Ihave been a long time subscriber of Fire Engineering but have only recently enjoyed the Training Minutes series online and commend the work in providing this service. We already do some of what is online, but I have recently incorporated many of the drills into our operations. The saw-starting technique is just one good example of how these Training Minutes have influenced me as an officer, as well as my crew.
Michael Brown
Lieutenant
Baltimore City (MD) Fire Department
I’m a retired fire captain and training officer who still maintains my training certifications. I subscribe to Fire Engineering and constantly go to Fire Engineering.com. I’m a big fan. Fire Engineering is and always has been a great asset to the fire service.
You hit the ball out of the park when you added Training Minutes to your Web site. I make sure that all of my close active and retired counterparts and past students receive the Training Minutes link by e-mail every time a new subject becomes available. Keep up the great work; keep them coming.
Mark Perrotto
Captain (Ret.)
Union, New Jersey
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What you can do for your department
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Most of us have heard this famous quote, one that was actually borrowed by President John F. Kennedy during his 1961 inaugural address. Regardless of the original source, the message remains the same. As you are well aware, the national economy has taken and continues to take a serious hit. As consumer spending and subsequent sales tax revenue decline, state governments are being forced to eliminate all nonessential programs. Ultimately, local budgets are affected as the downturn eventually trickles down to the local level. Most emergency services already operate on a lean budget. In paid departments, it is not uncommon for 90 percent or more of the total budget to be allocated for salaries alone, leaving little for fuel, station maintenance, gear replacement, and so on. The chief or administrative staff is then mandated to function on what is left. In the end, there are never enough available monies for all the budget line items to go unscathed. This calls for some hard solutions to tough problems.
Although almost everyone needs and expects an annual cost of living raise, it is unlikely to happen on a widespread basis this year. Grumblings will be loudest at the station level. Shared sentiments will go along these lines: “No raises this yearthat stinks!” “Insurance premiums go up and benefits go downwe are going backward.” This reminds me of another more generic quote: “Tough times never lasttough people do.” Firefighters routinely deal with the unknown and attempt to make it better. This is an excellent opportunity for the fire service to shine in the public eye! Even though the public already looks up to the fire service, let’s put our best face on and rise to the challenge of providing the best service ever. When citizens call 911, they pay for and expect efficient, professional service and hopefully a good overall attitude. During these hard times, let’s give them more than that: something to believe in when every other type of service is declining.
Firefighting is still the best job in the world. Do you really appreciate your job? What can you do to help your department in these difficult times? I maintain it is time to step up and put your best foot forward! Work safe, and stay healthy. Consolidate trips in the rig to save fuel. Turn down the A/C and switch off the lights when no one is present. Take good care of your equipment. Share a kind word with you administrative staff; managing a shrinking budget is no fun for them, either. Why not volunteer for extra assignments? Renew your commitment to the job and, more importantly, to the public you are there to protect. Put on and maintain your happy face. Even if you cannot alter the eventual outcome of an actual incident, you can always speak and act intelligently and exhibit true compassion for your fellow man. As your Mother always said, “It costs nothing to be nice.” Get on the team, and together we will make it through this trying period. Better times are on the way. The bottom line: “Ask not what your department can do for you, but what you can do for your department.”
David L. Murphy
Associate Professor
Fire Safety Engineering Technology<
University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Solidarity in symbols and firefighter “family”
Thank you for recognizing the Canadian flag and Canadian firefighters at the 2009 FDIC Opening Ceremonies. Every time a “firefighter” lets down our fire service, we all feel it deeply. I understand parochial thought, but I want to let you know that all of the firefighters that serve collectively take great pride in our symbols and in our family of firefighters.
Ken McMullen
Chief
Tecumseh, ON, Canada
Fire trucks “speak” volumes
I commend Editor in Chief Bobby Halton on “The Fire Truck” (Editor’s Opinion, Fire Engineering, April 2009). It was excellent.
This year we celebrate 100 years since the establishment of the Salina (KS) Fire Department. We are excited; the department has all kinds of activities planned. We recently sent a flyer to every home in Salina describing our history and the dedication of many unsung heroes.
I always ask community groups: “Why do we put fire trucks in parades?” I then explain that very subject.
Larry Mullikin
Chief
Salina (KS) Fire Department
