The Change

This year will mark an era to remember for the firefighters of Indianapolis, the 150th Anniversary. Even before November 14th 1859, the Men, and later also Women, of the Indianapolis Fire Department were setting the stage of what is now known as "The Greatest Job in the World". They set the stage of proud Traditions, Memories and how the general public views the Heroic Firefighter of today. Throughout the history of IFD you can see the brotherhood, hear the stories and see the pictures of what we all had in mind to be a part of. It was Pride, Courage, Honor and Tradition that held these heros of yesterday together. The outside the firehouse bond was unbreakable and the Union Hall was always full.

My discussion on "The Change" to you all is why is it our Union Halls have become empty on meeting days? Why is it when we celebrate such a land mark such as the 150th Anniversary, we have no participation or brotherhood from within? Why is it when a decision is made no ne stands up to make the change for the street firefighter, giving moral of the whole department a black eye?

I wanted to open this up because I feel it is important to the future of the fire service in general, and I know its not just my department, I have heard it from many others as well. Is it the change in laws, procedures, pay, administartion or the thumb of big brother? Please let me know if you have had this issue and if so did you get it resolved and how.