Disqus - Latest Comments for FireFleitz

Re: FF Justin Dunn dies in vehicle Accident

FireFleitz — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:46 -0000

In defense of Bob O, I understand his sentiments. In the beginning, we reported that it MIGHT be an LODD. That is from the reports we had gotten. We reported on the reports and at the time there had not been anything in the mainstream media. Instead of posting several posts on this incident, we merely changed the original post as new information was received. We were not trying to sway the report one way or another, nor were we trying to get the incident any more interest by doing so. As of this point, we still have not any confirmation on whether he was responding, although we have had newer "reports" that it was not the case.

The fact remains that one of Virginia's Bravest is gone and we are trying to do our part in respecting him as a Firefighter as well as disseminate the information to other firefighters in Virginia and across the Nation.

Thanks for your understanding.

Re: Promotions

FireFleitz — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:30:27 -0000

Hey guys,

Here is the thing. I don't agree with the promotional process, but I don't disagree with these promotions necessarily. Each of them has their strengths and weaknesses, the same as all of the other individuals in this department.

There are certainly some questions on why someone got promoted over another as there always is. To get mad about it just isn't worth it. Sure, I like debating it still.

This day in age it is hard to judge someone on their amount of activity within the department, department activity away from work, or quality of work while around the station. Yes, they still have to be able to perform on the fire ground. I know some great firefighters and great officers who just don't care as much now as they did before because of being shit on too many times.

You can't tell me that you aren't mad about that 2% raise we got last year with the additional 2% "maybe" in December that won't happen. At this rate we will be lucky to get a raise at all next year.

And you expect all of these guys to stay in good spirits and become over productive? I don't blame some of them a bit.

What some of us have found out is that bootlicking has its perks! Sure you lose all respect from the ones you work around, but you gain so much with the higher ups. They don't often award competence, but more so award loyalty. Even if that means remaining on a sinking ship.

Now don't get your panties in a wad. I am not necessarily speaking about anyone in particular, not even those who were promoted or weren't. I just know that some of the guys were a lot different before a lot of us even got in the department. The department has changed and some of them can't stomach licking a boot.

Re: Midlothian VFD Open House

FireFleitz — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:50:51 -0000

Hey Mike, just so we are clear...I consider myself the best to come through there! Just kidding. I drive by every time I am in town to see if the doors are open and anyone is there. Next time I am in town and have time I will let you know and meet up with you all.

Re: Roanoke Valley Professional Fire Fighters

FireFleitz — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:13:14 -0000

I will be happy to talk to you in more length over the phone or elsewhere. However, I will tell you that the membership voted to raise dues 3 years ago. The plan that was voted on was to go from 1% to 2 % over 5 years. That is the only increase you see. IAFF and VPFF dues go up every 2 years normally, however they do not have to go up. It all depends on what is voted on at convention. Those increases are taken out of your union dues you pay to us. I don't have all the figures right in front of me but your IAFF dues are around $10 a month, VPFF dues are almost $4 a month. We also pay dues to Virginia AFL-CIO ( $.80) and the Roanoke Central Labor Council ($.15).

Don't quote me on the numbers/figures exactly though I am at home and don't have the exact figures with me.

The dues pay for a multitude of things on the Local, State, and International level.

Re: Midlothian VFD Open House

FireFleitz — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:25:14 -0000

Gotta Love old Midlo. Where I got my start back in 1993/1994 I think. Still have a lot of friends there.

Re: The All New Roanoke Fire Blog

FireFleitz — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:11:12 -0000

Taylor,

I could not agree more. I have a similar plan of action for the new blog. Look for your idea to come to fruition soon!

Thanks

Re: The All New Roanoke Fire Blog

FireFleitz — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:22:22 -0000

The new look was for many reasons. I moved from blogger (hosted through google) to wordpress (hosted on my own server space). The dedicated server space offers me many more options. Wordpress is a CMS, content management system and offers a lot more bells and whistles. You may not see all of the new stuff but the site has changed a lot. The possibilities have grown exponentially. I should have done this a long time ago.

Re: The All New Roanoke Fire Blog

FireFleitz — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:54:56 -0000

Thanks for the comments. I have plans to add a banner to the title area. I just haven't come up with it yet. The one from the old site is not ideal for this layout. I hope to come up with something decent.