LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The right to know about AIDS-infected emergency responders
Your editorial in the December 1988 issue raises the alarm on the rights of all firefighters to work with team personnel that are physically (not to mention mentally) sound and fit for duty. The lives of civilians and emergency personnel depend on firefighters and medics that are free of AIDS. It is immoral not to screen oncoming emergency personnel for communicable disease.
The struggle for an AIDS-free fire and medical service cannot justifiably rely on a possibility or probability of “flunking” the probation period.
If public debate is raised on this issue through the news media, it is a reasoned conclusion that most citizens will not want AIDS-infected personnel giving CPR and bandaging open wounds. An aroused citizenry will put political pressure on the governing bodies that are only concerned with the rights of those people who have AIDS, to the neglect of the rights of all others.
Thank you for alerting the fire service to this danger. It is up to commissioners, chief officers, and firefighters’ union locals to address the issue in their respective communities. Be of good courage—stand up for your rights!
Father Ken Kinner
Chaplain
Casper (Wyo.) Fire Department
First, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to Stark County last October and presenting the program on safe firemanship practices. It was tremendous. My only regret is that not all the firefighters in our area had the good fortune to see and hear it.
Second, I want to compliment you for the stand you took regarding AIDS in your December 1988 editorial. Some progress is being made in Ohio on the question, but there is still much, much more to be desired. AIDS is a national epidemic, and protection for those potentially to be exposed must be provided. We must use every available tool at our command in this battle.
Don H. McMillen
resident
Stark County (Ohio)
Firefighters Association
Kibbutz seeks aid in establishing a volunteer firefighting team
I am attempting to form a small volunteer firefighting team for our kibbutz (a communal settlement in Israel), which has a population of 700. We’ve depended on the local fire service unit, which has a response time of at best 20 minutes. This is totally unacceptable to me, and that’s why I’m trying to form our own team.
I am asking you and your readers for help, advice, and moral support for this project. It’s been four years since I’ve worked as a firefighter, and I’m unable to find help at a local level. The fire service here is pitifully manned and grossly underfinanced; they are pleased with my idea and have given verbal support, but are unable to offer any constructive backing.
Please let me know of any institutions, volunteer units, state or local organizations, or individuals that might have information, advice, or help in the form of training manuals, teaching programs, visual training aids, or unwanted or surplus equipment. We would be greatly indebted to you.
Let me explain a little about our settlement. In addition to our agricultural departments, we have two large and rapidly growing industrial units, the largest being a flexible packaging manufacturing plant for food products. The smaller unit manufactures clothing and employs about 40 members. As a former firefighter, I am aware of the dangers of working in our high-risk industries and have made people aware of my views on fire safety and fire protection.
I only hope this letter will fall on sympathetic ears.
Peter Edan
Kibbutz Negba 79-408
Israel
Magazine excels as a teaching tool
I would like to compliment you on the job that you have done with Fire Engineering. When I joined the fire service 12 short years ago, your publication was the first trade journal that I subscribed to. I enjoyed the magazine and learned from it. However, I realized that something must be missing when I began to consider dropping my subscription. I hung on, mostly out of loyalty.
I can now honestly say that I again enjoy the magazine and look forward to its arrival. While other journals seem to be “entertaining,” yours has again begun to teach. I no longer delay when renewal time comes; it is a natural action to continue what has become a very good tool for members of our fraternity.
Chuck Hughes
Community Services Coordinator
City of Salisbury (Md)
Fire Department
We enjoy hearing from our readers. Whether you have questions or comments, write to Fire Engineering, 250 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10001.
Editorial hits the mark
Just a short note to say that your January Editor’s Opinion, “New Brothers, New Sisters” has a touch of class. I think anyone who reads it will know it comes from the heart.
Daniel T. Lydon
Chief of Department
City of Freemont, California
Your Editor’s Opinion in the January issue is right on target. We are a brotherhood!
Bill Jacobs
FEMA Training Resources and
Data Exchange
Rescue article provides practical information
The long flight to and from Armenia gave us time to catch up on our reading. Of particular interest to me was Ray Downey’s article in the November 1988 issue, “Rescue Site Management.”
Upon reflecting on our experiences in Armenia, I must say that the article contains a lot of useful and practical information that is helpful in building collapse or any rescue situation.
Bill Gustin
Member, International Rescue Team to
Armenia, V.S.S.R
“Survey Says…” a success
I thought you would like to hear some feedback about the “Survey Says…” article that appeared in the January issue of Fire Engineering. As of January 26, 1 have received 12 specific requests for further information on our survey program. They have come from all parts of the United States and Canada, from Florida to Washington. Most of the contacts have been by phone, but the conversations have been very similar to the attached letter.
I have been somewhat surprised to hear from so many people. But then again, your magazine provides an excellent forum to exchange ideas. Because of the brotherhood and sisterhood in the fire service, further interaction with authors is always welcome. Your magazine has generated many good ideas that have been very helpful to the Farmington Hills Fire Department, and we appreciate the service that you provide.
Chief Richard A. Marinucci
Farmington Hills Fire Department
Farmington Hills, Michigan
The following letter was received by Chief Marinucci:
I read your recent article on seeking public opinion with great interest. You have developed a most practical and’ worthwhile policy.
All of us in the fire industry will profit from your insight. You have certainly earned the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.
I would consider it a great favor if you could send me a copy of your cover letter and survey card. I am very interested in developing a similar program in our fire department.
Chief Paul J. Grant
Hermosa Cliff
Fire Protection District
Durango, Colorado