DECEMBER MAGAZINE EDITORIAL CARTOON

Comment

Comment by Paul Combs on December 19, 2011 at 7:54am

Thanks, Chief!!

Comment by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on December 17, 2011 at 5:41pm

Yes; with regards to seatbelt compliance on ALL fire departments...

Many are STILL living in the Stone Age.

Great as always, Paul.

A drawing is worth a thousand words and your's are worth a million!

Comment by John K. Murphy on December 13, 2011 at 1:26pm

Ron - great idea.

Comment by Ron Ayotte on December 13, 2011 at 1:20pm

The last time I had this conversation with my personnel,  I asked them to take out their wallets and look at the pictures of their wives, lovers, significant others, children and grandchildren... and told them that they are not wearing the seatbelts in the rigs for me... that they should be wearing it for THEM. That had more of an impact than me quoting the City's seatbelt policy ( which has been in place since the mid 1980's)

Comment by John K. Murphy on December 13, 2011 at 10:22am

In my department, by POLICY, the apparatus would not move until all of the firefighters were seat belted in. It was the individual’s responsibility to comply with the Policy and the Officer to enforce. Yes, I have seen our apparatus responding with firefighters standing in the crew cab putting on their bunker clothing. A "gentle" reminder from the trailing Deputy Chief in his department vehicle over the radio had immediate effect. Yes there was follow-up with a discipline write up and counseling. Unfortunately as part of the discipline process the excuse is always, "But Chief" we've never had an accident. I always say, “it’s when, not if we have an incident” and I don’t want to see you injured or killed. What will I tell your spouse and children? That usually silences the “but Chief” response. We also impart that "buckle up" policy in house and the State of WA has an active "Click it or Ticket" law on the books as a primary driving infraction.

 

Paul, as usual, a great illustration with a strong message. Merry Christmas to you and yours and be safe.

Comment by Paul Combs on December 13, 2011 at 9:13am

Dennis: I think it's more a sense of complacency and the false attitude of "it's the way we've always done it" that keeps reoccurring. Until we have a change in attitude within the firehouse culture, we will continue to have accidents where seat-belts are not used (apparatus and POVs). Everyone wants to go home, but we are at times our own worst enemy!

Thanks for your input!

Comment by Dennis Weidler on December 13, 2011 at 9:07am

EXCELLENT!  The guys shouldn't have to come around.  Don't they want to go home in one piece and see their loved ones!  Stay safe!

Comment by Mike France on December 13, 2011 at 8:45am

Mandatory In the department, even I wear it in the Chiefs Vehicle , The guys are coming around.