fofire8
Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 13

Recent Comments by fofire8
Challenger takes nomination from incumbent Catoosa County chairman
08/07/2008 09:51:23 PM
What was the purpose of Mr. Clarks' comment on "Night Talk"? Sounds like anger at losing the election and retribution for those "evil special interest" people in the County who supported Mr. Greene? Does that reflect poorly of the Colonel and his ability as a superior ranking officer? I'm surprised he didn't wait to proclaim his intentions until later. Can't wait to see his hellraising.
Challenger takes nomination from incumbent Catoosa County chairman
08/07/2008 01:22:30 PM
Can someone tell me what "special interest groups" elected Mr. Greene? Didn't the majority of voters (all 3000ish of them) choose him?
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/16/2008 01:25:46 AM
I'm sure that if the county took away the abilty (via funding) to do the very thing that keeps your family, neighbors, even total strangers safe, and allows you to protect the property and businesses that provide the economy for Catoosa County, you might be a little angry too. If by equipment you mean fire engines, these were purchased from SPLOST, which voters approved to be used by both fire departments (the two for the west side apparently are not going to the POST as of yet). And the 911 system uses a radio repeater which is owned by the Post.

Outsider---thanks for the reminder of our history. I wished I could have seen the Post in it's heyday. The fire service has changed from the mostly volunteer particpants to career firefighters, and respect has dimished for those who remain volunteers (even from the "paid guys"). Commisioners expect cheap fire departments but don't blink at law enforcement budgets. If the county hired 60-100 firefighters, people would find a reason to complain that it was wasting tax dollars. Maybe the system worked because government officials respected fire leaders and realized that they needed each other to serve the community they represent.
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/06/2008 12:18:41 PM
I agree in part with catvoter---consolidation id the way to go. The way to go about is the problem. ALL officials should rely on the expertise of the others involved, and include them in the process. ISO rating not withstanding, what is the best course to suit the need of improving the fire service in the county? It it usually a long and complicated act. If the way it is moving along doesn't agree with how the individual departments / commisioners believe, then it is their duty to disagree and then make consignments to go forward. Leaving FO out of the consolidation would not benefit anyone. That is why we have a democratic government---we can choose to agree or disagree at will.
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/03/2008 11:39:26 AM
One other thing--- the county wants to close FO stations 8 and 10. Why? There are 3 or 4 stations (CCFR stations 2, 4, 5, and if you count Station 6 after 6 pm when the day crew leaves) in the county that DO NOT run calls at all---why would you close those stations that do? Let's see a list of volunteers and responses from these stations and compare the two departments' call lists. Who can't run a department cheaper if half of the stations aren't answering alarms?
I appreciate the interest in this blog-this issue truly affects the entire county.
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/03/2008 09:14:35 AM
Why would the county commissioners previously ask to hire an outside chief? Ask that question to former members of CCFR and their feelings about the organization. Ask what happens when you run against the chief? When the newer paid personnel were hired there was going to be a supervisor to be in charge of them that answered to only the county manager. Apparently Chief Gass pitched a fit and got his way because he is now over the paid crews. Didn't Chief Gass threaten after they posted for a chief to take HIS men and form Ringgold Fire Department and leave the county unprotected? Does anybody realize that the volunteer side of CCFR is, like the Post, an incorporated entity, sponsored like the POST by the county taxes? It is assumed that they are the county fire department because of their name. FOFR tries to run its organization based on NFPA and State of Georgia standards and have documentation for such. Does CCFR? As far as tax dollars, don't people who live outside FO city and is covered by FOFR pay county taxes too? Shouldn't all taxpayers enjoy the same ISO rating as FO? Yes we all should, but what has changed for the rest of the county in the last 10 years-nothing. Where is your progressive fire department? It is true that the only changes made were made by the county commissioners, but why would they not recognize the forward thinking of FOFR when deciding on merger issues
And about the monies paid to POST members---we have a point system where you receive pay based on your individual participation in calls, training, equipment / apparatus maintenance checks, and public programs such as fire prevention. I believe that most make less than $1000.00 per year Would you work many hours for that? I'm not even sure what the formula is because I DON"T DO IT FOR THE MONEY!
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/02/2008 06:28:17 PM
GREAT---Catoosa County schools were getting about $.83 out of every tax dollar (according to a local politician running for office a couple of years ago), so now they want me to vote on a SPLOST to fund that too? Also, if the ISO stats are correct, and the current County fire stations aren't five road miles apart, how many stations will they have to build to be ready for ISO inspection to lower the rating? I can't believe the county commissioners can't or won't negotiate a more agreeable deal to keep fire services the way they are, with a better chance of improving them in the near future. If they want to consolidate, which can be a better way to improve services and costs, why would you consider keeping the same service management that hasn't changed much in 15 years, other than what costing more tax dollars? They had originally took the heat (no pun there) for advertising for an outside fire chief, saying that is the way to go then. What happened? If you had to hire a company to do a service for you, would you choose simply because the price is right, or would you pay more knowing the quality is better? Ok, let's forget the ISO thing. How much was paid in tax dollars for 2 studies to be done to evaluate fire service, and which one was utilized? NEITHER!
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/02/2008 12:36:34 PM
I don't think SPLOST funds can be used for salaries, can they?
Catoosa fire meeting heats up
05/02/2008 11:53:41 AM
Another point to ponder---where is the monies coming from to fund this new fire service? I don't think I have heard anything about taxes being raised to provide for the merger costs, let alone what the county has already spent in hiring full time fire personnel for a few stations. I agree that having full time personnel at the stations is great, but expensive. I don't know the their total benefits cost, but 30 people at $25,000 per is $750,000- just for yearly pay. That is more than either FOFR or Catoosa Fire individual budget. As Lee 2854 stated, that is only for staffing 3 stations, leaving 3 staffed with volunteers. There are few volunteers at the remaining stations (including station 6) at night after 6 pm, so most of the evening calls are handled by Catoosa stations 1 (volunteer crew) and 3 (paid crew), which are located considerably father away from the other districts, meaning longer response times even though 1 and 3 are staffed. To fund fully staffed stations would cost us taxpayers a temendous amount of money (in the millions). Has anyone put forth a plan including tax increases to pay for this? Yes there is pride involved with both sides for consolidation, but what about integrity, care for the people we protect through fire and medical services, and concern for providing cost effective solutions? Isn't that the primary issue?
Firefighters criticize Catoosa County advertising for full-time fire chief
07/26/2007 07:11:32 AM
Agreed romes! Volunteers for the most part take their craft seriously, which accounts for the emotions that accompany any change in the fire service. For years firefighters didn't like wearing airpacks-they were for wimps. Lets focus on the issue at hand, which is providing excellent fire protection for the masses while saving tax dollars, if possible.