In “NASCAR and Elephants” (Editor’s Opinion, August 2008), Editor in Chief Bobby Halton wrote about a crazed volunteer firefighter’s driving. I know the story and what the outcome should be. As a past chief in a volunteer department, I have seen that stupid driving is not only unsafe, but it puts us in a very bad light. I always told all the members (I got their ear their first night in for an hour or so), “If you don’t get there, you can’t help anyone.”
The first suspension (of very few) I issued was caused by driving, and it was not fun for me, but it had to be done. The new and young member had no idea that driving like a fool to an alarm does not help anyone. After his return, he did it again, and he was removed with no kind words for me, but we are safer.
I still see it today. Some of the new chiefs are more into the “nice lights and cool Q” on their rigs and into being friends than doing the right thing. They have a heavy foot, too, but they drivie a district vehicle, fully lettered, so you know which department they are from.
The only time people like this will change is when they are forced. If I see a member “racing” to a call, putting people at risk, I make the call to the station chief. I am very friendly with the guys in the area and have a good reputation for being fairnot wanting to fry anyonebut doing the right thing.
If nothing is said, nothing will be done. If something is said and nothing is done, well, the attempt was made. Change sometimes needs to be forced. It is not fun; it is not easy; but, to be safe, it sometimes needs to happen.
I have been looking at the volunteer side for many years and see that if we do not change, we will not last. We can offer some of the best protection, but if we don’t do it right and get the help we need with laws, money, and timeand sometimes a swift kick in the [pants]we will not make it.
Tim Pillsworth
Past Chief
Winona Lake (NY) Engine Company
This is in reference to “NASCAR and Elephants.” I read with great interest about the young and old firefighters (bulls) who share the same fireground. I could not agree more that there needs to be a mentorship between veterans and rookies coming into our profession today. I can only assume that Bobby Halton, himself, has many years of experience in a fire station. But, the question that comes to mind is, where was he when the local fire department was paged out for the field fire that he mentioned in his column? I have to assume that this was in the area in which he lives. That tells me that he should know the driver of the pickup who nearly ran him over. Mr. Earnhardt Jr., as he was named, could probably use some “old bull time” from a seasoned veteran like Editor Halton. I also could not help but sense the sarcasm in his writing when he addressed the old military surplus tanker the young driver was operating. He is correct that these apparatus are outdated and most likely unsafe, but this also tells me that his local fire department is probably underfunded. I know this from personal experience because three out of the four tankers in my township are military surplus trucks.
So, I suggest two possible solutions. Chief Halton could join the local department and share his years of wisdom; but, I don’t know what his schedule is like, and maybe he doesn’t have the time to serve. Then, maybe he could open his checkbook and donate to these hardworking firefighters to make sure they get the necessary equipment to protect him and his neighbors. Either way, I don’t believe any fire service veteran should let an opportunity go by without doing everything he can to make the situation better. After all, that’s what we are trained to do.
Chad Ellis
Assistant Chief
White River-Hazleton (IN) Volunteer Fire Department
