Submitted by Todd Martinez (not verified) on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 11:26am.
When the gentleman mentioned "national trends" I believe he was refering to volunteer fire dservices. But you are correct in that "what is good for the goose is not always good for the gander". However, using San Diego and "Brown Outs" as an example...you are way off kilter. CA's economy is in the toilet...when they are finally flushed the rest of us will follow! Believe me, I speak from experience...I was a professional firefighter/paramedic in CA for 10 years before moving here to do the same...that was 13 years ago. I will tell you this though....Consolidation will work gor you if it is done correctly. Again you are right....there is going to be an initial upfront as well as continued cost for equipment as well as the appropriate manpower. Consolidation is nothing new to the fire service...Where I came from back home the Alameda County Fire Department is swollowing up most of the paid departments. Of the 19 paid departments (including the county) that existed when I left...only 10 remain. The remainder are part of the county department...which does have reserve/volunteers. County and city leaders realized the best way to save money and provide the best fire and EMS services for less was through consolidation...so...no worries!
When the gentleman mentioned
When the gentleman mentioned "national trends" I believe he was refering to volunteer fire dservices. But you are correct in that "what is good for the goose is not always good for the gander". However, using San Diego and "Brown Outs" as an example...you are way off kilter. CA's economy is in the toilet...when they are finally flushed the rest of us will follow! Believe me, I speak from experience...I was a professional firefighter/paramedic in CA for 10 years before moving here to do the same...that was 13 years ago. I will tell you this though....Consolidation will work gor you if it is done correctly. Again you are right....there is going to be an initial upfront as well as continued cost for equipment as well as the appropriate manpower. Consolidation is nothing new to the fire service...Where I came from back home the Alameda County Fire Department is swollowing up most of the paid departments. Of the 19 paid departments (including the county) that existed when I left...only 10 remain. The remainder are part of the county department...which does have reserve/volunteers. County and city leaders realized the best way to save money and provide the best fire and EMS services for less was through consolidation...so...no worries!