ann11682

Ability to do the job should stand above gender. Different standards for men and women are ridiculous. If you can do it, you can do it. If you can't, you can't.

I'd rather have that 120 pound woman than some of the 300+ pound guys I've seen on both career and volunteer departments.
But ideally, I'd rather have anyone that was mentally and physically capable of the job, regardless of whether they were female or not.
More to the point of the article, the idea that a sexist prank should cause us to recruit more females makes no sense. I've seen some females that can bust chops better than anyone and some that take it WAY beyond the scope. Its about having some respect and decency and understanding where the line stands.

In the early morning of Monday January 7th 2013, Arlington was dispatched to 48 Raymond Ave for smoke in the Building. Units arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the duct work of the first floor business. Firefighters made entry to find a fire in the kitchen. Fire had also extended to the attached apartment building in the rear. Arlington had gotten reports of a resident in the apartments was trapped and could not exit the structure. While firefighters were locating and trying to put out the fire on the first floor, Firefighter Joe Tarquinio Jr. went to the rear of the building and made entry to the second floor to search. The rear door had to be forced open. He then made his way down the hallway in zero visibility and in deteriorating conditions, and found an unconscious male. He then radioed command and told 32-9 that he needed help getting the victim out. At that time Firefighter Bill Tompkins Jr. made his way to the 2nd floor to assist. The pair were able to get the male occupant out with some difficulty, as conditions were getting a lot worse. While this rescue was being made, other Arlington Firefighters were chasing fire through out the structure. Mutual Aid was received from the City of Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley, Roosevelt, Lagrange and New Hamburg Fire Departments. The fire is under investigation by the Arlington Fire District. Congratulations Group 4, JOB WELL DONE!