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Privilege vs Entitlement
Not a problem that we've had at our department for a while, most of our problem people with this issue have been weeded out but I don't really recall seeing a discussion about this, and since it popped into my head I figured I'd gather some thoughts...
How many of ya'll out there have encountered firefighters that think they are "entitled" to a discount when they go out to eat or just anything in general just because they're a firefighter? (it's more common with food around here) I'm sure 98% of you guys have expereinced this at least once. We have Mc D's, Waffle House, and a few here and there's that occasionally give us discount when we come eat. I've always seen this as a "privilege" and it just really chaps my tail feathers when I see people demanding they get a discount or clearly state that "I'm a FF, I should get a discount" then if they get it they'll leave a dollar tip. Way to represent your FD eh?
I've never expected any special treatments becoming a firefighter, it's nice to catch a break from time to time and I've always been very grateful to receive it, never once have I asked for anything free or half off or whatever. I always expect to pay full price when I go for meal and If I get a break on the ticket I give her the additional money as a higher tip.
We used to have resturant managers call and tell us "One of your FF's was in here demanding they get a discount cause they're a FF." or "We're just gonna stop giving discounts all together because your FF's are abusing the privelage and just being flat out rude." I've seen members get booted because of this and I don't think there's any other way you can land a trip to chiefs office faster than Forest Gump can run. I've even recommended members get booted because of it. I hate seeing my FD's reputation and professionalism get tarnished because ppl go somewhere and expect to get the "Royal Treatment"
How many of ya'll out there have encountered firefighters that think they are "entitled" to a discount when they go out to eat or just anything in general just because they're a firefighter? (it's more common with food around here) I'm sure 98% of you guys have expereinced this at least once. We have Mc D's, Waffle House, and a few here and there's that occasionally give us discount when we come eat. I've always seen this as a "privilege" and it just really chaps my tail feathers when I see people demanding they get a discount or clearly state that "I'm a FF, I should get a discount" then if they get it they'll leave a dollar tip. Way to represent your FD eh?
I've never expected any special treatments becoming a firefighter, it's nice to catch a break from time to time and I've always been very grateful to receive it, never once have I asked for anything free or half off or whatever. I always expect to pay full price when I go for meal and If I get a break on the ticket I give her the additional money as a higher tip.
We used to have resturant managers call and tell us "One of your FF's was in here demanding they get a discount cause they're a FF." or "We're just gonna stop giving discounts all together because your FF's are abusing the privelage and just being flat out rude." I've seen members get booted because of this and I don't think there's any other way you can land a trip to chiefs office faster than Forest Gump can run. I've even recommended members get booted because of it. I hate seeing my FD's reputation and professionalism get tarnished because ppl go somewhere and expect to get the "Royal Treatment"
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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Nick, I have not seen this issue around here but I would agree completely. I have been the recipient of businesses cutting prices or free meals many times. However, I expect to pay full price and am always extremely grateful for their kindness and support when it happens. To expect it or demand it is totally wrong and grievous. Your right, this person would no longer represent my Department.
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Permalink Reply by Timothy D. Stone Jr on
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I understand about that...Ive gotten discounts on stuff because of being a FF and ive gotten outta a ticket because of it, but i dont just go ask and demand...i wear my FD hat and shirt sometimes and it has gotten places to offer a discount and i have a FD tag on my truck that got me outta a ticket, but i didnt ask for it. But the places around here are very thankfull of there FD and FF and they have no problem offering us discounts as long as we have some sort of prof. But dont just demand...and dont expect it if it happens it happens just say thanks and go about your day
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Permalink Reply by Eddie Rogers on
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Yea, that would chap my a)* too. The reastaurants in Tupelo (NE Mississippi) once a year give free lunch to FF's cops, EMT's and Medics. Other than that I don't know of many that give discounts around here. I would be extremly upset if one of my guys asked for special treatment in the way of discounts and such. That would be a serious issue for the reasons stated. If they think they deserve special treatment cause of their job or what they volunteer to do (depending on the situation) then they need a big gut check. We are no different than any other folks out there. Folks out here are hurting right now and for a working firefighter to ask for or demand special treatment is not acceptable.
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Permalink Reply by Station10Capt106 on
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If you are in it for the free stuff or discounts then it is time to move on and find a new hobby.
Yes, I've received discounts sometimes going out to eat. I never ask for it but if given I express my gratitude and make sure I leave a big tip, or if it is a fast food restaurant I may fill out a comment card praising the store or employee.
What we need to expect is that we have good training, safe gear & tools, competent leadership, adaquate funding, dedication & commitment from all members of the department.
If we have these things then we can EARN the respect of the community. They will see what we do and that we are professional about it. If in turn they want to give us some extra incentives like half off at the burger joint then that is fine.
John
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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on
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Demanding is wrong. I've been in the Army for over 37 years and a VFF for just over one year. When staying in a hotel and sometimes shopping or dining I'll "ask" if they "offer" a military or FF discount. If the answer is no I'll leave it at that. When offered a FF or military discount I'll jump on it though. Now if I purchase something for my VFD from a businees in the community I do some way expect a discount or use businesses that offer one. If it's for personal use I go with the flow of business without demanding. TCSS
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Permalink Reply by Bill Brierton on
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I never demand, nor do I ask. Sometimes the stores just do it. If they don't then I don't mind paying full price. Afterall I'm just another normal customer.
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Permalink Reply by blair4630 on
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Yeah, I've seen this problem in my area. Off the top of my head one of the burger kings was %50 off, they no longer do it due to someone going in with their whole family off duty and doing it.....one of the subways was %50 off, they no longer do it due to someone going in, off duty, drunk, demanding discounts and making a scene....cripsy cream was anything you want for free....again, someone buying for their giant family (he would put a uniform shirt on and drive there from home)....there are still a few places we get stuff, but it seems like every time there's a place that tries to do something nice for us, there's an asshole standing ready to mess it up
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Permalink Reply by Glenn.D.C_15 on
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It makes me cringe whenever I hear of someone demanding something because they are involved with the emergency services. The fact that these people aren't happy enough to be given the opportunity to do something to help others isn't good enough, they have to go around demanding discounts at places. In the 6 years that I have been doing this, I have NEVER gone out actively seeking a discount, if I'm get a break here or there, so be it. We've had a members go into businesses wearing shirts, or what have you, who have been told of emergency services discounts, but I can safely say that we haven't had anyone (that I know of) who has been so ignorant to demand such a thing.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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We have a local theater which gives discounts to firefighters in uniform. While we had not had a problem with people demanding a discount, I had been witness to several former members abusing this courtesy by wearing an old department duty shirt. It was decided to send a letter to the theater management requesting them to ask for a valid department ID. We also stopped the practice of giving out duty shirts, patches, or caps to limit the probability of a non or former member from attempting to get something they are not otherwise entitled.
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Permalink Reply by Bobby King on
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Some of the Restaurants around here give firefighters and police discounts if your in uniform.. Personally I dont think that We are entitled to anything other than a paycheck .. Does a Garbageman get a discount if he goes into a Mc Ds? what about a Doctor? How about the guy that builds houses everyday for a living ?
If they give me a discount Im very grateful and thank them.. but I always go with the intent to pay full price.
Those that go in and demand a discount because they are a Firefighter I must admit make me sick to My stomach.. Thats not an Image I would like the public to have of Myself or My guys.. I take My job personally.. More so than I should at times and I believe Whole heartedly that My actions reflect upon My department and My men and their actions reflect upon me .
Just my two cents and all
Sgt Bobby J. King
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Permalink Reply by Fire Capt. 1304 on
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We have a gas station that will give us free fountain drinks when we are out training or returing from a call. We stopped to get gas after a training and had a couple of people come back to the truck with two drinks each . When I went in to sign for the credit card the manager said that she would let it slide that one time but if it happened again there would be no free drinks for anybody anymore. I told her to pass on to her people that for the next two months no FF's were to get free drinks. I knew this would get the guys attention because we do two fire trainings, one EMS training, and and one water rescue training per month so thats alot of drinks they had to pay for themselves. Thats all it took we have had no more problems or complaints from the gas station.
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Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on
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What we are entitled to, as members, is the priiledge of serving. While gratuities to us as individuals may always be welcome, it is never our place to expect them.
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