Jay Lowry's Blog – October 2008 Archive (2)

• The emphasis on "truck work" is picking up speed in certain areas whilst in others it is treated with contempt. How is it possible to view truck work with disdain?
• Working out at the gym with other firefighters led to a discussion about people who are obese but doing nothing to address it. Their goal, it is surmised, is to make rank quickly with hopes of never having to pull their weight.
• Failure on the fireground can often be traced to the training…

The dernier cri of politicians is now "the economy is killing our town, city, state." Whilst true in many cases it is an old statement, used far too often during the past three decades. Our economy is in poor shape but we can't allow it to destroy public safety.

From Atlanta to Phoenix the cuts in staffing, closing of stations, and other "proactive budgetary moves" are leaving tremendous gaps in protection. This isn't acceptable even within the framework of a larger, dismal economic…