THE OL' BALL AND CHAIN - October FE Magazine Illustration

Comment

Comment by GREGORY F. BROUGHTON on November 3, 2010 at 11:06am

WITH THE WAY OUR BUDGET USUALLY WORKS WE HAVE TO BE ADDICTED TO GRANTS. NO MONEY IS SET ASSIDE FOR EQUIPMENT UNLESS WE CAN'T GET IT ON A GRANT.

Comment by Paul Combs on November 1, 2010 at 6:24pm

I totally agree, Chief! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Comment by John K. Murphy on November 1, 2010 at 5:58pm

Paul - a great illustration. We need to cut the chain of dependency and start to look to other funding sources that may include fee for service (not subscription services), elevate fire departments from a junior taxing status to a senior taxing status like schools or roads, look at attaching our funding sources to driver license fees, home and vehicle insurances and other forms of funding. The other issues placing financial pressure of fire departments are the numerous special levies that succeed or fail on the whim of the voter. Many departments are reducing services due to a lack of funding. What if you call 911 and nobody shows up? What a sad day for the nation’s fire services and America. The feds are not the answer.