tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622817320860384364.post8020775656954473885..comments2008-11-08T09:17:32.371-08:00claquerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489201648431250668christine.laquer@firerescue1.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622817320860384364.post-20229004346592464742008-11-08T09:17:00.000-08:002008-11-08T09:17:00.000-08:00Just Monday night, we were sitting at the fire station trying to figure out how we were going to pay for a new $305,000 fire truck to replace one purchased in 1969.<BR/>Grant money is drying up. Tax base is shrinking with de-valued properties. Nothing has changed. People are still driving like idiots and having accidents and stuff still burns.<BR/>And you can't blame that on the Republicans!<BR/>Welcome to the Kitchen Table. I have the big spoon.<BR/>Artchiefreasonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622817320860384364.post-67347870215186523222008-11-07T20:19:00.000-08:002008-11-07T20:19:00.000-08:00Isn't this ironic, don't you think. Just this rotation my company has discussed this very topic and the ramifications to our department and many others. We look back at the "good years" in the department and we see a budget that is much decreased and staffing that is almost more that 100 firefighters less than what it was just a decade ago. Five and six man staffing to 3 on engines and ladders and 2 on the rescue and haz-mat.<BR/><BR/>As many run the numbers on a regular basis, we see that the overall number of fires continue to decrease while the number of firefighter fatalities continues to stay steady. What is the number one reason that this is the case? Many say that we are not being safe, in-shape, or wearing our seat belts. Why there are many of these that are true, much of the stress that occurs which translates into cardiovascular difficulties is the cause of doing the work that was spread among many more firefighters just a few short years ago. <BR/><BR/>The fire department is the easiest department for the city to justify pulling money from because we do not tend to make our own. But cutting funds also cuts safety. At some point those that legislate must look at the common sence and do the right thing. But after all if common sence is common than everyone would have it...its rare sence because it is rare that anyone actually does.David Blevinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5622817320860384364.post-44612384897303685532008-11-07T20:17:00.000-08:002008-11-07T20:17:00.000-08:00Isn't this ironic, don't you think. Just this rotation my company has discussed this very topic and the ramifications to our department and many others. We look back at the "good years" in the department and we see a budget that is much decreased and staffing that is almost more that 100 firefighters less than what it was just a decade ago. Five and six man staffing to 3 on engines and ladders and 2 on the rescue and haz-mat.<BR/><BR/>As many run the numbers on a regular basis, we see that the overall number of fires continue to decrease while the number of firefighter fatalities continues to stay steady. What is the number one reason that this is the case? Many say that we are not being safe, in-shape, or wearing our seat belts. Why there are many of these that are true, much of the stress that occurs which translates into cardiovascular difficulties is the cause of doing the work that was spread among many more firefighters just a few short years ago. <BR/><BR/>The fire department is the easiest department for the city to justify pulling money from because we do not tend to make our own. But cutting funds also cuts safety. At some point those that legislate must look at the common sence and do the right thing. But after all if common sence is common than everyone would have it...its rare sence because it is rare that anyone actually does.JC Political Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04855038202525168479noreply@blogger.com