The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
ADA and Firefighters
I was wondering how people felt about recruits who are disabled going through academy? What is your opinion on this? We have a recruit with uses a handicap placard whenever he goes someplace, even to the station. He is very overweight, I would like to say grossly. I do not know the reason for his acceptance except maybe to satisfy a portion of the American with Disabilities Act. That way no discrimination is show? Or to prove a point that maybe he should not have joined? I don't know the full reasoning so this is only my viewpoint.
How do other stations handle applications from those with handicaps?
I know that the three out stations that I drill with do not feel comfortable being on a call with this person cause if poop hit the fan we do not trust that he would be able to perform. If he is on a call with me do I as a probie have the right to tell my commanding officer that I do not feel safe in this persons hands or trust his abilities?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
-
where the hell did all that come from...? I have the same training as many Career Departments...DON'T go and start another paid vs Volunteer fight...that is totally bullshit and I get sick of reading it. We both fill a need for our communities...enough said. If you are one of those that can't get out of your own way...then stay in the Firehouse...you are going to get yourself hurt...or worse..you will get me hurt. Go play with the Auxillary or something.
-
Permalink Reply by Gary Stevenson on
-
There are many reasons why a person volunteers and the social aspect of it is one of them... as is why I am here in this 'social' setting. :)
In a nutshell, the socializing comes after all the necessary training and other things are met in order to meet the mission of your department.
Some departments choose to do only exterior operations because of funding, equipment, training, or a combination of these and many other things. Because of these things, they can't "do it all". There is nothing wrong with this. Just state it as such and if someone doesn't understand then so be it. (Not you) I have heard from many volunteers who use the excuse (serious or not), "I am just a volunteer. What are they going to do, fire me?" This is a disservice to all volunteers. Most of us paid people began as volunteers and thus have a healthy respect for them. We've all gotten up at 0400 for the call, whether paid or not.
Offense, defense, special teams, whatever... we are all on the same team. The Super Bowl we're striving for is for every one of us returning home the same way we left and staying healthy so that we enjoy the social security checks we start receiving when we turn 75. :)
-
Permalink Reply by Patti Walz on
-
In my department vollies can and do get fired. We are held to the same standards as the paid.
-
-
So would it be wrong for a fire department to tell someone OK take the class but your certification depends on you passing the FFI standards?
-
-
75??? I thoguht the gov pushed it up to 77......
-
-
Oh, I didn't watch the noon news. :)
-
Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
-
Stephanie,
You're just being disingenuous now. Only a fool would think that a FF down in cardiac arrest, or one trapped or out of air is not a firefighter. In fact it's foolish of you to have even said it. I was very clear when I stated that if you can not perform an order, you're not a firefighter. Believing that you can choose not to follow an order for any reason other than a clear, definable safety issue (like the floor is soggy), or that it's a task too difficult for you means that you are NOT a firefighter. At best, you're a hobbyist.
Sure, I could be ordered to make entry and then have to tell my Lt. that I can't do it. I'm not refusing to follow orders, I'm simply stating a fact. Now WHY I can't do it becomes the issue. You're confusing refusing to comply with not being able to complete the order (and fear or lack of ability does NOT count here). There may be steel bars across the door and I need the K 12.
Where did I say that fear was an acceptable reason? Don't twist my words around. And for you to assume that fear would be an acceptable reason in my career is....well, foolish.
Don't be so sure about not being able to be kicked out of a VFD. You seem to have gotten the idea that because you volunteered to join that you are unfireable. Not so. Refusing an order because you have personal reasons for not complying may not be the end-all-be-all you seem to think it is.
"..."vollies" can be almost any joe schmo that passed fire one. Therein lies the problem and root cause of many of these discussions, not the least of which is this present one. Letting joe schmo join should be predicated on his abilities to perform all fireground tasks, not just his desire to join a social group. And I'm sure your fellow FF's will be happy to read that you don't think you have "...a reliable group of people to trust..." your life with.
-
Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
-
Where did I say anything about just being paid FF's? Point is that a volunteer dept can be professional in standards as well and don't have to resort to "taking what you can get" type of thing. The is, or should be, a job description in place for a reason. Either you can perfrom the tasks involved or not.
-
-
could be the rumor..... by the time I am ready to retire they may bump it to 90.....
-
-
So would it be wrong for a fire department to tell someone OK take the class but your certification depends on you passing the FFI standards?
No. Many places have a stipulation for employment, this would be no different.
-
-
Not at all. A person has to successfully complete FFI in order to become a firefighter. But since the department (or even the county or state) bears the cost of sending that candidate to recruit class it is in their own best interest not to be sending people that clearly will not pass. Huffing and puffing from walking across the room is a clear indication that this person would not be able to complete the training.
-
-
So Jack have you ever had to deal/face any of these issues in your career?
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
