Sun, 12/27/2009 - 11:47pm - Posted by: 2sons

People need to understand that areas served by volunteer fire companies are usually rural, covering large areas. Response time and staffing are the most important factors, next to training. All that shiney, new equipment doesn't mean anything if nobody get's to it quick enough to make adifference. They must respond from home, work, or any number of places, to the fire station to get the vehicles, and then proceed to the emergency scene. Even if the fire is reported quickly, during the first minutes, they are against the clock from the beginning.
Courtesy and respect to those responding may make a difference. However, that DOES work both ways. Blue lights, red lights, sirens, are only warning signals. The vehicle operator MUST have the vehicle under control, be aware of road and traffic conditions, pedestrians, including children, and maintain self control at all times. They should NOT become a liability, especially when they are the one's who are called when we need them. Despite the emotion that goes along with criticizing these volunteers, there ARE those who are more of a hazard then a help. It is they who give the others a bad rep.

Fri, 12/18/2009 - 1:43pm - Posted by: smily2248

I can't see anything above Wednesday 5/19 by bknoll, but what I see is someone was complaining about "the blue lighters". Who can be so disrespectful to people who put their own lives on the line to help others (volunteer or not). I personally would pull over even if it wasn't the law, it doesn't kill me (or anyone i know of), to wait that 15 seconds at most to let those trying to save some by. As it has been mentioned, maybe my life would depend on it some day and I would appreciate everybody to pull over. MY CONTINUED THANKS TO ALL THOSE VOLUNTEER or even PAID LIFE SAVERS.

Thu, 12/17/2009 - 1:25pm - Posted by: Gumby

I hope everything went well for my boys at Dennis and BP companies, sorry I wasn't there to help. I will be back from school this weekend.

As for the person using the alias "thepeople" I would just like you to go to you local fire station, and submit an application. Go through all the training, alot at personal expense, and then when you get to go to your first actual fire you can see how much work is involved in such an ordeal. I have personally been a part of Dennis and Belleplain companies for almost three years now, and have seen/done many things that most would not prefer to see or do at my age. So before you go around calling people "blue lighters" why dont you take a second to think about what we do for our communities, at great cost and risk to ourselves.

If you don't want volunteers anymore, do something about it and we will start running paid companies, it will give some people a job, including myself when I graduate college in two or so years with a degree in Fire Administration. Like someone previously said, be ready to pay really high taxes.

Anything else you would like to say?

Thu, 12/17/2009 - 10:06am - Posted by: longtimecitizen

Remember that all these communities - Tuckahoe, Ocean View, Dennisville, Belleplain and many more are comprised of VOLUNTEERS who give time to the communities to be trained (on their own time), most drive their own vehicles to the firehouse or the scene, respond to calls at all times of day or night, and don't receive anything for it except the thanks of those who they helped. NO I am not a firefighter nor a spouse of one but I have been involved in and around the firehouse enough to see how hard they work for their community. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL

Thu, 12/17/2009 - 12:59am - Posted by: NCMfellow

I don't get it... People bash the firemen around here about being so into their work and rushing to fires. Would you rather them drive behind grandma as you need help all in the name of you being against the blue light. People are ungrateful. If it isnt your house, who cares. But if its yours, then I don't hear a word from you. Everyone bashes the firemen but Ive never seen an article where the home owners bash them for speeding to their fire. So what if they aren't paid. If you want paid, prepare for your taxes to skyrocket and then we can really hear you cry. Really people, grow up. I don't see you running into a burning house when people are running out. It takes balls. No, im not a fireman. I respect them because if I ever need them, I know they are coming because they love to do it and its their job. I pitty you people that bash them. If they only knew who the people were that bash them, I'd say let those people put out their house fire with the garden hose. Good Luck!

Thu, 12/17/2009 - 12:13am - Posted by: tuckahoekid

I've been a firefighter for 27 years. 20 of those years was as a DOD firefighter for the military.

Wed, 12/16/2009 - 10:45pm - Posted by: The Shoob Boy

I`ve been a volunteer for 35 plus years. Heard all the insults before, blue lihgter, nozzle head, whatever. WHen we have to run in a burning house to save your loved ones, or cut you out of a wreck, we`ll. be there. And you`ll be grateful we showed up.

Wed, 12/16/2009 - 8:21pm - Posted by: bknoll

Actually, I'd be the son of Dennisville's chief, and a firefighter myself who was at the scene. Oh, and I'd also happen to be the writer of the Herald's NASCAR Nation column each week. I apologize for trying to help out the news source I write for by adding some additional information. The Herald suggests that all users provide any available information.

And call us what you want, you'll be happy to see those blue and red lights the day you need them.

Wed, 12/16/2009 - 7:28pm - Posted by: tuckahoekid

Be advised-That would be the Chief of Dennisville's Fire Company-according to his screen name.
He's special, he's allowed to use red and white lights, and a siren.

Wed, 12/16/2009 - 7:10pm - Posted by: thepeople

If anyone would like to know what a blue lighter is because you are not sure, SEE BELOW.

Wed, 12/16/2009 - 6:19pm - Posted by: bknoll

Be advised, this call would be Belleplain Fire Company (Station 22)'s call. They were the first to be dispatched, and upon arrival requested a full mutual aid response from Dennis Volunteer Fire Company (Station 18). Station 22 command then requested one truck from Woodbine and one tanker from Ocean View. Just trying to add some information to your facts there.