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I think that I am right, but my failing memory sometimes lets me down, but when my kids were small, I remembered the first week in October as being Fire Prevention Week where some of the departments would host an open house, parades, cook outs, Bean Day, Chili Cooks and a host of activities for the community.

Here in the Shoals, I am not aware of any activities to promote this. Is anyone aware of any events scheduled in the Shoals to promote this and the great job preformed by our local departments, the firefighters and medical responders?
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I have been places where the FD goes around and replaces smoke alarm battery's. That would be a nice switch instead of the strong arm tactic used by the Killen Fire Department once a year. I cant believe that they actually go door to door collecting money with their portrait scam. Should be outlawed. If I need them, my insurance company will do my donating!
quote:
Originally posted by pintsize:
Heub, keep in mind the term "volunteer". These volunteer fire departments don't get the funding that the large municipalities do. They have to get their additional funding somehow.


Why not just go up on their rates when they are used? They want me to pay every year but I may only use them once in a lifetime.
quote:
Originally posted by dkn:
Maybe your insurance agent will come and pull you out of your burning house. Maybe he/she will cut open your car and get you out of it after a wreck. Maybe you should just call them instead of 911.


I tell you when I will make a call, it will be when I see the dodge truck driving dude with a volunteer FF tag throwing Mt Dew cans out on lingerlost road (again). If they cant get the money from the state or from the customers (when services are used) then something needs to change. I dont drop a check off at Foodland just because I might want groceries the next week, Or pay a mechanic for future work to my vehicle. Why should this be any different. If you use the service you should pay, if you dont then the normal funding should be enough to keep the lights on at the fire station.
Thanks to all the Fire Department Supporters that understand the fire service, volunteer or not, is a service you hope to never use. But it is necessary to fund these services for the people that have those unforseen accidents. It is a shame that one person can be so lost to the reason we pay for fire protection. It is truly a shame that they think $50 a year is a waste of his/her money.. when in fact is is the cheapest form of life insurance you can pay for. When the day comes, and it will, that this person or his family needs the fire service he/she will then understand why it is so important to fund these services. Yes I am a volunteer firefighter, and I am also a paid firefighter. As a volunteer I have put MY life on the line to protect a strangers property and search for missing family members. I have had many close calls... falling through weakened floors or attics, had debris falling on my head, had flammible liquids and gases exploding around me while I crawl through these strange surroundings. Unfortunately yes there are some redneck firefighters out there that do stupid stuff and give the rest of us a black eye. But I assure you that that person is in the minority. We are actually a good and highly dedicated bunch of people.... now tell me Heub.. what do you do? I am sure I can call out your hobby or profession... Now to show you I am proud of what I do .. This is submitted By Brian Balch .. Proud Volunteer and Proud Career Firefighter.
Events for Fire Prevention Week .... The Fire Truck parade will be held Monday the 8th starting on Court Street near UNA, continue to Tennessee and then turn back up Seminary .. ending at Wilson park. There will be food and drinks at the park. All public is invited to stay and meet the firefighters. THEN ....on Saturday 13th, at SAMS Club in florence, we will have a Fire and Life Safety Day. again opent to the public, we will have numerous police, fire, and other emergency vehicles on display. There will be Kids events and the firefighters will be involved in a firefighters competetion.. It is fun to watch. The events start at 9am.. and will continue untill about 2pm.

ALSO>> PARADE ON MONDAY IS AT 7 PM...
quote:
Originally posted by Heub:
quote:
Originally posted by dkn:
Maybe your insurance agent will come and pull you out of your burning house. Maybe he/she will cut open your car and get you out of it after a wreck. Maybe you should just call them instead of 911.


I tell you when I will make a call, it will be when I see the dodge truck driving dude with a volunteer FF tag throwing Mt Dew cans out on lingerlost road (again). If they cant get the money from the state or from the customers (when services are used) then something needs to change. I dont drop a check off at Foodland just because I might want groceries the next week, Or pay a mechanic for future work to my vehicle. Why should this be any different. If you use the service you should pay, if you dont then the normal funding should be enough to keep the lights on at the fire station.


There's no such thing as a "volunteer FF" tag. There is an Alabama Fire Fighter tag, but it does not distinguish between volunteer or paid fire fighters.

You should report the litterer, or confront him personally.

quote:
If I need them, my insurance company will do my donating!


So, why do you buy insurance, like you posted in your previous reply to this topic? You don't pre buy food, or pre pay a mechanic? Why buy insurance? In essence, when you donate to the fire department, that's what you are doing. Insuring that they will be available if you need them.
I really appreciate you bkbalch and all the other firefighters and first responders out their for what you do. I'm married to one of your fellow firefighters at Florence who is also a volunteer in our community. It angers me to see that some people don't respect the risk that you guys are willing to take for our lives. I will gladly give my donation everytime I'm asked!
My life has been saved because of Volenteers. how could they have done that without someone having an insight to initiate the systems that are in place, it could not have been done without donations to a perfectly reasonable cause.
I do agree with Hueb about the picture thing, I know it is just a perk to cause people to donate, but we should be willing to give without wasting money for pictures.
Your right, Hueb. You shouldn't have to pay for a service you don't use. But you would probably be the first one to sue the fire dept when they refused to come put out your house, or cut you out of your car because you hadn't paid your dues. I've been a fire fighter, and I've seen how the system works. The people that don't donate, don't volunteer, and don't pay dues, are most often the very ones that EXPECT service when they need it. They are the ones that complain about how long it took to get there, or the amount of damage that was caused. So unless we can come up with a system that will let people who don't want to contribute, and think they don't need the service, to opt out and release the dept's of any and all liability, then you'll just have to be inconvenienced like every one else.

And, if you have such a problem with being asked to donate money once a year, then maybe you would be willing to volunteer your time and join your local department for a few years instead. I've always believed that if you live in an area covered by a volunteer dept, every able bodied person ought to serve for 3 years, which would make manpower problems nonexistent. It would also help you understand what you are paying for each year, and appreciate the personal sacrifices that each and every firefighter, emt, etc. make to help their communities. You might have a better understanding of the time spent on meetings, trainings, washing and working on trucks, running calls, cleaning equipment, maintaining the station and everything else these people do to provide a necessary service to their respective communities--all for no compensation. I sincerely hope that you never have to use the services of your local fire dept, but if and when you do, maybe your attitude will be a little better Wink
pintsize, I agree with you 100%!!! They deserve ALL the respect that people can muster for the risks, the time, the effort AND their huge hearts!!!

As far as donating, isn't that what we do with INSURANCE, ALL insurance??? CAR insurance, HOUSE Insurance, LIFE insurance, HEALTH insurance and DISABILITY insurance??? We pay all those in ADVANCE, BEFORE (IF EVER) needed.

I pray for the IF EVER option myself!!! Been paying for many years, and I love the IF EVER options!!!
Like you said KS, we've got to make those donations IN ADVANCE, so that the departments will be there in the event they are needed. As far as the whole portrait thing that started this whole thing, I've never gone and actually had my picture taken at the volunteer fire dept, but I pay the dues every year to support them. I hope a firetruck never has to pull in my driveway, but I will do all I can to insure it can if it needs to.
quote:
Originally posted by bkbalch:
Thanks to all the Fire Department Supporters that understand the fire service, volunteer or not, is a service you hope to never use. But it is necessary to fund these services for the people that have those unforseen accidents. It is a shame that one person can be so lost to the reason we pay for fire protection. It is truly a shame that they think $50 a year is a waste of his/her money.. when in fact is is the cheapest form of life insurance you can pay for. When the day comes, and it will, that this person or his family needs the fire service he/she will then understand why it is so important to fund these services. Yes I am a volunteer firefighter, and I am also a paid firefighter. As a volunteer I have put MY life on the line to protect a strangers property and search for missing family members. I have had many close calls... falling through weakened floors or attics, had debris falling on my head, had flammible liquids and gases exploding around me while I crawl through these strange surroundings. Unfortunately yes there are some redneck firefighters out there that do stupid stuff and give the rest of us a black eye. But I assure you that that person is in the minority. We are actually a good and highly dedicated bunch of people.... now tell me Heub.. what do you do? I am sure I can call out your hobby or profession... Now to show you I am proud of what I do .. This is submitted By Brian Balch .. Proud Volunteer and Proud Career Firefighter.


You are missing my point. Why not add 4 bucks a month to my trash/water bill to support the FD. I just think its a bunch of unnecessary work for the FD to go to every house asking for money. I don't know why it matters but I do project controls.
quote:
Originally posted by zippadeedoodah:
Under the "Foodland" business model for the volunteer fire department, maybe they should expect a check or credit card before they start throwing water on your fire. I think they'd be in a pretty strong negotiating position to get a donation out of you at that point, don't you?


Yes, when I need it I will pay, then turn it in on my insurance.
quote:
Originally posted by aubfire1:
Your right, Hueb. You shouldn't have to pay for a service you don't use. But you would probably be the first one to sue the fire dept when they refused to come put out your house, or cut you out of your car because you hadn't paid your dues. I've been a fire fighter, and I've seen how the system works. The people that don't donate, don't volunteer, and don't pay dues, are most often the very ones that EXPECT service when they need it. They are the ones that complain about how long it took to get there, or the amount of damage that was caused. So unless we can come up with a system that will let people who don't want to contribute, and think they don't need the service, to opt out and release the dept's of any and all liability, then you'll just have to be inconvenienced like every one else.

And, if you have such a problem with being asked to donate money once a year, then maybe you would be willing to volunteer your time and join your local department for a few years instead. I've always believed that if you live in an area covered by a volunteer dept, every able bodied person ought to serve for 3 years, which would make manpower problems nonexistent. It would also help you understand what you are paying for each year, and appreciate the personal sacrifices that each and every firefighter, emt, etc. make to help their communities. You might have a better understanding of the time spent on meetings, trainings, washing and working on trucks, running calls, cleaning equipment, maintaining the station and everything else these people do to provide a necessary service to their respective communities--all for no compensation. I sincerely hope that you never have to use the services of your local fire dept, but if and when you do, maybe your attitude will be a little better Wink


I dont want to opt out, I just think it would be more professional if they figured a different way to get their money, add it to the water/trash bill, access an additional fee on license plates. I am glad that their are people who do it, I did it for a couple of years some time ago in LA. I dont have time to participate in stuff like that now, I am not home enough to even try.
quote:
Originally posted by pintsize:
Yeah, but that ONCE in a lifetime would definately be worth the $35 I give every year! Do you know how many "dud" calls the fire departments go on everyday? They don't charge for those. They are first responders and go on every emergency or "non-emergency" call that comes through 911.


They should charge for a dud call!
quote:
Originally posted by Heub:
I have been places where the FD goes around and replaces smoke alarm battery's. That would be a nice switch instead of the strong arm tactic used by the Killen Fire Department once a year. I cant believe that they actually go door to door collecting money with their portrait scam. Should be outlawed. If I need them, my insurance company will do my donating!


quote:
Originally posted by Heub:
You are missing my point. Why not add 4 bucks a month to my trash/water bill to support the FD. I just think its a bunch of unnecessary work for the FD to go to every house asking for money. I don't know why it matters but I do project controls.


I'm not sure how you've made your point. Your first post mentioned 'the strong arm tactic used by Killen Fire Department'. Also the 'scam' of collecting money with their portrait sales as well. Why do you think the portrait sales are a scam? Do you think that you don't actually get the portraits? I wanted you to clarify that point. Also I seriously doubt that Killen Fire forced you into buying anything. Several years ago, the Center Star Fire Department did the same sales and I remember the sales person being as nice as can be. Plus you can always say no. Also, someone correct me if I'm wrong, the members of the FD aren't the ones that actually go around asking when they do the portrait sales. I actually believe it's the portrait company.

So if your point was to add a fee to monthly utility bills or tags, then why didn't you make that as your point? And actually yes last year a fire protection fee was added to increase your county property tax bill but typically this money is never enough. Last year our county fire department association worked very hard to get this bill passed in the county. Many residents didn't feel that it was necessary to add on the extra fee. I,for one, do not the details and the budgets of many fire departments but my husband is a volunteer and paid firefighter in this county and I know how hard he works for several fire departments to get grants through the US Fire Service so these fire departments can have more up to date equipment. I know how hard he works planning events for the County and I know how hard he works when he makes volunteer calls and also when he makes calls at his paid fire department job.

I am very proud of what my husband does. I could not imagine running into a burning building. My instinct is to run out. There are many nights that my husband will get out of bed to be the first on the scene of a structure fire and all I can do is sit at home and pray that he returns safely and also pray that no one is in the house that will cause him to have to risk his life. I know that at any given moment he will lay down his life for strangers and not even think twice about it.
quote:
Originally posted by Heub:

You are missing my point. Why not add 4 bucks a month to my trash/water bill to support the FD. I just think its a bunch of unnecessary work for the FD to go to every house asking for money. I don't know why it matters but I do project controls.


Heub, if my memory serves me right from when I was a Vol(I don't now due to living in Florence) The Volunteers themselves don't go door to door. The picture company provides that service, where they have an agreement with the FD. The Fire Dept gets so much of that money. All they have to do is open the doors to allow the community to come in and get their pictures made and also to meet the fine men and women that puts their life on the line every day for you.

As far as paying as you go method? What happens when you, your child or grandchild is in need of help and they show up at your place without the equipment that is needed to save your child? The response would be "well if we had a few more calls this month maybe we could have bought that defibrillator and your child would be alive today."

If you support your Local fire dept today may mean that they have enough gas and equipment to respond to your emergency tomorrow.
quote:
Originally posted by Heub:
I dont want to opt out, I just think it would be more professional if they figured a different way to get their money, add it to the water/trash bill, access an additional fee on license plates. I am glad that their are people who do it, I did it for a couple of years some time ago in LA. I dont have time to participate in stuff like that now, I am not home enough to even try.


I understand what you're saying. In fact, I'll let you all in on a little secret. NO local fire depts actually go around and sell portraits for donations in their districts. All of the portrait drive fundraising is done for the fire dept by outside companies that come in and do it for a percentage of the profits. The fire depts themselves don't have the time or manpower to do it on their own. Therefore--for all who care--if you want to help your local dept, please just drop by and make a donation directly to them, or mail it to them. Many people purchase the minimum (I think $25) package with no intention of ever getting their pictures made. They think that they are helping the fire dept. But the dept only gets a portion of the money. So as I said above, if you don't want the pictures, but you do want to help support your local dept, please make a donation directly to them. That way, they will be getting all the money rather than just a portion.

Also, the people who come around collecting money for the portraits will sometimes "pretend" they are from the local dept. THEY ARE NOT! They are specifically told every year not to act like they represent the dept, though it is common to catch them acting like they do. We have even caught them dressing up like firefighters and wearing shirts with badges on them to look official. It's a problem but the depts need the money, so we let them keep coming back. So, again, if you want to support your local dept, please do so, but send the donation directly to them so they will get all of it. And to all those who do support their local dept, thank you. Smiler

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