The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Don't "Honey" Me...
So I just joined Kensington Volunteer Fire Department... I've been waiting since I applied in February for this... actually... I've been waiting since I was 3-years-old for this day to come. The day that I could finally count myself as a firefighter... the same as my cousins up in New York. I had achieved my goal.
So in Kensington, we along with the other 3 fire companies in town were given a grant to get brand new turn out gear... which meant everyone had to be fitted. No big deal, right?
I know there are a lot of people out there who don't think women belong in the fire department... personally I've met very few... so I was more than shocked to have said what was said to me the day of the fitting.
I walked into my fire house and didn't recognize all the guys there since most of them were from Berlin, East Berlin or South Kensington. As I walked in... I didn't really look the part of a firefighter... I had on fitted jeans, a girlie cut t-shirt and flip flops. A guy from one of the other departments comes up to me and goes "Ya lost honey? Who're you looking for?"
It took me a moment to respond... I couldn't believe this guy... maybe if this were HIS fire house it'd be different... but NO! This was MY fire house... so I said "no" and ignored him. Well I guess he didn't like being shrugged off cause he didn't drop it and goes "Honey, this isn't a play house. If you're lookin' for your boyfriend or somethin', we can go get him. We wouldn't want you to break a nail or something."
If I didn't have as good anger management as I have... not to mention one of my guys grabbed me by the arms and held me back, I would have beat that guy down. I know I'm gonna face some adversity but that's ridiculous... I've never been so mad in my life. He better hope we don't respond to the same fire for mutual aid and he needs medical treatment (I'm an EMT-I for my Fire Dept. too) because I may have to put an IV in him... just because... I'm sure I can find some reason to justify it... dehydration maybe?
So in Kensington, we along with the other 3 fire companies in town were given a grant to get brand new turn out gear... which meant everyone had to be fitted. No big deal, right?
I know there are a lot of people out there who don't think women belong in the fire department... personally I've met very few... so I was more than shocked to have said what was said to me the day of the fitting.
I walked into my fire house and didn't recognize all the guys there since most of them were from Berlin, East Berlin or South Kensington. As I walked in... I didn't really look the part of a firefighter... I had on fitted jeans, a girlie cut t-shirt and flip flops. A guy from one of the other departments comes up to me and goes "Ya lost honey? Who're you looking for?"
It took me a moment to respond... I couldn't believe this guy... maybe if this were HIS fire house it'd be different... but NO! This was MY fire house... so I said "no" and ignored him. Well I guess he didn't like being shrugged off cause he didn't drop it and goes "Honey, this isn't a play house. If you're lookin' for your boyfriend or somethin', we can go get him. We wouldn't want you to break a nail or something."
If I didn't have as good anger management as I have... not to mention one of my guys grabbed me by the arms and held me back, I would have beat that guy down. I know I'm gonna face some adversity but that's ridiculous... I've never been so mad in my life. He better hope we don't respond to the same fire for mutual aid and he needs medical treatment (I'm an EMT-I for my Fire Dept. too) because I may have to put an IV in him... just because... I'm sure I can find some reason to justify it... dehydration maybe?
Add a Comment
-
Comment by Devil Doc on August 23, 2008 at 11:12pm
-
remember...don't piss of a paramedic (or EMT-I in your case)...14 Gauge's are our best friends.
-
Comment by firechief911 on August 23, 2008 at 4:56pm
-
so i guess darlin is out of the question
just kiddin i wish we had a few female firefighters
-
Comment by Liz Chase on August 23, 2008 at 12:55pm
-
I grew up around the fire house... I know what kind of teasing goes on and how merciless it can be. But there's a difference between what was said to me at our gear fitting and teasing. Teasing I can take... I throw it right back at them... it's when the person is dead serious and isn't joking that it pisses me off.
As for the safety regulations... I know all that... under normal circumstances, no I wouldn't have been wearing flip flops... however, I hadn't found out about the fitting till that day just a few moments before I showed up... I'm not going to go all the way home just to grab different shoes...
Lastly. Of course I would never ACTUALLY put an IV in someone unless it was warranted by medical necessity. It was the only thing I could think of at the time to make myself feel better since I obviously couldn't come up with a "witty retort" at the time.
SO anywho... long tangent... but basically thanks for the support... but please dont' treat me like I'm some dumb newbie... I'm not. I've grown up for 21 years in fire houses and EMS bases and I'm more than capable of taking care of myself.
-
Comment by Ben Waller on August 23, 2008 at 5:13am
-
Just tell him "No, honey, I'm a member." and move on.
-
Comment by Brian Dumser on August 22, 2008 at 6:05pm
-
That guy was a jerk. Next time, put him in his place, I'm sure your own people will back you up! Stay safe, Honey! (I couldn't resist) : )
-
-
Hahaha... very funny. And I did miss the support part of your comment West Philly, so I apologize.
-
-
To West Philly: A guy called me "honey" and was condescending... yes... but no, that's not all that it takes to get me mad. What really pissed me off is that in between his first and second comments it was clear (or at least should have been clear to anybody with half a brain) that I wasn't just some firefighter's girlfriend since I was talking to some of our guys about the drill we had just done the week prior and was talking about not being able to wait until I got my radio/ pager and could get started. I have not led a "charmed existence" but when you are so excited for something and have wanted something your whole life adversity is amplified.
As for everyone else, thanks for the support... I really don't mind bein called "honey" Hahaha.
-
Comment by Bill Brierton on August 22, 2008 at 3:02pm
-
The guy was or is an moron. You did your best to ignore the jerk. I don't care if your male, female or covered with green and yellow poka dots just as long as you can do the job. As for putting an IV in him I could make several suggestions.
-
Comment by Robbie Snow on August 22, 2008 at 12:54pm
-
Dont let that guy bother you ! I'm sure with your positive attitude about being a firefighter, you will be a better firefighter than that guy anyways. Man or woman, if someone is qualified and able to do the job they should get the respect that he/she deserves !
-
Comment by Paul Montpetit on August 22, 2008 at 12:48pm
-
Well Honey.....LOL, couldn't help myself.......If this is all it takes to get you boiling then you are in for the ride of your life....Just use a slam come back and move on....put the ass down in front of his friends...it will make you feel better and you can be sure his Brothers won't let him forget it......Hang in there Honey....keep safe and always keep the faith............Paul
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
You need to be a member of My Firefighter Nation to add comments!
Join My Firefighter Nation