Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:37am

TO: 09/12/2008 - 5:00pm. I agree with some of what you are saying...that some of the volunteers are put in a bad position and are here for the right reasons. But, tell me this...and be honest...have you and the other capable volunteers voiced out in opposition to your company or the city the allowance of non-residents? Have you or your constiuents offered solutions to the problem? Have you tried to bring new, capable FF in to your company? Have you done anything to better the situation other than comment in anonymity on this forum? If so, good for you and I applaud your efforts to help find a solution. If not, your apathy is typical with the majority of those that want to look the other way and hope a tragedy will never happen. The problem in Glocester city was not unsimilar to ours!!!! The potential for tragedy is even greater. I know I will sleep better by trying to rectify this problem. WILL YOU??????

Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:58am

Now, more good news. The City goes and hires the ex-police chief to oversee all the problems at the Rec Center for $35 an hour, "with no benefits". He already gets retiree benefits from the police department until he's eligible for medicare. Point being, that $70,000 plus is 2 new hire firefighter's salaries to address a much more important issue, but again the city doesn't have the money?

Fri, 09/12/2008 - 5:00pm

Folks please. There is no reason for any mud slinging, name calling, or derogatory comments. A problem exists with available firefighters. That's it.
There are some very dedicated, capable volunteers. They too are put in a bad position. Normally everyone works well together when an emergency response is required. But it cannot be ignored, it cannot be denied that the problem of immediatly available to respond volunteer firefighters exist. The letter that started all this may not have expressed some of these issues in the most delicate of ways, but I can see some are taking it the wrong way.
The response referring to giving it back to the volunteers totally missed the whole point. Give what back? This isn't a game, it isn't a club, or a social group. It's fire and emergency protection. I take offense to name calling, especially "slacker". The issue needs to be addressed. Volunteers do get some compensation. It's called incentive. And that's fine. Nothing wrong with that considering what's at stake, and for those who really are committed, they deserve it. And let's leave the whole "hero" cap out of this. That is the most misused word I can think of. Career and volunteer fireifghters in this community can work together. Most career firefighters came from the volunteer ranks. Many have been around for decades, and they are the ones who understand the problems, have been around, and seen the changes. They are the ones that should be approached, and work with the officals to find a viable solution. They know the community, the fire service, and the needs better than any outside agencies ever could. But rarely, if ever are they polled for their input. Decissions are being made, and at times other potential costly moves are made without any thought at all about the future, about ten, or even five years from now. Actually, the city never seems to include their input on anything regarding the fire department, which includes issues with volunteer divisions. And that's not company business, but rather the fire protection aspect I am speaking of.
Both sides could indeed wage wars of words and acusations. We don't need that. We need respect for each other, and solutions that aren't just a temporary fix. I ask all to consider this. We will never benifit from negativity. And persoanlly, I can throw some heavy-duty ammunition into the mix, so threats back and forth are infintile. Can't we all just get along?

Thu, 09/11/2008 - 12:59pm

Watch the heros parade on Saturday, You'll see where all that donation money goes.

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 4:09pm

This is for 9/9 at 9:46, you opened a can of worms, most of us tried to keep this civil, now you wanna start bashing? Excellent, right back at ya!! There is so much more that can be said in regards to you slackers, you want more, you got it.

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 3:19pm

Here is another fact many residents are unaware of. PEOSHA has a law called "2 in 2 out." This means that at very minimum you need 4 firefighters on the scene to enter the building that is on fire. You need 2 to go inside and 2 outside as a safety team for the 2 that are inside. Lets assume 4 firefighters are working at any given time, as is normaly the case. If the ambulance is out on a medical call and a fire occurs it is ILLEGAL for the other two firefighters who show up on the fire truck to enter the building unless there is a report of people trapped. Your house will burn down as these two firefighters do the very best they can to put the fire out from the outside which is minimaly effective. If there is a report of people trapped and these two firefighters enter the building they are putting themselves at extreme risk. God forbid something happens to them there is no one there to rescue them.

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 2:28pm

For 9/9 at 9:46 pm: How can you say real hero's do it for free? As it's been stated, volunteers in this town receive money in different ways. I believe they get a "christmas bonus" for making their percentage, I know they receive LOSAP, and , according to a volunteer who used to work as paid part time, (but doesn't anymore) he said he wasn't available to work over the Irish Festival because he made so much in tip money selling beer he couldn't pass it up! This is a far cry than doing it for free, my kind of hero indeed.

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 10:06am

This is for 9/09/08 @ 9:46pm. Did you miss something by any chance? Maybe you didn't read the letter? One question for you-If there is a major shortage of you wonderful volunteers, how does your plan work again? Face it, it's only a matter of time before you drown completely, you're in the water and no flotation device is coming your way! We'll be around long after you're gone.

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 9:59am

Reply to 9/10 9:20 AM You couldn't have come any closer with that comment, how true it is! Thousands of people in town over a 4 day period with an enormus potential and where are the volunteers? Unavailable!! Selling beer, which is more important than protecting the town and the people who live and visit here. So again, the career people have to pick up their slack. Talk about no back up, this is the prime example. And, the City allows it!

Wed, 09/10/2008 - 9:20am

Stop by during Irish Fest to see your "Hereos" in action. Oh...wait...they're off that weekend serving beer. Who's protecting the town?

Tue, 09/09/2008 - 9:46pm

I have a sure fire way to rid the 5 mile island of all of the selfish, egotistical, waste of taxpayer money.....Get rid of the paid crews and return the Fire Dept. back to volunteer. I guarantee none of those crybabies would stick around. Real heros do it for free.

LONG LIVE VOLUNTEERS!!!!!

Tue, 09/09/2008 - 8:38pm

To answer Tue, 09/09/2008 - 8:21am. I would bet my paycheck Mr Sanguinetti understands budgets more than you may think because of his position in the department. You don't have your facts in order. First of all, there is not alot of overtime in the fire department. Second, comp time is a contractual issue. Even so, let's consider comp time. If there is a shortage of manpower, who is going to work the addtional time off creating an even bigger shortage? Third, you mention "Class 2" firefighters (does not exist). I would bet my paycheck that you are a COP because of your description. If so, you're the last person that should talk about FF salaries. Fourth, DOP sets the standards for who can work. There are less than the minimum number of competative qualified FF in NW, whereas more than half of all hours worked are by part time FF which is a DOP violation. Fifth, what do you consider "peak" hours? Fires happen at all times of day/month/year. Do you have a crystal ball to tell them when to add personnel? Sixth, you state that NW has a pool of qualified candidates...where? Who are they? Please let the chief know this, they could use this information. Seventh, cut new equipment costs? How do you cut costs on essential equipment? Would you like them to free you from an MVA with a hacksaw? Fight a fire with buckets? Maybe Spiderman will respond for high-angle rescues...for comp time of course! Do you know anything about the equipment they have? Non-essential vehicles? Look at the (2) volunteer stations for these, unless you are referring to ambulances, LOL. Eight, municipal employees should be made to switch shifts when someone needs off? Where are you getting these extra employees from? And, who is going to pay them for working someone elses shift? Oh...yeh...that's right, you want to give them comp time. Let's see, someone wants a day off...make an off-duty person work his shift and give that person comp time. When he uses his comp time, make someone else work that shift and give him comp time and on and on as if magically the comp time gets used up. Please tell me that you are not a manager/supervisor of a business. Your "fussy" management ideas just don't work. Man hours are man hours no matter how you slice it. You state that there is waste in the system. Sounds like you don't even know what you're talking about on the eight other comments I addressed here. How do you make comments without doing your homework?

Tue, 09/09/2008 - 11:29am

Reply to comment made by 09/08 @ 9:10: Thats what wants to be avoided here, when the luck runs out. Do you understand the ramifications if that luck runs out? Scrambling and finger pointing won't help grieving families of firefighter's or residents, and that is not a factless opinion. In today's society, when the luck runs out in situation's like this one, people end up incarcerated for their negligance. You are right people are not educated in this matter, so who is going to educate them? For any CEO or in this case the Chief, to not make a statement is wrong on the City's part, the business is already public knowledge so someone needs to provide the correct and accurate information that people are asking for. That person has to be from the Fire Department itself, not just from the Union.

Tue, 09/09/2008 - 8:21am

Mr. SANGUINETTI needs to understand that budgets are limited. The departments need to do more with what they have to insure coverage. You have a pool of quality canadates in volunteers that could be used as part-time (Class 2) firefighters. Their part time salaries could be paid by eliminating municipal overtime and combining administrative costs between city departments. Maybe freeze full time positions and promotions and use that money to pay part time people. How about employing a more effective scheduling system to insure coverage at peak times? Cut new equipment costs and sell non-essential vehicles before just hiring more people.

I support the need for a safe, effective fire company. But I think that there is waste in the system and it needs to be removed before we proceed. Overtime for Police and firefighters needs to be replaced with comp time. Muncipal workers should be forced to cover for each other and switch shifts when time off is needed. Once the system is purged of excess I will be the first to open my wallet if necessary.

Mon, 09/08/2008 - 9:10pm

It wouldn't be favorable for ANY CEO or department head to speak out publicly regarding city business. The problem has been identified a long time ago. The entrie administration isn't disregading the problem. They seem to be approaching it cautiously, albeit too cautiously. Obviously they have to answer to their constituents. And that is part of the problem. Few people are really educated on the matter. Factless opinions always get in the way of politics. Some are protecting special interests. There are just a few who refuse to acknowledge that they need to address this problem right now. It's not going to go away. The only reason this matter was brought out publically is because of the failure to take the proper action. I don't think the letter writer or the letter itself was meant to cause any hysteria. Odds are that luck will run out, and then we'll the scrambling, and finger-pointing. I suggest that those who have no idea what goes on around town buy a radio scanner. Program it to listen to North Wildwood. It's not as quiet as you may think. It's not the big city by no means, but its' a good way to keep an ear to your community.

Mon, 09/08/2008 - 2:12pm

I agree with the response about the Fire Chief, why hasn't he spoken out in regards to this crisis? Or is it the City who doesn't want the truth told?

Sat, 09/06/2008 - 6:52pm

I think the public needs to understand how its fire department functions. It's easy when it comes to police, you see cop cars patrolling town. There are no volunteer police, so you know they're paid. Not many people from urban areas know alot about volunteer or combination departments, they just know that when they call 9-1-1 they expect service right away. Maybe they should have read the article about the cost of grade schools in the county. The average cost per student in the most expensive 5 districts in Cape May County is about $26,000/year. In Sea Isle it's over $35,000/year (more than the starting annual firefighter salary). I don't hear complaints about that tax line item. read the article: http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/34461-two-ways-determine-coun...

Sat, 09/06/2008 - 12:18pm

This in response to the 9/4 "all caps" post. Part of a fire officers education relates to writing skills, and verbal commands which are a vital aspect of report writing. I just wanted to mention that. I am a career firefighter, and I have traveled extensively through-out the Tr-State region for training as well. Most of this was indeed out of my own pocket, as were meals and lodging. I am also an instructor. I have trained many firefighters during my almost three decades of service. Both career and volunteer. In fact I have a lifetime of involvement in the fire service. I take offense at what the "caps poster" seems to be saying. First off, "union dues" has NOTHING to do with this issue. NOTHING. It doesn't involve any other organization or department other than North Wildwood. Departments off shore are still holding their own with staffing, except that now most alarms for target hazards and structural fires involve the paging of several companies. The issue is North Wildwood, and a problem that has been identified over and again, yet falls on deaf ears. There are many issues that could be brought to light, but it is not the intent to hurt or insult any of the existing members. On the contrary, the situation is not fair to them either. I am also a taxpayer, so I understand the concerns of the public. But I say again-this is NOT to be construed as demeaning to ANY firefighters, career or volunteer. Problem - severe shortage of firefighters, both career and volunteer to respond to emergencies in an acceptable time frame with sufficent staffing. That includes compliance with the Federal "two-in, two-out" law. The creation of an all-career department is not feasible in the short-term. But staffing each duty platoon with enough firefighters to meet the national standard is NOT that much of a stretch from the current staffing. Consolidating the two volunteer companies into one station, one group would improve the available response. Years ago there were waiting lists to join these respected companies. Demographic changes, social involvement, and employment conditions have all added up to create this problem, which, again should be pointed out to be a nation-wide problem. To keep looking for other potential solutions, such as recruiting off-shore members just prolongs the problem. The department currently has an excellent response time, sometimes in a two-minute window, after receiving the call. But this is of no value when the arriving staff cannot perform the required functions due to lack of personnel. Regardless of how well trained you are, how experienced you may be, and how much effort you put forth, the minimum amount of firefighters to begin an offensive, interior attack totals four, and that is JUST the beginning, the very basics indeed. Perhaps a water supply, and an initial attack hoseline. Maybe. You aren't going to be able to do that with two people, no way, no how.

Sat, 09/06/2008 - 10:40am

In response to 09/04/2008 – 8:49 P.M., Your fire education is outstanding. My impression is that you are in a Volunteer Fire Company that has an outstanding initial response time to all emergencies in your community. That is an uncommon situation and I commend your Fire Company for their ability to recruit and retain Volunteer Firefighters. There are other departments that cannot make this same claim. Those departments and the citizens they serve are facing an over whelming burden to provide the protection and service their public is expecting to receive. I truly believe that is what this is all about. You should agree that arriving 15, 20 or 25 minutes to a fire call is not a prudent response protocol for any Fire Company. As for your statement about staying home, you wasted valuable time acquiring your fire education. For if you were truly qualified and had your heart in the fire service, you would not have made that statement.
As you know, real Firefighters “GET THE JOB DONE” no matter what. There is nothing that will stop any real Firefighter from overcoming obstacles when someone in need has called. I hope your statement was out of frustration and not the real you. We are all here for one purpose, to help someone in need at the worst time of their live. Fore, if we cannot make a difference in their time of need, there will be no one else. I wish you good will in the fire service and I hope to serve with you sometime as real Firefighter do.

Sat, 09/06/2008 - 10:12am

In response to 09/03/2008 – 9:28 P.M., I agree with your statement “Having Volunteers that live from outside is not a bad thing.” But, as a parent, one of your worst concerns is getting your children out of your home when there is a fire. Most fire with trapped individuals occur at night when you’re sleeping. If you cannot get your children out of your home, there is no one else able to perform this feat except your local Fire Department and their Firefighters. At this point in time, TIME is of the essence. If your local Fire Department is not capable of responding with adequate vehicles and man power, your worst nightmare will come true. Having Volunteer Firefighters who reside in another community responding as part of the initial response assets and waiting twenty minutes or more for their arrival is out of the question. If the fire is not extinguished or held in check and your child is not rescued in the first five to eight minutes, arriving at the incident twenty minutes late is of no help to anyone. Lets be realistic, there are issues with Fire Department response times all across this great nation. Most people are only concerned about their local area. It’s a common fact that there is a critical Fire Department response problem in the Wildwoods, including the Diamond Beach section. This problem is fixable. It’s time to stop the bickering, seek the deficiencies and correct them and you will have rectified the problems. Then and only then should a parent have a goods nights sleep. Good luck to all who may read this. Through hard and good work, may we make this island paradise a great and safe place to live.

Sat, 09/06/2008 - 9:55am

Can't we all just get along?

Sat, 09/06/2008 - 8:12am

I read alot about this in the newspaper, but what I never see is a reporter inquisitive enough to ask the Fire Chief for his take on this matter. Don't you think he would be the guy to provide the facts on this since it is his department?

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 9:22pm

This issue isn't about pushing out volunteers, or about who is more qualified.
The issue at hand is that North Wildwood is in a crises concerning the drastic shortage of qualified, trained, and available volunteer firefighters. This is a nation-wide problem and it has been a problem here that has reached a critical point. Although there may be a number or personnel that show up on an emergency scene wearing firefighter gear, it is not indicative of the actaul number of firefighters who have the clearence and certification to operate inside a burning building, or what is otherwise known as IDLH (Immediate Danger To Life And Health)This translates into those firefighters who have been medically cleared, and annually trained to qualifications set by the National Fire Protection Agency, as well as NJ PEOSHA that are physically fit and capable of wearing breathing apparatus to perform all the functions required of a firefighter. As everyone knows, and should understand, response time is the most important factor for emergency response. Secondary to rapid response is the availability of adequate numbers of firefighters to initiate an offensive, interior fire attack while searching for victims. Most people don't realize that the hundreds of new, lightweight condo and townhouse's that have been built have actually added to the fireload of the Island. It is a known fact, experienced already nationwide, that these buildings will collapse in as little as 9 minutes when structural members have been attacked by heat and fire. Furnishings are far more combustible than before, making smoke deadlier than ever. The time of skirting the issues, and putting band-aid fixes on the manpower problems should be over. There is no need for the nine (9) stations on the Island, especially since few can actually provide enough staffing for the response of one engine or ladder company. Including Diamond Beach9Lower Township), there needs to be only three stations on this Island. A fully staffed engine company , or the current 'Quints" that are used, operating out of three stations, and responding together, thus eliminating the invisible barriers that exist, will do well to solve the problems. Perhaps a fire district could be created, so that the cost could be shared equally. Each station would still retain an organized volunteer company. However combining those that are fractured now and reorganizing will greatly improve the Islands fire protection, and ensure it will meet future demands. While some volunteer members may threaten to quit, in the end those who's heart and soul are really in it to provide fire protection will stay. Those who leave have obviously some other, personal agenda.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 8:44pm

someday............someday......... fully paid

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 8:08pm

The intent of the letter wasn't to infer volunteers aren't capable, or trained. The issue is that there is a critical shortage of certified, young, physically capable volunteers who are available to respond within an acceptable time-frame to make an effective, safe, offensive fire attack. Although the problem isn't limited to North Wildwood, and is a national problem, there are solutions to this problem. Short-term fixes, "band-aid" solutions will all only prolong the problem. While there will most likely always be a core group of volunteers, there is certainly no need, or justification for the total of nine (9) stations through-out the Island. Regardless of what the public is told, these unnecessary stations do in fact cost us all in one way or another. The best solution is for the fire service of the wildwoods to combine, merge, regionalize...whatever you want to call it. This includes the Diamond Beach-Lower Township section, which is another disaster waiting to happen. With some reorganization, and long-term planning, the cost of this necessary, vital emergency service could be spread equally among the taxpayer in all the Island communities. Perhaps the creation of a fire district would be the answer. But in the end, it is NOT stations or equipment that matter most in times of emergencies. It is the timely response of properly trained firefighters of sufficient numbers that make the difference between saved property, and most important...lives. This includes the lives of the firefighters. Although most people don't realize it, the hazards from the hundreds of newly constructed light-weight condos and townhouses are from early collapse when exposed to fire impinging on structural members. This can happen in as little as 9 minutes. It DOES happen, it isn't a scare tactic, but a well known fact in the fire service. Rapid response to initiate fire attack while searching for any entrapped occupants is the only way to prevent loss of life in these new dwellings. Properly staffing one engine company, or the current 'Quints' that are used, per station, and erasing those boundries that currently exist is the best option. This would mean operating only three stations total on the island. Sure, there will be those who will attempt to hold on to the present, dying structure, and that will include threats by some volunteers to quit if this is in fact done. But we must not be held hostage by these threats. Those who truley want to continue to provide their ervices as firefighters will continue without missing a call. Those who leave, well they must have been in it for themselves.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 7:44pm

Sign up at firefighterclosecalls.com, the secret list and you will receive emails every week regarding line of duty death's of firefighter's. City Council of North Wildwood, can you utter the words major lawsuit??

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 7:37pm

I can't believe anyone would vote for people who govern a town this way. But thats right, it's North Wildwood, good ole boys politics. Not providing a fire department needed manpower and to let the residents think volunteers are so great and plentiful when it's far from the truth is a disgrace. Is this what you call serving the needs of the public?

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 7:26pm

As a taxpayer in North Wildwood, I am concerned with this issue. I have to ask myself, are me and my family safe? I had no idea that our paid firefighter's do not have the adequate manpower resources, thats despicable on the part of the city. I spoke to some of my neighbors about this and they agree, we do not mind paying a little more in taxes for the services we deserve. I see that we have plenty of police officers on the streets and rightly so, but city government needs to get their heads out of the sand on this and quickly.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 7:10pm

I think some readers are totally missing the point. Stop all of the argument of career vs. volunteer. The point here is that first and foremost, the safety and well being of firefighter's is in jepordy not to mention the residents who live here. Think about this for a moment. If Firefighter's respond to an incident where there is a fire with entrapment with no back up for even a few minutes, the tradgedy that could result would be catastrophic. If firefighter's became trapped themselves, who is going to rescue them? Please don't say that never happens because it happens more than you know. It's too bad that the city father's have no forsight into this issue, and it's going to take someone getting seriously injured or killed because they are reluctant to spend a few dollars. Why do they put a price on our heads?? The study that right now is going nowhere is a stall tactic, it's unfortunate that politicians listen to the beat of the drum that tells them everything with volunteers in this town is ok, well wake up folks because it's not! Mayor and Council hear us, but they are not listening. Nobody has an issue with volunteers, what we have an issue with is people purposely messing with our lives! This City needs to face reality before someone pays the ultimate price.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 4:39pm

Everyone quite complaining. The fact of the matter is that the Wildwood's will always be a combination department. The point everyone I think is trying to make is that there is an issue with manpower, whether its career or volunteer. The volunteers are attempting to fix this by allowing outsiders to enter. What is the city doing for the career? Either way the city government needs to step up and take appropriate action. Hire more guys. Offer the volunteers stipends. Whatever it takes there needs to be more QUALIFIED, TRAINED and AVAILABLE FIREFIGHTERS to respond QUICKLY and EFFICENTLY to all emergencies. Stop doing studies. The firefighters know better then anyone you hire as to what these towns need. I blame the politicians. Leave your feelings out of it.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 3:05pm

I think the person who wrote in all caps missed the point of the letter. It doesn't sound like ES is against volunteers, he is against people from out of the area joining as firemen in his city. He makes a fair argument for his reasons why.
I volunteer in my town and I'm a few minutes from the firehouse most of the time. I couldn't imagine waiting 10 minutes or more for a crew.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 2:55pm

The taxes in the Wildwoods are already, if you eliminate your volunteer fire departments and go all career the costs will be huge. Look at Ocean City....the cost is to the point the city is considering closing a fire station to reduce the number of career fireman and the costs. If you ever get to the point you can't get volunteer fireman, then you might have to switch to all paid..........but don't do it until you have to.

Fri, 09/05/2008 - 12:23pm

In response to the volunteer that doesn't like the "career" division. First and foremost
I stand behind my comments and professional opinions. As far as volunteering-I was part of this department as a volunteer from 1982-1995. I held every position from FF to Battalion Chief and Company trustee. Being self-employed, my percentage was always in the 90s. I attended pretty much every school, drill, and seminar related to my duties. I too missed many family events and kids parties. I am currently an officer in the "paid" division.
Physically...well you won't find too many people my age in nearly as good a shape as me, this is important to self-survival and to the teams well being. How's that for "blowing my own horn"?
Union dues? So what, we don't see any substantial benefit from that.
"Our back up? That's my life and the lives of my brothers we're talking about here. You apparently don't understand the meaning of "adequate manpower".
I chose this career and expect those in power to do the right thing for us and the people we serve. Things are different than what they were 10,15, 20+ years ago. If you have concerns about my point of view, feel free to walk in my boots. You are welcome to visit us and see first hand how things work here.
And, anyone that knows me knows that I don't need to hide behind anonymity- E. Sanguinetti

Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:49pm

SOUNDS TO ME LIKE EUGENE SANGUINETTI IS BLOWING HIS OWN HORN TO MAKE AN
ARGUMENT THAT HE WANTS MORE PAID FIREFIGHTERS THUS MORE UNION DUES.
AS A VOL FIREFIGHTER, I HAVE FF1 FF2 FIRE OFFICER 1 & 2 AND MANY MANY
CLASSES,SEMINARS, AND I HAVE TO TELL YOU, MOST OF THESE CLASSES AND COURSES ARE HELD HERE IN CAPE MAY COUNTY, I HAVE TRAVELED TO CAMDEN,BURLINGTON, CUMBERLAND COUNTIES AS WELL AS TO DE, PA, & MD TO ATTEND THESE AND IT IS VERY RARE IF NOT AT ALL TO SEE ANY OF THE "CAREER PROFESSIONALS" IN ANY OF THESE CLASSROOMS. I DO THIS FOR FREE AND OF MY CHOICE. THE PAID PROFESSIONALS GET HOW MUCH AN HOUR OR ALLOWANCE FOR TIME AND TRAVEL FOR IT IF THEY DID SHOW UP? SOME OF THESE PAID GUYS HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF I DID MY SHIFT SO THATS ALL THATS REQUIRED OF ME.
I DO MY 40 HR WORK WEEK AND VOLUNTEER
SO MR. SANGUINETTI AND 09/04/2008 - 9:23am YOUR SO WORRIED ABOUT CALLING IN VOL FIRE COMPANYS AS YOUR "BACK UPS" AND WORRY WHO WILL SHOW,TO YOUR JURISTICTIONS
THEN PLEASE DO ME A FAVOR AND DON'T CALL. I'LL STAY AT MY COMFORTABLE HOME, OR AT MY DINNER TABLE OR COZY WARM BED. I WON'T LEAVE MY KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY, YES I LEAVE WORK TO BUT NOT BEFORE I HAVE TO CLOCK OUT.
SO, YOU PUT IN YOUR PERSONAL DAY SLIPS, OR TAKE YOUR GIVEN VACATION TIME OFF SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO MISS ANY OF THIS. AND PICK UP THAT NICE PAY CHECK
9/3/08 YES SURE ARE ALOT OF TRUCKS HERE ON CONVENTION WEEKEND. BUT IF THE PARADE/ CONVENTION WERE UP THE ROAD SOMEWHERE. GUESS WHAT ? SO WILL BE A TRUCK OR TWO FROM FIREHOUSES DOWN HERE . TRUST ME THEY HAVE COVERAGE AND BACK UP SQUARED AWAY AND SECURED BEFORE THEY EVEN MAKE THE TRIP. AND WHAT'S WRONG SHOWING YOUR HOME PRIDE TO OTHER COUNTYS ? AND MOST OF THE BRAND NEW TRUCKS HAVE DEALS WITH THE MANUFACTURES / SALES REPS TO PUT THE THINGS ON DISPLAY TO GET BETTER SALES PRICING
IN ANY EVENT PAID OR VOLLY. WE ARE A TEAM WE HAVE THE EQUAL AMOUNT OF TRAINING AND WE ARE HERE FOR THE SAME PURPOSE, TO HELP OUR COMMUNITYS AND OURSELVES. IT'S NOT A HOBBY IT'S NOT PLAY NOR DOES EVERYONE DRINK OR EVERY FIREHOUSE IS A HANGOUT. JOIN US INSTEAD OF FIGHTING US.

Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:23am

It's quite possible that the paid fireifghter knows what he is talking about. Afterall he is doing it every day. Unlike the volunteers who do it as a hobby so they can go play and drink at the firehouse when they are done. I think the man brings up some rather strong points that should be addressed. I for one would support paying higher taxes for more paid firefighters. It is about a level of service provided, not about how much money can we save and still get by the skin of our teeth. Which also comes to the point of howmuch is being saved by the vollunteers. Budgets of $700,000+ and they do fund drives on top of that. I would much rather have an up front system with a standard of what is coming, not a guess of how many guys are coming. That is what u get with a volunteer department. Who can get off work to come? Who has kids to watch and can't come? There is noway of knowing what you are going to get at any given time. That is not the case with a paid department.

Wed, 09/03/2008 - 9:28pm

It figures a paid firefighter would put that article in. Having Volunteers that live from outside is not a bad thing. They might work in that town. So why not have them volunteer there. North Wildwood is going to end up just like Cape May they pushed out all thier volunteers and now they want more paid and higher taxes and the paid do not live where they work sounds like a double standard to me

Wed, 09/03/2008 - 10:42am

Sounds like even the fireman think new shiny fire trucks are a waste of taxpayer money. I always wonder how so many firetrucks can be here on fireman's weekend. The trucks are either needed or not. If they are here for a weekend, obviously they are not needed. Its a parade of millions of dollars of taxpayer waste. No piece of EMERGENCY equipment should be hours away in a parade.