Dean....like you I wonder the same thing about the over weight Firefighter's and EMT's....and we do have them, I don't see where it should be a problem, but think of having to crawl through a small opening, and the OVER WEIGHT FF or EMT is all that's on the scene? What happens? I have seen more out of shape than in all area's of this field, rescue, ff, and ems. But if you can do the job, what does it matter? Do you hire a person who has more experience or one who is in shape and a possible rookie and thinks they know everything? It's a no win situation.

hey Angela

I agree.. a tough one

But then again the biggest killer of firefighters on the job, is.... heart attack

Still, my point to Scott was public perception of our service by what a individual looks like, goes beyond tattoos.

Being young or new is not a choice to our rookies, they have to do their time and learn.

But being out of condition, unfit or over weight.. I believe is a life style choice. One in which I think almost contridicts public perception of a firefighter, and also flies in the face of fire service practise or policy.

Its a tough one.. but tattoos? well thats a easy one.

Like the unfit or out of condition firies, can they get the job done well, efficiently and safely.

But Scotts point was.. public perception and representing your service through appearance.

Once again, to me `a no brainer`

great subject though

regards

Deano

Thanks Deano, I'm just worried about him cause I hadn't heard from him in quite a while. Take care brother and drop a line to me here in the states anytime.
Marty