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Firefighters who smoke, dip or chew... thoughts?
a little unsure of where to post this, sorry if it in the wrong spot...
Im not going to lie most of the people in in station (juniors, firefighters, everyone) use some form of tobacco on a daily basis. Honestly i thought this was simply the norm until we visited another junior firefighter post and found out they get kicked off for using tobacco products. I really want to hear your thoughts on firefighters and juniors who use tobacco products as well as what rules your station has for both firefighters and junior firefighters who use tobacco products. My station really doesn't care, the only real rule is you have to take your dip out/put your smoke out during our meetings/trainings and this is only for safety. Thank you for your help!! stay safe
Im not going to lie most of the people in in station (juniors, firefighters, everyone) use some form of tobacco on a daily basis. Honestly i thought this was simply the norm until we visited another junior firefighter post and found out they get kicked off for using tobacco products. I really want to hear your thoughts on firefighters and juniors who use tobacco products as well as what rules your station has for both firefighters and junior firefighters who use tobacco products. My station really doesn't care, the only real rule is you have to take your dip out/put your smoke out during our meetings/trainings and this is only for safety. Thank you for your help!! stay safe
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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As long as their right to do it doesn't interfere with someone else's rights, I don't see a problem.
However; in some states, it is illegal to smoke in public places. Many places have no TOBACCO use rules, which takes in the smokeless tobaccos.
People who don't respect the property or won't clean up after themselves should definitely lose the privilege.
I don't know that I agree with legislating against someone's personal choices, but it should fit inside a lawful framework. Juniors need to follow the law and be old enough to purchase it.
As far as setting an example goes; well, that's where their mom and dad would have the most influence. If they didn't do anything to influence the child's behaviors then the only way we can is to again "legislate" it.
Smoking killed my dad. It gave my mom emphysema. It cost my uncle his voice box. So, I am not a cigarette smoker. I partake in loose leaf tobacco occasionally, but I'm in the right setting with like minded people and there is no mess when we leave.
Spit containers should be properly disposed of and we should never spit where others dare to tread.
TCSS.
Art
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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on
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Charles Barkley (from the Phoenix Sun NBA team) once said something in an interview that I will never forget.
When he was asked by a reporter what he though about being a role model for so many people, he scoffed at the question and came up with this line.
"I'm not a role model. Parents are role models."
If this doesn't sum it up as Art has mentioned above, nothing does. It all starts at home and the way you learn from your parents and family.
I also think that again as long as the people who smoke and or dip/chew do it without causing issues and are of legal age (18) than who are we to violate their rights? Most people who draft legislation on tobacco are people whom don't use it. The taxes from smoking/tobacco products is a billion dollar a year + revenue generator. It's not like the old days, the risks are well known and reminders come often. I am NOT for violating ANYONE's rights so long as what they do is kept clean and discreet.
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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on
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Sorry fellow Texans. I live in TX and the stain is only on my side.
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JB don't give up now, there's more quitt'n in ya.
Kids, don't try this at home! TCSS
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Permalink Reply by Spanner 122 on
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How is it violating someone's rights to ask them to sign a contract that they will not smoke. They still have rights and still have a choice. They can go work for another department. Smoking puts you at a HUGE risk in the fire service, not only to yourself, but to your crew and/or your RIT team. Last night we sent a firefighter to hospital with chest pains and inability to breathe after pulling a ceiling... career smoker. Not worth it. I think its responsible for a department to try to take care of it's members.
Legislation here in Ontario prohibits smoking inside public places, that's not infringing on rights, but it is still taking away someone's choice to smoke where they want. There is also legislation in two provinces against smoking in your own car minors are present to protect them from your "choice".
Sure, lots of tax dollars, but here in Canada, our tax dollars are also highly burdended by smokers with our Health Care. One of the biggest drains on our health care system is smoking related illnesses. It's painful to know someone's choice is costing many millions every year (The direct and indirect components of smoking-related costs are estimated and the total cost in Ontario is US$2.91 billion.... wow). I can understand how it's seen differently in the states where the tax dollars are used for something other than paying for medical bills).
Can you tell I have strong feelings on this... lol... we always go on and on about preventable deaths in the fire service.... this expands into preventable deaths... period.
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Woa woa woa. First off smoking in public places of business is banned here. I am all for that. Smoking with your kids in the car, or ANYBODY who doesn't smoke in the car with you is not being responsible, nor is it right. I think all states should draft legislation to protect the children. Thats not violating anyones rights in my eyes, thats acting upon a problem. I think if someone is going to smoke and there is no policy in place in the department saying NO smoking than they should be allowed to carry on in a discreet place and ensure they clean up their own mess.
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So, I'm confused then.... what rights are being violated? What has been brought up to prompt you and Art to bring it up? Sorry, big fire last night...no sleep... did I miss something?
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In my opinion, I feel that in the US when they make a law which takes away a persons freedom of choice (or takes away a right as defined by law) it opens the flood gates for more legislation which could also take more rights away from the people in differant situations. Art's more into politics than I am, maybe he could explain it a little better.
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I can't reply to your last comment, i guess the thread is too long. So, you're saying its not okay to take away choice,but its okay to say you can't smoke in common areas or in cars. That is taking away personal choice according to Smoker's rights advocates (there was a group here for a while, it didn't last long).
I agree, taking away someone's right to choice isn't the way, but where does it become an infringement on someone else's rights? Money talks unfortunately, my right to clean air is not as important as another's right to smoke sadly in some areas.
I was just confused as to what was brought up that actually suggestted rights were being violated. What about the rights of those being affected by the smoke, or the smokers and those paying for the trail of bills smokers can leave behind (sorry smokers). There are also laws in place that say you cannot do something to yourself willfully that will cause serious injury or death. What is smoking if it's not a slow suicide? I know some smokers who live a long life, I know more who have died far too young.
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I can't reply to the drinking post... Alcohol in excess can cause serious adverse health issues, such as pancreatitis or liver failure, etc... BUT booze in moderation, red wine, some spirits, has been proven to actually be good for you. Red wine in particular for it's cancer fighting flavanoids and free radical fighters. Moderate smoking has still been proven to cause illness.
People will have their opinions, I tend to agree with what keeps the majority of people safe or healthy. I'm not going to go on and on about this in an effort to change anyone's mind, it's simply one person's opinion. i'll live by it, you can live by what you wish..
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