Tvov wrote: Just a note about how our volunteer FD handles "retired" Firefighters, kind of wondering how others do it.
After a member has been "active" (meeting certain percentages of firecalls, meetings, and drills) for at least 12 years, they can go "exempt". They are still full members, but don't have to worry about their response percentage, or if they respond at all. Also, they are not required to do the "grunt" work around the firehouse (cleaning equipment, maintenance, cleanup of meeting area, etc). Basically, they can have all the "fun" of being a firefighter without having to do all the "work". It is essentially a reward for the time and effort they have already put in, and allows room for new active members to join.
Man! Color me green with envy. The only perk I ever received was being told: "Stay put old man, we'll handle entry".
Robert -
Sorry to hear about the lack of interest.
Maybe some Vollys from around the country have some ideas for getting
and retaining members.
Unfortunately many retired career F/Fs live in "metro" areas that
are protected by paid depts. Lots and lots of these guys would love
to get wet and dirty again - but no chance.
KB - Wow! - two Cappies in "the house". Need I ask who's the Chief, LOL!
Think you (and she) have retired equivalents (both Capts) from L.A. Co.
Also, at different (paid) FDs in Orange County (CA), Chief=him (Dept. Head)
and BC=her. Now both retired.
JC
I've been saving this since this thread started and am proud to share this Christmas Poem with everyone here. MERRY CHRISTMAS and Stay Safe!
The photo underneath is of Lee FD Central Station Lee MA
T'was the week before Christmas at the old Firehouse
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The reason is simple, the building is clear,
There's nobody there cause it's strictly volunteer.
But seconds from now it could change with a clatter,
The place will fill up to see what is the matter.
The beepers will sound that there's a problem somewhere
and all these guys show up because they care.
They leave their jobs, their familys, their fun and their sleep.
And complaints from any one of them - you won't hear a peep.
Whether it's Easter, July 4th, or Happy New Years's day.
They're on call the whole year without one nickel's pay.
There plumbers and painters and carpenters and so
They're mechanics and mill rights and those you don't know.
The classes, the practices, the drills you don't see
Add up to hours that they all give free
24 hours every day all year long
And in return what do they get - not even a Christmas song.
So remember, my friend, as we approach the New Year -
Your neighbor's not a real fireman - only a volunteer. ~ anonymous
Happy to be the wondering wanderer,
...As long as there sand in my toes.
01 F-150
07 Rockwood Freedom 1980
Official Vehicle of the Camping Collies
FF/ Medic for 33 years in Ohio. I'm part of the state wide hiring freeze. Better known as the drop program. A yera or two left. Waiting for wife, then we're off
8 year member of the Tactical response team for my chemical plant. Fire, Haz-mat, vertical rescue, confined space rescue, and first responder medical level.
me my wife and our three beautiful daughters 11yrs, 6yrs, and 4 years
2003 dutchmen 31b dsl
1999 gmc sierra ext. cab 2500 4x4 6.0ltr 3.73
prodigy
equal-i-zer
25 year F.F., EMT Worked down in the Lansing Mi. area for number of years, then Got a chance to Re-Locate to Traverse City....... Hmmmmm , tough choice!
1994 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel,3500,Dually (Oh YEA )
1991 Ford F-150
1993 Sandpiper 5th Wheel)
Prodigy Brake Controller
Honda EU3000is Generator
Raytek IR Thermometer,Garmin C-330 Nav./GPS
Doran Pressure Pro Rally's attended so far- 8 My Blog
Jolly Volley for 27 years with 10 years as a FF in the USAF, currently taking a break and thinking about going the Fire Police route, just don't bounce back as fast as I used to.
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