How Would Your Department Handle This?

[JD1234]

http://www.redbankgreen.com/2011/05/firehouse-scuffle-caught-on-tape.html

Await court case to be settled before disciplining the members? Or suspend them all pending the outcome of the court case?

[tree68]

Definitely suspend.

[BoxAlarm187]

Definitely suspend.

Agreed. We've suspended for far less than that!

[WBFD25]

Suspend, most definately.

[Jonnee]

Being volunteer they would be booted form the department. If career, suspended.

[tree68]

Agreed. We've suspended for far less than that!

I know a department that's suspended for mooning people in a bar while wearing the FD jacket..... Back to the regularly scheduled thread.

[FWDbuff]

Indefinite suspension pending trial, with permanent dismissal if found guilty.

I have never understood these "wetdown" things- What the hell is the point? Whoop-de-doo you spray water at the new piece. Big frakking deal....What happens if the new piece gets damaged in the process? What's wrong with a simple housing parade?

And once again, I state this is precisely why alcohol/bars of any kind should be illegal in firehouses.

[Northern Lights FF]

ALL of those involved should be suspended MINIMUM....shouldn't the FD have Policies or SOG's that cover this sorta thing?.....just more WACKERS...

The video of "the WET DOWN" is just another example of the stupid mentality in this Dept. SERIOUSLY, No one there saw the inherent danger and downright stupidity in actually turning a hoseline on the Firefighters STANDING on the hose bed of the engine?...in my opinion, IF one of those people had been hosed OFF the truck and suffered any injury or even worse been killed...then the full force of the law should be applied..WILLFULL and Premeditated actions.....

and WHY would there be a "bar/Lounge" in a fire hall?....

[FFEMT2159]

Are those power lines overhead in the area they are spraying? Just one of many safety issues I see. You do ANY of that on my department and you are done.

[BoxAlarm187]

The video of "the WET DOWN" is just another example of the stupid mentality in this Dept.

While I certainly don't condone wet downs, they are a part of the fire service culture in that area of the US. It's not something that's exclusive to this department.

and WHY would there be a "bar/Lounge" in a fire hall?....

There are a few areas of the US where finding a bar and/or lounge in the firehouse is very commonplace. They're stocked with department funds, and are justified "as a necessity to help recruit and retain members" and members will argue that "since they're not getting paid, they can at least have a few beers after a call or training session." This is certainly not the norm for most of the US, but it's not unusual when we hear about it either.

[LVFD301]

Suspend the criminally charged ones pending outcome of trials.

[tree68]

The video of "the WET DOWN" is just another example of the stupid mentality in this Dept

There's nothing wrong with the basic concept of the "wet down." It's simply "christening" the new rig.

When American LaFrance opened their new (at the time) facility in North Carolina (in the Freightliner days) they wet the building down with one of their museum piece steamers.

The hijinks that went along with this particular wet down are over the top, though.

There's two kinds of bars in fire halls. One is in that part of the building used for bingo and other fundraising. Most folks who want to rent a hall for a wedding want a bar, and it's hard to get by without one.

The other is the one that's there for the member's pleasure. It's usually separate from the apparatus area (often upstairs). Not everyone who kicks back to watch the game/race/whatever does so with an "adult" beverage. In that regard, I don't have much of an issue with such a facility. Unless the department is totally out of control, they tend to be self-policing.

It's not much different than having a bar across the street or down the road, except there you've got to pay for your drinks.

An event such as the wet down in the video doesn't need a bar - a few coolers full of beer and a table full of mixers will do just fine, and can have the same result.

[ffscm72]

I see everyone is quick to kick someone to the curb...lol Ours it's dependent on how they are charged. Otherwise there isn't nothing you can really do unless it's on fire house property.

[BoxAlarm187]

Otherwise there isn't nothing you can really do unless it's on fire house property.

Why not? It's about upholding the trust and reputation of the department in the public's eye...on FD property or not.

[big iron]

I am almost certain they would be booted. Any member that conducts themselves in a manner that reflects poorly on the department or community would be removed from service. Thats the way it should be anywhere.