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All the more reason not to be Scabbing in PG... less opportunities to loose your job over your hobby.
 

or just don't light fires...
 

Although I am aware of the rash of fire fighter related arson cases of late, I still remember the lesson I took from the Duke lax case. In the USA you are innocent until proven guilty.

The charges are worth noting, but I'll wait for the jury.
 

well as we can see here. its not just volunteers in this. so lets keep it as firefighters. not pick on one side or other. lets just get rid of them. and try to fix what they broke. everyone isnt a bad firefighter. chief jones needs to find way to get this county back like before. where the job was done working side by side , vol and paid.
 

That is the truth... Everyone knows even on both sides there are those who become criminals and betray our lives/trust and those of the people.

We need more values in our training programs.. talk about oaths, duty, honor, integrity..


it is not just some show and tell that some departments put on.
 

Brother, those days are gone. Fewer and fewer on both ends of the ladder display those values. It is coming down to the point where it is every man (person) for themselves. Sadly, there are very few that I would totally trust anymore.
 

I think it's sad that we can't rely on the man next to us just because he's not paid. He/she is doin it sheerly for the love and dedication because it's what they want to b doin, we are all running into the same burning buildings and should remember we're all there for the same reasons. B good to ur fellow FF cuz it could be ur butt they have to save.
 

This will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Another slap in the face for PGFD. Bring back Jim Estepp but I don't believe he could straighten out the system. I hate to say I think it is beyond repair.
 

PG County is again getting recognition for something negative. If the individuals involved are found guilty of the crimes they are charged with, they should be tarred and feathered in the town square and then taken to jail.
 

I have read the comments and it would seem everyone has the same point of view. It's not merely an issue of Volunteers only. It's a disgraceful shame to think that with today's youth and opportunities within the Fire and EMS Service, there are those individuals who for whatever reasons/excuses have made choices to do what the allegations seem to say. With choices there are consequences. What is really disgusting these individuals had the opportunity to receive all the Training that is offered by PGFD Training Academy, and MFRI. I am a Veteran of the Fire and EMS Service both Career and Volunteer. It is beyond any reasonable comprehension as to why, how, what for these senseless acts of ignorance happen. I cannot use the Term professional with these individuals. What is at stake here,
is the Image Tarnished and smeared
between the Taxpayers and the Fire and EMS Service. I would like the authorities to look each one of these individuals in the eye and ask, "What would their comment be if a Taxpayer/Taxpayer Family Member, or worse yet what about their fellow Firefighters who like the Fire and EMS Service Stresses quite seriously a TEAM Effort by all when operating on the Fireground. One can only think what would these individuals have been thinking, or what is their thoughts today if while Fighting one of the Structure Fires in question the dreaded "MAY DAY, MAY DAY" call is heard. I would like to make the point that any misleading verbal comments against Volunteers is wrong and totally uncalled for. Just FYI the series of Arson Fires in Coatesville ,Pa, a young 19 year old Volunteer and a Paid Captain are charged. These individual's acts of plain old fashion stupid are just isolated issues. These guys are just "Overated Showboat Hot Dogs"/
Phony Glory seekers to be the center of attention. I respect the comment about Chief Jim Estepp he was and still is a good decent man.
His Fire and EMS Service Leadership was one of Trust and Respect. Today there is a new work force and with new Technology, the 21st Century FIRE and EMS SERVICE has a Primary focus on FIREFIGHTER SAFETY/EVERYONE GOES HOME. PGFD Has a new Fire Chief, Eugene Jones it's Imperative that everyone allow him to do his job and he'll get the PGFD through these trying issues and times. There is but one Fire Chief. As for these individuals they obviously donot respect themselves or what the Fire and EMS Service purpose means. These guys need to grow up mature, pull their head out of their backside.

Everyone have a Nice Day
 

Let's not fool each other - this system has never been more than smoke and mirrors. Up until a few years ago, we had "driver only responses". This system has run over 100,000 calls for the last ten year years and still fails on calls. The taxpayers should be outraged. This county government is inept!! It shows from top, all the way to bottom. The fire service leadership, or lack thereof isn't qualified to run a small department, let alone one this size. TThe career chief has ADD/HD. It's time to stop thinking the volunteers are an asset. They get money from taxpayer funds and government grants (more taxpayer funds). The bailout has been going on forever - to the volunteers. They are a liability, they don't receive physicals, they have other jobs that cause injuries and claim workman's comp on the taxpayer backs. Please, someone do an audit/review of the so called volunteers. This is the most expensive "free" system around. How about we clean volunteer sheds out and sell the fifty thousand dollars worth of tax payer bought equipment collecting dust.
 

The career chief has ADD/HD. It's time to stop thinking the volunteers are an asset. They get money from taxpayer funds and government grants (more taxpayer funds). The bailout has been going on forever - to the volunteers. They are a liability, they don't receive physicals, they have other jobs that cause injuries and claim workman's comp on the taxpayer backs. Please, someone do an audit/review of the so called volunteers. This is the most expensive "free" system around. How about we clean volunteer sheds out and sell the fifty thousand dollars worth of tax payer bought equipment collecting dust.

Now here is a person that has no clue to what is coming out of there mouth.

1. The volunteers have audits every year by outside agencies.
2. The county has no power to sell anything volunteers buy or own.
3. Even all career departments around the country fail to respond at times.
4. For the comment of tax payer’s money, you should look into the career side on un approved spending, promoting and hiring practices.

I'm just pointing out that you should not throw stones, it takes both sides to make this county fire department work. Maybe you should learn a little more before speaking out on things you really have no understand of. This post was on a totally different topic and now it's becoming, who has what and why post.
 

How many career people have been hurt off duty, come to work and the first chance they yell ouch! Presto - workers comp.....For every negative issue you bring up about volunteers, they can bring up an example of negative behavior of career folks. What is the point of it all?
 

OK Enough Already!!! The issue here isnot a Career vs. Volunteer topic of converssation. These individuals are alledged to have done the absolute worse act of ignorance that can occur within the Fire and EMS Service. Everyone now should be concentrating their thoughts and ideas on attempting to rebuild the Trust and Respect of the Taxpayers. These folks are friends, neighbors etc. Yes what the previous comments say may not all be correct as was pointed out. It is of utmost importance that every Career and Volunteer realize what happened wasnot an excuse of Career vs.Volunteers. How about it Brothers and Sisters of the PGFD think in terms that these individuals will answer to the Justice System. Something to consider the complete ignoring of FIREFIGHTER SAFETY/EVERYONE GOES HOME in these acts of carelessness. For the Firefighters who responded to these structure fires, even if the houses were vacant, think about how fortunate you are not to have been caught in a MAY DAY MAY DAY situation. Obviously these individuals didnot care to think about this. Firefighters inside a burning structure Wall, Ceiling, Floor could collaspe Trapping a Firefighter. I think it was a couple of weeks ago when a young 21 year old Career PGFD Firefighter became Trapped. Just for the record Volunteers effected the Rescue and brought this man out. It's time people to stop the Sterotyping of one another. As for PGFD yes you will endure some difficult times in this time of whatever you wish to call it. Come on everyone this is an isolated issue. The individuals involved in this mess didnot consider anyone or anything. The impact and repurrcussions can and will be overcome by everyone's effort to improve the PGFD image. What is imperative now is for each of you to get behind Fire Chief Jones and work together to rebuild what you all have. Think about it.
 

To the person who started their comment with “Let's not fool each other”, remember that old saying about living in glass houses and throwing stones. Take out the word volunteer from your ranting and I’d swear you were talking about career personnel.

Gee, wasn’t it several months ago there was a news story about a PG career person being caught on video setting a fire?
 

Volunteer or Career the fire service is a sinking ship
 

Sorry, a career / volunteer system will never ever work period. Fire the career guys now and lets get back to volunteer fire companies. Take you sheet box ambulances and pay those guys and leave the firefighting to us. The good guys, the volunteers. Pay checks, we don't need no stinkin paychecks!
 

And just who is going to get the fire trucks out the door? Why do you think the Career folks are there for, because the volunteers aren't able to do it. The volunteers just want to be Glory seekers.
 

The last comment saying Volunteers cannot handle it, they are Glory seekers. To that individual listen to your words.Career Firefighters are on Board because of the necessary continuity to provide Customer Service to the Taxpayers when the Volunteers aren't available. The Volunteers have jobs and also they are required to undertake the Training in all aspects of today's Fire and EMS Service. Go back to Volunteer Stations are you serious? The vast majority of Volunteers realize the need for Career presence to ensure
the Serving and Protecting to the Taxpayers is there 24/7. Yes there are Stations where Volunteer participation maynot be as active as other Stations. The Volunteers who are active must meet the Standard set forth for everyone. The issue here at hand is again I reiterate not a Career vs. Volunteer situation. Th Arson Fires in question are an isolated issue by a small group of immature, inexperienced young people. Yes these serious allegations, however there isnot any reason nor cause to be Bias and Sterotype the Volunteers. I was ashamed to read the comment take your Ambulances back, we don't need any stinking paychecks. Where are your priorities. Obviously with words of vengence and vile thoughts they donot reflect the Fire and EMS Service. What is wrong with you people? If you may be interested there is a National Organization called NFPA. "National Fire Protection Association hey have in place various Standards to bring about the very best effort and Training for all. You can access NFPA Standards on the Internet or through their Headquarters Location in Massachusetts. Come on people, If you read and understand the NFPA Standards you wouldnot speak or have words that reflect self serving. The 21st Century Fire and EMS Service, "FIREFIGHTER SAFETY/EVERYONE GOES HOME" Wake up smell the coffee.
 

"You can access NFPA Standards on the Internet or through their Headquarters Location in Massachusetts."

Yes, but only if you purchase a subscription or buy them individually. Forget that NFPA means: NOT FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATION