Unregistered303
07-24-2008, 07:56 PM
Whether it is the citizens of the community that are venting or the fireman who are complaining, could all this negativity be the beginning of the end of the volunteer fire service.
First of all, the people who are on here posting complaints have no idea what the volunteers have to go through to make their requirements each year to remain active and qualified. Second, these so called critics are not knocking on the doors of the Fire Departments all over long island asking to join. Lets remember that every volunteer fireman has a full time job, supporting himself, his family and raising their children just like the ordinary citizen. They ask for donations to be used to support themselves, whether it is meals after trainings, calls or whatever. They have parties, yes they do, but they also have fundraisers which they host to support these activities. Don't be so fast to criticize them because it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do what they do.
As for the Fire Commissioners, shame on all of you citizens for not taking part in your responsibility to vote during the election process, attending meetings or even asking what goes on. You too are at fault here. These so called saviors like in East Meadow who is a disgruntled fireman who disgraced not only the office as a chief but to his Department took an oath to serve and is just trying to pay back those who had to take action against him. He would be right there with his friends, yes the Fire Commissioners if they weren't forced to take action.
Listen, I'm not saying that the actions of the Fire Commissioners are proper or just, but as citizens, you have sat back and let it happen.
The firemen who serve in your towns are there to protect and serve you the public, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, you have no idea what the sacrifices made, missed dinners, little league games ect. Do you know what the cost will be to have a paid service? I am telling you now, you can expect a paid fireman to want parity with the Police both in Nassau and Suffolk. Why not.
Let me ask you, are you ready for that.
What is needed is Accountability...... This is what we need as well as the oversight of the Fire Districts. Each year, between 1000 and 2500 people vote in the Fire District elections, come on, that is a very small fraction of the community. The community must get involved to ensure that these elected officials are doing what is right for the fireman and the communities that they serve.
I ask that you don't go after the fireman, you need them, they love to serve and are proud of it. I have witnessed them leave their families to answer a call, regardless of what it is, you see, they don't know what they are going into, they might not even have said goodbye to their kids, it might be the last time they see them. They answer the call, they do not get paid, they are VOLUNTEERS! The next time you see them, try thanking them.
As for the Firemen, you have a responsibility also. Do not just go with the flow, the Commissioners are there to ensure that you have the best equipment, well maintained and perform their duties as directed by state and town law. You all are taxpayers too, if these Commissioners are not doing the right thing, make a change, just do not go with the flow.
All of these postings trashing the Fire Departments, Districts and the men and women who serve has to stop.
Enough is Enough. Make the Change on Election Day this December.
Thank you.
First of all, the people who are on here posting complaints have no idea what the volunteers have to go through to make their requirements each year to remain active and qualified. Second, these so called critics are not knocking on the doors of the Fire Departments all over long island asking to join. Lets remember that every volunteer fireman has a full time job, supporting himself, his family and raising their children just like the ordinary citizen. They ask for donations to be used to support themselves, whether it is meals after trainings, calls or whatever. They have parties, yes they do, but they also have fundraisers which they host to support these activities. Don't be so fast to criticize them because it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do what they do.
As for the Fire Commissioners, shame on all of you citizens for not taking part in your responsibility to vote during the election process, attending meetings or even asking what goes on. You too are at fault here. These so called saviors like in East Meadow who is a disgruntled fireman who disgraced not only the office as a chief but to his Department took an oath to serve and is just trying to pay back those who had to take action against him. He would be right there with his friends, yes the Fire Commissioners if they weren't forced to take action.
Listen, I'm not saying that the actions of the Fire Commissioners are proper or just, but as citizens, you have sat back and let it happen.
The firemen who serve in your towns are there to protect and serve you the public, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, you have no idea what the sacrifices made, missed dinners, little league games ect. Do you know what the cost will be to have a paid service? I am telling you now, you can expect a paid fireman to want parity with the Police both in Nassau and Suffolk. Why not.
Let me ask you, are you ready for that.
What is needed is Accountability...... This is what we need as well as the oversight of the Fire Districts. Each year, between 1000 and 2500 people vote in the Fire District elections, come on, that is a very small fraction of the community. The community must get involved to ensure that these elected officials are doing what is right for the fireman and the communities that they serve.
I ask that you don't go after the fireman, you need them, they love to serve and are proud of it. I have witnessed them leave their families to answer a call, regardless of what it is, you see, they don't know what they are going into, they might not even have said goodbye to their kids, it might be the last time they see them. They answer the call, they do not get paid, they are VOLUNTEERS! The next time you see them, try thanking them.
As for the Firemen, you have a responsibility also. Do not just go with the flow, the Commissioners are there to ensure that you have the best equipment, well maintained and perform their duties as directed by state and town law. You all are taxpayers too, if these Commissioners are not doing the right thing, make a change, just do not go with the flow.
All of these postings trashing the Fire Departments, Districts and the men and women who serve has to stop.
Enough is Enough. Make the Change on Election Day this December.
Thank you.