gljjt wrote:ninjamedic2293 wrote:HB435 only applies to volunteers and gives them privileges at all times, I am thankful for that legislation as well and it will apply to me as I volunteer as a firefighter in my home community. It does not however apply to paid 1st responders, every time I have felt threatened has been while on the clock working for a major city controlled by the democratic party. SB1408 is very much needed as well.
So, there is a special carve out of defense to the prosecution for 30.06/07 for these volunteers while not on duty? On duty, I'm all for it. Serving the public and all.
Off duty, I'm against it. They are no different than me then and I don't get that "privilege". No special snowflakes.
Many of "these volunteers" are actually highly qualified, State and NREMT certified professionals, oftentimes working either as paid responders or as simple grunts elsewhere, making next to nothing in most cases. But alas...
Volunteering for their communities to help their fellow neighbors in need, especially in rural and funding deprived areas, they provide essential life saving services. My dept. is fully ALS staffed, and we rely on County charity, donations etc. to keep the lights on.
If it sounds like I'm ticked off a bit now, it is because I am.
As a volunteer FF, I'm never really "off duty" unless I place myself in that status in IaR. When my tone goes off at 2am we respond. If my kid is having a birthday party and I get a call, we respond.
I'm running errands at the store, call comes through...we respond.
"They" are no different to you until "they" are dragging your behind out from your mangled car at 4am in a pouring rain, or trying to keep you alive when you are in asystole.
You see, "they" don't get paid monetarily. "They" do what they do to help their communities and neighbors out.
I get your carve out opposition, I do, but, direct your attitude in appropriate direction. What have you against "them"?
Provided this passes, and I hope it does, I see it as an opportunity to potentially boost our volunteer numbers, as this might be for some, like you, an incentive to be a first responder.
Come join a vol. dept. You will be provided with training, and in most cases experience is desirable but not required.
All that you need to bring to the table is good moral character, clean record, willingness to respond and help your neighbors, and comitt to some time running calls or if you are physically unable to do so, you could help with admin. duties etc.
Then, you'll be one of "them".
