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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on August 9, 2011 at 2:58pm

Some no name guy that has been stirring the shit, copying past attempts by many others who got on the band wagon, beating the firefighters don't actually work that much tune. This is important to pay attention too. This guy could do damage and cause your department grief if you don't take the time to learn and understand why he is doing what he is doing.

Let me make this a little simpler for the readers:

Here's this snake oil salesman's pitch, first paragraph on your second link:

"We all know that the fire service fills a critical need in all communities. Fire departments were organized at first around fire suppression activities, but during the past several decades the activities of typical fire departments have increased dramatically. At the same time, the number of fires occurring and the number of resultant fire deaths have decreased."

Where does this guy pull his stats from? With the myriad of things we are expected to handle, and with less manpower and resources to do the job, coupled with providing both BLS and ACLS, where do we fit in enforcement activities that police officers enforce? Combining law enforcement and the fire device may look good on paper, may woo budget strapped politicians but when it comes time to deal with an emergency, the two worlds couldn't be any more different.

Cops love this stuff and can be seen on the bandwagon waving the flags because what results is funding earmarked to the fire device goes to law enforcement instead.

Everyone needs to make a buck. This guy is nothing new and will accomplish nothing unless your department fits his criteria. Does it? It won't on the west coast with wild land fires becoming more and more of an impact with urban area extending into what was once considered rural. I can only say from my personal experience that down time as reported by this clown does not exist. Seeing an engine company in quarters during the daytime is rare for us. Most of the time, we are truly... BUSY!

CBz

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on August 9, 2011 at 3:19pm

I agree with Mike here and that this is something to pay attention to. If the name is being tossed about by your city elected officials, the time to act is NOW. IMCA has been pushing their agenda quite a bit and now with even greater economic woes, more ears are opening, yet the "studies" being pushed are not actually the financial savings as touted. Remember this is a consultant, he gets paid regardless of which way the outcome goes and facts are always that important. There are cases where such "studies" as pushed by the IMCA had no bearing on the actual circumstances of a community and in one case the "study" ended up costing more after the community made implementations only to find the circumstances wrong.

I think "Snake oil salesman" about sums it up, however, the burden to show and prove this is snake oil to your elected officials is to do your homework. I would contact the IAFF as soon as possible to get things rolling for you. The IAFF does have many examples of the IMCA pushing things like public safety depts at a cost savings and didn't pan out. In fact there was a case in AZ (I believe) that reverted back to the old system after the IMCA touted the cost savings that didn't exist. In MI, there was a recent community that voted to stay with their current spereate police and fire after IMCA did a study there too. The IAFF is well aware of the IMCA and their tactics and can help you to get the necessary info to counter a proposal.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on August 9, 2011 at 9:44pm

Been there on the baseless accusations. Nothing like the facts to set the record straight.

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