Hey, elected official!

I know the economy is in the dumps, the teabag revolution is morphing, and it is politically rewarding to slash the budgets across the board, no matter the true cost.

Quick question for ‘ya:  What will it take to find a way to bring costs down without killing us, your so-called heroes?

Let’s review what you’ve accomplished for us so far:

In order to save money, you have cut mandated the closure of one of our stations, meaning that I now arrive a little later then I used to, and my help may be a little farther out than it used to be.  The fire has a head start, the dangers of a catastrophic fire event occurring while I’m inside has increased with the delay.  And when I need help in getting out, or help in getting one of your constituents out, my assistance will be running just a tad later than usual.

Thanks for increasing the chance that my wife and children will get a visit from my Chief and a Chaplain.

In order to save money, you have taken one person away from my crew, depleting my immediate manpower needs by 25-50%.  I have to do the job of 1 1/2 people just as quickly as before.  What are the chances I will have to take shortcuts or make a mistake in order to perform outside my abilities due to your cuts?  I am now less protected, and we are all less effective on the fireground.

Thanks for increasing the chance that my wife and children will get a visit from my Chief and a Chaplain.

In order to save money, you have postponed the replacement of my 13-year old apparatus, you’ve refused to replace retiring personnel, and you’ve frozen funds for training.

Thanks for increasing the chance that my wife and children will get a visit from my Chief and a Chaplain.

You’re a politician, but I am a firefighter. I fight fires, I protect property and I save lives. I am asked to do more and more with less and less. And I’m just barely hanging in there as you continue to cut and slash.

It sucks.

I’m doing all I can in my power to make sure my Chief and a chaplain don’t knock at my door. All I want is to fight fires, protect property, save lives and go home to my wife and kids after my shift has ended.

God help you if I don’t, because my wife and kids will come knocking at yours.

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