Our famous firefighter video has become some sort of Internet sensation, bringing in tens of thousands of viewers and building some serious buzz. Oddly enough, the clip seems to be extra popular on computers within the halls of public agencies throughout the nation.
But just in case you missed it, here it is again:
And a special thank you to our anonymous friend, Mr. Oliver Stone. The popularity of this clip has inspired other cinematic greats such as “Cop Gets Schooled” and “Fire Chief Watches House Burn.” Keep ’em coming, Mr. Stone.
That was a great video! I am sure the union hacks in the Brea FD will love it too!
This is a disgusting distortion. When I was a very young person, I worked as a professional firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. And, I know the risks involved in the profession. Just ask the survivors of the FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, and the many firefighters and police officers involved in the rescue efforts after the collapse of the twin towers who now are suffering severe health problems. The men and women of the fire service earn every penny that they are paid.
When I first moved to Fullerton in 1970 there were approximately 125 sworn firefighters in the department. Now with a population that is some 30,000 more than in 1970 our fire department operates with about 80 sworn personnel. That is one of the reasons why there is a need for overtime — it’s usually less expensive to pay overtime than to hire more firefighters.
As an aside California fire departments are among the most efficient in the country. Thanks to a very efficient mutual aid system, they are able to operate with approximated half the number of firefighters per 10,000 population than most other parts of the country.
I have a suggestion Tony. Next time you have a health emergency or you find that your home is on fire, call a politician instead of the fire department, and see what kind of service you get.
Mark,
Roofers and truck drivers face higher risk today than firefighters do. And did you know that 75% of firefighter’s work involves paramedic calls? Only a quarter of their calls involve fires or other emergencies.
Today’s stringent building codes have made daily fires a thing of the past.
Instead of paying these rich guys overtime, why not hire trained apprentices, at an hourly rate? That is working just fine in Brea.
Art, of course I know that 75 to 80% of today’s fire department calls are for medical aid. I also know that it takes a substantial amount of training to be certified as a paramedic in the United States. Our Fullerton firefighters, most of whom are trained paramedics, save lives nearly every day because of their high level of training.
I also know that while there are fewer fires today because of improved building codes and inspection procedures, the fires that do occur today are more difficult and more dangerous to fight owing to the greater use of synthetic materials in construction and building contents. Firefighters respond to a variety of emergency situations that can involve hazardous materials, complicated extrication procedures, and difficult medical situations.
In many more rural areas the fire service is staffed largely by volunteers. And, by and large they serve well. However, most do not have paramedic training, and the response times for volunteer departments typically run two to three times as long as for paid departments. If you suffer a heart attack the difference between an under five minute response and a 10 to 15 minute response often is the difference between life and death.
I would encourage you to spend a day riding along with one of Fullerton’s busy engine companies. I think you perspective on the value they provide to our community would change significantly.
Mark,
To be fair, I am a highly trained safety consultant. I am in fact a First Aid and CPR trainer and I also am a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Trainer. I have in fact taken courses with firefighters.
Yes, one has to be highly trained. The fire apprentices take all of those classes. They are happy to work for an hourly wage.
I am 50 and have never needed a POS fireman, nor will I ever but I am sooooo happy to pay a bunch of asswipes to sit around the fire station and do nothing!