Elections, or poularity contests?

[EFFDCO4 0]

Every department has tradition; that goes without saying. Is it a popularity contest at times, yes. However, whether or not an officer is qualified, post election, is where the rubber meets the road. In my fire district company elected officers and assistant chiefs must deal with the wrath of the district chiefs and commissioners who are elected by the public. If you are not cutting it, you're basically run out. We have very strict SOG's in our district, followed to the letter, from top down. No, we are not perfect, but we do run a pretty tight ship and, like him or not, everyone respects, listens and learns from the commanding officer.