Dear Editor: I speak for many readers when I say that we’re all growing weary of the repeated cheap shots at law enforcement in your publication by way of author Nozzlehead (“This Is NOT a False Alarm,” August issue, p. 28). Professional responders like us read publications to increase understanding and awareness among all responders–not be bashed by fellow responders. His immaturity is driving a further wedge of non-cooperation between the police and fire service at a time when we need it the most in this nation. And I’ve been a volunteer fire captain and EMT for more than 25 years. Many people who knock law enforcement have hidden agendas. These may include their inability to pass police entrance exams or previous run-ins with the law. Whatever the reasons behind the author’s continued childish rants, we recommend he keep them to himself and present his views in a professional manner.
–Annoyed in New York
Dear Annoyed,
Thanks so much for the letter. I do appreciate it. I appreciate it almost as much as the time I had to spend in prison because of the crimes I’ve committed. You see, it wasn’t too long ago that ol’ Nozzlehead was charged, tried and convicted of attempting to have a sense of humor. And this was well before the many years ago when ol’ Nozzlehead himself was employed by one of the largest county law-enforcement agencies in the United States. WHAT? Nozzlehead worked in the copshop? Say it isn’t so! But it is. And that was even before ol’ Nozzlehead could look back at 36 years in the fire service–career and volunteer! Well damn! Maybe ol’ Nozzlehead is able to see a little humor in what we do. Cops, firefighters (whatever we are, I couldn’t care less): When we lose the ability to laugh a bit and enjoy what we do, that’s not good.
But to respond directly and frankly:
- I’ve been known to be immature and enjoy childish rants. For those of you who have been reading this column for the past 7 years, it’s nothing new.
- When certain cops and firefighters stop making headlines for their inability to get along publicly, I’ll back off. Until then, this column is based on reality and my need to display that reality in words.
- Most cops and firefighters get along well and have a good time on and off the job, and they can all laugh at each other and not get overly sensitive and self-absorbed. Bantering between the rubber guns and the rubber coats has gone on for many, many years–well before you and I came on the job.
- There are no hidden agendas when it comes to cops here–just a few smiles because I decided to be a firefighter.
Look, this column is meant to provide a service and, considering how serious everything else is in our business, it’s also written so we can laugh–sometimes at the expense of others but mostly at the expense of myself. This column may be cynical, but it’s the real deal, written from the perspective of a fire officer who has dealt with everything from rescuing cops from buildings to moving police cars that were blocking hydrants to arguing over who gets to be in charge on a highway incident. Ya can’t make this stuff up!
If what I write in this column is offensive and upsets you that much, don’t read it. Like a radio or TV show that you don’t like, shut it off, turn the channel or cover your ears. And, it’s even easier in print–just flip the pages to the good stuff! Like any other advice column, it’s not for everyone. It’s just as much your right to not read it as my right to write it. The intent is to have some fun while explaining the job through readers’ questions and loads of personal opinion based on the realities of the job. No more, no less.
And for the record, the last thing this column does is drive a wedge between firefighters and the cops; we’ve done a fine job of that all by ourselves.
Thanks for the e-mail, relax and smile a bit. Of all the things to get upset over, I hope this is now at the bottom of your list. Thanks for your 25 years of public service. I mean that. Really. No, REALLY.
