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Responding to Negative Newspaper Editorials... Do you or don't you?
"Whenever there's a vacancy in the city or county Fire Department, there are literally thousands of applicants for each position. Why? Because firefighters get high pay, fantastic benefits and unbelievably generous pensions, which start as early as age 50.
But the main reason is that firefighters work only 10 days per month. They are off a full three weeks each month. Yes, they do put in 24-hour days, but with so few emergencies to respond to, firefighters have plenty of time on their hands during each shift for reading, sleeping, video games, watching TV, etc.
Because a huge part of the city and county budgets go for fire protection, this is where deep budget cuts must be made. But people get nervous at the thought of laying off firefighters.
So, what to do? Simple: Increase their work month from 10 to 13 days, which will require fewer firefighters. This still will give them 18 days off each month, which is a heck of a lot more time off than many of us get.
Local firefighters might threaten to strike, but they can easily be replaced from those thousands of applicants. After all, what other occupation would offer full pay and benefits for working only 13 days per month?
But we'll have to elect fiscally conservative majorities to the City Council and county Board of Supervisors to get such a needed reform because the current liberal majorities are the pawns of the fire (and police) unions."
- How would you respond to this or would you?
- Do you think it is a good idea to just leave it alone?
- Have you dealt with someone who does not like firefighters that writes editorial replies to the local newspaper
Feature: Notable Firefighter's Opinions...
Reply by
- My opinion is that any response should come from above, either a Chief or the PIO. It becomes risky when someone from the rank and file decides to counter anti-firefighter editorials or sentiment. Angrily and/or poorly written letters can do more harm than good.
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Update: What kind of replies did the local newspaper receive from the public?
03-30-10 Comments: Responding to a letter writer's comments about firefighters, let's do some math. He said a firefighter works 10, 24-hour shifts per month, equaling 2,880 hours yearly.
Suggesting they work 13 shifts per month, equates to 3,744 hours yearly, about 30 percent more. Not missing something in the letter, that would be with no pay hike. In comparison, typical 40-hour/week employees put in 2,080 hours yearly, meaning firefighters work more than a 9-to-5 employee. Is it fair to increase that?
Firefighters aren't out on emergency calls for their entire shift, but do have other responsibilities. They have vehicles and equipment to keep clean and maintained, and have housekeeping chores around the station.
Firefighters don't have janitorial services coming in, cleaning the station. It's their job. Remember, the station is their home. They also are required to attend ongoing training, sometimes during their shifts, but often it's on their off days. They also have community responsibilities. They perform citizen training and education, work fairs and open houses and perform inspections for residences and businesses.
Now, let's talk about major emergencies, as with the Gap or Jesusita fires, or La Conchita mudslide. Firefighters remain on duty 24/7 until released, whether it's days or weeks. Add that to their 2,880 hours yearly and it can go well beyond the 3,744.
They need our support, not making them a target for saving money. There are other places to look. Cutting firefighters would be detrimental to us all.
03-29-10 Comments: I have been watching with interest and curiosity the mess our local politicians have put us in. How many of our city politicians have rushed into a burning building to save a child or fallen through a collapsed roof while doing their duty? None.
As for our Police Department, I don't think any of our City Council members or our mayor have had a gun pointed at them or removed hazardous material from a school or any public building. I could go on and on. (Read the front page of the March 18 News-Press). Every day the police put their lives on the line for us. The mayor and City Council did not hesitate to give themselves a hefty raise plus bonuses when they should have given themselves a 25 percent cut. But they chose to possibly dump almost two dozen officers from the department.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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I wanted to express my thanks for you taking your time to share your thoughts here. My point lately when posting discussions is to provide a reference source for folks to look back on when confronting a problem.
This is just another fire to put out or in this case to allow to slowly burn out. Having the chance to read someone else's take on this kind of attack is really valuable. None of us are necessarily all that good at verbal and written confrontations. We save lives, fight fire and cheat death...
The good news is that the fire service has a lot of different folks that bring their talents and skills to the table. You are one of those guys who I personally rely upon to help me gather my thoughts and prepare. And you know what I always say? "Failure to prepare is preparing for failure... so be prepared...". Your comments will help others to "be prepared".
Thanks again for your contribution here, it's invaluable!
CBz
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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
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My opinion is that any response should come from above, either a Chief or the PIO. It becomes risky when someone from the rank and file decides to counter anti-firefighter editorials or sentiment. Angrily and/or poorly written letters can do more harm than good.
I understand that everyone has the right to freedom of speech but a loose canon is just that and serves no good purpose. Better to let someone respond that carries weight and can make a rational argument than someone with a keyboard and internet connection. Just my thoughts.
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My opinion is that any response should come from above, either a Chief or the PIO. It becomes risky when someone from the rank and file decides to counter anti-firefighter editorials or sentiment. Angrily and/or poorly written letters can do more harm than good.
This captures what all of us need to consider when we see this type of attack in the newspaper. This is so well written and thought out that I am copying it and placing in the discussion text.
Thanks again for your valued input,
CBz
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that's funny but too true... good stuff... you sound like you are fun to work with!
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Permalink Reply by Ron Ayotte on
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Not a problem... if the editorial is about my FD.. I am the PIO.
I have seen the departments of friends being slammed in the op ed pages as well as the paper's internet forums. There I post under my "nom de Plume". Those who know me know....
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Permalink Reply by Brandon Wilson on
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I completely agree with all three statements. The fact is, the public sometimes sees us as the "lazy guys who just got that lucky break. Well, I can personally say that our county is proud to have each and every one of us on duty. They show their support by writing to our newspapers, and by sending great fruit baskets, and donations of girl scout cookies, or just swinging in and saying thank you. I think maybe someone was a little aggravated that they didn't get the job, or maybe they felt like they were passed up. Amazingly, it always seems that people can find some way to complain about our schedules, but the last time I checked, our job was on the lower end of the pay scale. AND, I can guarantee you that when something happens (God forbid) to them, their family, or their home, they will be so happy to see that big red truck coming down the road with the firefighters on it that did not get laid off like they once wished. It's all part of the job, we overcome adversity and push forward no matter what.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Allen on
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What we have to remember in all of this is how the fire service is taken for granted. As I always say, when we get home and turn the light switch on, we expect light. When we turn the water on at the sink, we expect water. When we have an emergency, or just need help, we expect the fire service. When you are an 'expected' commodity you start the argument on the losing side automatically. It's not that they can't say no to firefighters coming to their house; it's that they expect nothing less. You've started at zero so you have to build on that because there's really nothing to take away. As far as the media is concerned, even though the turnover is heavy, you have to build relationships with them so they are as much on your side as possible. Work with them and they'll do what they can for you. And remember, if we're not having fun, it's not worth doing.
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And remember, if we're not having fun, it's not worth doing.
now those are 'quotable' words...
CBz
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Permalink Reply by Russ on
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gotta agree with you chief. a reply plays into their point. let the people come down and see for themselves and ask the questions themselves. a media fight dosent last forever and somebody has to loose
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