FISH OUT OF WATER

Comment

Comment by Paul Combs on September 20, 2013 at 7:25am

Hi, Jeff: Sorry you've had a poor experience with volunteer departments, but please don't lump all volunteer departments together. I know many volunteer stations that train 5 plus hours a week and aspire to achieve their Firefighter II certification. They are well trained and motivated individuals and I would stack them against many "career" people that I know. Are there volunteer departments that are poorly trained? Of course. Are there just as many poorly trained career departments? You bet'cha. I do a lot of travel and teaching and come across a wide range of experience and expertise - from both sides of the isle. Just because someone works a 24/48 doesn't necessarily make them "well trained", or any less of a know-it-all.

My apologies if I misunderstood your comment, Jeff - I just think it's important to celebrate the dedicated volunteers along side their dedicated career brothers.

Comment by Jeff Bruehl on September 20, 2013 at 7:09am

I do not know how many times I have heard this at a volunteer department. Always by the guys who should have the most experience. I usually have them teach the next training class. Mist of the time they can't complete the class without help. This shows them that they need constant reminders (training) on things they already learned but have forgotten. Volunteers train two or three hours once or twice a month. They need to be refreshed continually to help keep skills up.

Comment by Bobby Halton on September 18, 2013 at 11:44am

I absolutely love this particular illustration! I was always amazed when I heard someone say that they knew it all. I learn something new, especially about our profession every day. Every day I am amazed at how little I really know about everything the fire service is expected to be able to perform on the fireground. Every day I'm amazed at our ability to innovate, overcome and creates solutions to problems that may have never even existed before. It has been the greatest honor of my life to be able to participate in this profession of the most selfless, compassionate and professional men and women in the world. Thanks for another great illustration and what a wonderful way to start a Wednesday.