell the husband or wife of a responder that you're sorry they got hit by a car on 50, but their loved ones life wasn't worth the fuel to drive the truck out to protect the scene. The fire service has been around long before you idiots showed up, and it will be here long after you decide to chnge your focus back to the drawbridge.
The fire service is not the same as the wanna-be farmer buisness.
Apples & Oranges. Public Safety versus you riding in a parade or pulling a horse trailer. How can you compare the two.
And do explain the multi-million dollar ladder truck. You've said it before.
Explain Joe. Perhaps you can't?
14 Cars? Quantity don't mean jack. Quality does. What's the QUALITY of those 14? A Pontiac Fiero? Really? A 1980 Mercedes?
They're knee deep in Ticks at the firehouse since it went in service. Gordy's boy is living there waiting for a call after Daddy bought this Giant for him. They'll take this truck on any call that comes in just to get a woody.
James, there were 3 pieces of large equipment on the scene along with SPD. Rescue 16 or Engine 16 could provide the recommended protection. Using a brand new very expensive piece of apparatus is not always the best idea.
Maybe the tower is too big, but guess what it is here get over it. The time have complained about was when was first approved, before the peice was ever built. However it is here now & in service and it will likely be responding on calls. Best advice is to get use to it.
4:09
vent, enter, search should be done by firefighters not a truck and this policy should be done at all fires no matter what truck is used
OK anonymous 4:40, let's discuss this and get it out in the open.
First of all, we own 3 Mrcedes. One is a Classic 1974 with 54,000 original miles. The other two Mercedes we have are from the 1990's, not 80's. They also have very low miles.
The 1984 Fiero was the first year they came out. However, this one that I own has 24,000 original miles and get this, it has a V-6 in it, yet they say they didn't make them with a V-6 the first year. I'd say that puppy is worth quite a bit of money.
I do not own a single junk vehicle and every single one of them starts on the first crank and runs like a top.
So try picking on someone your own size, you know, the Pinto League before you go after someone who has something you can only dream about. Now, are ALL of my vehicles ones that every person out there desires, probably not. But I enjoy every one of them and guess what, they're all paid for. Heck, everything I own is paid for.
As for the Hemi pickup 4:37, let me try to get this through your thick skull. YOU USE IT WHEN IT'S NECESSARY! You don't go to garage fires, car accidents and WaWa, PERIOD!
As for James Clack, GIVE ME A BREAK! Why didn't you just say, would you have denied them in NYC on 9-11? I guess when you see so many vehicles hit the rear end of State Troopers on the Highways around the Country we could say, well, better that their vehicle was totaled rather than the drug dealers they had just pulled over, right? I'll bet Chjevy Chase handed out Hero Badges for their smart move to have a Ladder Truck block the road too. What a boat load of crap!
Chevy Chase, sorry.
C'mon Joe. Give them a break. There might have been car in that garage that was jacked-up, and the roof of it was on fire. Or Tower 15 was not available so they had to go to next highest number. Of course I'm being sarcastic, seeing that it was complete (shall I say) overkill, and a total waste of very expensive equipment. Or, it very well could be Pittsville has offered to buy it in 2 years for $5500.00.
Congrats to you Joe on such a fine collection of automobiles. Not exactly a Jay Leno collection though.
They don't produce Fieros anymore do they? Nope. Didn't think so.
Would a first year Chevette with a V6 be worth megabucks? Probably not.
anonymous 4:53, ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I am one of the many taxpayers for that vehicle and I flat out questioned the Fire Department and Council as to IF that Fire Truck would stay put and NOT go out to car accidents and small fires unless necessary. We, as taxpayers, have been assured it would not.
You don't spend that kind of money on one piece of equipment and burn it out before its time! I will rag on your rear ends each and every day that puppy goes out the door without the proper conditions.
Like I said earlier, discipline! Can I afford the gas for my Hemi, you better believe I can. Is it a better ride than my old Chevy, your darned right it is. However, is it necessary, absolutely NOT! I do NOT have little man syndrome where I have to go out and show off my 4x4, 4 door, extended bed pickamup truck.
So every time we see and hear you show offs are out and about with your new rig, everyone will now know you have very tiny penis' and squeaky voices. Start acting more responsible with OUR MONEY. That's right, I said OUR MONEY because most of you don't have the ba((s to live in the City and pay for the equipment you take advantage of.
LOL Joe. I don't think anyone dreams about owning that collection of autos.
Speaking of Pintos, I own one with V6. I'm hanging on to it so I can sell it and retire.
Tease me all you want little Boys, you're all making payments and can't afford to be in the position I'm in. So they don't make Fiero's any more, so what? They also don't make the 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertable with 55,000 miles on it like I have either. I guess it's a piece of crap too. How about the Cobra Mustang or the 1967 Ford Thunderbird with 90,000 miles on it. How about that 48 Ft Motor Coach with 12,000 miles on it. I'll bet that's not worth much either, eh? Did I happen to mention the two new Harley Davidson's? Don't hate me just because I'm beautiful. LOL
Joe, respectfully, you're not the only person who happens to outright own vehicles. Sorry to break the news.
Joe,
I know in the county that I am a volunteer in...on a house fire or building fire, no matter how many stories are involved 3 or 4 fire engines(pumpers), and 2 special services are dispatched. Special services being a squad or a ladder truck. The speical services are used for rapid intervention teams, search teams, over haul teams,and so on....yes a ladder truck that can reach 135 feet into the air on a house fire. Its the way it is and I dont understand what the big deal is. Go argue with general orders.
Your eliteist attitude really turns people off. You're no better than the bum on the corner looking for a handout.
anonymous 5:24, this was a garage fire at a house. ONE story. The Ladder Truck was also seen at a car accident, HELLO! Read the story first, respectfully.
anonymous 5:21, I have 17 vehicles paid for. Not one. I also own outright more than 17 properties.
My reason for sharing this information is to show hos fiscally responsible I am. No, I never got a penny from my Parents or my Family and I never ever inherited any money from any one else. I earned it and worked very hard to get it. The City NOR the SFD specifically is very responsible with money and or Fire Equipment. In fact, they openly and publicly have claimed they only expect a 15 year life out of this new Ladder Truck. I'm sorry but if any one of you think that's for real, then you need to be labeled one of Jerry's Kids. This is NOT Chicago or NYC! You are not 9-11 heros and you need to park that thing until it's needed. I know, I know, next I'll hear if you don't run it things will fall apart. OK then, go to a different manufacturer that won't screw you the next time and will manufacture a vehicle that won't have issues because it's not being used every time someones stomach starts growling. WaWa Run!!!!! If you think I'm kidding, look at the bellies on the brass at the SFD. Which reminds me, no one ever answered my question about them being Professionals???????
anonymous 5:33, I know you can't be talking about me. I'm certainly no bum and I never ask for handouts. Wanna know who a bum is. A Bum is a Mayor who throws the Homeless out of the woods in the dead of winter, takes their clothing and bedding because they don't have adequate plumbing. That's a BUM!
joealbero said...
anonymous 5:24, this was a garage fire at a house. ONE story. The Ladder Truck was also seen at a car accident, HELLO! Read the story first, respectfully.
Joe read my response I said we send them to ONE story fires as well. I have also seen them on car accidents as well. They do have EMS equipment on them.
They barely have enough people to man the trucks at each station, let alone use the EMS excuse. No, not in Salisbury. They're going to race a chase car there first, an ambulance second and as many Fire Trucks as humanly possible and if they can find any excuse to take the brand new Ladder Truck, clearly they're not only going to take it, they're going to create at least 40 excuses as to why it's necessary. They're irresponsible and my guess is, one the Mayor is history, Jim Ireton gets voted into Office as Mayor, Chief See gets his fat ass out of there as Chief Paperweight, things are going to change in a major way in every6 single department throughout the City. It's going to be all about accountability once and for all. If he can't get rid of some of the dead weight, they'll become so miserable at what they do they'll be sending in resignation papers just as fast as humanly possible.
Remember guys, I'll be sitting on the outside looking in and if I don't like what I see, you may just have another new Mayor in 4 more years and you are NOT going to like it if I choose to run. However, I think Ireton will do a fine job and I look forward to seeing this kind of CRAP come to an end. You've been spoiled long enougyh. I know, why don't you vote for Gary Comegys so you can get another 4 years of the same old crap? Oh, that's right, only 6 of you actually live in the City and can't vote.
I happen to agree with Joe on a lot of this. Fire fighters have been irresponsible for too many years and they need to start taking better care of what they have. Yeah, maybe we do have to accept this new ladder truck being here but I agree, leave it at home unless absolutely necessary. Also try to remember that they are our equipment and that we pay for them. Stop acting like you're going to tell us what to do with them.
Has anyone else seen that huge hole in the floor on the second floor of the new fire station? I'm not talking about all the cracks up there. I had to move some stuff around to find it.
if they had sop's for what it is to respond on and not respond on you wouldnt have this issue
Honestly, this is ridiculous, everyone wants to keep giving the SFD a hard time. But if I or my family or friends were stuck in a fire, I'd hope they'd bring out the big guns and know what they are doing with it! So if in order for that to happen and the truck needs to be used for practice in smaller fires then go for it. Honestly boys are boys, how many of you wouldn't be excited to get their hands on a new toy. The excitement will wear off. Really, if all of your are so very concerned about your tax dollars, why don't you spend your energy fighting where that money really is going, like all the lazy people out there we are supporting on welfare, as well as the huge lie of a war we are fighting in Iraq. Everyone needs to stop worrying about this truck and worry about bigger things!!!
Anonymous said...
Joe, respectfully, you're not the only person who happens to outright own vehicles. Sorry to break the news.
5:21 PM
Yes and you are jealous of them as well. LMAO
Anonymous said...
joealbero said...
anonymous 5:24, this was a garage fire at a house. ONE story. The Ladder Truck was also seen at a car accident, HELLO! Read the story first, respectfully.
Joe read my response I said we send them to ONE story fires as well. I have also seen them on car accidents as well. They do have EMS equipment on them.
5:43 PM
If you need EMS equipment then use the EMS equipment off the ambulances. Fire trucks shouldn't even be responding to car accidents anyway, especially a million dollar ladder truck.
I'm sure if it sits then Joe would complain that it will need to be replaced due to not running regularly.
What's done is done... leave it alone!
Anonymous said...
Has anyone else seen that huge hole in the floor on the second floor of the new fire station? I'm not talking about all the cracks up there. I had to move some stuff around to find it.
6:07 PM
HUH??
Wow Alan Brunicini and Dennis Rubin, it looks like two idiots who know nothing of being a real fireman picked two names out of the books. As far as the truck goes it is due on all structure fires in the city per department operating guidelines but that does not mean it can's be placed in service if it is not needed. But if it was the 1st arriving truck then it gets used and that fire should of been handled with no more than 1 engine and 1 truck in about 15 mins.
The point is this ,It was not
needed at this fire. The end!
joealbero said...
They barely have enough people to man the trucks at each station, let alone use the EMS excuse. No, not in Salisbury. They're going to race a chase car there first, an ambulance second and as many Fire Trucks as humanly possible and if they can find any excuse to take the brand new Ladder Truck.
5:52 PM
Joe,
You make an interesting observation her that I just realized with all the comments about EMS. What should really happen in this town is to separate EMS and the fire department and then they wouldn't need all the paid fireman and all the expensive ladder trucks to take to all the car accidents and ambulance calls. Let the volunteers have their fire department back and let them run all the fire calls. Create a separate EMS agency and then you would see millions of dollars saved and excellent service to the citizens and visitors of the city. Mr. Ireton are you listening?
Joe. Re-read. Your reading comprehension skills are a little less than perfect.
Nobody ever said YOU were a bum. It's your attitude that sucks.
I think if "Alan" had come on here with his explanations wrapped in a less nasty tone, we'd be having a different discussion.
But everyone is really missing the point:
Gordy, Bubba, See and Hoppes have seriously damaged the trust people have in the department with their $10 million Fire Palace, Big Toys for Big Boys comments and most recently the "Oops, we violated the charter by surplusing and selling tools without council consent" ploy.
I don't really have a problem with the rank and file, more with the leadership. But after reading some of the nasty firefighter comments on here, that could change.
The one man who comes on here that I'll always respect even though I've never met him is Bryan Records. He has not once, not once, been nasty to anyone in setting the record straight. Now THAT is a public servant.
anonymous 6:39,
Do you also cheerlead for a profession on the side?
You remind me of that Joe Millionaire show where he and the girl went behind the scenes, slurp, slurp, gulp, pant, pant, gulp.
3:36
Point there, maybe they took the big truck and used the excuse it couldn't fit down the streets so that the crap building could finish burning...good idea for some parts of the city.
There is no time/luxury to casually ask some one reporting a structure fire how tall/how many stories a structure has. A structure fire in Salisbury's fire district gets a 3 station response as well as a sructure fire reported in areas of Wicomico county, county wide.
4:25
Ummm, I think we are talking about Johnson street, a car can't get up to the speed to slam anything on that street. Great point for the highway.
Joe, the V-10 is a Magnum branded engine, not a HEMI. Just the facts Joe, Just the facts. LOL.
How many times do you all have to rehash this FD Response Stuff? Get off it Joe. The Truck is here, See is retireing. Move on. The rest of us got your point 2 years ago.
Fire = Water. this is a really tough. BIG FIRE = BIG WATER. Fire Fighting degree. Just answered all your test questions.
Gimme a freakin break hose beaters. Big Big Truck little tiny Johnson.
Sorry anyone with an ounce of sense knows this.
I'm thinking of the earlier post that the firefighters are supporting certain candidates for the upcoming election. I was pleasantly relieved at this support, thinking they were pretty wise in thinking this way. I was happy with their reasoning. I was confident that they understood the current conditions and wastefulness that is plaguing our fine city.
Then I see this crap. Why do you firefighters have to display this much ignorance on such a fine day?
Anonymous said...
Honestly, this is ridiculous, everyone wants to keep giving the SFD a hard time. But if I or my family or friends were stuck in a fire,
6:39 PM
Honestly, this is ridiculous. How do you get stuck in a fire? We went through this before that there really are no saves from a fire. By yourself a smoke detector and that would only be a cost of $6. Wow what a savings to tax payers. Oops, I forgot. You are just a wannabe farmin and you don't pay taxes.
OK, let me wipe all the mud off the screen from all the throwing. Will someone please truly explain why the big gun was brought to this fire fight. Yes, I have heard that it is sop, why is it? Yes, I have heard it has other equipment on it, as I hope other fire trucks do too. Yes, I have heard it is big and provides protection, i think the average truck here would provide you with more than enough on Johnson st. I would like to see an intelligent, calm, and informing answer. Joe & others please keep in mind, when your delivery is louder than your message, your message is not what is heard and remembered. I am patiently waiting.
Aren't you supposed to be at the Fountains gettin jiggy with it?
Anonymous said...
There is no time/luxury to casually ask some one reporting a structure fire how tall/how many stories a structure has. A structure fire in Salisbury's fire district gets a 3 station response as well as a sructure fire reported in areas of Wicomico county, county wide.
7:27 PM
Bullsh!t
The 911 center asks a lot of questions and the dispatchers are very familiar with the houses/buildings in their areas. Quit trying to play damage control and justify the need for toys or the boys won't play.
Anyone working in public safety knows the garages on Johnson Street are small, very small.
May I offer this. Before I was a volunteer firefighter, until forced to retire, I wondered alot like many readers on this forum, why some of these types of fire apparatus were used/needed on reports of fires. The smart thing for the readers to do would be to get educated on this topic and ask,ask,ask the questions,find out why. Stop by a firehouse and take a tour and if you can and have the time, volunteer for your local fire department.
where is chief darling when we need him?
i saw that big truck out on the road yesterday, was it on the way to a garage also. i also was advised that one of their trucks just about tipped over trying to make a turn.
Joe, I don't believe there is anything in the city charter about who can respond to a fire. Go buy yourself a fire engine and start responding to calls and you will have the fire out by the time the sfd arrives.
wa wa's that was good how about buying a coffee pot and save all of us some time and money on the daily wa wa coffee run
Joe I found this interesting comment on one of the other blogs and I find it interesting how this individual can get away with openly bashing and attacking certain city council members. This is disgusting and something should be done about it.
---------
"Chief David See to retire From Salisbury Fire Department."
4 Comments - Show Original Post
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Anonymous said...
Amen!! For all those that give him hell...remember...you're NOT doing his job. Why in the heck would ANYONE want to be Fire Chief?! Especially in this town where few apparently give a rat's patoot (giving the rodent family its due) regarding the crap he has to put up with and the responsibilities that accompany the position?!
Like the man or not, it's a tough job w/ way too many political implications and "bosses". One person should answer to one person...not a group of people who truly are not educated regarding the fire service and the demands of the job. Those who would choose to educate themselves and not strictly pay attention to "blogs", would find that all the department heads of the City have difficult jobs especially during difficult financial times.
The "legislative" branch should be doing just that...legislating. They need to leave the executive branch to its job, which (in part)is managing the department heads.
I have no issue w/ the legislators asking questions, but, anymore, it appears to be w/ malicious intent. If I am wrong, then I certainly offer my apologies here and now. However, these department heads cant seem to be able to turn around in their offices without someone bearing down on them. If they're doing such a poor job, then their boss should be handling the discipline necessary. If that boss isnt doing his/her job, then that individual needs to be dealt with in-turn.
I'd love to see some of the people who are questioning every move made attempt to step into the roles of Chief or Director and attempt to handle the job themselves in a more appropriate manner.
Put the safety of nearly 100,000 people in their hands and let them feel the pressure and see how they react. Dealing w/ the finances of these same 100,000 folks is one thing and I personally appreciate the fact that there are folks interested in watching after where my tax dollars go (wish more were coming back to me! LOL), but I'm not so sure that some appreciate the responsibility that accompanies the title of "Dept. Head". Throw unfunded federal mandates ( such as NFPA) and the like into the pot and it quickly becomes quite the "challenge" to run a department when you dont seem to appear to have the full support of those who in essence, seem to be "micromanaging". If you want to be fire chief and feel you can do the job better (or any other dept. head), then go to the schools, get the training and required education, crawl down the dark hallways with us at least ONCE, deal with the sick and dying, watch the children live in poverty and drugs, watch your friends get hurt (sometimes bad), view the emotional stress that comes with the territory (which we all know and have to accept in order to complete our careers (vol or paid...makes no difference)), and THEN, and ONLY THEN, can some of these folks TRULY understand what the Chief (and his staff) deals with!
I rambled and I'm sorry...but these are FACTS...Can we (SFD) do better??? I'm sure that we probably can, and maybe should...but we do the best we can for the most part. We make mistakes and we live with the ramifications of those mistakes. If you're an officer, you have a target on your back...earned or not. That comes w/ the territory as well and how you handle that bullseye makes you a good one or not.
I get hammered pretty hard on that "other site" (lol) and while it's owned by someone I dont necessarily agree w/ on a regular basis, I respect his right to free speech and to his own opinion and would defend that right to the end as that is part of what makes America wonderful.
To those who bash the Chief behind his back but are friendly to his face (as some appear to be doing about a few of us), I openly call you "COWARD". Be the man you apparently make yourself out to be in private, IN PUBLIC. Lay your training and experience down on the table in open forum against any of those you continually bash and let's compare! Bring your "A" game when you do!!
I certainly havent always agreed w/ Chief See...but when I havent, he's heard it to his face...sometimes in the wrong forum and I often wonder how I've managed to keep my job sometimes, let alone my rank. But I've done it to his face and I feel he appreciated that for what it was...someone disagreeing w/ him like a man rather than a coward. I assure you, as would anyone who knows me, I understand my role in the department...I have a boss to whom I answer and I respect him as well. I also have responsibilites at home, which include much more than "myself". I wonder to what extent those that say the officers are gutless and butt kissers and scared would go at their own jobs...Exactly what are each of them willing to "lose" in order to "stand up" to their boss?? Hmmmm....
Call me a butt kisser if you like, but I buy into the overall program and feel that there truly are only a few who dont. I openly admit I dont agree with some things, but I am NOT Chief. I do not have the final say...but what I DO HAVE, as does each member of the Department, is a say in the goings-on. Which is WAY more than we used to have!! Obviously, there are going to be differences of opinions and thought processes. Sometimes the "grunts" dont see the entire picture and sometimes "management" doesnt listen to what they need to...that's going to happen in any organization.
There is much talent at all levels in the SFD...those that cant stand to be a part of it should go be part of something else. Those that stay will continue to be part of an extraordinary organization doing an awful lot in very trying and difficult situations.
I am proud to serve with each of them, volunteer and career.
The SFD took a "back seat" for many years and now that it has moved to the forefront, which was inevitable, it appears to be taking some heat from naysayers. If you're in the Department and wish to continue to gripe, DO SO!! But do it like adults and do it openly and with class. "Anonymous" commentary attacking people is cowardly, at best. I can certainly offer worse explicatives (Im good at that! LOL!).
If you're outside the Department, come visit us and see us in action. Visit ANY firehouse and see what YOUR money does and how it works for YOU! Educate yourselves BEFORE you take only one side of a story as the "whole truth".
You may find that there truly is "more to it"...
I wish Chief See well in his retirement. With the current climate, it's a wonder he's made it this long.
Cap, I appreciate the space you've allowed me in my ranting and apologize for getting on your "soapbox"!!
Jim Gladwell
Asst. Chief
A Shift
Salisbury Fire Department
March 12, 2009 5:55 PM
My God...I never relized you were so narcistic! wow! so unbecoming. You can't take it with you. So really...what do you have? It is easier for a camel to get thru an eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. That is because their greed and lust of material things consumes them as it has with you.I am far richer and my car isn't paid for.
this is sick. i want my million back.
I LOVED the Fiero! If I am not mistaken GM changed the body style shortly after they debuted and the 1st year models are hard to find in good shape.1984?I am not sure-correct me if I am wrong,gearheads out there.
Im just holding my breath for Pontiac to someday re-launch the "screaming chicken"-not likely with gas prices!
Anonymous said...
May I offer this. Before I was a volunteer firefighter, until forced to retire, I wondered alot like many readers on this forum, why some of these types of fire apparatus were used/needed on reports of fires. The smart thing for the readers to do would be to get educated on this topic and ask,ask,ask the questions,find out why. Stop by a firehouse and take a tour and if you can and have the time, volunteer for your local fire department.
8:00 PM
Just because you stop by the firehouse and take a tour and ask, ask, ask, the questions does not mean you will get the right answers or the truth. What a dumb comment.
We dont need engines on car accidents??? Ok you try packaging a pt or 3 at an accident on Rt 50 with traffic whizzing by. Talk about going backwards in time. I guess you want us to start using the horse drawn steamer next.
Anon 7:52 pm
Bullsh!t...What has the dispatcher's knowledge of areas got to do with it? Since when is it visible in a camera at the dispatch console of how big a garage or any other structure is? You sound like someone who has no idea what you are talking about. How many garages could possibly have an apartment that is occupied by PEOPLE over top a garage for living space and just happen to have fire licking at their A$$ while waiting for the fire dept. to arrive...there are all types of variables...interviewing someone reporting a fire,especially someone in the structure that is on fire, is not like calling Sears and ordering merchandise in a calm and controlled environment....hell by the time the questions are finished, the entire structure could be burned down....dispatch has no control over what fire apparatus responds, that is up to the fire chiefs of each and every fire dept. in Wicomico county. If it is my house on fire, I don't give a flying s#it if the coatracks and station toilets come. If you were shot and robbed,would you care if the Marines showed up along with the local cops?
Anon 6:53 pm
A vehicle accident has the potential due to fluids: gasoline,motor oil and any other potential fire ignition sources. Ambulances do not carry fire suppression equipment, other than maybe a fire extinguisher,but what good would that do if the vehicle suddenly exploded in flames while people are still inside the vehicle being treated by EMS? It can and has happened. That is one reason why a fire engine, capable of fire suppresssion, responds on motor vehicle accidents.
Im a little slow with this comment but i think people are a little miss informed I am a 16 year veteran in the fire ems ive put time in small stations and big stations.the apperatis is a bit big but it is a very useful tool in many ways.in pg county they run larger trucks first and second run all the time.to them it dosnt matter the size of the apperatus it is what it can do.Tower 16 is capable to do more than the standard engine and rescue.It is a engine,rescue,latter truck,and can perform and assist in most anytype of rescue.I think people shoulb be more supportive of there area companie instead of bashing them all the time.Im not a salisbury member but know that it is tough doing the job especally for free when you get bashed by the ones you intend to save.just think about it when your in need and need help will you say to them your fire truck is to big or help me my guess is help me it does matter what arrives as long it is there to help lighten up people
Anonymous said...
Anon 6:53 pm
A vehicle accident has the potential due to fluids: gasoline,motor oil and any other potential fire ignition sources. Ambulances do not carry fire suppression equipment, other than maybe a fire extinguisher,but what good would that do if the vehicle suddenly exploded in flames while people are still inside the vehicle being treated by EMS? It can and has happened. That is one reason why a fire engine, capable of fire suppresssion, responds on motor vehicle accidents.
12:15 AM
Oh boy damage control to justify the wannabe's opportunity to drive fast and play with the lights and sirens. Woody Time!
Another case of "What If's." Ok you bring up a good point about fluids, but first tell me where did this happen where a car exploded while EMS was treating the vehicle inside? So you are telling me that every time there is a car accident that the fire truck pulls off there little hose lines just in case?
Here is another thought. There are far more accidents that don't require EMS to treat patients and the fire department is never called. So tell us what happens to the potential explosion now? You idiot farmin are a disgrace to a profressional service by blatantly professing your ignorance.
This new firetower truck was going East on RT 50 in front of K-Mart about a week ago. It was going so slow, carrying so much weight, I thought the fire would be put out by neighbors before it could hall its big butt there along with the amount of gas it was using!!
Anon 9:24am the answer to your question is yes. Each and every time a fire engine goes to an accident they perform more than just traffic control. The man/woman riding the right front seat of the rig commands the overall scene. One of their most important responsibilities to the victims is to provide "Scene Safety". Scene safety involves positioning the apparatus in such a way that the EMS will be safe while providing patient care. The next thing the officer must do is to mitigate (control)all scene hazards. Fluids, extrication, etc. While all this is happening, Yes there is a hose that has been pulled off the engine as well as the line being "charged" (filled with water). It makes absolutely no since to wait until something happens before you handle it. This is one of the reasons the fire servie world wide errors on the side of caution. When designing response plans for particular types of incidents. The fire service functions the way it does because that is what is taught in colleges around the world. Fire Sciences have evolved over time because of the work of PH.D's that have studied fire and its characteristics. SCENE SAFETY & mitigation is the "Physical Responsibiiity" of the fireservice worldwide. Whether or not they send out a particular piece of equipment never enters the equation. Overkill is a theme that has always always always been used by departments much larger than the Salisbury Fire Department. The rest of the nation is just playing catch up. Most if not all fire department operations have been modeled after these larger departments. Try to remember that the Salisbury Fire Department protects covers more than just the incorporated limits of the city, each station has an area of the county as part of their first response area. I've tried to be reasonable and civil in my response here. My answer may not be acceptable to you or your readers but just know that the Wicomico County Fire Service (City of Salisbury included) is not any different than neighboring counties or neighboring states. It's just what is being taught in the fire service. I would hope that Bryan Records is willing to come on here to elaborate.
David Pollitt
Davd P has made a very accurate statement. The safety of the firefighters comes first in the performance of their duties in helping others. The fire department doesn't have crystal ball to be able to see the situations that we respond to. Standard apparatus assignments are made for different types of calls. Sometimes it is too much and others times it's not enough. More times than not, its not enough.
After reading the post I have come to one conclusion. The fire service has not done a good enough job of educating the public on what we do. We are a complex service,which is governed by laws and rules that the public could never imagine. If Joe public had a better understanding of what goes into todays fire service, they would be thankful. We are very fortunate locally to have good fire and EMS services. That is not the case in many parts of the US. Every department is hurting for something and manpower is one of them. Somehow we get the job done and usually pretty well. Thats because of the dedication of members of your local fire department.
Last fall I had the opportunity to educate Joe Albero at a control burn exercise. The entire group walked away with a good feeling and Joe had a better understanding of what we do. I took some heat for a few days, but I didn't care. I did what I felt was right and eventually people understood. Joe and I had a lengthy conversation that night on this very subject. He hasn't forgotten and dispite what your read here, he does understand.
I would like to invite any reader here to visit me at the fire station. If you have any question or misunderstanding of what we do please ask me. The citizens are our boss and any of our members would love to have the opportunity to speak to you. I;m sure it will be time well spent.
"before you go after someone who has something you can only dream about."
HAHAHHAAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Got me, I often dream I live in Delmar, DE/MD and have a variety of pickup trucks/old cars to choose from.
it seems to me that these posts only do two things, one drive up the comments on here, and fuel the anger on both sides. Both the fire service in the area and the citizens we serve need to find a happy co-existance. Yes we do serve the public but also we do not need the harsh comments made by the ones uninformed about the fire service. Please take some time to educate yourselves before coming on here and bashing the fire service. We are not a bunch of rednecks looking to run around like idiots on every call. True there are some out there making us all look bad, but there more trying to make the service better. Trust me it is an up hill battle, but it is getting better all the time. However negative distractions from furoms like this make it hard to concentrate on the challenges at hand.
So please try to work with us in the future.
Joe, you're not a firefighter. Stop trying to be one. Any structure fire deserves a ladder truck because it is a TOOLBOX ON WHEELS. As much as you criticize the purchase of the new equipment on board it is that new equipment that is great for assisting an engine company in putting out a fire. Ladder trucks complement engines.
alan brunincini ITS A GARAGE FIRE. Hello you learn in FF1 that if no life is in danger and its only property, no ventalation is needed for that garage on johnson st. attack lines of 2 in with maybe 4 or 5 lines is all that is required. Bringing a ladder truck to a garage fire is really quite a waste whats next are they going to start taking brush trucks on ambo calls?
also alan its johnson st no aerial attack needed here and plus no where to set up an aerial attack powerlines on both sides a waste of time. internet firefighters ha ha ha you dont need to be a fire fighter to know when a resource is being misused and fuel payed with tax dollars is being wasted.
alan at 4:05 you need at least 2 for an interior attack and you never separate also the credentials to be a fire cheif is BULLSH!T as long as you have "friends" and get in good with people there is NO pre requsite for a fire chief. so you can get on with that statement
first of all the garage could have turned into a house fire. which would have required vertical ventilation. i.e. the need for the truck. Also a truck company is not just a big ladder. the crew of the truck company is responsible for many different things including search and rescue, overhaul, ventilation, securing the utilities. So before you criticize the fire department and the way it works you should atleast try to understand it. maybe even read a book on fire department operations which are available at your local barnes and noble. Have a wonderful day.
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