[bluedivergirl]

Originally Posted by DangeloInspections

The fire department does this as a public service. Most fire apparatus do not carry a stepladder, as it is not a type of ladder they would use for their primary job....putting out a house fire.

They do carry ladders that would do the job, but because the ladder would typically touch the wall, I'm sure they must warn folks that it "might" leave a mark on the wall. My guess is that this happened once and the homeowner complained and wanted the whole room painted and paid for by the department.

As a inspector I inspect over 400 new homes in The Villages every year. I see many of these detectors blocked by big entertainment centers, desks, fake trees, etc. It is not always an easy job. I'm sure those guys would rather stay at the station, but they know it is important to help the people they serve...the last thing they want is a citizen breaking a hip or worse up on a ladder.

As to showing up with 3 personnel, they need to keep a minimum amount of staffing on the truck. What if they got a fire call during your battery installation? They need to be able to respond DIRECTLY from your home to save time and possibly lives. If YOUR home was on fire, would you want one guy to take the time to drive back to the station, get his gear, then drive to the fire to meet up with the fire truck, leaving the remaining guys short staffed to pull a line, catch the hydrant, do a search, get the pump in gear, find the seat of the fire and put it out....?

An understaffed truck is worthless. Those fireman are getting paid (and not enough mind you...) whether they are at the station training together, cleaning the truck together, responding to a call, doing much needed driver and street training, or helping you with your smoke alarm batteries.

Fire companies use this type of call to train newer guys to drive the truck, learn the streets, learn where the hydrants are, etc. It is NOT a waste.

Sending one guy in a small vehicle IS a waste and a unsafe practice.

I know this subject well, as I am a retired career firefighter, medic and former New York State EMS instructor for well over 20 years. It was a great career and I sometimes miss it. I know I made a difference, saved some lives, etc. The only bad part of the job was folks telling me I was overpaid, had it made, etc...oh well. I know you were not saying this, and forgive me if I sound a tad defensive. As we get older, the chance of needing these guys increases everyday.....my hat goes off to them.

I hope I did not offend. Just wanted to give another perspective. These guys are one of the many reasons we are so blessed....

Frank (formerly IAFF Local 896)

Amen! That is just one of many reasons we chose to buy here. Those guys have a top-notch rating. A little security blanket for the coming years.