So over the weekend some noise was put out online, bashing the volunteer firefighters efforts in Beulah and Molino.
I must admit that when I saw the "stats" I was shocked, and I knew there must be an explanation, and of course there is/was one.
"Jeff, that's a bunch of wordsmithing and data manipulation that's being put out" said a volunteer firefighter I contacted who always gives me good information, solid information that I have never found fault with.
"Look at the way he worded it--he talks about "engine by category"--and if you calculate it only that way, the numbers missed look bad"
"But we don't take the engine to every brush fire-we take the brush truck very frequently when we respond" he continued. "If Ensley gets to a structure fire first, they might call us off and tell us to bring the pumper truck, NOT the engine--so this would skew that number" he related.
"And we don't run the engine on every sick call and public assist call we get, often we respond in our trucks or take the brush truck--but we'll always have 3-4 personnel there--so the way they have sorted this is misleading.
"It's all in the way the data is being sorted to make us look bad" said the volunteer dryly.
The volunteer coordinator jumped into the string to dispel some of the misinformation, and did so with class and professionalism. "Just pick up the phone and call if you want information" was his message to the person who put this information online.
I asked the simple question of a Beulah volunteer: "Why deliberately skew the numbers, why throw the volunteer firefighters under the bus--I thought it was one force, one fight? I thought you all were trying really hard to integrate as one team?"
"This is the same stuff we've been dealing with for 10 years Jeff--nothing has changed" came the terse response from the volunteer.
This infighting has to stop.
11 comments:
union propaganda at it again. like what do they expect?-- people have to be responsible for themselves to a point. government fire fighting is to stop the SPREAD. if some one cooks meth, smokes in bed, leaves hot grease on a stove, has faulty wiring...well actions have consequences.
They have an agenda to grow career positions and their power INTERNATIONAL fire union.
Thanks for calling out BS
Bergosh 2020
As a concerned citizen from District 5 I would like to ask you a few questions because it appears that you are only getting information from one side.
Have you verified the information with the Fire Chief of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Mr. Paul Williams. I’m sure you’re aware the Beulah Fire Department doesn’t really exist and they are just a station within ECFR, and they answer to Chief Williams. If you want to prove this is union propaganda and “word smithing" then please provide us with some information from the one person you pay to be responsible for running the organization, not just someone from the rank-and-file.
My understanding from reading the post is that the information that the union is just pointing a response issue and not “bashing” volunteers. Not once did I read the volunteers are horrible people or that the paid guys don’t want to work with them. I just see the issue being pointed out is that ECFR is understaffed, and severely underfunded, and volunteer response is not adequate. The public pays for fire protection and it should be received equally across the county. After all, we are only taking about pennies per day.
Jeff
You are highly misinformed. Get the numbers yourself and you will see you have been misguided
And you are skewing the numbers right in front of you when you asked the question “how many would be in favor of an increase in the fire MSBU”. You stated 50%. Need to look at the video and redo your “misguided” numbers!
How will you explain to Navy Ferderal that theres is only a 50% chance of fire response to their multi million dollar facility?
Good thing you still have the OLF8 up your sleeve to sell them once a major fire burns down their current spot. But I'm sure those proven numbers are just "wordsmithing."
Bergosh, Ive lived in Beulah for over 15 years and Im wondering if you will take sole responsibility for the life of my children if our house catches on fire and they’re trapped and volunteers don’t get out or in a timely fashion to save them. I just want to know if you’re willing to take responsibility for every citizens life in Beulah and Molino on your back.
According to your meeting last night, you would rather save money than lives? There has never been a push for ALL career. Even the union stated on their posts that ECFR will always be a combination department. yet, you are supporting a failing cause. What more statistics are needed to show little to no response from districts?
Your pointed questions about volunteers and career fireifghters in last night's town hall show your clear bias. Public safety is the #1 priority for government officials. It doesnt seem to be yours. Look at the facts and numbers not emotions and votes.
July 8:53
wow sounds like you are the kind of ignant a public servant has to deal with. He a public legislator not a god or daddy. You are responsible for your own self and children.
I live in your district where there is about to be a 300 home subdivision. My neighbors and I are glad you take public safety so lightly. From a resident in the Bridlewood subdivision!! I know you won’t comment or give residents here reassurance that I will in fact receive fire services in an expedited manor if needed!!
Volunteer/Career firefighters have been disagreeing and causing problems with one another for a decade or more. Nothing ever changes! SSDD! Like a bunch of 5 yr olds in the sandbox who can’t get along. That will never change. Fire will always have problems you could bet on that! Call it idiocy.
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