Volunteer vs. Career

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Permalink Reply by CHRIS on June 12, 2009 at 3:41pm

I dont have a problem with them being paid, I just want the guys that I started on the department with to be the same guys that we were back then, yes these guys are very knowledgable and are a great resource to the dept, I am by no means knocking paid guys, I get along with alot of them that are on city fire dept.

I can see some took this the wrong way, I think we will let it die
I am sorry for making anyone upset
we are a Brotherhood and we should act like it again I apologize

Good Day to you all

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Gaudio on June 12, 2009 at 9:52pm

I can understand completely. I'm a captain for an all volunteer fire department. I see how volunteer fire departments run. I don't know how your dept operates however what I'm going to say isn't so much about my department, yours but rather how a majority of volunteer fire departments run.
Let's look at the logic here.

VOLUNTEER:
Just anybody can join, many are whackers that want to look important but are some of the bumbest moorons who walk the face of the planet, there's back stabbing and limited disciplin because members votes at election time are more important than the right actions, everybody wants to be an officer yet they'll never be more than a go getter, there's always somebody that wants to cry about the stupidest crap, fund-raising is vital but takes a toll on the members, the 2nd due company is 10 miles away because the chief officer doesn't like the fire department 1/2 mile away, and there's so much BS that goes on with the vol. fire service.

CAREER:
Not just anybody can be one. Being a career firefighter is something that is earned. You have to pass a physical agility test and written testing, you have to attent the fire acadamy, the officer positions are earned by testing and knowledge, the firefighters have respect for eachother including their officers, operations are run smoother and professional, and after seeing what life is like in a respectful environment, the outlook of the volunteer fire department suddenly changes.

It sounds like your department is big on training if your members go for FF1 and 2 plus EMS training. That's outstanding. I don't know why your guys have the attitude like that however I can understand based on how so many volunteer fire departments are, I'm getting the same feelings and I don't have anything to do with a career fire department.

My opinion, ask them why they feel that way. It very well may be just a major ego trip on their part. Or maybe they see things that may need to change.
I'm not always right, just voicing my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Chad Furr on June 12, 2009 at 10:21pm

"VOLUNTEER:
Just anybody can join, many are whackers that want to look important but are some of the bumbest moorons who walk the face of the planet, there's back stabbing and limited disciplin because members votes at election time are more important than the right actions, everybody wants to be an officer yet they'll never be more than a go getter, there's always somebody that wants to cry about the stupidest crap, fund-raising is vital but takes a toll on the members, the 2nd due company is 10 miles away because the chief officer doesn't like the fire department 1/2 mile away, and there's so much BS that goes on with the vol. fire service.
" Wow you just summed up our dept. and the whole county. I take it we are not alone in this then??

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Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on June 13, 2009 at 12:07am

Chris, Its about the individuals. Tons of volunteers strive to get paid for pursuing their passion. Many achieve it. If that success causes them to forget who they were and to forget thier "humble beginnings", then hes a certifiable dingbat. I have shared a lot of mutual respect with a ton of people on both side of this isle from long before I had the Chaplain advantage. A rotten attitude in any community service is a diservice to that community. Get him some help.

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Permalink Reply by Robert C. Baker on June 13, 2009 at 12:59am

I really think this kinda thread needs to stop. Also just in case you forgot, Fire dosen't discriminate wether your a career firefighter or a volunteer. Play nice and be safe.

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Permalink Reply by paul raynel on June 13, 2009 at 4:10am

it sounds like this is a well worn out topic
i feel there will always be a attitude difference between paid and vollys that can be a good thing and a bad thing.
it all depends on the testosterone of all involved i believe a level of understanding is needed between the 2 sides on the volly side the paid guys train clean work live and breath it all the time and more than likely at a higher level of discipline and experience. and from the paid to the voly side they more than likely struggle for funds and equipment and the time to commit to the fire station but their hearts and minds are in the right place
and then from both sides they are fiercely proud of what the do and achieve and will take umbrage of anything said against them or their station this i feel is especially keenly felt by the vollys

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Whitford on June 13, 2009 at 5:21am

i got to agree with paul,

our nearest paid guys (Wanganui Fire Rescue Brigade and Palmerston Norht Fire Rescue Brigade) we have a very good relationship with, and also the paid defence force bases. Your all there to do the same thing, which is to protect lives and things.

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Permalink Reply by Kirk on June 13, 2009 at 11:21am

we have a few guys that did the same thing with us. i just wounder what is going through their heads. we have this one thats been on the dept. and is a career firefighter for a long time and he doesnt act like the new career ones. i'm glad that they found a career job. if they dont want to vol. any more they should turn their gear in.

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