I have been in the Fire service for 8 years. I have had both good and bad encounters with police on scene. I just wanted to see what others have encountered. A scene that sticks out for me is the scene of a MVC one car no injuries. when we (the fire dept) got on scene there was already a State Highway patrol officer on scene...as soon as he saw us he started to scream that he did not need a bunch of hose jockies. Well after a few choice worDS (That I wont repeat) We left the scene after we checked the patient....this is just one example I have other stories where the police where very cool to work with.
It's funny in one way your a pain in the butt to the Police or EMT. Arriving on scene and being flagged off as you look into there eyes and can almost read it. "Who Called You!", we have had some issues with Police as
well as EMT. I look at it, that we all have a job to do. Your right from what I have seen here, that there is no reason to get upset or have a pissing match. We are instructed that if anyone gets in your face you direct them to who is in charge.
I'm not keeping count, but I know that we have serviced more Police getting into trouble then firefighters. We have cut them out of cruisers a couple of times. And then there is always the times where it's in the middle of the night and they would love for you to stay as we are equipt. with the lights. My old Chief once said I can do it once, and might get away with it but don't try it twice.
Was at an MVC which wrapped themselfs around a tree. Both VSA on the board between two detatchments.
During a shift change we had 8 cruisers there and about 14 Police. After confirming and making the MVC safe, I was directed to do traffic control till Police arrive. Well they did and asked if they would take over, not one of them would give me the time or day. Lets say it was a 100 yards north of the intersection, in a rural area.
Seen one transport coming as well as cars kind stuck as the Police all parked in the middle of the intersection.
Myself and a mutil-aid firefighter where taking care of the traffic, till the Police blocked the intersection.
Well in my wisdom, I figured we would ge in the cruisers and move them.
Well did I get an ear full, but the Sen-Officer she laughed and stated the only reason I'm being yelled at was.
It's shift change, and they don't know which cruisers is who's as I moved them. Well the one who got in my face I just stated the fact. I'm not to do traffic control, that was there job. So since they left me with the responsibility of traffic control. I figured that either I get in and open the intersection by moving there cruisers or get in the big red truck and move them.
My Chief said I got away once, but don't do it again. Again part of this is to do with a Full time Police and EMT dealing with a Vol. firefighter. Although even in Canada, fire does have rights and can step in on certain areas
of a scene over Police and EMT's. But we also look at areas that EMT are higher athuority when it comes to patient care, only if the scene is safe. Police have there job to keep a crime scene safe as well. We are all out there to do a job, and should be able to work as a team.
I have found that when you get to know who your working with. It's a lot better dealing with both Police and EMT's after you get to know them.
I WORK FOR A COUNTY FD AND WE HAVE A GOOD RELATIONS WITH THE SO. THEY NEVER GIVE US ANY PROBLEMS. I, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OF MY PARTNERS, LIVE 2 SMALL TOWNS AWAY FROM THE STATION. THE PD FOR THE MOST PART DOESN'T GIVE US ANY PROB WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE OFFICER.
I agree with Engineco913, I volunteer on FD and I also work for the Sheriff's office, after seening both sides of a scene, it really comes down to it, we all have to get over the PD vs FD "issue". they both have important roles on scene we (we as in FF and Officers) need to get over the issue, and deal with the situation of public service. We dont need to be on scene yelling at each other when we are in public. They see that and they will have less respect for us, they count on us in time of need. Get over it.