On Monday I was one of several fire fighters who responded to an ATV accident on Turkey Run Road. Warren District, Station 6 and Buckhannon, Station 1 were dispatched to the scene along with Station 77 (EMS) and law enforcement. The protocol is always to dispatch two fire departments to make sure there is sufficient volunteer staff and equipment responding.
Station 6 responded with an engine, rescue truck and utility vehicle. Station 1 responded with our rescue truck and a utility vehicle. Shortly after we arrived on scene, a community resident came up to us complaining that we had far too much equipment for such a simple accident and it was a total waste of tax payers money. There were several responders that wanted to explain our response procedures to the complainer from behind the nearest barn but logic did prevail by simply saying that the number of apparatus on scene was standard protocol.
The complainer didn't realize that all the responders were volunteers and the cost of the response was basically the cost of fuel. The response on Monday was unusually well staffed. During a regular work week, the number of volunteers is often at minimum levels. From the standpoint of the fire service, you can never have too much help on the way. It is easier to cancel responding units than to page out for additional help.
If you have an emergency, would you complain that too much help responded? Probably not. When is enough, enough? Only when the emergency response is over.
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Mr. Preston
ReplyDeleteI don't read many blogspots but your title for this one is what caught my eye.
I appreciate you standing up for the fire department, rescue crews an all of the volunteers and law enforcement.
Sometimes it really is a shame that what comes naturally to most people is to complain.
Through education to our residents within city and county limits would be a great way to stop some of it.
The BPD and BFD are already involved in educational programs. Keep up the great work to both departments.
You all have my greatest appreaciation for what you do for us.
One day one the "complainers" will have a need to be serviced by our groups who serve and protect and help in so many ways. Maybe then that is when the "complainers" will wake up.
There is a comedian, name is not important.
His phrase "You can't fix stupid" comes to mine when I read this.