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Another Noose?
This morning I read about yet another noose being discovered in either the locker or the personal belongings of a black firefighter somewhere in this country. It seems this noose-making is an odd trend in the fire service, as this is probably the third time I've read a story like this in the past year.
Why is racism, particularly racism against African Americans, so common in the fire service? (Remember: First responders are held to a higher standard, so if you do something once, like leave a noose in someone's locker, and it's reported, people will remember it and judge you for it for a long time.)
I read another unrelated story yesterday in which a firefighter rescued a woman from her burning home. He was truly elated to have been her rescuer. The world needs this type of guy. Everyone needs a hero, and many people enter the fire service hoping to become a hero. But you can't call yourself a hero if you rescue people by day and sneak nooses into their lockers by night.
Are people trying to maintain the "old school" fire service (strictly white guys)? And if so, doesn't that make the fire service just an extension of the KKK?
Why is racism, particularly racism against African Americans, so common in the fire service? (Remember: First responders are held to a higher standard, so if you do something once, like leave a noose in someone's locker, and it's reported, people will remember it and judge you for it for a long time.)
I read another unrelated story yesterday in which a firefighter rescued a woman from her burning home. He was truly elated to have been her rescuer. The world needs this type of guy. Everyone needs a hero, and many people enter the fire service hoping to become a hero. But you can't call yourself a hero if you rescue people by day and sneak nooses into their lockers by night.
Are people trying to maintain the "old school" fire service (strictly white guys)? And if so, doesn't that make the fire service just an extension of the KKK?
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Comment by Derek R. on December 17, 2009 at 10:07am
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And to add, yes, there IS racial descrimination out there still, seems to be an unending battle in every walk of life, BUT,... I repeat.. BUT, that gives NOBODY the right to lable the fire service, or ANY emergency service, old school or not, as being an extension of the KKK. You wrote, "why is racism,......, so common in the fire sevice". Just because you read fire department related news articles, you go ahead and assume that it is a common thing in the fire service? As mentioned before by others, do your damned homework before you write slanderous assumtions about ANYone. Where was your head at? Your accusations are way off the charts.
Appologies,....still PO'd.
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Comment by Oldman on December 17, 2009 at 9:01am
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You are way, way out of line!
If you would bother to do a little research, (something a good journalist would do) you would find the knot which is used to make the noose dates back to the 16th century, long before it was associated with slavery. A little more searching would show that it is also a maritime knot used on ships, and can be an effective lifesaving knot in water rescue.
As a fisherman, I have tied the knot for over 40 years to secure bait or hooks to my line.
I find your comments as racist, if not more so than the connotation of the noose itself.
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I returned to see what, if any, outcome or response was given by Cindy. Found nothing, except for that last ignorant paragraph in which I found myself reading over and over again, trying to imagine the thought process that went into that statement.( yes, the whol;e thing is garbage). And maybe it's doing what she intended it to do, which was make me more pissed, for lack of a better word. "Upset" just doesn't cover it. Feels like I got kicked in the face.
I'm feeling that, before the mag. gets pulled from the tables of firehouses across the nations, maybe Cindy should be posting an appology to all FF, who has the misfortune to read her blog. I don't mean post it here in her blog space, but in the general ff forums where everyone will see it. THEN, have the mag. removed from the dept's subscription lists.
Cindy. I, personally, would like to see an appology as described. I think you owe it to FFs.
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Comment by Ben Waller on December 17, 2009 at 12:56am
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If anyone who has an issue with this post wishes to bring those issues to light with the senior management for Fire-Rescue Magazine, the Managing Editor is Shannon Peiper. Her corporate email address is: s.pieper@elsevier.com
I have already contacted her regarding this blog post, now offensive it is, and how it inaccurately paints firefighters as racists. I have also suggested that she read the follow-up comments here, assuming this blog and the follow-up comments survive intact.
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Comment by John Crabbe on December 17, 2009 at 12:32am
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Why I Joined Fire/EMS
I became an editor for FireRescue magazine at first because editing and writing were my job skills. But after getting to know those in the fire/EMS industry and the details of their job, it's a true honor to do what I can to help those who may have to help me or a family member someday.
Cindy....this is from your profile as to the reasoning you joined into fire/EMS. A true honor to help those who may help you or your family......but you have NOOOO problem making stupid assumptions and allegations to the masses of FF's. Have you no shame?
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Comment by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on December 16, 2009 at 11:42pm
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What on earth were you thinking when you sat down and penned this post? Did you intend to insult firefighters with your KKK comment? Guess what... you did.
Let's refresh one another on the basic etiquette shared by firefighters and law enforcement personnel when putting things down into words... and I use the word firefighter with the intention of NOT including you. Why? Real firefighters know how to play nice. You on the other hand have written a post that is nothing less than inflammatory in nature.
When writing or communicating with folks, especially on a public web based forum, you have to ask yourself if the comments, actions or things would be found offensive by a reasonable person. Read the posts Cindy. Your busted girl. To get your position, one would assume that you have at least a high school diploma and have some command of the english language. What you have demonstrated is a contempt for firefighters. This is unbelievable considering your position with the magazine.
What has become readily apparent is the partnership between the FFN and your magazine. I am surprised that this type of post, which again is aimed at hitting as many hot buttons as possible to elicit replies would be tolerated by the FFN staff?
Everyone does need a hero. Guess what? real heros have the common sense to know when to not play games with peoples heads. You shouid be ashamed of yourself and folks out there like Dave the Webmaster should be questioned as to how they can tolerate this type of post that is intended to inflame peoples emotions. Even a social forum has boundaries and claiming that the old school fire service promotes racism is nonsense. And your quantum leap regarding KKK affiliation with the fire service is out there.
This post does not contain any actual facts. Only vague non-factual accusations with a little hero story built in. Shame on you and your magazine that your represent.
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Don, I believe you're on to something. It is the time of year when I renew both my personal and department trade journal subscriptions. I'm going to think very carefully about which ones I renew.
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Comment by Rusty Mancini on December 16, 2009 at 10:48pm
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I'm with Don on this! I will not allow you publication in my station period!!!!!!!!
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Me thinks thou doth protest too much.
Uhhhh, Yah Cindy, That's why we carry all that rope on the trucks. Because we're secretly a branch of those hateful bastards. You wanna tag us with the same morals and beliefs as the kkk?? well......(due to the fact that I don't want to lose my account in FFN, I will take Kali's point #4 and not give you the satisfaction of generating controversy for the sake of increasing traffic for you). I hope you don't mind, Kali, that I kinda quoted you.
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Comment by Don Vuletic on December 16, 2009 at 10:34pm
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Unreal, I cannot believe what I just read. I am offended by what you said and my not allow your publication in my station for that remark.
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