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"