Friday, September 28, 2007
Prince George's County denies a very specific mutual aid request. New controversy between PGFD and Kentland VFD has DCFD in the middle.
From Kentland33.com
Thursday night's 4-alarm fire in the District of Columbia had fire equipment from Maryland and Virginia covering city firehouses. Montgomery County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria each sent units into the Nation's Capital. Prince George's County had two of its ladder companies operating on the fireground.
But when the D.C. Fire Operations Center specifically requested Rescue Engine 33, from PGFD's Kentland station, to fill in at a downtown firehouse, that request was denied. D.C. Fire & EMS spokesman, Battalion Chief Kenneth Crosswhite, tells STATter 911, "We'd like to know more about why this happened".
The Kentland Volunteer Fire Department website, Kentland33.com, goes much further, saying about this incident: "This denial of service is believed to be nothing more then a personal attack on Acting Fire Chief Edwin Lehan and in blatant disregard for the wishes and safety of the Nation's Capital and its citizens".
Ed Lehan is also a sergeant with D.C. Fire & EMS. Lehan had just been involved in the final stages of months of negotiations with PGFD to have an an ambulance operating out of the Kentland firehouse. After two volunteer chiefs were suspended, and Kentland was put on a month long dispatch restriction, keeping the fire company mostly in its first-due response area, an ambulance is finally scheduled to go in service this Sunday.
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Chief Spokesman Mark Brady acknowledges the request from D.C. was denied. Brady tells STATter 911 there were PGFD engines and rescue squads closer to where D.C. wanted the unit. Brady tells STATter 911 that we have to balance mutual aid requests with the resources available in the county. According to Brady, "Our priority is the safety and well being of the citizens and residents of Prince George's County".
D.C. Battalion Chief Crosswhite says that they wanted the specialized unit at the quarters of Engine Company 2 in the center of the city. Because of the resources committed to the Northeast warehouse fire, Crosswhite says the plan was to use Rescue Engine 33 as an engine company. There was only one rescue squad available in D.C. at the time and Crosswhite says if that squad became tied up on a call, Rescue Engine 33 could have then doubled as a squad.
Chief Crosswhite also pointed out that Rescue Engine 33 was staffed by three, off-duty, D.C. firefighters. Crosswhite thought having a crew familiar with the city and the operations of its fire department would have been beneficial.
Besides wanting to know more about why the request was denied, Crosswhite says, if the situation is reversed, "We are not going to question what you ask for". According to Crosswhite, "We will do our best to send the equipment and talk about any issues after the emergency is over".
At Kentland, Ambulance 339, staffed by paid, career firefighter/EMTs, is scheduled to begin running calls at 0700 this Sunday. Until proper sleeping quarters can be found for the PGFD crews, the basic-life-support unit will not run between 2300 and 0700. On its website, Kentland has pictures and information showing how volunteers are preparing for the career ambulance crew members.
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Enough already, the PG volunteers who work in DC obviously had input in asking for RE-33. I think it's time to growup and stop with the childish games. Public safety is not the forum for Kentland to pound their chest and tell the world how great they are. Statter911 is no better than "The Watchdesk", please shut your site down, it only provides a forum for he said she said.
# posted by 
: September 28, 2007 5:45 PM
: September 28, 2007 5:45 PM
Wow, three off duty firefighters. They are true union brothers. Wouldn't that cause an issue too? Would DCFD have to pay them overtime to staff a volunteer unit? If they were so willing to help out for free I think Mayor Fenty should stop paying those three guys, obviously they don't even need the money. What radio's were they going to use? If they were to get hurt while in DC who would pay for it? DC or PG
Was Sgt. Lehan working in DC yesterday while this fire was taking place? So many questions. The world did not come to an end, everything was handled without Kentland's help I think.
Was Sgt. Lehan working in DC yesterday while this fire was taking place? So many questions. The world did not come to an end, everything was handled without Kentland's help I think.
# posted by : September 28, 2007 6:35 PM
: September 28, 2007 6:35 PM
I know of no recent mutual aid incident where a SPECIFIC unit was requested in deference to other closer available units...this seems highly out of the normal, and irresponsible on the part of D.C. to turn down the closest mutual aid unit available in preference to a specific unit for ANY reason.
Something sounds rotten here. Lehan is also the aid to the deputy. Could this have been a setup?
I couldn't see Prince George's being able to request a specific D.C. unit just because a person on-duty on that unit was also a volunteer in the County. D.C. wouldn't support that reasoning, and neither should P.G.
This smells like day-old fish, dave. If I were on the crew at a station bypassed on the call just to send Kentland, I'd have been upset at D.C. feeling that I was "unworthy" to work in their jurisdiction.
As I said, the whole story just flat-out fails the sniff test.
What is Chief Rubin's position on this, Dave?
Something sounds rotten here. Lehan is also the aid to the deputy. Could this have been a setup?
I couldn't see Prince George's being able to request a specific D.C. unit just because a person on-duty on that unit was also a volunteer in the County. D.C. wouldn't support that reasoning, and neither should P.G.
This smells like day-old fish, dave. If I were on the crew at a station bypassed on the call just to send Kentland, I'd have been upset at D.C. feeling that I was "unworthy" to work in their jurisdiction.
As I said, the whole story just flat-out fails the sniff test.
What is Chief Rubin's position on this, Dave?
# posted by : September 28, 2007 6:36 PM
: September 28, 2007 6:36 PM
Well Dave you might want to get a copy of the COG rules and SOP's. As you read them you will see the whole idea is standard dispatch and mutal aid. This denial is in direct violation of COG which PG wants to be part of so bad. Some day the the PGFD will get it.
# posted by : September 28, 2007 6:55 PM
: September 28, 2007 6:55 PM
While I didn't speak directly to Chief Rubin, I did speak to his spokesperson Battalion Chief Kenneth Crosswhite. What Chif Crosswhite has to say convinced me that this was a story more than the battle between PGFD and Kentland.
While I don't have the specific role of who did what, and when, in all of this, I think it is clear by reading the story that D.C. knew who was staffing Rescue Engine 33. I don't think any psychic powers were involved here.
As for the first comment, I will take your suggestion under advisement.
Statter
While I don't have the specific role of who did what, and when, in all of this, I think it is clear by reading the story that D.C. knew who was staffing Rescue Engine 33. I don't think any psychic powers were involved here.
As for the first comment, I will take your suggestion under advisement.
Statter
And people wonder why the IAFF prohibits this kind of scabbing? Cant say i blame the union. Where is the PG FF union? They need to stand up for thier members and get the other union guys out of PG to quit stealing thier jobs.
# posted by : September 28, 2007 7:06 PM
: September 28, 2007 7:06 PM
I think it is pretty clear what DC wanted. PG could have sent a squad and eng or Rescue Engine 33 which can do both roles. So Brady said PG needs to worry about its citizens first. By sending RE33 you are taking only 1 piece of apparatus out of PG, if you did what Brady said you would take 2 piece's out of PG. So what hurts the citizens more 2 fire trucks out of county or 1? So Brady's comments don't hold any water. Also tell me what rescue engine is closer to DC then 33? Why is it we send specific units to everyone else who ask for mutal aid? Next time guess communications should send who ever they want instead of what is request.
# posted by : September 28, 2007 7:38 PM
: September 28, 2007 7:38 PM
It may be as simple as it looks but probably not. DCFD had no way of knowing who was staffing what. So somebody called somebody to get RE33 and a good photographer into the city. (Kentland goes no where without a good camera man).
I don't know about you but I am so sick of this show. Screw Kentland, they are like Brittany Spears shaving her head for some attention or Michael jackson hanging the baby over the balcony...
RIGHT OR WRONG WE DON'T CARE ABOUT THE KENTLAND CRY BABIES ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know about you but I am so sick of this show. Screw Kentland, they are like Brittany Spears shaving her head for some attention or Michael jackson hanging the baby over the balcony...
RIGHT OR WRONG WE DON'T CARE ABOUT THE KENTLAND CRY BABIES ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# posted by : September 28, 2007 8:01 PM
: September 28, 2007 8:01 PM
Just an idea, since DC is need of firefighters who can multitask (i.e. PGFD career personnel). Why doesn't someone draw up a proposal to have off duty PG career firefighters come into DC to help cut overtime and of course - hone their skills.
# posted by : September 28, 2007 8:29 PM
: September 28, 2007 8:29 PM
My question is that if this was a 4 alarm fire and DC was calling people back in to staff their apparatus, what are 3 off duty firefighters from DC doing on apparatus from PG? Would they have charged the city for their overtime since they were in DC but on an out of county volunteer piece of apparatus? Looks like another attempt by Kentland to grab some glory.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 12:19 AM
: September 29, 2007 12:19 AM
Must be a slow day in ole P.G. county, with so many paid men having nothing better to do than bash Kentland. As usual the county ends up looking stupid because of their childish games.Maybe, just maybe someday we will manage to get some competent leadership.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 7:24 AM
: September 29, 2007 7:24 AM
Gee, Dave...I'd like to personally thank you for your service as Kentland's private P.I.O. They really need a good mouthpiece to get every little bitch, gripe and niggle some airtime.
Just to point out the accuracy in your press release on their behalf, you were kind enough to add a link to their webpage where Kentland had the audacity to claim "VOLUNTEERS MAKE PROGRESS WITH NO HELP FROM PRINCE GEORGES FIRE DEPARTMENT"
Yet the body of the story stated the following statement: "This included contacting the IMD (Information Management Division) to make sure there would be a working computer, printer and telephone in the new office as well as with PG County Logistics to replace the carpet, provide paint and acquire furniture for both areas."
Um, Dave, correct me if I'm wrong here, but aren't IMD and Logistics divisions of the Prince George's County Fire Department?...Seems like Kentland got all the help from PGFD that they asked for to me, and seems like you failed in your responsibility to fact-check before giving them a home on your webpage to air yet another bitch-session.
You know, I bet there are SCORES of Volunteer fire departments in the region that would LOVE to get the same preferential treatment you have been giving the Boyz from 33 lately.
Havn't you run this story into the ground?
Just to point out the accuracy in your press release on their behalf, you were kind enough to add a link to their webpage where Kentland had the audacity to claim "VOLUNTEERS MAKE PROGRESS WITH NO HELP FROM PRINCE GEORGES FIRE DEPARTMENT"
Yet the body of the story stated the following statement: "This included contacting the IMD (Information Management Division) to make sure there would be a working computer, printer and telephone in the new office as well as with PG County Logistics to replace the carpet, provide paint and acquire furniture for both areas."
Um, Dave, correct me if I'm wrong here, but aren't IMD and Logistics divisions of the Prince George's County Fire Department?...Seems like Kentland got all the help from PGFD that they asked for to me, and seems like you failed in your responsibility to fact-check before giving them a home on your webpage to air yet another bitch-session.
You know, I bet there are SCORES of Volunteer fire departments in the region that would LOVE to get the same preferential treatment you have been giving the Boyz from 33 lately.
Havn't you run this story into the ground?
# posted by : September 29, 2007 7:27 AM
: September 29, 2007 7:27 AM
It sounds as if Battalion Chief Crosswhite had some intimate details of what occurred that night. Did he perhaps go right to the source?? Did his BFF and co-worker’s Lehan (Chief 33) and Kelleher (33a) fill him in? B/C Crosswhite – did you tell the reporter about your relationships with your BFF from Kentland before providing statements to cover their actions?? Crosswhite crossed the ethics line and in the end his credibility with the media is now in question. Chief Rubin, a media savvy Fire Chief, keep on eye on these developments, you don’t need someone like that.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 9:22 AM
: September 29, 2007 9:22 AM
I might be wrong, it might just be the way I do business, however, I think I’m professional. I would never allow my PIO to publicly and openly bash a neighboring jurisdiction in the media. The DCFD PIO stated;
Besides wanting to know more about why the request was denied, Crosswhite says, if the situation is reversed, "We are not going to question what you ask for".
Why lose any professionalism you may have by bashing PGFD, whoever is right or wrong. It will only serve to create bad relationships with each other. Looks like Kentland has dragged in DCFD vs. PGFD.
Also, it may just be the way we do business, if a specific unit is requested to respond to the scene of an incident – they are dispatched. When we ask mutual aid for a transfer – we request an engine, truck, squad, etc. It is up to the mutual aide to decide who goes. No one should ever be so particular as to ask for specific units on a transfer.
Besides wanting to know more about why the request was denied, Crosswhite says, if the situation is reversed, "We are not going to question what you ask for".
Why lose any professionalism you may have by bashing PGFD, whoever is right or wrong. It will only serve to create bad relationships with each other. Looks like Kentland has dragged in DCFD vs. PGFD.
Also, it may just be the way we do business, if a specific unit is requested to respond to the scene of an incident – they are dispatched. When we ask mutual aid for a transfer – we request an engine, truck, squad, etc. It is up to the mutual aide to decide who goes. No one should ever be so particular as to ask for specific units on a transfer.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 9:58 AM
: September 29, 2007 9:58 AM
Wise old man once said, “You do not defecate where you eat.” Maybe not the exact words but you get the idea. The Kentland volunteers that are employed in DCFD may regret ever getting involved in this fiasco. According to the DCFD spokesman there will be a full investigation. D.C. Fire & EMS spokesman, Battalion Chief Kenneth Crosswhite, tells STATter 911, "We'd like to know more about why this happened". Word is that the big cover-up is underway. All of a sudden, no one in DCFD knows anything about who first requested 33 to transfer. Hopefully, the DCFD investigation will reveal who that person is and what was their motivation behind such an unusual request.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 10:40 AM
: September 29, 2007 10:40 AM
Wow, when and where does all of this crying stop. First it is claimed that someone died because Rescue Engine 33 wasn't at the crash on Rt 50 to save the day, and now because they didn't get to go to D.C, there is more crying. Just because kentland don't get their way they cry like a 4 year old.
Dave, enough of kentland, what about the riverdale story. I quess someone getting burned in a firehouse by someone is not as important as the daily soap opera of kentland.
Oh by the way, i hear sears is having a sale on towels, some people just might need a few to wipe the tears away
Dave, enough of kentland, what about the riverdale story. I quess someone getting burned in a firehouse by someone is not as important as the daily soap opera of kentland.
Oh by the way, i hear sears is having a sale on towels, some people just might need a few to wipe the tears away
# posted by : September 29, 2007 10:42 AM
: September 29, 2007 10:42 AM
What I find interesting in talking to a batt. chief yesterday is that career crew for A339 will be assigned to 46's officer. They will do all walk-through's, drills, etc with 46 at 46 or in 46's first due. Funny thing is 46 is only 2nd due to 2 box's in 33's first due. I thought this ambulance was for the people of Landover. Remember the fire chief has said all along that Landover needs EMS transport service ASAP, but the PGFD is going to have it at 46 8 hours a day doing drills. If you wanted to service the area wouldn't you assign it to the company that is 2nd due to about 1/2 or 3/4's of 33's first due such as 30 or 28? Guess that tells you what the ambulance is really here for, NOT THE CITIZENS, but to try and take 33 down.
Oh yeah Logistics, thats the county wide Logistics, not the PGFD Logistics. They handle the whole county and all departments including the FD. Nice try though. I think what the article is trying to get across is that the upper brass got the ambo there and wasn't planning on doing anything to provide space for THEIR career men, so 33 took it upon themselves to do this seeing that the upper brass didn't care.
Oh yeah Logistics, thats the county wide Logistics, not the PGFD Logistics. They handle the whole county and all departments including the FD. Nice try though. I think what the article is trying to get across is that the upper brass got the ambo there and wasn't planning on doing anything to provide space for THEIR career men, so 33 took it upon themselves to do this seeing that the upper brass didn't care.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 10:50 AM
: September 29, 2007 10:50 AM
To the person suggesting I am Kentland's private PIO. One of my hopes here is to give you access to as much unfiltered material about fire and EMS as is possible. I figure that the people who read this are smart enough to make their own judgements about what they are seeing.
This is why, among other things. I provide as much raw video of fire and EMS operations, sometimes post unedited interviews, and let you see the views of newsmakers through press releases and websites. This is something that I can do on the web, but can't do on TV.
If PGFD or 1619 has an opposing view on any of this on their websites, I will gladly provide the links. Through this long ordeal, I believe we have run the complete version of each PGFD press release on this topic (same with Kentlands).
I don't have the time or staff to fact check every little thing that I link to. But I do think that the vast majority of people who read STATter 911 understand that Kentland33.com and PGFD's website are not the news and are not run by people who are trying to give you multiple perspectives on a specific story (nor would I expect them to).
As a reporter I am using my experience and judgement to highlight what I believe is important about a particular issue. Still, this is the old "we report, you decide" model.
But, in addition, I try to give you some of the same materials I use to compile the story. In a sense, this allows you to both report and decide.
It also provides a check on what I am doing. Many times I have heard from readers who see something important that I have missed, or are able to provide another view on why things happen.
As for this story being run into the ground, you have a very valid point of view on that. I struggle with it all of the time (and struggle with finding the time just to keep up with it). As I said a few comments back, what made this particular story interesting to me are the opposing comments from DCFD and PGFD.
On a more general level, to me, the battle between Kentland and the county highlights two basic and somewhat universal challenges: career vs volunteer and fire versus EMS (stole that from reporter Gary Reals).
I think one of the reason we get a lot more comments and views from this story is that people are struggling with the same issues, in one form or another, all over the country.
Sometimes it seems like a laboratory where someone is running an experiment to find the cure or solution for these issues. Other times it has the makings of a TV reality show.
As always, thanks for your input.
Statter
This is why, among other things. I provide as much raw video of fire and EMS operations, sometimes post unedited interviews, and let you see the views of newsmakers through press releases and websites. This is something that I can do on the web, but can't do on TV.
If PGFD or 1619 has an opposing view on any of this on their websites, I will gladly provide the links. Through this long ordeal, I believe we have run the complete version of each PGFD press release on this topic (same with Kentlands).
I don't have the time or staff to fact check every little thing that I link to. But I do think that the vast majority of people who read STATter 911 understand that Kentland33.com and PGFD's website are not the news and are not run by people who are trying to give you multiple perspectives on a specific story (nor would I expect them to).
As a reporter I am using my experience and judgement to highlight what I believe is important about a particular issue. Still, this is the old "we report, you decide" model.
But, in addition, I try to give you some of the same materials I use to compile the story. In a sense, this allows you to both report and decide.
It also provides a check on what I am doing. Many times I have heard from readers who see something important that I have missed, or are able to provide another view on why things happen.
As for this story being run into the ground, you have a very valid point of view on that. I struggle with it all of the time (and struggle with finding the time just to keep up with it). As I said a few comments back, what made this particular story interesting to me are the opposing comments from DCFD and PGFD.
On a more general level, to me, the battle between Kentland and the county highlights two basic and somewhat universal challenges: career vs volunteer and fire versus EMS (stole that from reporter Gary Reals).
I think one of the reason we get a lot more comments and views from this story is that people are struggling with the same issues, in one form or another, all over the country.
Sometimes it seems like a laboratory where someone is running an experiment to find the cure or solution for these issues. Other times it has the makings of a TV reality show.
As always, thanks for your input.
Statter
It's obvious that combination (vol-car) systems do not work efficiently, they are inhernently flawed. It's time to come up with a plan to transition to a Baltimore County type system, this way the volunteers can do what suits their needs and the county can focus on public safety.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 11:51 AM
: September 29, 2007 11:51 AM
Oh for the Love of God....... Please Chief Sedgwick get those whinny kids on Landover Road some frickin tissues to go with A339. My kids, who are in grade school don't cry this much. Maybe if they had better family bonds they would have more important things to do.
Grow Up Kentland.
Grow Up Kentland.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 11:56 AM
: September 29, 2007 11:56 AM
Dave,Dave Dave,
I've been a fan of yours for many years. But, I have to agree with some of the other posts. You seem to be caught up in Kentland's game. You are a much better reporter than that and the latest saga should have the BS flag thrown on it right away. Way too fishy for me Dave. The district knew there were three off duty DC firefighters on RE33 at that time. Come on, give me a break. Your next story should be that Kentland is finally going to stop crying about being picked on. But that will never happen. They must have the market cornered on crybabies. Also, I will assume these volunteers from Kentland that are paidmen in the district are not union members.
I've been a fan of yours for many years. But, I have to agree with some of the other posts. You seem to be caught up in Kentland's game. You are a much better reporter than that and the latest saga should have the BS flag thrown on it right away. Way too fishy for me Dave. The district knew there were three off duty DC firefighters on RE33 at that time. Come on, give me a break. Your next story should be that Kentland is finally going to stop crying about being picked on. But that will never happen. They must have the market cornered on crybabies. Also, I will assume these volunteers from Kentland that are paidmen in the district are not union members.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 12:09 PM
: September 29, 2007 12:09 PM
It's a shame that B/C Crosswhite is now tangled up in this mess as well as himself causing friction between two decent fire/ems departments. I agree with some previous posts that this whole mutual aid request situation doesn't seem kosher. I think B/C Crosswhite, whoever he is, has to gets Kentland's arm out of his bottom and stop being used as their puppet.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 2:53 PM
: September 29, 2007 2:53 PM
"Union" what a joke... You might not be a "volunteer", but many of you work partime stealing money from other Union members. What is a "Volunteer" a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking" That giving back to society, "not taking". I'll bet you, the tax payers that pay your salaries are proud to hear your respect for "True Dedicated Americans", are treated.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 3:45 PM
: September 29, 2007 3:45 PM
"Crying" after reading so many posts over the weeks, it sounds to me like the career "idiots" are crying. Don't worry most of you will get a chance to ride A-339, maybe they will make you a T-Shirt. If they do, you can have the staff at the training school burn it during the career recruit class,like before.....Oops
# posted by : September 29, 2007 3:52 PM
: September 29, 2007 3:52 PM
I heard a fact/rumor that the County Fire Chief transferred career person(s) to A-339 that are related to Chief 33, and the County Executive stopped it......
# posted by : September 29, 2007 3:59 PM
: September 29, 2007 3:59 PM
"RESOLUTION 43" YOU LOSE...... If my house was on fire or I needed medical assistance, it wouldn't matter who showed up. As long as they did there job... Its not all about putting out fires, someone needs to sweep the floors and clean the toilets. I love my UNION JOB......
# posted by : September 29, 2007 4:08 PM
: September 29, 2007 4:08 PM
Come on people wake up... What the hell! Since when no matter what your opinion is of the situation...is a Mutual Aid Request denied? Since when? If someone requests a specific unit, no matter what their reasoning is...YOU GIVE IT TO THEM...PERIOD. You work out any questions or problems later. MY freaking god... If something like 9-11 or something similar to the Katrina Disaster occured in DC, people will die that could have made it, because of all the DAMN Bickering going on!! It does not matter why they asked for it....All that matters is they did and they were denied. How can P.G. Communications, or anyone else in the chain of command who told DC that their request is denied still have a job? It baffles me that this occured and a County Government/government agency is playing games such as this. So some one please tell me what happens next when their is a subway/METRO train derailment or accident on the PG/DC Line. Is P.G.F.D. now not going to respond because it is Metropolatian Washington Tranport Authority's Responsiblity???????
# posted by : September 29, 2007 8:06 PM
: September 29, 2007 8:06 PM
Question:
Did DC request RE33 or did they ask for the nearest Rescue Engine? I would think that makes a difference if RE33 is the closest to that part of DC.
I know that the various departments ask for specific types of apparatus routinely i.e. squad, rescue engine, engine, tanker, truck, tower, etc.
I know that sometimes dispatchers who know the area and the apparatus will sometimes ask if specific units are available i.e. Prince William may ask Fairfax if Squad 419 is available or Alexandria may ask Fairfax if Tower 405 is available, etc.
I don't know what happened between DC & PG but that would seem to be an important point.
Did DC request RE33 or did they ask for the nearest Rescue Engine? I would think that makes a difference if RE33 is the closest to that part of DC.
I know that the various departments ask for specific types of apparatus routinely i.e. squad, rescue engine, engine, tanker, truck, tower, etc.
I know that sometimes dispatchers who know the area and the apparatus will sometimes ask if specific units are available i.e. Prince William may ask Fairfax if Squad 419 is available or Alexandria may ask Fairfax if Tower 405 is available, etc.
I don't know what happened between DC & PG but that would seem to be an important point.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 8:50 PM
: September 29, 2007 8:50 PM
For those career hating volunteers, stop volunteering in the county if we bother you so much. You have a choice about coming to your firehouse dujour, I don't. I go where I'm told and get along as best I can with the immaturity and pettiness. Please allow me to function safely and efficiently without worrying if some volunteer is going to pick up my line or try to run their 600' attack line by me so they can achieve bragging rights on their website. I want to go home at the end every shift to my family, but with you yahoo/freelancers on the loose I worry my time is coming.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 9:52 PM
: September 29, 2007 9:52 PM
I quess if you bought a house next to an airport, you would want the airport closed because of the noise.
When you accepted the job in PG you knew if was a combination system which means all of the bagage that goes with it.
If you don't like it and are so unhappy, why don't you go somewhere else? Oh, thats right, you can't because you are here for the schedule & the money. (I don't hold that against you, everyone needs a job)
There are plenty of places that are looking for career FF's, EMT's, Medics.
I can't complain about career staff because I knew about it before I joined and I realize career folks are an important component of the county system.
Why can't you admit the same and give the same respect back?
When you accepted the job in PG you knew if was a combination system which means all of the bagage that goes with it.
If you don't like it and are so unhappy, why don't you go somewhere else? Oh, thats right, you can't because you are here for the schedule & the money. (I don't hold that against you, everyone needs a job)
There are plenty of places that are looking for career FF's, EMT's, Medics.
I can't complain about career staff because I knew about it before I joined and I realize career folks are an important component of the county system.
Why can't you admit the same and give the same respect back?
# posted by : September 29, 2007 10:45 PM
: September 29, 2007 10:45 PM
For those who are confused about who would pay the salary of the DC paid folks who volunteer in PG....NOBODY! They are volunteers.
If DC comes into PG who pays the salary of the DC folks? If an PG rig with all paid folks goes into DC who pays the salary of the PG folks?......whichever rig you are on is who pays the salary or not in the case of volunteers.
If DC goes into PG and a DC guy is hurt, who pays the medical bills? If PG goes into DC and a PG career guy gets hurt, who pays the medical bills?......its the same thing.
If DC guy volunteers for PG, goes back to DC on mutual aid - they are going back as PG volunteers.
If the DC guy who volunteers for PG elects to come back into DC for mutual aid as a volunteer instead of going back for overtime....to me thats silly, but its their business.
Some people would rather go drinking then get OT, some would rather sleep then get OT, some would rather hunt then get OT. Personally, I would rather get the OT, but what you do on your own time is your business.
If DC comes into PG who pays the salary of the DC folks? If an PG rig with all paid folks goes into DC who pays the salary of the PG folks?......whichever rig you are on is who pays the salary or not in the case of volunteers.
If DC goes into PG and a DC guy is hurt, who pays the medical bills? If PG goes into DC and a PG career guy gets hurt, who pays the medical bills?......its the same thing.
If DC guy volunteers for PG, goes back to DC on mutual aid - they are going back as PG volunteers.
If the DC guy who volunteers for PG elects to come back into DC for mutual aid as a volunteer instead of going back for overtime....to me thats silly, but its their business.
Some people would rather go drinking then get OT, some would rather sleep then get OT, some would rather hunt then get OT. Personally, I would rather get the OT, but what you do on your own time is your business.
# posted by : September 29, 2007 10:57 PM
: September 29, 2007 10:57 PM
If plan E was in effect I think that is an Order to come back to work not a request?? Can someone confirm or deny this??
# posted by : September 30, 2007 8:39 AM
: September 30, 2007 8:39 AM
My question is this.Would everyone been yelling like they are if DCFD had requested co22 ahead of the volunteer crews because they were all paid as had been done numerous times in the past and communications had refused to send them.The fact stands DCFD requested a specific unit from PG which has been been done numerous times (with regard to 22)ahead of 2.3,4,9 (before they merged)5 17 and 8 in the past and PG instead of complying as has been done in the past refused to send them.Why they were refused is the problem. Does it mean next time when they request a unit from one company over over someone else PG will decide why DC wants them.My suggestion. Lets quit thinking why DC wants them and just send whatever they want whether its 22, or 33 or whoever Let DC requests the necessary resources they need and PG not try to figure out why
# posted by : September 30, 2007 11:28 PM
: September 30, 2007 11:28 PM
Dave, One question: If this, as you suggest, is a DCFD-PGFD issue, then why was your primary point of contact, and the majority of information supplied on this issue, Kentland VFD? Why were there so many links to Kentland in your blog entry?
Please tell us, Dave...where did your initial complaint come from; was it DCFD or Kentland VFD? I think your response could answer alot of questions.
Please tell us, Dave...where did your initial complaint come from; was it DCFD or Kentland VFD? I think your response could answer alot of questions.
# posted by : October 1, 2007 7:51 AM
: October 1, 2007 7:51 AM
If D.C. asks another jurisdiction for an engine they get what they get. If they were so intent on putting out a four-alarm fire how did they have time to figure out how many off duty D.C. Firefighters were riding on an Engine in Kentland, Maryland? I suppose the Incident Commander or his aide is required to keep track of such things.
Maybe Chief Rubin should do a class on utilizing your off duty firefighters with apparatus from other jurisdictions. It can be entitled “Regional Resources, Take What You Want” and screw your neighbor. I suppose on the night of the fire, they only took resources from other jurisdictions that had off duty firefighters scabbing on them too.
Maybe Chief Rubin should do a class on utilizing your off duty firefighters with apparatus from other jurisdictions. It can be entitled “Regional Resources, Take What You Want” and screw your neighbor. I suppose on the night of the fire, they only took resources from other jurisdictions that had off duty firefighters scabbing on them too.
# posted by : October 1, 2007 11:18 AM
: October 1, 2007 11:18 AM
If Battalion Chief Crosswhite is the official voice of DCFD or, um,(KVFD), then he has crossed the line by sparring with PG and using STATter 911 as his boxing ring. Chief Rubin should take action and Crosswhite should kiss his PIO job goodbye.
# posted by : October 1, 2007 11:58 AM
: October 1, 2007 11:58 AM
I'm sick and tired of hearing about this Kentland place. Who are these people and how is it possible that can one volunteer fire station can be at the center of so many problems?
Apparently Kentland VFD is little more than a glorified playground for off-duty DC firefighters and others who have decided to postpone adulthood indefinitely.
You don't hear about these kind of problems anywhere else. Who is running the show over there in PG? Would any jurisdiction other than Prince George's County tolerate so much nonsense?
Apparently Kentland VFD is little more than a glorified playground for off-duty DC firefighters and others who have decided to postpone adulthood indefinitely.
You don't hear about these kind of problems anywhere else. Who is running the show over there in PG? Would any jurisdiction other than Prince George's County tolerate so much nonsense?
# posted by : October 1, 2007 2:54 PM
: October 1, 2007 2:54 PM
Just curious if 33 ran the 4th alarm this morning on Adams Mill Road.
# posted by : October 1, 2007 3:11 PM
: October 1, 2007 3:11 PM
Who’s running the show in P.G. is the wrong question. The real question is, who’s running the show in D.C.? Answer, a bunch of volunteers from P.G.!
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# posted by : October 1, 2007 5:35 PM
: October 1, 2007 5:35 PM Links to this post:
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