Baltimore FD To Sell Ad Space On Trucks After Budget Shortfall

[peterose313 345]

Baltimore will allow the sale of ad space on fire trucks under a plan approved on Monday to help raise funds to keep three fire department companies from closing next month in the fiscally ailing city.

Councilman William "Pete" Welch, who introduced the measure that was approved by city council legislators, said advertising revenue could open up various financing options, such as using the money as collateral for loans.

"We're doing everything we can to save these three companies," said Welch, adding that a firm that runs two local hospitals has expressed interest in running ads.

Budget cuts in Baltimore, which faces an estimated $48 million shortfall, include closing three of the city's 36 engine companies and 19 ladder companies that operate out of 40 neighborhood fire stations.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/04/baltimore-fire-department-ads_n_1569583.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing7%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D167111

[dadbo46 50]

Exterior ads on buses and taxis are OK. But, I'm not sure that I want a motorist reading an ad on the side of a fire truck while the apparatus has lights and sirens blaring while it is rushing to a call. You want ads on fire apparatus when it is performing inspection duties or is on the way to the shop ? That's OK. But not while in emergency service.

[x129K 1,393]

Soon they will replace "first due" with "pole position".............

...but if it saves jobs....go for it.

[SECTMB 612]

It should go without saying that it is a primary concern to keep the companies open. And, I suppose having some sort of advertisement from a Hospital or health care provider could be done tastefully. But if it works, how long before we have condom, tampon or hemorrhoid ads on apparatus, chief's cars and police cars.

How about ads for a funeral home or cemetery on the ambulances?

Bottom line, it takes away from the professional image that so many work so hard and risk their lives to further and sustain.

Really, isn't there so much fraud, abuse and waste in any municipal budget that they can't find the money or have enough principles to stand up for the priority services the City needs?

[newsbuff 286]

SECTMB,

We could b**** and complain about the wasteful government spending day and night until we all are pushing up daisies, but the fact is that it isn't going to change.

Like it was said above, if it keeps apparatus on the road, and brothers employed, do what you gotta do.