Originally Posted by DigitalGranny (Post 1113827)

My kids are firefighters and they do stay together as a crew with their truck for the reasons mentioned. Sometimes, they have to abandon the groceries they are purchasing for their own dinner and respond to a call. Most of our local grocers will push their cart into the walk in cooler until they can return for it. Thanks to every firefighter and paramedic who shows up quickly whenever we call to help us!

Originally Posted by slipcovers (Post 1113897)

I am a snowbird but I would like to give my experience. About a month ago, I heard a loud bang and immediately looked around my house. Went to the front door and smelled smoke, ran out and up the driveway. At that point I could see that a SUV had hit a tree, head on, in front of my neighbors house. I ran down and the neighbors son, home on collage brake, was trying to get the driver out of the SUV which was on fire. I was trying to help but is was not easy with all the smoke ,seat belt on and air bag deployed. The vehicle was full of smoke but we managed to get her out with help of a few others that stopped. All this happened less than 300 yds from a fire station, manned with 2 huge trucks and 2 men. So, where were they??? A week later I read in the paper, the log report. They were out on a call because someone was locked out of their house. Does this make sense? A fire truck to change batteries? Also, what is the financial cost when the schools are a disgrace.

Originally Posted by festusrules (Post 1113562)

I had heard that they would replace batteries in Smoke Detectors. Having high ceilings and a too short ladder, I took advantage of their service last fall.

Was told they would replace them if I was home and had the new batteries available. They arrived in a full size fire truck, with 3 firemen. They looked at the locations of the detectors and asked if I had a ladder. I told them that my ladder was too short for me to safely reach the detectors (that is why I asked them to do it). They advised me that their ladder might cause damage to my walls (apparently my guess that they would come out with an 8' step ladder was incorrect). I noticed that one of the firemen was 6" taller than me and would be able to do the replacement with my ladder. And he did.

I am telling this story not as a complaint about the firemen. They were pleasant and helpful. My surprise was/is that the Fire Dept sent a large vehicle and 3 guys to a job which could have been done by 1 guy and an 8' step ladder. With all the assets and investments made in TV, I still find it hard to believe that they lack the simple tools to efficiently provide a very useful service.

Edited 9/18/2015

If TV wants to provide services such as changing batteries and lightbulbs in high ceilings do not use firemen and their trucks/ladders to do it. Staff 2 or 3 people with cheap vehicles and 8 ft ladders to handle these tasks. If necessary, charge users a fee Of $10 (approx). I would gladly pay for such a service.


Got to be lots of others who have had this experience.

Originally Posted by LittleDog (Post 1116185)

I didn't read all the posts on this thread and hope this wasn't mentioned previously. I have been in my house for over 10 years and people have said you should replace smoke and co2 detectors after 10 years. I have 3 that I cannot reach. Would the firemen replace the detectors or just change batteries?

John

Originally Posted by festusrules (Post 1113562)

Edited 9/18/2015 If TV wants to provide services such as changing batteries and lightbulbs in high ceilings do not use firemen and their trucks/ladders to do it. Staff 2 or 3 people with cheap vehicles and 8 ft ladders to handle these tasks. If necessary, charge users a fee Of $10.

Originally Posted by downeaster (Post 1116190)

That unit was on call whether sitting at the fire station, having lunch, buying groceries or parked in front of her house. It is my understanding these crews are on for extended time. During this time they cook their own meals so that would require buying groceries.

Originally Posted by Barefoot (Post 1116198)

Originally Posted by slipcovers (Post 1113902)

Buying groceries while on duty???? WOW

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1116207)

This is the way fire departments all over the country work. It's obviously been decided that this is the best way to respond to emergencies in the quickest manner. Some cities have a mandatory number of responders that must go out on each call. Sending one man to the grocery store for food (that they need so they can be on call while eating) can render the department under the minimum, making it unable to answer a call.

One google search will bring up the facts you want to know about fire departments.

Originally Posted by festusrules (Post 1117043)

I did several searches, with none providing answers. Can you provide a search to get the FACTS ?

Originally Posted by festusrules (Post 1117043)

I did several searches, with none providing answers. Can you provide a search to get the FACTS ?