gamewell45

I think the passage of this bill was the right thing to do. Remember those who did not support this bill at election time.

It says you have to be a member of facebook to get onto the page. Any other alternative methods of RSVP'ing?

Im just guessing, but perhaps the DA's office felt that the case might not have been as strong as they would have hoped? Perhaps not enough evidence to make a strong enough case?

Send him to your department.

May the good Lord watch over the fallen Brothers and their families.

:angry: Another black eye for the fire service.

Virgina is also a right-to-work (right-to-starve) state. As such people make much less then their unionized counterparts in most jobs. Those shops in Virgina who happen to be union represented are packed with freeloaders (non-members) who don't have to join the union, but get the benefits of it even though you paid dues and they didn't. Yes, the costs are cheaper then living in Westchester, but at what cost?

One important thing which should be added to the list: classroom training for people/social skills. Someone who is well versed in firematics can, at times, be completely useless as a command officer if he/she has no people skills and i'm sure all of us at one time or another have run into officers who were excellent when it came to their firematics, but kept people away from the fire house because they didn't know how to properly deal with people. Just a thought.

Agreed, tho even in appointed positions politics and patronism is rampant in various agencies whether volunteer or career.

Whether we want to admit it or not, public service has always been repleat with politics no matter if its volunteer or career. Anyone who denies this isn't being honest with themselves.

Its not just in Lawrence where this is happening, but also in other Mass Departments where they are conducting layoffs due to lack of monies to pay the firefighters. As with Lawrence, other departments in similiar situations, their unions are being portrayed by the public as the bad guy in this. Tough times are ahead for the fire service.

President Obama has signed off on a bill which will assist states in funding teachers, police and fire fighters. It is hoped that this bill will help to prevent layoffs that were anticipated. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38644388/ns/politics-capitol_hill/

It'll continue too, until it finally reaches SCOTUS who'll decide once and for all.

I would concur with you regarding that.

I'd offer the opinon that, no matter what, any fire creates a safety issue for the public at large. Anything that's burning creates a safey and health issue for the public at large because the fire is releasing by-products into the air which could contain heavy metals, carcinogens, etc. Based on the above, I think an argument could be made that it's justifiable to enter the property and extinguish the fire. Just a thought.

No problem; just thought it would help to clarify for those who are unfamililar with labor law.

Actually you don't have to "F-up" at your job; in New York, unless your union or civil service, your employment is strictly at the pleasure of the employer. Of course, you have the right ot resign anytime you want as well. The only protection non-union workers have is under Title VII.

The city most likely realized that their chances of having the suit thrown out in a court of law was unlikely and rather risk trial and paying a lot more money, it was prudent to settle out of court.

Calm down. There's nothing to be gained by attacking each other.

It was an old Onan gasoline powered 5k(?) generator. You couldn't use too many electrical appliances otherwise it would overload the electrical system, but it was better then nothing.

We were in the process of backing engine 90 into Hays Hose Company quarters when the lights went out; the fire horn blew once and lights went out simultaneously. Someone went and started up the generator and we ended up being on that until early the next morning.

Ok just how do you propose that we come up with the money to pay for every single fire department to go fully paid? I don't know where you've been, but we happen to be in the middle of a nasty recession; fire, police and public works departments across the country are laying off employees. Why? because of a combination of incompetence and the fact that there's no money! If you hate the vollie system and can't stand vollies, then why are you a vollie in the first place?? Your uncharitable remarks are also uncalled for and stereotyping which show's complete ignorance on your part. Sounds to me like your trying to kiss up to the career guys and thats fine; kissing their butts isn't going to get you hired on to a career FD or EMS; either way you'll still have to take the exam and pass it if you hope to join their ranks.

Since I wasn't there I won't criticize one way or another; but some key words come into play here. "Propane tank" comes to mind; what was the size of the tank?. What size was the garage? how many bays? one, two, three or more? Construction type of building? Exposures? There's alot of "what if's" present. What if the guy was a member for six months? Maybe he was a 20 year member at another department or a retired career guy before he joined this department. When it comes down to it, its really tough to make any judgement either pro or con until you have more facts.

Much better; thanks.

Your post is difficult to understand due to all the spelling errors/typo's. As a suggestion, try using spell check before you post.