General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOk DU, I've been given permission by my station Captain to post on this site,
a typical FF/Para's 24 hour duty watch in response to this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024776491#post43
I'll be carrying my laptop and posting every call, minus personal info on medical, and any fires, structure or wildland, that take place.
This will happen this Sunday during my shift.
I hope everyone enjoys it and understands just what is involved in a typical day for Fire Rescue personnel.
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enlightenment
(8,830 posts)Looking forward to seeing your day. Thank you.
TBF
(36,548 posts)I will look for the OP.
FSogol
(47,608 posts)
greatauntoftriplets
(178,941 posts)I look forward to reading your posts on your day.
Capt. Obvious
(9,002 posts)And getting paid for it.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)Hadn't thought about that.
Let me work on it and get back to you. 
Separation
(1,975 posts)Stay safe.
uppityperson
(116,015 posts)
lillypaddle
(9,606 posts)Sounds interesting.
stonecutter357
(13,045 posts)
blm
(114,634 posts); )
cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)We even have a poster who can give you a few pointers...
dixiegrrrrl
(60,156 posts)I live in a real community, in a small town.
We have volunteer firefighters, volunteer rescue, only the police are paid,and not very much compared to bigger cities.
We even have volunteer pilots who use their own planes and fuel when needed.
These guys are surprisingly busy for a town of 6,000.
3-4 x a week we hear the sirens, and then read of people being pulled from car wrecks, and sometimes more sadly, people being retrieved who died in a house fire.
When the hurricanes hit, every able bodied male grabs a chainsaw, rescues folks trapped in their houses, even collects animals when possible.
Volunteer rescue carried my elderly neighbor to the hospital in a crisis, I was there, and had called them when I found her needing help. They were so respectful and gentle and caring, it moved me deeply.
I wish it were in my power to erase the insensitive thoughtless words of some callous people in the thread you referenced.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)That's how I started out and then transitioned to paid.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Stay safe...says the former paramedic.
And the same goes to the rest of your department. The thing I hated was funerals...they get too personal.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)Very safety oriented.
I also hate going to the funerals of fallen comrades.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)We should be able to confirm this is a person at an actual fire department rather than someone pretending to be a member of a fire department and listening to a radio scanner at their home.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)Last edited Fri Apr 11, 2014, 09:36 PM - Edit history (1)
However, there will be several updates to the thread rather than several posts.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)A city name will be adequate, I think.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)And that's all the location I will give.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)My brother is a firefighter and EMT, and as a journalist I have interacted with first responders on several occasions, and have interviewed fire chiefs for many rural news stories.
The information you are claiming you will post (essentially log entries stripped of HIPAA violations) is public by most Freedom of Information statutes, so why would the name of the city be sensitive?
Glassunion
(10,201 posts)You see, this board offers a bit of anonymity. A way for us to express ourselves, and our ideology without fear of reprisals. I would not want some folks I work with knowing that I post here and if anyone for whatever reason on this site wishes to remain anonymous, then you should respect that wish. That's why we have screen names and whatnot.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)The consequence is that a person should respond to healthy doubt, especially when laying claim to a role as respected as that of firefighter less than four days after spawning the account.
I managed, a few months ago, to stick my foot in my mouth questioning a person's claim on DU, and had my ass handed back to me. It has made me cautious in expressing questions about the authenticity of some of the folks here. Heck, I've had people call me a 'bot on occasion.
However, this situation feels off. For example, there are any number of sources that reveal a typical day as a firefighter.
The Chandler FD
Indianapolis FD
County of Albermarle
Another thing is that it seems rather odd that a station chief would grant permission for a firefighter to post their activities on a website where thousands of strangers can view it. While information about much of a fire station's activities are supposed to be public, fire chiefs are notorious about wanting to control who in the department will release or relay information to the public. Just the danger of revealing HIPAA violations would be enough to make any town cringe at the thought.
I have enormous respect for the tasks firefighters must do, and I think the pomp and circumstance of firefighter funerals are absolutely justified. I couldn't care less if a firefighter is sleeping at the station, just as long as they wake up and save my family.
That being said, I'll stand by my doubt and my question.
P.S. I've sent you the information you requested in a DU mail.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)and have you won awards? And if you go to a man down at a well, do you have enough knowledge to ask about atmospherics?
Now I am going to call you on your BS.
I will answer myself
I have won awards from the local press club and work for the East County Magazine in San Diego, and when we went to a man down in Potrero, we did ask questions on both the atmospherics, and whether they used a 3:1 advantage or 4:1 advantage and did get that answered by a CAL-FIRE battalion Chief
Congrats, if the poster does not want to reveal that private information as per department, station and all that, he is free to do that. Those of us who have DONE THE JOB and know the call volume even for San Diego's MVU unit, as well as Heartland Fire and SDFD, together with Chula Vista and National City. sorry rarely listen to NORCOM, know that you are not doing a Public Records m'kay.
Now perhaps you should learn how this place works before jumping on people's throats!
And recently taught at a Training Workshop at San Diego State on precisely wildland fire coverage.
One last thing from that training. Local PIO for CAL FIRE did emphasize the need for reporters in the field to wear safety equipment and so did we. We also emphasized a modified line from my years in EMS. "NO PHOTO is worth your life. Your priority is you, your partner your gear, your story. The first three in the chain are broken, no story."
The OP might recognize that from his Paramedic school, since it is is a modified common training paramedic saying.
Brother Buzz
(39,863 posts)
zappaman
(20,627 posts)What is this photo?
Is it supposed to mean something?
Apologies in advance for not getting something that is likely simple...long day.
Brother Buzz
(39,863 posts)Her hubby and boss got cool plaques, she was awarded a certificate suitable for framing.
http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/ecm-earns-11-awards-san-diego-press-club-ceremony
maddezmom
(135,060 posts)Brother Buzz
(39,863 posts)She is a reporter at present, with media card and everything.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2738204
maddezmom
(135,060 posts)
greatauntoftriplets
(178,941 posts)that firefighting was not part of the curriculum. 
zappaman
(20,627 posts)
dionysus
(26,467 posts)rudolph the red
(666 posts)East County Magazine looks like an online only cheap version of the penny saver. To call it a paper seems kind of silly.
Never mind, I read further. Its beyond silly, more like ridiculous.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)and the paper has won over 70 awards locally, for investigative work among others. Believe it or not, we do more than just the public announcements.
Hell, we cover crap none others cover, like the well behaved Grossmont Unified High School District.
I know that is a favorite attack by the character assassins locally, but think of it as a local version of truthout, but far less partisan. In fact, we are not partisan, and during the Filner non scandal (for some here it was not a scandal) we were actually called to be on the pocket of the other side within five minutes by both groups, so we are doing something right.
And we also do community service that larger media used to do, and fires in the far east county are now covered by other media because of us. They used to completely ignore them
rudolph the red
(666 posts)Is nonsense.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Yes, it is a paper and no it is not partisan.
have an excellent day.
rudolph the red
(666 posts)I post at DU.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)at a fire line talking to fire officials about mandatory evacs, animal shelters, people shelters, and all that shit before going behind fire lines. Of course calling the boss so that can be updated as well, as in breaking news. And then going behind lines to get those shots m'kay.
Or next time you go to a wonderful meeting of your local school board.
Bloggers do not do that, the former they simply do not. You know why? You are not credentialed media.
The latter some bloggers do, but they are rare as can be. Or for that matter next time you go and cover multiple fire boards while the county tries to create the San Diego County Fire Authority. That is not what the Penny Saver does either.
Have a good day. For the record I started by blogging. But now, I get paid.
rudolph the red
(666 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)and I think we are done.
You said that we are not media, we are, credentialed and all.
Have an excellent day. And go join all those character assassins, good bye
I really have NO PATIENCE for this shit. NONE.
rudolph the red
(666 posts)Makes you a blogger too.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)my hands are tied and I don't feel that it's important to know what FRS it is, only what a day in the life of a FF/Para is like.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)So your reluctance is because the department told you to conceal the name of the city it serves, and not a desire for anonymity?
A log of a typical FD is public, as is the name of the town.
Now this smells even more.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)all I'm doing is documenting my typical day in the FRS.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)You may be exactly what you say you are, and you may actually do what you say you are going to do.
I will give your typical day, as a hero fireman in the mysterious city that allows firefighters to reveal public information to complete strangers on a website (except the name of a city because that is super ultra secret), the attention it deserves.
Tell you what, though, I think I can save you some time.
The Chandler FD
Indianapolis FD
County of Albermarle
See, all done.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)#2, I'm not a hero, have never claimed to be.
#3, Why do you have such a problem with my wanting to document MY typical day as a FF/Para?
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)easy peasy.
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)I've stated my piece. I'm done.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)I have no problem with you questioning my credentials.
I hope my posts of Sunday will convince you that I am a bona fide FF/Para.
dionysus
(26,467 posts)that happened to you. best of luck pal.
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)But I would imagine it is hard to talk about a "typical" day or "typical" week.
It would be tough in my job, and my job is less contingency based.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)my friend.
I suspect that since you refused to answer my questions, for the same reasons he is not, I will now completely doubt your veracity as a reporter
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Mostly it is wild fire season and we warn citizens of potential Evac routes closed due to accidents. At times it takes upwards of four hours to clear a dang road (fatalities tend to do that). Or when actual fires do start...at times we even physically drag our happy asses to the fire line to cover the event.
I understand the disdain but I am personally looking forwards to it. If this is a high volume call department, I can expect a long list of incidents. Hell I worked for one and chasing the radio was common. My max number of calls in a 16 hour period (another country worked two shifts) was 20 calls. The longest shift ever worked was 36, due to one nasty MCI.
To the OP no we're not hotshots (not in the elite FF meaning ). We actually carry water, food and full two layer Nomex with helmets. (Boy it is never cheap) I know, what a concept. But we do not want to be part of the problem. Other crap we carry, paper and electronic maps, a compass, a first aid kit and other sundries, apart of trade tools such as pens, notebooks and cameras, and of course the scanner. Like situational awareness is critical...
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)Are you telling me that you are a journalist and a firefighter?
dionysus
(26,467 posts)zappaman
(20,627 posts)I wouldn't even know where to start.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)I used to be a Paramedic in another country, it was a fairly high call urban setting, and these days I am a reporter. But when we cover fires from the front lines we wear the exact same gear firefighters wear. It is a safety issue.
Hell here...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4808212
In fact I will also proceed and bold for you the relevant section of the previous post
Android3.14
(5,402 posts)I don't think it would serve any real purpose to talk with you, so please excuse me for ending this conversation.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Will save you the effort, since there is no use, and while I was going to put you on ignore, this is way too entertaining.
It is truly not my fault you could not read and chiefly comprehend.
(And enough wasting my time, I need to get those sound cuts done)
dionysus
(26,467 posts)
maddezmom
(135,060 posts)dionysus
(26,467 posts)
at least others with this confliction can actually write coherently, even after whiskey...
I prefer bourbon, but a nice Pinot Noir works as well.
dionysus
(26,467 posts)
(tears of laughter as they may be)
freshwest
(53,661 posts)IronGate
(2,186 posts)I'm not doing this for the accolades, I'm doing this, with the support of the Dept. because many people seem to have this misconception that FF's sit around all day, respond to a few calls here and there, go back to the station, sit around and watch TV or eat and then go to sleep.
I hope to clear up some of these misconceptions with an actual day in the life of a FF/Para.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)As a person who worked in positions where a midnight call to rouse one out of bed to face the elements, the public, the dark, and may be get injured, knowing the restraints that makes on one's life, physically and family wise, I understand in some ways. But FF, which requires being ready and able at a high level all the time, not just occasional emergencies, is another animal altogether.
While both require keeping oneself in shape off the job, when one is not being paid. FF is a high intensity job on many levels most people can never achieve. It's very challenging physically and emotionally, and it's a profession, not a 9 to 5. It becomes one's life or one's death. I think trash talkers have not ever had that level of commitment, so they think it's an easy thing.
I currently live next to a fire station in a neighborhood with many public services. When those sirens go off, day or night for medical emergencies or fires, when people complain of the noise, I think about the fact that they are rushing down the street to save lives. The noise is not aggravating to the person who called for help, it's a relief. That's how I look at it.
I get tired of mealy mouth complainers who think their words are more important than real life actions. I do not like the Libertarian and anti-public worker spiel that call for ending funding for the fire department. When I see people saying we need to lower taxes because they say the government is doing bad things with their money, I think of you guys who are out there for me and others that I couldn't help. How much more damaged and stupid our world would be without those willing to sacrfice weekends and the holidays to help others.
Give your pals a high five from me. You guys keep the world safer for me and those I care about. We count on you, we don't take it for granted. People need to think about what you do.
catrose
(5,361 posts)FF/Paras are the ones ready to go when the call comes in. I'm in awe of first responders, having seen them in action when I followed as part of the Red Cross. But there were days when I'd have to say to the Red Cross, "I can't come now; I'm at work." We need people who's work is to drop and go, and we should pay them accordingly for their availability, skills, training, and willingness to walk into danger.
And I'd like to say thank you again to the fire station who helped with my son's physical therapy 25 years ago. It required several people at a time, and the FF were very generous with their time (when they weren't on a call, of course). My son loved visiting the fire station, of course.
blueamy66
(6,795 posts)
longship
(40,416 posts)What happened in another thread was despicable.
Thank you for your noble service.
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)Because, you know, nobody gets more respect than the janitor.
Codeine
(25,586 posts)"$2.15 is your total. Change is a dime. Have a good day."
Then about midday I can post details of mopping up a bodily fluid of some sort. Yay retail!
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)and gets the low pay of retail, should get some credit 
LadyHawkAZ
(6,199 posts)thank you and be safe!
I'll try to be here to watch the OP.
calimary
(89,887 posts)Well worth the effort, seems to me! Hello brushfire season - months early. 
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts) 
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024485619
BainsBane
(57,750 posts)I have nothing but tremendous respect and admiration for firefighters and paramedics. I can't even imagine the kind of bravery and selflessness required to do a job like that.
Cha
(318,757 posts)our Firefighters?! 
Bodhi BloodWave
(2,346 posts)
Joking aside, I dread to think how things would be without firefighters around, or any first responders for that matter.
So I will join you in thanking IronGate, and hope that they all will stay safe and sound
Cha
(318,757 posts)Safe and Sound~
lamp_shade
(15,466 posts)
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,198 posts)I have a cousin that is a police officer. He says that Sunday's are the slowest (If there IS such a thing for those, and you, that are in that kind of public service). Is that why your Captain gave you permission to do it on a Sunday?
sheshe2
(97,397 posts)I was stunned at some of the responses. It was my OP and I felt like I was hit in the gut by that very first response and what came after. I can only imagine how you and your fellow FF felt.
I have nothing but respect for our FF in Boston. They sifted through ashes to find that ring to support one of their own, our own.
They raced to that building to save lives and see that it did not spread. It was under horrendous conditions that day. FF were also many of the first responders at the marathon last year. You raced toward the bombs, as you do a fire, to save lives. We owe you all a debt of gratitude.
I salute all the FF as I tried to do for Boston in my OP. I thank you for what you do.
Stay safe...
bearssoapbox
(1,408 posts)I was scared more than I have ever been in my life. They were calm and reassuring and how they got my big ass out of the house without dropping me is a miracle. I could hardly tell I was moving. They carried me about 100 feet to the ambulance.
I can never thank them enough.
What happened is in my profile. http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=294249
It's unbelievable that some asshat would minimize or denigrate the work that you, and others like you, do.
I look forward to Sunday.
Wishing for everyone to stay safe.
lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)For instance, here are the salaries in what I'd consider a representative "western city"
http://www.theolympian.com/olympia-salaries/?appSession=605448346076355
Also, is this a kelly shift or 24 on - 48 off? IIRC, you mentioned a Kelly shift in the other thread.
You're bringing this up because of my observation that "I've never been paid to sleep". While true, the most relevant way to express your objection to this is to estimate how many hours of an average firefighters 56 hour work week that is so spent.
Armed with that information, readers can then circle back to the gross earnings column on the above link and evaluate if my comment constitutes persecution or prudent and engaged citizenship.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)you're the one who implied firefighters are paid for sleeping. I didn't see any evidence that your statement reflected "typical" experience.
sheshe2
(97,397 posts)You hijacked my OP that honored FF with your crap. Stop it just stop it. You double down and that makes you look foolish!
Thousands of U.S. firefighters mourn comrade killed in Boston blaze
(Reuters) - Thousands of firefighters from across the United States lined the streets of a Boston suburb on Wednesday to grieve for one of two firefighters who died battling a blaze in a downtown apartment building.
In front of St. Patrick's Church in Watertown, where the funeral was held for Boston Fire Department Lieutenant Edward Walsh, a gigantic American flag hung from two ladder trucks assigned to local fire companies.
Walsh, 43, and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33, died on March 26 while fighting a fire in a four-story apartment house in Boston's historic Back Bay neighborhood.
Seventeen firefighters were injured from among some 150 who responded. None of the tenants were hurt.
Firefighters from New York, Chicago and Miami joined the procession ahead of the funeral.
Brendan Gurry, a firefighter from Newark, New Jersey, said he and about nine others from his department had traveled 300 miles to attend the funeral.
"I would travel as far as my money would take me to show respect for someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice," said Gurry, 32, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. "It's an honor thing."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/02/us-usa-boston-firefighters-idUSBREA310S820140402
seaglass
(8,185 posts)typical of comments I've heard since my husband has been on the FD - they usually come from right-wing anti-union types though so I don't expect them on DU.
My thoughts are that if a DUer wants to denigrate Firefighters - go for it, but start your own OP, don't do it in an OP honoring FFs.
On edit: Thanks for posting the original thread
sheshe2
(97,397 posts)Give a hearty thank you to your husband for all that he does to keep us safe.
So good to know he attended both funerals in Boston, a beautiful salute to those who died and respect to those still standing. As for the original OP, you are welcome.
dgauss
(1,523 posts)are getting a decent salary.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)I compare that to a cousin of mine, a firefighter, who makes about 25k a year. It makes me angry.
Sheldon Cooper
(3,724 posts)that there was only one person on that thread who was behaving like an ass. And pretty much everyone else called him on his stupidity. I hope you don't think you have anything to prove here, because we're all on your side.
IronGate
(2,186 posts)There are those that will always question someone's posts, and rightly so.
I'm not here to prove what I do for a living, I just want to dispel the misconceptions of what a typical FF/Para's day is.
I don't view myself as a hero, I don't put my career over anyone else's, it's a job, nothing more, nothing less, a rewarding job, but a job only.
sweetapogee
(1,216 posts)I'm a volunteer FF/EMT in NE PA. I have had posters on this forum who have no clue about the fire service lecture me on what we do. Ha Ha!
Anyway I have pro board certs in FF(1&2), HazMat, confined space and state certs in swift water rescue vehicle rescue and wildland. Just because we are volunteers doesn't mean that we don't know what we are doing!
In our little semi-rural area I have been involved in 3 incidents that made national headlines in the last 10 years. One of those involved a double fatal MVA that resulted in a 20 million dollar judgment against a tire manufacturer. We had a dwelling fire last night and we forced a door this morning in response to a welfare check that didn't go well for the patient. When people say that there is nothing to do here I just shrug my shoulders and agree with them.
Anyway, I love the fire service and always enjoy hearing from my brethren in the bond.
Octafish
(55,745 posts)When I was a lot younger, I read a book that detailed life in the NYFD, "Report from Engine Co. 82."
One eye-opening memoirs, that, telling the story of the bravest of the brave.
PS: A most hearty welcome to DU, IronGate! Give 'em the what's for!
IronGate
(2,186 posts)
And just a brief history, it's FDNY, because the the FD was named before NY became an incorporated city.
They are the only Fire Department to have FD before the initials of the city or county.
Takket
(23,696 posts)On behalf of those of us that appreciate the danger you willingly put yourself in for the good of the public as a whole, I apologize for that post in that thread you linked to. Those of us that are that short sighted are, I assure you, a very small minority.
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)I'm kind of a cynical asshole, so I always just assumed it was a way of gaming the overtime system.
However, I never really got the point of paying for very expensive dormitories and hundreds of hours of overtime. Unless you're out on a call, couldn't you just clock out after eight hours like employees everywhere else? That would certainly save a lot of money on overtime and facilities and such.
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)Wal-mart does it with a whole slew of part-timers.
One factory where I worked as a temp, did it with 4 shifts.
That was kind of a screwy system, IMO. The A shift would work four twelve hour days 6 am to 6 pm and B shift would work four twelve hour nights. 6 pm to 6 am. Then C shift would work the next four twelve hour days and D shift would work the next four twelve hour nights.
So far so good.
Then the switch.
The next four twelve hour days would be worked by B shift and the nights would be worked by A shift. And back and forth. Working days and then working nights. Kinda tough having to change your sleep patterns like that.
Many factories just close for two days of the week. In my first factory job, 3rd shift actually started the week, coming in at 11 pm Sunday night and working until 7 am Monday morning. Then 1st shift from 7 to 3 and 2nd shift from 3 to 11. Then the factory is closed from 11 pm Friday until 11 pm Sunday.
Or, if things are busy, an overtime shift could be required for Saturday.
So, without some funky 12 hour or 24 hour shifts, how do you cover 24/7? Just have people "on call" during their time off?
seaglass
(8,185 posts)less OT when you have 24 hr shifts. Even before 24 hr shifts though there weren't any 8 hour shifts they were 10 hr shifts. I'm not a staffing expert but I believe that the shifts are designed in the way they are to reduce the number of employees. Which creates other problems that lead to OT because people are injured, take time off etc. And there are minimum staffing levels.
Don't know anything about expensive dormitories.
raven mad
(4,940 posts)Stay safe and hold fast!