rangerjim93
11-04-2004, 02:34 PM
I probably touched upon this topic before, but given the state of Western New York's economy and the introduction of gambling casinoesinto Western New York, but domestic violence, which is most assuredly likely to be a biproduct of someone developing a gambling problem is a topic I believe that fire departments, in addition to the police departments, should be concerned about, especially since some calls are just as apt to involve the use of fire as a weapon as well as one's fists, knife or a gun in such calls. Since many departments have paramedic units (we in Perry have a separate ambulance corps that often responds to accidents with the FD), these people, as well as the police, often have to deal with domestic violence victims, which is why, I believe that Fire Departments as well as the police, and educational institutions should get involved with programs to deal with domestic violence, its costs, ramifications and consequences. How many lives lost in a d.v. precipitated structure fire set by an abuser is anyone's guess, but I am certain that some of you have had to respond to fires precipitated by domestic violence incidents and these won't be the last. The addition of gambling casinoes and the problems create will certainly (no pun,intended)fan the flames of domestic violence along with everything else that contributes to it. For further information on Domestic Violence, I refer you to Ms. Denise Brown of the Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation, Box 3777 Dana Point,CA 92629, Phone (949)283-5330. She is an expert on the subject, as is her sister Tanya, having lost Nicole Brown in that infamous case involving OJ Simpson.