ddouble

Just as a side note, about 10 % of JetBlues entire staff are retired police officers and firefighters.
 
 I flew JetBlue about a year or so ago. The entire airplane was entertained by a male airline stewart. I thought to myself this guy belongs in the kitchen of a firehouse with his class act. I told him I was a retired firefighter and said that jokingly to him. He got me aside as I was leaving and told me "he is a retired firefighter from New York City". Great guy and the passengers loved him. Best flight I was ever on.
 
 More recently, a very close good friend of mine, a battalion chief I know, is retiring from the FD to begin his training with JetBlue as a new employee. For me, it's nice to know that we have these kind of people up there in the air with us. I am confident in their ability to perform their duties. And don't forget, those chosen for the job compete against everybody from throughout the country. Not an easy job to get.

ok, Maybe in the writers area or mind the fire service is alive and vibrant. From what I see, the fire service is in deep trouble. Volunteer membership is declining, career depts. are being cut to the bone, or are stagnant.
I believe todays firefighters are much better trained, and are more dedicated than previous generations. But there are not enough of them to fill the voids, at least in our area. Due to the increase in call volume, training, state and federal mandates, the fire service is finding itself hard pressed to keep up with todays conditions. We have too many Commissioners, Chiefs, and elected individuals, who are more worried about money and votes than fixing a broken system. A house fire today requires mutual aid. when there was more members in the dept. there was pride in taking care of your own business.
State and federal mandates, Bailout systems, 2 in 2 out, fast, NFPA, have been enacted to create a safer fire ground, But no more ff's to do the job. The patch on your uniform says XYZ fire dept, yet the truth is XYZ plus 5 surrounding depts. is what is needed for your average house fire. The writer doesn't like the bashing, but what is actually being bashed? the truth? The public is fed up with high taxes. Police depts. are consolidating, At some point, somehow the laws will have to change to allow fire depts. to do the same. Then and only then, at least in this area, will fd's be as alive and vibrant as the writer states.
This is just my opinion, let the bashing begin lol.