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Comment by Norman E. Flanders on November 19, 2008 at 9:07am

Great Post. Also great that the news channel WIVB covered this problem. A problem facing many volunteer fire departments nationwide. It's only one of a few problems with retention. The biggest one is training hours. It's hard to sell the amount of hours needed for FF1 to someone who has a family and works two jobs. Some of the modules in FF1 could be covered in house at the FF's own department with equipment the FF will be using: like First Aid/AED, Ladders and Pumps to name a few.
The hours vary from state to state as well as what is required. Somehow we need to get a national standard that is followed by all states. Yet, we must also remember not to overkill the requirements so that we don't put ourselves out of business.
It's easy to sit in an office and make the rules if you yourself don't have to live them. We all know how the government is.
Stay safe, train often and share your knowledge.

Comment by 5-15-Radio on November 19, 2008 at 1:09am

no problem

Comment by LadyChaplain on November 18, 2008 at 9:12pm

Thanks for posting this! I missed it on the news the other day.