Whackers

Ok, I don't want to start any arguments here, I'm just looking to get your point of views! There are guys and gals in every dept. that are what we concider "whackers" you know who they are by their cars and belts (enough lights to eluminate a small city, and more stuff than on Batman's utility belt)
What I'm getting at is, if they have the same certs as anyone else and they follow the rules or traffic laws, in your opinion are they a help or hinderance to the company? Keep in mind before posting, I am asking for opinions, everyone is entitled to their own!

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Permalink Reply by ee779 on December 28, 2007 at 10:21pm

I like it !!!!!

Permalink Reply by ee779 on December 28, 2007 at 10:30pm

Just a side note, I started this conversation because I was called a "whacker" because I have been trying to find a good deal on a Backrack for my truck. I want to mount my vector without scratching the paint. I have 1 cert. less than our chief, and am a firm believer that training and safety gets us all home in 1 piece!

Permalink Reply by Yank2441 on December 28, 2007 at 10:53pm

In the county I am from, the fire fighters are not allowed to run any red lights in their POV's (Personally Owned Vehicles). The reasons why are simple:
1. Most of those wanting lights in their vehicle are to young and immature to handle that type of responsibility.
2. To many accidents resulting in deaths have occured due to excessive speed while responding POV's.
3. If you live within 2 miles of the station, you waste more time cutting on the light than it would have taken you to get there while driving with due regaurd!

I only see lights being used when you live more than two miles from the station.

Just my opinion.

Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on December 28, 2007 at 10:56pm

EE, just because you want to put a better light on top of your vehicle doesn't mean you're a whacker. Sounds like your brothers are trying to break your chops. Or maybe the chief is starting to feel the heat of competition?

The vector light, like so many others are designed for good 360 degree visibility. These are far better than dash lights or front-facing strobes. My thought is that the extra visibility is a huge benefit to response safety - as long as other response safety guidelines are strictly followed.

We have vehicles in my area that may be judged as belonging to whackers, by your definition. Almost all of them are solid FFs and I'd go in with, and trust my life with, any of them. The REAL whackers (as discussed in the other thread) are wannabes who always seem to have their own equipment and usually don't last too long in any one department.

Hey, if your buds need to be calibrated as to what a whacker-mobile looks like, show them the picture. I might be able to find a few more like it.

Permalink Reply by ee779 on December 29, 2007 at 1:05am

My last truck was an '88 Dakota I had the vector mounted on a roll bar I installed, But this is the first vehicle I've ever owned that is from the current decade! I'm having a hard time finding a way to mount the scanner and lightbar because I don't want to drill holes or scratch the paint. Personally, I'm a true believer that the more visable you are the less chance of getting hit, at a MVA. But, we also have to keep in mind once Mr. or Ms. cell phone user sees the pretty lights they tend to forget they're driving!

Permalink Reply by Don Smith on December 29, 2007 at 7:54am

Amen! I've seen lights turn proven, rational men into lunatics.

Permalink Reply by Don Smith on December 29, 2007 at 8:04am

So why are there so many POVs on scene in the first place?

Permalink Reply by Nikki on December 29, 2007 at 11:09am

i look at it this way, if you're heart is in it, i don't care how much stuff you have on your belt

Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on December 29, 2007 at 11:55am

Yeah; why are so many of you wanting to respond POV?
It is an unwise practice and especially if you are responding to an MVA.
Cops don't need a GAUNTLET of POVs with flashing woo woo's to direct traffic through.
If you want to bastardize your relationships with the cops, keep showing up in your POVs.
Catch your ride on something designed for it. If POVs were designed for it, GM, Ford, Dodge and the rest would be offering those options. They aren't.
Nuff said.

Permalink Reply by Firefighter Nation WebChief on December 29, 2007 at 12:28pm