Hi gang, I'm new here, too, and know several of you; I'm the career T.O. for our agency.
Not so many years ago, we had a very dedicated, and sometimes overly so, station captain who had two bumper-mounted high intensity flashing lights on his explorer. He still had to sit at stop lights, and mind traffic laws. What always concerned me was the potential for him to be sitting behind a well-meaning but potentially uninformed little old lady driver who has the potential to think that she needs to get out of his way, thereby causing her to do something dangerous by trying to pull right, or through the stoplight and getting hit. His insurance carrier would be primary, the district's would be secondary, and the public generally thinks we have very deep pockets at a time like that.
Jessika, I completely respect your dedication and enthusiasm, but no call is worth something like that. I'm issued a staffcar. Our policy limits me and all apparatus to no more than ten mph over posted speed. With great care, our warning devices can help get us through traffic controls, etc. But if I get stuck behind the little old lady and she is not in a spot where she can safely pull to the right for me, I will usually shut them down, to prevent that potential for confusion and risking an accident.
I always tell my EVAP students that we must maintain control of our vehicles at all times, because we can NEVER know for sure what the public might do.
Thanks all, for the chance to comment.

(several of you guys's) Captain :)

Jeff, I agree totally with what you say. Your opinion was very well stated. I know I have been guilty of driving faster than I should when I know it is a fully involved structure fire or somebody I know having an emergency. However, it is important to realize we do more harm than good if we cause another accident. In addition, looking at how much time you gain by speeding, it is not enough to warrant disregarding traffic laws. Aside from the safety risks, there is also the issue of public image. There is no other profession where people readily welcome strangers into their homes to help them. It is important that we keep the trust of the people we serve. When we drive in a manner that may be considered reckless or irresponsible, we damage that trust.
I can totally understand where you are coming from, Jessika. When lives are on the line, it is frustrating to be stuck behind that old lady or the guy who just isn't paying attention. But if you look at the amount of time gained by speeding you will see it is very minimal. Unless you are going a great deal over or have an extended distance to travel, the amount gained will be a few small seconds. Compared with the risk to you, your property or the public, it is not worth it. And remember the old saying, "it is not our emergency." But keep up the good work and dedication, Jessika. Caring and enthusiastic people such as yourself are exactly what this profession needs.

My department frowns on this because of the liability issues. I do have a green light in my truck and yes...i may go 5 over the limit but that is about it. There have been times WSP has attempted to pull members over enroute to calls or they get a hold of my fire chief and have a little chat about the membrs speeding POV. Also, with our insurance, the department is liable from the time we call enrout to the time we go home.