Re: [californiadisasters] CA budget proposal to eliminate 4th

This is true, of course.

I was speaking theoretically of the problem, without saying in so many words
that most fire agencies have dealt with this.

My main point, though, was to emphasize that we need the firefighters
available, whether they're "doing something" or not. If we can keep them
available and also "doing something", that's all the better.

In fact, there is plenty to do/routinely being done that's constructive, and
the days of the firefighters sitting in front of the station waiting for the
bell to clang are gone.

-----
Another consideration here is that the more fire prevention work that's
done, the fewer fires will occur. This reduces the fire losses, but
unfortunately, it also reduces the "obvious" part of the firefighters'
workload, thus making budgets harder to justify to the satisfaction of the
elected folks.

-----
What neither the elected folks nor the public really understand* is that the
public WILL pay fire-related costs. The only choice is to pay for the
protection through taxes, pay higher insurance, or suffer loss of property
and life.

==============
* I'll avoid the political debate over whether the elected officials "don't
understand" or "don't want you to know".

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick Bates" <HappyMoosePhoto@gmail.com>
To: <californiadisasters@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 3:33 PM
Subject: RE: [californiadisasters] CA budget proposal to eliminate 4th

> PS. There are not generally many slack hours at a firehouse. Maintenance
> (vehicle and building), medical calls, training in ALL the variety of
things
> that need annual hours to be certified (medical, haz mat, fire line
> training are but a few) plus business inspections, home inspections (upon
> request only, no legal 'right' to enter), wildland inspection (PRC 4291)
and
> the occasional fire pretty much fill up the day.
>
> Rick
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: newnethboy
> 2. Find occupation for firefighters which utilizes their non-call time
while
> leaving them available for response. EMS meets the first issue but not the
> second. Training, fire safety inspections, public education, are some
> activities that can meet these requirements and are common duties of
> suppression-company firefighters.
>
>
>
>

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