[RP TownTalk] firehouse behaviour

[Arletta Gustafson]

I have to say that I also was glad to see Nancy's response.  Three of my 4
brothers are volunteer firefighters back on the west coast.  They get paid
$10 per call.  Growing up all 4 of them were in the county search and rescue
program.  They work hard and put their lives out there for total strangers.

However, being in a stressful position like that, they do need to vent and
often do it through what some would see as inappropriate humor.  They don't
do it in front of the patient/client/victim (whatever term you wish to use)
but when they are away from the public eye they do release it that way.  My
dad, a retired cop, is the same way.  Because of the stress in all of our
jobs (I dispatched and my mom investigated forest fires)we have a rather
dark sense of humor.  I was not appalled at the "jokes" that were made.  I
was appalled that they were made in front of Mr. Kiernan.

Perhaps the training for these guys and gals should include appropriate
stress relieving techniques.  When to vent and when not to.

Just an iside point of view. 

Have a nice night all!

Arletta

-----Original Message-----
From: towntalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org
[mailto:towntalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org] On Behalf Of Alan Thompson and
Sarah Wayland
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 9:07 PM
To: TownTalk
Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] firehouse behaviour

I'm actually really glad to hear this Nancy - thanks for posting it.

We had a nice experience with the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department in
College Park many years ago. I think that's one reason I get grouchy when I
hear the stories of a few bad apples. I feel like they are making the rest
of the volunteers look bad, when most of them are so wonderful.

I agree with Sue that what we need to do is to figure out who the bad apples
are and make sure they don't spoil the rest of the barrel.

-Sarah


On Sep 27, 2007, at 6:01 PM, Nancy Mooney wrote:

> I'm very sorry to hear what others experienced from our local fire 
> house.  I felt I had to write in with a different view.  .... They 
> were very gracious and kind every time.  They carried her up and down 
> steps and made it look easy.  when her condition got to the point that 
> she needed to go to the hospital they came promptly and not once did 
> anyone say or do anything inappropriate.  They were kind and 
> encouraging.
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