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Elderly Firefighters
Just wondering if anyone else has ever faced the problem of firefighters who don't want to retire? We have two founding members who are 85-90 years old who still want to make runs, mainly as traffic control. However, they are becoming an increasing liability. You can't just dismiss someone because of age so I'm not sure how to approach the issue. Our insurance has suggested implementing some type of "fit-for-duty" testing but I haven't been able to find much specific information on that and it will also take some time to implement. Has anyone else faced this issue?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Damon Dyer on
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Wish i had that problem i would love to have some of the history of my fire dept. able to stand in front of me . As is i can't find out what happened ten years ago from anyone .
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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You are probably in the minority.
I guess your department does not perform annual physicals in which the doctor decides who is FIT for DUTY?
I find it hard to look at LODD report when the individual was 75 and had a heart attack on scene.
NFPA 1582 is the document that suggests medical qualifications you need to review. Here is a thought, I would bet they can't hold a medical card from a DOT Physical, but you allow them to still be an active firefighter?
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Permalink Reply by T.J. on
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Right on FETC, your department is a liability and you need to get those guys to stop going to calls!
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Permalink Reply by Chief 29 on
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It is nice to have the history of your company around and still willing to be involved. There are plenty of ways to keep them involved without putting their lives in jeopardy by still running calls. These are the guys that have been around and know how things should be done, use it to your advantage. Make them in charge of entering your calls into your computer system. That way they can still be part of the call but not at the call.
I wouldn't want to be the one to go to the family of these guys and tell them that they have lost a loved one because nobody had the heart to ask them to step down. That to me would be harder to deal with than someone being upset with you for asking them to stop making runs. You don't want them to go away and disappear in he sunset just change up heir duties.
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Permalink Reply by CJ Knapp on
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I can't say that I've ever faced that kind of problem.... But if I had too I would probably meet with those individuals, and see what thier feelings were, and just try to explain to them the risks... I would also stress to them that they are still wanted, and admired for thier knowledge, and would try to find specific duties for them to do.... I know that for me it's essential to keep the older generation around not only for thier knowledge but for the history, and tradition of the department...
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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considering that I turn 55 in January... I was relieved to read your post and find out that your definition of elderly did not include me... : ) and as long as the two founding members are not getting in the way and have something to offer, then let them play with you. we should always take care of our older firefighters! not that there is any personal or self interest here...
TCSS, Mike from Santa Barbara
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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Come on guys....It isn't too much to ask to let the "Senior Members" hang on to something which they so dearly love and have given so much to...it isn't too strenuous to direct traffic or to close down access to a road as they may have difficulties or be stressed to the point of an heart attack....We have annual physicals for all interior people to include a physical, pulmonary function test,EKG,Stress test....Paul
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Permalink Reply by rfdjumper on
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Just yesterday, a 74 Fire Cop dropped dead while directing traffic. Is this truly a LODD. With all due respect to the recently departed, I say No. I feel this cheats those that actually give their lives in the line of duty. This is Dying while you happen to be directing traffic. If insurance companies cut in half coverage at age 70. Shouldn't an over 70 Cardiac LODD not count on the stats, or if they do only count as 1/2 a death, or have it as a separate category. I'll be waiting to hear what Billy G, and his minions have to say on this.
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Permalink Reply by Tony P on
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I'm not arguing with your stance on the original question, nor have I experienced the problem. But isn't "Billy G, and his minions" a bit inflammatory ?
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Sometimes you have to shake things up to get a response from the other than JR. s should run blue lights crew. Billy G and his minions = Chief Goldfeder and those the subscribe to the Secret List.
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Permalink Reply by Gentlegiant on
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It's time we all used common sense. There will come a time for everyone to hang the helmet up for the last time, no one wants to do it but there comes a time you yourself better ask. Why should I risk the lives of my crew/ department or put anyone including the public at risk for being "to experienced"(nicer way of saying "to old"). The "Old Timers" as I call them have volumes of information to share. All you have to do is ask, they are eager to help. Just ask them politely to step down. But ask them to remain active in your training, believe it or not, in some cases "Old School" still works better. I myself have only about ten good years left.
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I know of Billy G - it's the 'minions' word that is a bit inflamatory, it implies that you have no time for those who agree with Billy G. After all,
minion n. (often offensive) a favourite, esp, someone who behaves slavishlyto keep the favour of his master [F]
is how my understanding and dictionary describe the word. If that's how you meant it, so be it. But trying to incite trouble, is that what this site is about?
PS. I like 1, 2 and 4 on your music selection!
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