"October 26, 2008 at 5:45 p.m.
Joe, an announcement was just made on the dispatch radio to the members of Station 7 (Pittsville Fire Department) is having a covered dish dinner tonight and steamed crabs and shrimp will be provided? Where did they get the money to buy steamed crabs and steamed shrimp to give to their members free of charge? If they accept county money from the tax payers then they shouldn't be providing free shrimp and crabs to anyone. These are some tough times and they are stealing from the tax payers of Wicomico County."
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
80 comments:
Don't waste your time in Pittsville. Try looking at what goes on in Annapolis.
OK OK so lets bash the the firemen again. They are one of the county stations who gets their hard earned money for these family events by doing fund raisers. They have been getting money from the county but that is mostly for the cost of the station and equipment maitenance. so for their free time to the county and for their time away from their families, doing a dangerous job if they want to do that with the money that they earned then WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
So again, FREE time FREE labor, yes these are hard times but, I think that they deserve it!
All fire departments get money from the county to offset the costs to provide the invaluable services the provide to the public each and every day. Most of these services are provided free of charge and most of the members are volunteers. Most of the money they get, they raise by way of bingo, etc. If the officers of this fire department choose to provide a dinner for their members with money they raised, that's their business - not that of the writer of this letter. Whoever wrote this letter really has no idea what they are talking about. These men and women volunteers would leave their warm beds in the middle of the night to give your sorry ass CPR and you fuss about them getting a free meal? It is understood that their jobs are often thankless but when you see something like this it's amazing they continue to do what they do.
I think the county should fund a banquet every year for all of the volunteer fire companies in the county. It's the least we could do for these selfless people who give so much of themselves everyday.
Look, note the fact that this is a letter to the editor. Secondly, while I respect what ALL Firefighters do for their community and have come to learn quite a bit in the past year, I disagree with your statement that you think they deserve MORE than the rest of us. If times are tough, it's time to cut back. Granted, the person drafting this message might not know the whole story here as to how the food was obtained. I just atched a National News show where Lobster was seling for less than ground beef per pound right now. Firefighters do NOT deserve better. A hamburger and a hot dog suits me just fine, it should suit them just as well. OK, add some god cheese to theirs. ;-)
Again it is not like they do this everytime they have a family function. it is a one time event that they earned the money for. If the tax payers paid for this I would understand but this is THEIR hard earned money and they should spend it as they feel they would want to. They have been raising money for a new fire house, fire engines, and any thing else that they need to better serve the community for free and some county money has went into those things but they are doing these things for FREE!!!
Maybe, just maybe, its that Bingo that they bust their ass at to make moeny for the fire department. God forbid the department do something nice for its members.
Please, please Mr/Ms Letter Writer, go back to that ignorant hole you crawed out of.
Joe,
I understand that it wan't you who wrote the letter. I do, however, think that the money they raise is theirs. They make the decisions relating to how it gets spent. I think that if they want lobster and filet mignon then they should have it and it's none of anyones business but theirs. The money supplied by the county is already budgeted for equipment, maintenance, and training. It doesn't even cover all of that. If it weren't for the efforts of the volunteers raising funds, the services provided to the community would be greatly reduced. I can't imagine anyone trying to stand in their way of supplying their members a fine dinner.
Also i do think they do deserve more than most of us and I'll tell you why. Those of us who do not volunteer to do anything consistent for their community - like me - go to work everyday and we get what we earn. WE don't deserve anything more. WE get what we earn to pay our bills and whatever else we want to to with it. BUT...these folks go to work everyday and earn a living - like us - and they pay their bills as well. They then take some of the money they earn and they put it into their vehicles to go back and forth to calls for the fire department. They go back and forth to training classes. They spend countless hours going on calls. They spend money out of their own pockets for the little things they need to make volunteering a little easier on them. They go above and beyond what most people do to make sure their communities receive a most valuable service.....and they expect nothing in return. A little respect and acknowledgment from the community wouldn't hurt us a bit.
You need to learn to shut your mouth. A Blog gives people the opportunity to express how they feel about each topic. I could see of 30 or 40 people came on here slamming the Fire Department but that's not what we've seen so far.
I have to admit, many of the Firefighters keep coming back acting like they DESERVE to be treated better than anyone else. That's why, (in most cases) I find that HERO crap for the birds. If you're in it because you deserve better or for the recognition, you're a phoney and not good for the Department.
7:34 PM
I agree with Grand Dad.
Many times people who have had their possessions saved from a fire, or a family member's life saved by a timely EMS response, make a donation to the fire department. Why shouldn't this money be used to do something nice for the fd members? There is strict regulation and auditing that prevents fd's from using gov't money for social events. IMAO, they all deserve a good steak or seafood dinner once a year in recognition of what they do, and the money they volunteer efforts save the community.
I have to be honest with all of you. Joe Holloway is given a PEN at the Holidays last year and thought it was a complete waste of money, no matter where it came from. While times are tough, especially right now, this person simply found it ridiculous that such an event would take place. I'm NOT saying you don't deserve it. I simply believe the timing isn't all that great and this person shouldn't be crucified for simply having an opinion and I believe, (if you have something to say) the Fire Department should respond with class and simply explain/express their position.
Not everyone is going to agree with you, that's life. It doesn't mean they don't like you. It doesn't mean they won't support you. It definately doesn't mean they don't respect you. It simply means they don't like the situation and disagree.
Some of us fat people would like to know what you're doing with the leftovers? LOL
Most in the volunteer fire community do what they do out of the goodness of their heart. They give selflessly to their community for the good of all. Without these volunteers, our taxes would be 3 times as much, and the services would be cut in half.
Most of us never ask for anything, but that doesn't mean we don't deserve better. We can get by with hamburgers, most nights when we are on a fire scene for 6-10 hours, never even get that.
I've been affiliated with volunteering my whole life, including when I was a child. Not once did I ask for anything, but people taught me a long time ago that people who give of themselves to others first, deserve much more than they get. It doesn't mean they demand it, but they do deserve it.
As for me, the Lord takes care of me. He has blessed me with a wonderful wife and 2 wonderful children. I do appreciate all who volunteer anywhere in our society.
Most volunteer fire companies are incorporated. They have certain rules they have to follow as far as how they can raise money and where they can spend it. Having an annual dinner to show appreciation for the hard work and long hours is the least we can do. Most volunteer organizations reward their volunteers with an annual dinner, as well as some prizes and gifts donated by the community. This is well appreciated, but it's not why people volunteer.
I would hope that before people rush to judgement, they spend some time with the organizations or people they are criticizing. Walk a mile in their shoes and you will get more understanding than anyone can explain to you.
Joe, most volunteers deserve much more than a steak and seafood dinner. The hours put in and the risk involved is immeasurable. Everytime they respond to a call, it could be their last. It's the great unknown.
But they still leave their families behind because they know one day they might be the one in need. Anyone who has ever needed help, and a volunteer came to their aid, they understand why they deserve more.
It's not their job to help. It's not their career to serve like paid people do. They aren't volunteering to sell tickets to the high school play. They are called at all hours to render aid to those in need. They are our heros. What would we do without them? Would the writer of this letter come put a fire out at my house? Would the writer of this letter care for my child when they were hurt? Would the writer of this letter wake up at three o'clock in the morning to come to my accident when I struck a deer in the middle of a thunderstorm when the temperature was in the thirties? Would the write of this letter pay triple in taxes to see that none of us had to volunteer again?
May God bless all of the volunteers in our community. They deserve our prayers and our shrimp and crabs too. They deserve so much more!
What have you done Mr. Letterwriter? What have you sacrificed selflessly for others? You won't even sign your name.
Okay folks, I've heard enough crying and belly aching.
There is so much waste, fraud, and abuse in this County and especially the City, that no one takes anything for granted anymore.
We, the taxpayers have been hoodwinked so many time now that virtually everything that goes on is coming under close scrutiny.
Personally, I believe Salisbury and Wicomico needs a good ENEMA - (not trying to steal Joe's words) -
but seriously, in light of all of the scandals and corruption how can anyone not wonder about what's transpiring in your government.
Right now everyone is under the looking glass. If it seems possibly inappropriate, it probablay will be that way to someone. Therefore, a word to the wise. Don't do it. At least it is not as bad as the Obama's lunch of the other day
Granddad quit sucking up to them for votes. We know you want to be on the county council and by you sucking up to them shows you how you would waste our money. If they want to waste tax dollars then it is not their business. It is my business and every tax payer out there. If they are volunteers then that means free. What part of volunteer don't you understand? Volunteer = No Compensation. Volunteer - No free meals. Get a grib grandpa.
The Pittsville Volunteer Fire Company has numerous events like this including an annual steak dinner where they give there members and guest thousands of dollars in free gifts. If a volunteer fire company can afford to give all these handouts then they don't need to go in front of Rick Pollitt and the County Council to plead poverty and beg for free money every years.
Some people are just down right stupid!
I wonder if the person who laments Pittsville Fire Department having a covered dish dinner with seafood, is willing to pay enough taxes to pay for what the volunteers provide.
Wicomico County cannot afford to provide the fire protection and EMS services provided by volunteers.
The person who authored the Letter to the Editor, should show up at the Pittsville Fire Department and offer to wash the dishes to atone for their ignorance.
I know these volunteers, they give more of themselves for the good of the County then the County could afford to fund.
I agree 100% with GrandDad and Mardela.
I for one don't begrudge the membership of some fellowhip. It's the perception of the entire thing. When Mr. Letter Writer (who remains anonymous as I shall) turns on his squawkbox and hears something such as this announced, it's easy to see why people jump to conclusions. When all we hear about is wasteful spending and budget cuts, of course people are going to cry foul. Grandad and Mardela are spot on in their assessments but if you step back and take a look at it from John Doe's standpoint, he's not far off the spot either.
ok I am a citizen of Pittsville and after reading this I contacted a member of the department and asked what this is all about. This was a covered dish dinner to thank all the members who spent their Friday nights from May to Oct. working bingos. They normally would go out for this dinner, BUT with the economic times as they are they opted for the covered dish dinner. YES the fire dept. bought 3 bushel of crabs for about 50 people who attended, and shrimp. NO county money was used! This was taken out of the money they earned working bingos on Friday nights during the summer.
Anonymous said...
Wicomico County cannot afford to provide the fire protection and EMS services provided by volunteers.
9:02 PM
Wicomico County would be much better off if they streamlined the fire service in this county. What a waste of good tax dollars.
Does every volunteer fire department need?
1) a ladder truck
2) two or more ambulances
3) a rescue truck
4) numerous tanker trucks
5) paid paramedics in every station
6) to respond a fire truck on every ambulance call
7) to respond fire trucks on every car accident
8) etc.
Even more ignorant than the original post is some of the ridiculous comments that followed.
Are you seriously complaining that some volunteers got a free dinner? I don't know much about the Pittsville VFC but I went to their website and counted at most about 50 members total. Now let's say that every one of those members shows up for the free dinner, which would be an unbelievable turnout for a volunteer organization. I don't know how much they paid for their meal or if it was donated for free (which many times events like this are), but let's say that it costs $15/person, which is probably an inflated number. That would be about $750. Do you realize how much it costs to pay an entire engine crew for just one shift? Ocean City pays some of the FF/Paramedics on their paid Engine Crew up to $80,000 a year base salary. With 4 people on the engine crew and a 24 hour shift, which is their minimum staffing and normal shift length, and the fact that not everyone makes as much as $80,000, most are around 50k to 60k, you are still looking at around $3000.00 for one shift worth of work! $3000 for one shift and you are made about one dinner for all these volunteers who do this job for free everyday. I sometimes wish all volunteers would just stop so people could realize the enormous financial burden that their sacrifice saves us all.
Anonmous 9:19 confuses me.\
Anyone who listens to the scanners must know how much the volunteers do for the Wicomico County community.
Why then would anyone with a ounce of insight as to the commitment of the volunteers feel qualified in commenting on what they eat.
The next time anyone who argues with what the volunteers do too reward their membership that person needs to call the County Council when their house is on fire.
Anonymous said...
NO county money was used!
9:38 PM
You idiots just don't get it! When they get an enorous check from the county then they are using county money when ever something is bought at our expense.
Wow. Joe, I'm really disappointed in you. To make such broad statements and to generalize firemen. Just like all people in society. Some a bad. Overall, they are really great and do a huge service in our small towns. Everyone deserves a little recognition. I don't see it any differntly than someone working in a store and getting a 40% discount on the clothes.
You all sound like a bunch of children. "I want what he has." With the kicking, screaming and crying to go along with it. Grow up.
Thank a fireman. It just might be your house they have to visit next.
8:51....Abraham Lincoln once said "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt".
In recent memory I can't recall a time this phrase was more appropriate than now when it can be related to your comment.
First, I don't know that I will have the time to run for county council. I have many irons in the fire which may prevent me from being able to dedicate the time necessary to adequatly represent the voters in this councilmanic district. With that in mind, how can "we all know" when I haven't decided? Not too bright there, kid.
Second, if I was able to restructure my business to allow me to have the necessary time, my district would not include the area in which the Pittsville Fire Co. is located.....so how would my supporting those men and women get me votes? Whew! Your intellect is astounding!
Third, they are not using tax payers money so NO it's NOT your business.
Every point you've tried to make assures the readers that you are ignorant beyond comprehension. In fact, just having read your comment strips the reader of at least one of his/her own I.Q. points.
Joe, of all the people in this county who should know the commitment of the volunteers it is you!
I am deeply dismayed that you would have the gall to infer that the volunteers should not have held this event for their membership.
All of us who expect the VOLUNTEERS to respond when we have a fire or EMS situation should VOLUNTEER to respond and serve their seafood dinner.
I am not a volunteer fireman or ems person but I have enough sense to know what the services they provide means to each County citizen.
Joe, why don't you examine what the Salisbury City Fire Services cost the City, virus what the County provides to the Volunteer Departments.
Great Reasons to Volunteer:
Help others
Make a difference
Find purpose
Enjoy a meaningful conversation
Connect with your community
Feel involved
Contribute to a cause that you care about
Use your skills in a productive way
Develop new skills
Meet new people
Explore new areas of interest
Meet good people
Impress your family
Impress yourself
Expand your horizons
Get out of the house
Make new friends
Strengthen your resume
Feel better about yourself
Hmmm, maybe we should include mooching on free food?
I think we should let them eat cake...
Doug, you buying?
As long as Anna May didn't make the cake I'm sure they'd like it.
Somebody went deep on me.
This just got way funner.
Dont be half steppin, you opened this door, lets go, you better hold on tight.
9:59-- Volunteer departments usually use the taxpayer's dollar to fund facilities, maintenance, and equipment. They also do a ton of fund raising ALL VOLUNTEER ALL THE TIME to cover the gap, because the taxpayer's dollars do not always cover what fire companies need to operate! Most departments do occasionally hold dinners and have events for their members, and from what i know they are for a small price compared to the amount of money they earn from fund raising! It's also a small inadvertent price for retention. You have some recreation and camaraderie to keep morale up. Working for free with no play doesn't work ANYWHERE. Name a volunteer organization that does not do something for its members at some point in time... Heck I've volunteered many times before and I can't recall a time I didn't at least get a snack out of it. The people basing this small expense obviously have no idea what it takes to volunteer for anything, and Joe I don't care what you're defending but sometimes there is a right and a wrong and those Pittsville guys are in no way wrong.
Grand-Dad pulled me, didnt think it would take this long.
Close but no cup cake Joe.
Joe, YOU state,
"You need to learn to shut your mouth.
A Blog gives people the opportunity to express how they feel about each topic."
Oxymoron?
sorry Joe usually I agree with 98% of what you say but this is maybe a little uncalled for?
The fire companies in this county are way out of control. Where is the oversite on their spending?
Have people really become this petty and bitter that they are pissed off that their "neighbors" and "friends" happen to have gotten a meal? Wonder how you feel about people serving up free dinners to the homeless..surely they don't deserve free food either. Welcome to the USA where no one deserves to eat. There are much more important issues. Build a bridge...and GET OVER IT
joe you never posted my post last night that we had spoken about on the phone would you please post it, it was the one signed member of 17 years
like it or not at the end of the day volunteer fire department are private not for profit corps. The only monies that are earmarked is the county money. Which can only be used for operational expenses.
All the bingo money, dinner money, donations etc etc. are used how they see fit...
For example hebron brings in several hundreds of thousands of dollars with the carnival. Yet, they too have their hand out to the county every year.
I don't know of any department that doesn't have some kind of dinner, awards banquet, etc... every year which is funded by the departments. Pittsville is one of the hardest working departments I know of when it comes to fund raising. If the men and women who gave up every Friday night all summer long to work bingo got a free dinner for doing it then I think that's wonderful. They earned it and deserve it.
Before you criticize what these volunteers are eating, why don't you look into the whole story? This dinner was for the people who gave their Friday nights up to raise money to cover what the county money doesn't cover. Do you really know how much county money they get? Well it isn't even enough to cover what they have to have to stay in service. If you don't know all of that, why don't you attend one of their meetings? I'm quite sure some of you "bashers" don't volunteer to a damn thing. I say if they raised the money and they want to treat the Bingo workers to a dinner, then go for it. They certainly do enough for the community to deserve it. Three bushels of crabs for that many people is conservative to say the least. You know whoever is pissin and moaning is someone who didn't like the menu. GROW UP AND FIND A HOBBY, maybe I would suggest some kind of volunteer organization.
If the liquor board can give away $800 watches I have no problem with emergency responders getting a decent meal. Fact is there are issues a lot more important than this.
Seeing grand dad and joe at odds kind of make me want to throw up, as if times weren't bad enough. Not that people can't disagree, it's just rather upsetting that we can be divided by such petty issues when we have much more important things to disagree about.
Anonymous said...
...but sometimes there is a right and a wrong and those Pittsville guys are in no way wrong.
11:19 PM
So you think keeping a "paramedic" employed for over 6 months masquerading as a paramedic is "right?" Give me a break. Pittsville is just as guilty as the wannabe paramedic is and they should have to pay the price. The county should be held liable for endorsing this criminal act as well. Does anyone know the status of this case now?
Ok let me start by saying all is entitled to their opinion, and thats fine. While your concern is much appreciated during this economic struggle, myself being a member of this organization would like to clarify the reasoning for the steamed crab and shrimp dinner. I understand hamburgs and hotdogs may be cheaper but this is a one time a year event and our members deserve to be treated to a well prepared meal. This dinner is a dinner that is held at the end of each bingo season as a thank you to our members who work numerous bingos through out the year which is our main fundraiser. Working bingo is one of the minimum requirements of membership in which 100-150 hrs are worked by each member every friday night through the summer.
With that being said, in regards to the county monetaries that are given and recieved by each department in October in which are greatly appreciated along with the dinner that accompanies these monetary gifts. These monetaries we recieve are utilized to pay equipment payments and building upgrades and or repairs.
The money we use to purchase our members dinner is irrelavent in this matter, this our way of saying thank you for volunteering your time every friday night of the summer on top of the countless hours that are given at emergency calls for service, the additional 100-200 hrs of miscelaneous fundraisers and not to mention the amount of time aquired in training before you can even step foot on the equipment.
Do I think we as firefighters are better or more deserving that anyone? "No", thats not the case; however it does take a special type of person to do the jobs we due each day, i.e. when the bell rings we don't know what we are going to face whether it be our own family involved, or a small child that has been hit by a car, or a family that is trapped in a burning building and the end result could end in death. Seeing all this as volunteers and career for that matter takes a significant toll on ones bodyand mind. We don't ask for thanks for the jobs we do we just do it, so if us or any department wishes to treat their members and their family to a nice dinner as a gratitude of tahnks for all they have done through the year, who cares it didn't hurt a soul to do it.
Take 9/11 for instance 343 firefighters lives were lost on this day, but thousands of lives were saved all because they did what they were trained to do and without hesitation entered two buildings that had just been an act of terroism. Whether career or volunteer the point is we do a job that endangers our lives to save the lives of someone we don't know but yet we get crucified for a dinner.
On another view, a thing to remember is volunteer fire departments are a nonprofit organization and will never be out of debt, and the day they do become debt free they loose their non profit status which in turn will cause even more financial restraints on the dept. in regards to taxes and so forth.
Again I understand opinons are just that, and again your concern is appreciated but a dinner; this post is not intended to be controversial just my opinion on the matter, and to any of our members that reads this post thank you for all your time and hard work through out the year it is greatly appreciated and not spoken enough.
Respectfully,
member of 17 yrs
God Bless these volunteers. They saved my Mother's life about 20 days into their ambulance service to the community. Do I think that they deserve a dinner? I would be willing to fund part of any of their "thank you" dinners and so would many other people if asked.
These are selfless people and we can't ever show them enough appreciation, in my opinion. Let me tell you, all departments have their flaws, but they are some beautiful faces to see when you need them.
Thank you volunteers. I hope you enjoyed every bite of your dinner.
The Pittsville Fire Department is over $500,000 in debt.
But they had a "departmental" dinner exclusive for it's members about every 3 months, including steamed crabs, steamed shrimp, pig roasts, FREE beer and FREE alcohol at the bar INSIDE the fire department, FREE beverages with their Pepsi soda fountain.
Not only that but once a year they would hire the Elk's Lodge of Salisbury to provide them an awards banquet.
And, once a year in June the Fire Department would rent a condo in Ocean City for all the members to use, to drink, party, and do whatever they wanted in. They would then take ALL their members to a FREE Seafood Dinner in Ocean City on an all you can eat basis.
Not to include all the costs they take in because the members of the fire department use the banquet hall for their personal parties.
Or all the fuel they use to burn their own brush piles at their residences; and they call it training.
That's just the over the top stuff, we could go into other aspects, like how they try to get every unit they have to every call they have. They have about 120 fire calls a year and every time they have a call they attempt to get every unit they have to the scene. Think about the fuel, the wear and tear. The units brought to the scene are not needed 90% of the time. They do it to feel powerful.
Look at how much equipment they have, 3 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue truck, 1 tanker, 1 brush truck, 1 truck for the chief to respond by himself, 2 ambulances, 2 traffic control units, 1 chaplains car.
Come on guys, 3 fire engines? OVERKILL?
A ladder truck? The tallest building in Pittsville is a 2 story chicken house.
A tanker truck? All three engines combined have 3000 gallons of water. Powellville, Willards, Parsonsburg, and Gumboro have tankers, duplication of service?
A chief's truck?
A chaplains car?
2 traffic control units, what happened to the roads department or police department?
GET THE F OUTTA HERE. OVERKILL...
They'll beg and plead for your money and spend it without question.
As they are set to build a new fire department with YOUR money ask yourself this, 2 buildings isn't enough?
Pittsville Fire Department can't spell and they can't manage their money.
It's time for fiscal responsibility.
I think before you throw stones at Pittsville VFD you should look at all the fire companies.
Parsonsburg used to get a condo in Ocean City for Firemen's convention in June but don't anymore. However, they do take their members out to dinner during that week also. They also have a banquet once a year which is now held in Delmar, catered and with a band. (Randy Lee Ashcraft last year) What about what they spend? However, nobody is ragging on them.
All the departments hold an annual banquet. So what if Pittsville did something for its members that work Bingo all year(from May to October) These members give alot of their own time and also contribute to the department.
As far as control burns it is considered training. It may not be for the members of the company but it is training for its cadets which are the future. Thankfully they want to volunteer and not just put the fire companies down.
I'm sorry, but I can't let this die, this is BS.
Member of 17 years, Gary Bratten, you say this dinner was for members who worked the bingo. But you failed to let the readers know that the volunteers are feed every Friday night by the ladies auxiliary. You failed to tell the readers that you volunteers drink at the bar after every bingo. You know who I'm talking about, Chief Whited, Captain Powell, Lt. Bratten, Ex-President Knappe, FF Shipe, FF Hearn, Chief Bell, Chief Chapman...
Above they listed various "benefits" to being a Pittsville Fire Fighter, what about using department supplies to wash your vehicle?
What about the fuel used by Richard Chapman and/or Tony Webster to take EMS-7 home? Your paid EMS staff will drive the unit home and stay for hours at a time.
The post above this forgot EMS-7, a car use for the medical staff to drive around and often act like they are police officers and "patrol" the area.
What about the tools that are often used and often STOLEN to fix your personal vehicles? I know of many many tool sets that have turned up missing.
What about the wasted electricity for personal use on the computers upstairs, or what about for the TV in the lounge.
Thats funny the members pay for their food at bingo that the ladies provide to the patrons, there has not been a social gathering at the in house bar used for functions in quite some time and who cares if those people and many other members did have a beer thats not against the law last time i checked and teh people mentioned are all of age. Using dept supplies to wash cars who cares show me a dept that don't allow that, i believe most due. its called a morale, can't be stifflers all the time. All this over a dept trying to provide a gratitude of thanks.
I can't believe that there are so many hateful people in this world. It is sad that people are personaly bashing members of Pittsville Vol Fire Dept. I think that before anyone says anything they should know actual true facts of what they are talking about. It just is not worth responding to every comment on this post. Just about every comment on here either is totaly off base or just doesnt matter. I think that people need to worry about what is in their backyard. Nobody in this life is perfect, but at least get your facts straight if you are going to try to have a opinon about something. Please move on we are not in this world for very long.
"Look at how much equipment they have, 3 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue truck, 1 tanker, 1 brush truck, 1 truck for the chief to respond by himself, 2 ambulances, 2 traffic control units, 1 chaplains car."
That's just about right for a dept like theirs.
"Come on guys, 3 fire engines? OVERKILL?"
2 primary engines and a backup. PERFECT!
"A ladder truck? The tallest building in Pittsville is a 2 story chicken house."
Let's look a one building- Station 7 resturant next door. A fire there would require a ladder truck. I could go on with more examples, but you shoulf get my point/
"A tanker truck? All three engines combined have 3000 gallons of water."
With 3 hose lines flowing 100 gpm, that's 10 minutes of water- woefully inadequate for any structure fire.
"Powellville, Willards, Parsonsburg, and Gumboro have tankers, duplication of service?"
You neighboor depts are there to help you, not be your primary resource. Suppose they're out on a call of their own?
"A chief's truck?"
Yea, it's generally too slow for the chief to walk to the fire. A command vehicle is pretty much SOP thruought the fire service.
"A chaplains car?"
Are you an athiest?
"2 traffic control units,"
Excellent resource.
"what happened to the roads department or police department?"
You try to get two extra police vehicle to respond to a call exclusively for traffic control, or get the hwy dept to respond at all, and then come back and talk to me.
The simple truth is that the PFD is a private corp, and they can use any and all private donations however they wish. They could blow it all on steaks and beer and it would be perfectly legal. We all know that all but a tiny portion of any money generated goes to essential expenses. If you have a problem with that- join the department, get the certifications, pass probation, and then you have earned the right to be a single vote for or against the expenditures. Until that time- kiss off!
If you are going to defend one item why not defend them all?
The personal use of departmental vehicles? Tony and Richard...
The theft of departmental tools?
The members drinking at the Pittsville Fire Department's bar, free of charge and without regard?
Do Pittsville fire fighters drink and fight fire?
But 4:55 I'm really glad that you acknowledge that your members did (probably still do) consume alcoholic beverages at the bar inside the fire house. I believe that if the beverages were purchased using department money and were consumed on premises without a liquor license that is indeed a criminal act, and you sir have acknowledged that to be a fact.
There are so many points in this topic that have FAILED to be acknowledged or explained. I now know without a shadow of a doubt that Pittsville "Volunteer" Fire Department is corrupt. I'm calling for a financial audit by Mr. Pollit and/or Cousil.
Your fundraisers aren't so you can spend the money as you please, it's to supplement the government money. You are taking advantage of donations, contributions, and patrons at your events.
Think of all the extra cost, you figure $5.00 a vehicle at 50 members, that's $250.00, free seafood dinner for 50 members at minimum $10 a plate, that's $500 4 times a year, that's $2000, the week in Ocean City alone cost at least $6000, the banquet is at least $2000. Add that all up in things I can just think at the top of my head, that's over $10,000 in needless spending.
Pittsville Fire Department along with their cheifs and treasurers, Cheif Mark Bratten, Deputy Whited, Assistant Bell, Assistant Chapman, Treasurer Whited, they need to be audited.
Has the Pittsville Fire Department recently pissed off one of their members. You people need to air out your dirty laundry in private.
I made the post about the pettiness dividing us further in a time when we need so badly to be united. Come on grand dad and joe, we can't let ourselves become more divided. We need more than ever to remain united, this is just what Barry and Bubba need to make their day and have a laugh over the usual over indulgence of alcohol. You both have valid points, let's just get past it and end the bitterness.
I do agree everyone has a right to opinion, but not everyone can be right all of the time. Settle down, take deep breaths and remember we have a long way to go to get this county and city back up on it's feet and run by truely respectable people. Please bury the hatchett. Is it really worth it?
Anyone that is brave enough to be woke at any hour and come to my house that's ablaze, come in to rescue me and my animals, I couldn't give two rat's asses, feed them some damn crabs! Congress just gave away $850,000,000,000 with more slated to roll out more money to individual taxpayers, we are divided by crabs.
A crab dinner is the least of our worries. The price of crabs this year, it may have been the only crabs some of the lower income volunteers have gotten to eat this year. I have met you both and it really tears at my stomach, after reading this I feel like someone has stuck their hand down my throat and is trying to pull my intestines out of my mouth.
So what do we suggest for our volunteers next year? Scrapple, grits and tripe?
My thanks to all emergency responders, paid or volunteer. I think the stress from the sinking economy, people losing jobs, retirement and one of the ugliest campaigns in history, it has not helped us to remain focused on real issues.
Divide and conquer. If that is true, we are riding down a dead end road and all of our hard work up to this points is about to get flushed to the WWTP. I will end my opinion here. I know someone will want to rip me a new one, get on with it so I can quickly get over it.
{Your fundraisers aren't so you can spend the money as you please,}
YES, it is. If you don't like that concept, then don't donate money. PERIOD.
"it's to supplement the government money."
ABSOLUTELY! If you notice, in paid depts, the GOVT buys things like big screen TV's, video games, pool tables, etc. for the ff's to use. Volunteer corps have to fund raise for such niceities.
"You are taking advantage of donations, contributions, and patrons at your events."
In your opinion only. If you disagree, please cite the law that is being violated. (HINT: There isn't one.) Again, if you feel that way, simply don't donate. End of problem. Now go take your jealosy elsewhere.
{I'm calling for a financial audit by Mr. Pollit and/or Cousil.}
Like you have the power to make that happen! Don't bother anyway. It already required by MD state.
Donations are NOT so the department can spend it on anything they want.
When someone donates money they don't want to know that it's going to alcoholic beverages, renting a condo, or driving around department vehicles for personal use.
I've worked with numerous non-profit organizations in a fundraising aspect.
I know for a fact that at one point Pittsville VFD couldn't account for $20,000 in funds, what happened to it?
If they are allowed to use their funds anyway they want I would call anyone who did a damn fool!
They cannot spend the money anyway they want.
"pfd said...
The simple truth is that the PFD is a private corp, and they can use any and all private donations however they wish. They could blow it all on steaks and beer and it would be perfectly legal"
Well... I certainly hope there is plans to have the county take over the county fire departments. I hope when this eventually happen I hope all the other departments such as Willards, Parsonsburg, Hebron, Mardela, Sharptown, look to Pittsville and their officers and chiefs and laugh in their face because I myself will be forwarding all of this information in a letter to EVERY person willing to listen. This non-fiscal responsibility of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department has hurting all of Wicomico County.
I HOPE NO ONE DONATES ANY MONEY TO THE PITTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
DON'T ATTEND ANY FUNDRAISERS AND DON'T DONATE MONEY.
How about this:
George Whited Jr - Treasurer of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department charged with ASSAULT-SEC DEGREE
Richard Chapman - 2nd Assistant Cheif of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department - Impersonation of a Paramedic, also according to the Maryland Judicial Search there has been 8 lawsuits because he failed to pay bills including Outten Brothers, Peninsula Surgical Group, and Salisbury Mobile Telephone Inc.
Paula Chapman - EMS Lt. - also numerous lawsuits.
Robert Bell - 1st Assistant Cheif - Number of Peace Orders AGAINST Robert Bell.
Mark Bratten - Chief of the department - Lawsuits for non-payment and a bankruptcy.
Shiloh Harris - Lawsuit for nonpayment, arrest for assault.
Tony Webster - Ambulance Captain, Paramedic - Arrested for Trespassing, and assault.
Jason Miller - Truck Lt. - Violation of exporte, assault in the 2nd degree, domestic violence. On probation.
and that's only the officers and higher ups... so let the criminals eat as many crabs as they want.
I dont know who from pittsville stated that we spend a small amount on our needs and waste the rest on ourselves, this is not so,so much has been said that is not so, i dont know where to start.we dont drink at the bar for free. its only open for functions,while we work bingos we get food for half price not free.we do get a condo for firemans week every summer. and not counting the awards dinner. we get two meals free a year. we are no where near 500,000 in dept . we dont even have a tanker. our rescue truck is a 1985. our truck is even older. and we have 2 engines. not three. our fire engine never goes out on ambulance calls except on a rare medical assist.the e.m.s. car goes home with the on duty medic at night.only because the living quarters were deemed unhealthy.and im sure i left out some other issues. but the bottom line is that the pittsvlle fd. is greatful for all it recives from the people it serves and and is not by any means being wasteful with its funds. i beleave this attack comes from within. and joe has has nothing to do with it. my hope is that the lying snake thats behind this gets exposed for what he/she is. a lowly bottom dweller
Maybe they should find better things to do and other careers and let you scrap your own body off the road and toast marshmallows as your house burns to the ground
Sad Sad Sad, while there may be some truth in the charges you have posted..you need to have your facts straight before you post in correct information i.e. jason miller there is more than one and you chose the wrong one, mark bratten also more than one and again you chose the wrong one to review..these two individuals have clean records, Ever heard of slander and defamation of character in this instance you have defied the name of two individuals who has not dobe the things you posted know the facts before you post. Besides personal lives and past have no bearing in this matter unless you are a saint your name could end up on the case search if you have a speeding ticket big deal. Misdameanors and felonies happen everyday, by alot of people midameanors can be overlooked, felonies are another story. put your name on here lets see whats in your closet.
For Christ sake this is ridiculous. Some people need to get a life. Any of this can probably be found in multiple departments all over the shore.
Get a LIFE people and move on.
I can't believe anyone is casting stones at the Whited Family. They are good people with a one of the most loving families I know of. I'm proud to call myself a friend.
why dont you tell us your name so we can look up your record. We would probally read about you blowing yourself. If you weren't such a loser who has nothing better to do than look up dirt on people, maybe you could contribute to society.I bet you are just some paramedic wanna be. If you knew how, you would see charges that were found NOT GUILTY...like it even has ANYTHING to do with the ability to save lives. Go back to your burger flipping and daydreaming of being a fireman/paramedic/EMT....
The Whited Family? You mean when Whited II was Treasurer the $20,000 the turned up missing is OK? Because he is a good guy.
Whited III should be excuse for abusing his wife Susan and forcing their relationship into a divorce.
Whited III should be OK for sexually assaulting another female and being forced to resign?
They are great people, I love thieves, abusers, and sexually deviant people. Great family.
Why don't you sign your name Chris?
Where do you get your info that Whited III was forced to resign? Oh, that must have been one of the dozen meetings you didn't attend, right? Either that or your were doing Susan. Fess up you piece of shit!
10:58, you are telling me that Chief George Whited III didn't resign his position of Chief after a drunken sexual assault a department function?
If you say that you would indeed be lying.
He is now Deputy Chief of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department.
There is still no denial of the missing 20,000 dollars, how funny is that. But now they'll say it didn't happen.
There is still no explanation of why "Paramedic" Richard Chapman was impersonating a Paramedic.
He listed on the department's website as being a paramedic, is that the case now? Inquiring minds want to know the truth about Richard Chapman.
Does Parsonsburg Fire Department with whom Richard Chapman responds on calls with know about this? How was he punished?
I looked up EVERY single member of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department and over 25 of their member's have criminal history ranging from assault, domestic abuse, drug arrests, DUI, DWI, and disorderly conduct. Explain why your volunteers are criminals.
I think it's funny that still to THIS day you guys sit at your fire house and talk about other members of other fire departments, how about what was said this morning and last night about Steve White, Ryan Whittington, Dale White, Amie Twilley, Betty Glime, Steve Givans, Jarod Cooper and others.
Willards EMS you got the brunt of the bashing along with Steve White.
This attack is from within.
Still not giving us a name are you? Your so quick to point fingers at others yet you won't put your name to anything you write. I guess your afraid some of those criminals might find ya and whip your butt.
MA
Hey 11:54 why don't you give your name? You have all of the facts, so you shouldn't hesitate to. That's just it -- it's bull*&$t. Be a woman and own up to it.
That's funny, there are allegations of $20,000.00 missing from this department but nothing to back it up? What is that, just another "fact"? I looked on all of the backgrounds and there are no charges of theft. Maybe your facts are a little questionable? Yeah, you are surely someone with an axe to grind!!!!
Numerous lawsuits on numerous members and a bankruptcy on behalf of the chief mark bratten. LOL...
The 20,000 is swept under the rug like richard chapman was, like the sexual assault by george whited the third deputy cheif 7
pittsville vfd is a joke.
Numerous lawsuits? There are no criminal lawsuits on either of the Whiteds. Sounds to me that you might be a little jealous because your ass didn't get grabbed!! Maybe he would have if it wasn't as big as the tanker!!! You are a piece of trash and yes I know who you are! Go break up a couple more marriages you tramp!
Listen ya'll... tell your friends, family, and your Pittsville Fire Department shit will hit the fan tomorrow.
i dont have a problem with the volunteers having a thank you diner for themselves, as long as they don't deduct it from there taxes as a expense. If it is paid out right and they pay their share of taxes , LET them eat , But if they do abuse the corp. tax laws and sneak a free meal in then this is not right. and there fore should not be permitted. I can feel what JOE ment. To volunteer means just that. Not to offer our help for a nice shrimp & crab diner at the end. This under mines the basic nature of volunteering in the first place. Next thing you know ,all volunteers will be getting free gas allowance, clothing draws, and perfered response to a emergency, GOD forebid one should occur. But again if they pay for it out of their own pockets ....EAT IT UP. lol
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