Comments on: Century Fire’s Engine 519 Crews Creates New Web Site

By: just another guy

just another guy — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:34:21 +0000

its been changed sorry for the confusion

By: Chuck Sansom

Chuck Sansom — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:39:04 +0000

Shaun, what you’ve got to understand is that most paid departments love to have the assistance of well trained volunteers no matter what the IAFF or local union may say. I’m sure the guys at 5 did’nt put that up to ruffle anyone’s feathers. My department has cut minimum manning from 34 to 28 men per shift ( strictly enforced) and that for a city of 58,000 people so we have revamped our mutual aid agreement with volunteer departments that respond to our grey areas, and again, the help is greatly appreciated as long as they are well trained. I have enough trouble keeping myself safe and have the scars to prove it. Thanks shaun, for your dedication we need more like you.

By: Shaun

Shaun — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:13:46 +0000

Hey Chuck. That comment wasnt directed towards all career fireman. What it is directed to is the slur that they placed on their website, meaning Engine 519. And with all due respect sir I am away from my families all day and still get up at 2am to go help a total stranger, its called dedication. The website which this article pertains to, shouldnt have posted that the way they did. Also the call load at Century is not near as many as what many other Career stations are and you should know that. I am in no way trying to “knock” all career firefighters, I should have made that more clearer in my previous post. I appreciate most of you guys greatly and totally respect some of you. All I was trying to say is if they should have shown a little more profesionalism and said that the volunteers respond after 4 and on weekends instead of assisting. Stay safe!

By: Chuck Sansom

Chuck Sansom — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Shaun, just a little insight on why you don’t see paid guys after hours. Most of us are stuck at the truckhouse for 24 hours per shift away from our families and homes. When you add eight to ten runs at all hours of day or night we pretty much get our fill of it on duty. Not taking anything away from our volunteers, I love all of them and incidently I started out as a volunteer with Century. Personally, in these days of high gas prices and no jobs anywhere I don’t see how the volunteers still get up at two in the morning to help a total stranger, but they do, and I am proud of them for it. Equally ,don’t knock us for not turning out with you. Thanks

By: Citizen

Citizen — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:20:05 +0000

I really like how they put Volunteers “Assist” after 4 and on the weekends. If a career fireman is not getting paid which is from 7 to 4 weekdays, then you will not see him.