LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Interior attack
Bill Manning’s editorial, “Line in the Hallway, or Deck Gun Through the Front Door” (August 1993), on the issue of interior firefighting, is an article that has been long overdue. Thank you for bringing the issue into full view of the fire service, where it belongs.
Bridgeport firefighters have conducted and will continue to conduct aggressive, interior attacks. I believe that firefighters are thoroughbreds. If you constantly rein them in. you cannot expect them to perform when lives and community property are on the line. The keys are adequate starting and knowledgeable chief officers.
The fire service has no place for leaders who lack the intestinal fortitude to carry out their oath of office as a public safety officer.
Gerald F. Grover
Fire Chief
Bridgeport (Cl) Fire Department
Public also obligated to drive safely
I would like to comment on Apparatus Points to Ponder (October 1993). I agree that the tire service must be committed to driving safely on the public highways; however, it is also the responsibility of the driving public to operate on the highways in a responsible and safe manner. I am not in the fire service business, but 1 do have responsibilities in our on-site emergency response. 1 often have observed that drivers do not properly get out of the way of emergency vehicles driving to an incident. They pull out in front of the vehicle and in general drive as if they were braindead.
The driving public needs to be better educated and trained about how to drive on public highways. It is a shame that driver’s training and testing are basically the same today as they were when I got my driver’s license in 1967. The driving public in general is ignorant of how to react to emergency vehicles. The driving public gets little, if any, training, other than what is provided in the driver’s handbook, on how to drive when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Also, once drivers are given a license, they never get additional training or retraining (except drivers convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs or other serious driving violations). Other aspects of driving that have changed over the years, such as using interstate highways, basically are ignored by the licensing system.
Other factors that create problems while driving on the public roads include the following:
- Radios: Stereo systems sometimes are so loud that no sound can be heard inside the vehicle.
- Telephones: It is difficult to understand how someone who is talking on the phone can be properly focused on the task of driving.
- Books: People read books, magazines, and newspapers while driving. How can they be fully aware of w-hat is happening on the road?
- Tinted windows: Very often the cars
- with blasting radios/stereos also have heavily tinted windows that make it difficult to see the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.
- Inattention: There are thousands of other reasons drivers are distracted while driving—a parent driving and trying to control three preschoolers, teenagers talking and laughing, a couple having an argument, and so on.
- Impaired driver: Drivers can be impaired by legal and illegal drugs, alcohol, age (reflexes, vision), and physical and emotional disabilities.
In addition to training the emergency response vehicle driver to watch out for the public, drivers of privately owned vehicles should be trained and qualified to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. While the fire service is not responsible for this task, it is in its best interest to promote changes in the nation’s licensing policies.
We have added many safety features to automobiles, but we have done nothing (or very little) to improve the most unsafe component in the automobile—the driver.
Jeff Hooper
Regulatory Engineer
Westinghouse-Commercial Nuclear
Fuel Division
Columbia, South Carolina
Calling volunteer fire-rescue departments
Our company is conducting research to produce a new half-hour syndicated television program that would focus on the volunteer fire/rescue sector. Our plan is to visit volunteer departments across the country. Each show would detail the area/ community served; equipment used; membership demographics; and, hopefully, call response.
We believe that the general citizenry of this country is unaware of the immense role played by volunteers in protecting life and property across the United States. If your department would be interested in being featured, send some details about your department to us at 10343 Royal Palm Blvd., Suite 298; Coral Springs. FL 33065-4817; (305) 752-8202 ext. 700; Fax, ext. 222.
Steven S. Greene Richard Bray Tony Pannaccio
Co-Executive Producers Artists and Management Coral Springs, Florida
Ait educational asset
1 would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Fire Engineering on a fantastic magazine. The Fire Department of Springs Town Council has been subscribing to the magazine tor the past two years, and it has become a tremendous asset to our Operational. Training, and Fire Prevention departments.
C. J. Victor
Chief Fire Officer The Fire Department of Springs Town Council Springs Trassuaal, South Africa
Over the past few years I have really enjoyed your publication. The moment I have time, I read it from cover to cover, highlight and stick Post-it™ notes all over it, copy vital information, and then reread it. In a short time, it looks like a well-used textbook, which is what it’s all about. Thanks for your great monthly textbook!
Rudy Hall Assistant Chief Central Cass County (MO) Fire Protection District
Call for data
Bob Laeng, the author of the article “Measuring Fire Department Effectiveness” (August 1993). would like to collect data and experiences from departments that apply the measurement methods detailed in the article. This would enable him to put together a follow-up article and, possibly, develop the material further. Any department willing to share its results with Laeng is asked to write to him at 226 Arnott Rd„ Bulls Gap. TN 37711.
Rank and pay of inspectors
I am interested in obtaining information regarding the rank and pay grade of fire inspectors and investigators in other departments. I would appreciate responses to the following questions:
- Is the position a civilian or a firefighter?
- Does the position involve both in-
- spections and investigations or just one function?
- Is the position a promotion or a reassignment?
- Where does the position fall within the rank structure?
- Where does the position fall within the pay scale?
Send all responses to Inspector William Kisser, Office of the Fire Marshal; Arundel Center North; 101 Crain Highway, Suite 511; Glen Burnie, MD 21061.
William Kisser
Fire Inspector
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
