"STRAIGHT DOPE" is just that! It's factual information that you need to know, by sources whose aim, is to hold back the ever increasing tide of BULLSHIT that's inundating us; that's threatening to takeover as the sole source of (mis)information in each of our career's!
~~~
Documentation that depicts the start of your Union's winning trend is located HERE...
Received via email 1-21-07 I am sure that I probabally just don't understand this correctly, but those documents are all we have to support a winning trend? We stopped a shift rotations, which in turn, caused us not to repick RDays for how many years? I am sure that every probie that we hired will thank the union for this big victory as they were the victors of this by being awarded a great RDay. Good victory guys! I don't judge wins by how many chiefs we can piss off, I judge them by how much of a pay increase we get in a contract, what kind of benefit improvements we get and what kind of positive pension changes we can secure. So please forgive me if I am not dancing just yet. I hope that things change, but it seems that right now we have won some battles, but are losing the war. Go ahead and slam me now for attempting to look at this from a paycheck perspective and not a dick measuring contest.
Received via email 1-22-07 When do we get to pull out the hoses an wash the urine city I mean tent city away? YEs they are human but let them live some where else how about longboat.
Received via email 1-22-07 "I am sure that I probabally just don't understand this correctly, but those documents are all we have to support a winning trend?" Dude, It's like owning a Porsche. If I've gotta 'splain it to you...
"I don't judge wins by how many chiefs we can piss off..." Me either, but if that's a byproduct of demanding to be treated as though we work for the 4th largest city in the state, rather than the 34th, some toes might get bruised. If you're using "Happy Chiefs" as the mark of distinction, you're sadly confused! They'll get over it. Chief large is spending his retirement as we speak while collecting another $100K while working as the fire chief. He'll get over it, just ask him.
No crocodile tears here. I say "ratchet it up" and quit being a pu**y!"
Received via email 1-22-07 I totally think that part of the reason the fire and police were involved in the homeless lynching was for the CITY's benefit. They knew the news would be there and what do you think the public is going to remember, "The police officers and firefighters were there cutting the tents." I had two neighbors commenting on how horrified they were that we were involved. I definitely think it was at least a little bit used to make us look bad with the ongoing (SPFD) and upcoming (SPPD)contract negotiations. It is all pretty sad.
Received via email 1-22-07 I was proud to be a part of wiping out urine city. I think most taxpayers are proud of us.
Received via email 1-22-07 I've just got to comment on that "fruity-swishy" background color. Is it some kind of sea-foam green?
TEAM: No, it's not sea-foam green. But it is 'special' though, like you!
Received via email 1-22-07 The bums buy alcohol and cigs. Those are taxed so they are tax payers.
Mr. Hanky
the mayor of urine city
Received via email 1-22-07 Why didn't the chicken shit city council and mayor take the box knives out there and cut up the tents?
Received via email 1-22-07 1/22 #1- What is the winning trend. Yes you have to "splain" it to me. What have we won. I'm glad your feeling good, so spread some of it this way. I don't see any great wins in all those documents.
Received via email 1-22-07 FUN QUESTION--------> How do you get to be the mayor of Urine City?
Received via email 1-22-07 Why was the FD involved in a totally PD matter? What asswipe came up with that idea? thanks for making FD look like a bunch of pricks.
Received via email 1-22-07 Hey dumbass, ever hear of the Authority Having Jurisdiction? Fire and safety code violations are part of what we do. There is more to your job than TV and nappy time. What a dumbass.
Received via email 1-22-07 Ok so we enforce "code violations" so the next time I am in Tyrone Square and the Sears folks have all of there shit piled in front of the emergency exits and their exit signs are not lit properly and they don't have the extinguishers where they should be......then we get to start slashing the crap out of all their shit till they leave. I think not, but you are right about us being the Authority having Jurisdiction, But do you think the Authority (us) really did the right thing? Do you think we could have handled the whole ball of crap better ? If your answer is anything other than yes then you are the dumbass my friend. We can say all we want that the mayor made us do it. But what everyone nationwide saw was us looking like a bunch of jerks tearing through peoples belongings. I think Mr.Hanky should run for Mayor, sorry I have to go it's nappy time
Received via email 1-22-07 Yes. Every heard of abuse of power? Lawless with a badge? Now don't bother me. I've got some on-line betting to do while here at the station!
Received via email 1-22-07 "TV and nappy time". Great crack, dumbass! Sounds to me like you're not only drinking the kool-aid, but making it along with the f***ing pr*cks in HQ-City hall. Take your worthless head out of whatever chiefs ass it is up. That whole thing makes everyone look bad. Even you. Oh, but I'm sure your used to that! Suck*ss!
Received via email 1-22-07 I bet you guys that are crying for these lousy bums today are the same guys that abuse the shit out of them when you get called out at 3 AM when they fall asleep on a sidewalk. I have never seen anyone on the fire department go above and beyond the absolute minimum when they get dispatched to man down calls. Why should we? These people will take your dollar bills and try to f**k you in the ass as you walk away. But now that these pieces of crap have donated tents slashed while camping on somebody elses property, you get all homo about these lice encrusted street lunatics. Take one of these lunatics home for a meal and see if you still want to sit next to him at church this sunday singing Kumbaya. These people are dregs. Stop crying for them, you freaking phony ass hypocrite. If you want to blow a guy, blow me, you fag.
Received via email 1-22-07 This page color is gay. Just right for you homeless dreg loving fags.
TEAM: Uh, well, um... it's the "STRAIGHT" page, bud. Okay - so how's baby blue grab ya?
Received via email 1-22-07 You too may be homeless one day too! Some of these guys and gals may be formor firefighters, stock brokers, city mayors and maybe even a fire marshal or two. So what if they need a buck for a beer! This coming from a Christian Republican straight w.a.s.p. Please leave the homeless be. There not hurting anyone. Why can't we all just get along. What are we going after next, Catholic priests ??????????????
Received via email 1-23-07 "I fell off my chair watching the news when Rod Challenger asked the Mayor "Is it a great day in St Pete?""
Well... that about sums it up for me too!
Received via email 1-23-07 I like sea foam. It is soothing. It makes me not want to go out and encourage bum fights.com. We all could get rich, we would not need a raise.
MR Hanky esq.
Mayor Urine City
TEAM: Okay
Received via email 1-23-07 Kinda neat when you see feinberg, and kidwell laughing at the homeless while ripping their tents up, fu-king idiots.
Received via email 1-23-07 What is this bullshit "you may be homeless one day too". What a load of crap. Homeless people are predominantly morons. They never planned ahead, they weakly gave in to drugs and alcohol, some had kids that they could not afford. This makes being homeless a condition for morons, not something that is likely for public servants. (okay, maybe some of you). Except for a few true street loons, homeless people are just lazy bags of shit. When I see you hobo huggers actually out there sucking these guys off instead of just talking about it in here, then maybe I will believe you are not just a phony ass hobo hugger. Of course, if you are sucking off a hobo you will be a fag, but we all knew that already.
Thank you,
Ernest Angsley
Received via email 1-23-07 To post 1/23/07 #3 1st off Lt. Kidwell and Lt. Feinberg did not cut any tents, and neither did any of the other fire personnel. Our only job there was to stand by in case someone was injured or if something caught on fire. That footage shot on the news was prior to the tents being cut. It was small talk that had some comedy to it.
Received via email 1-23-07 5th 1/23 - Yeah, it looked real funny to the whole tampa bay area !!!!!!
Received via email 1-24-07 First off, not all homeless people are drug users, alcoholic bums, and all the other bullsit you spewed on them as a whole group. What about the family who lost their home to fire, and have no where to go, they are homeless, does that make them drug users or alcoholics? Grouping every homeless personm into one group is like placing all blacks in one group, or catholics or even all firemen as drunks, wife beaters, cheaters and whatever else we have been called over the years, we are not ALL the same and neither are they.
Received via email 1-24-07 Who is the insensitive moron cracking on the homeless? Maybe you should find another job outside of public service. The homeless people you are refering to probibly have more class than you will ever have! Maybe you are just too good for everyone else eh? It's idiots like yourself that are to blame for the world's heartaches. Maybe one day you will have a little compassion for the less fortunate. loser.
Received via email 1-24-07 Ok so they didn't cut any tents..BUT imagine if the TV filmed, say 2 blue shirts hee hawin' on camera at that scene, They'd have their asses written up, "conduct unbecoming," with 10 shitfs off, before you could say beer & donuts!
FTM..
Received via email 1-24-07 I don't see what the problem is, the PIO got us some ink, and besides... throwing people out of their homes runs in his family, just check the county court records. Bad thing is, Cheif JL thinks they're buddies. The PIO would drop the chief in a second if it was politically expediant for him.
Sgt. Rock, Fallujah, Iraq
Received via email 1-24-07 Did you see how stupid big bird and chief wiggam looked on the interview. And how come Feinberg wasnt brought into on this. This is his second big screw up. It helps to be in the mayor's pocket. Doesnt it? Does he even know his own code book. I have to say, this is the first time that I feel sorry for Jolley. His own boy made him look bad. Feinberg should be Fired. Along with the PD Chief and all involved. I dont think Crist is going to put Big bird on any posts any time soon.
Received via email 1-25-07 Feinturd is buddies with Large. Large takes care of his own. Do you really think they're going to do anything about anything they've caught him in. Ron Smith had to pay back plenty of money that he was paid because of the *oddamned payroll software we're stuck with. Feinturd STEALS thousands of dollars from the city coffers by adding call-out pay to his time card (each and every week) and they call it a misunderstanding. Yeah - it's a misunderstanding allright. Some of you goobershmoochers downtown misunderstood how one of your own could get caught pilfering from payroll! It just goes to show you that no one's running the show at HQ when you can allow a dog like that to keep getting off the chain. Jolley is powerless to do anything as long as Feinturd is protected by his buddy. If any one us US did something like that, we'd be fired. I'm betting that one tenth of the shit that goes on down there even makes it to this website. When you allow people like that to operate with impuinty, can you expect anything different from us ??? I'm wondering if the HQ staff believes that they're at all to blame for the attitude that's being shown when they start talking their shit ???? We find it especially helpful when they send chief "Babe" out to 'Clarify" things for us. Thanks but no thanks !
I'm here to tell you - that absolute power corrupts! They've got their fire department and we've got ours. Difference is - we work for the citizens. They seem to keep working to line their pockets !
FTM
Received via email 1-25-07 Some of you don't understand Feinberg because you don't recognize what guys with balls look like. Maybe you should stop staring at each others manginas in the mirror. Feinberg is a problem solver and he always has been. He would do anything for any brother or sister on this job. I can think of several situations where he did so much more than anyone would have expected or offered to do. His biggest problem as union president was that he did too much himself when he should have been delegating, which is another way of saying that he worked too hard. He also always delivered a contract. Like him or not he has spent years busting his ass for our department, for our citizens, for us, and even for you ungrateful do nothings that only want to complain and finger your buddys hermaphroditic parts. Some think his assistance at Urine City was over the top but I would call it creative (not to mention legal). He saw a problem and he did something about it while you pansies took pictures of each other wearing shit stained crotchless undies. I don't really know what to think about Urine City except that since I don't care enough to be a part of the solution I probably would be out of line criticizing other peoples efforts. So why don't you crybabies log off for awhile and go back to peeing on each other while eating your special someones half *enis/half *aginas? You know thats where you would rather be.
The Self Ordained and Very Reverend Jesse Jackson
Received via email 1-25-07 Chief Babe? You B shifters will cry about anything. WAAH! I work too many Christmas's! WAAAH! Chief Babe had to explain our shit from shinola for us! WAAAH! Feinberg gets more attention than me! WAAAAAAAH!
Grow up sissy.
Bill Clinton
Received via email 1-25-07 "Some of you don't understand Feinberg" Oh, I get it. The clock on your computer's messed up. It's reading April 1st, April Fool's Day!
Received via email 1-25-07 To the 2nd 1-25, didn't anyone ever tell you that lying wll get you in trouble?
Received via email 1-25-07 Feinberg always delivered a contract? Whats a contract?
Received via email 1-25-07 City officials wouldn't comment when FOX 13 asked if the legal department was consulted before the tents were destroyed, but by now, officials probably know they are not just tangling with transients.
"Some of the tents taken were the property of churches and other charitable organizations that would retain their own property rights in the tent," explained Attorney Danell DeBerg.
All of the police and fire officials involved can be sued individually, and by each of those who lost property.
That means lots and lots
Received via email 1-25-07 "Feinberg always delivered a contract? Whats a contract?"
Back in the day, a contract that really got your attention was one that offered something like 6-6-6 and nothing more. Anything else that we might have asked for was quickly forgotten about when we saw numbers like that. That happened more times than one ought to admit. We always said, "Damn we're close. Let's take the money now and next time we'll get the bennies!" You're right! Feinberg always delivered. Glad someone asked.
Received via email 1-26-07 Yeah, and as long as you can deliver $$$ in any % combination you keep the DT's happy. No wonder RF's favorite saying was and still is F**K the retirees.
"Alicia Greer, a teacher's aide at a day care center at Christ United Methodist Church, said preschoolers are forced to walk to the local library past an alcove where homeless people urinate.
The odor is so strong, she said, that the children pinch their noses and make faces and ask why it smells so bad."
-Mike Hunt
Fire Chief, Urine City
Received via email 1-26-07 When you taxpayers build me a bathroom, I will stop peeing near the kids. Up yours all of you.
35 Year Old Toothless F**k.
Received via email 1-26-07 Did Feinberg deliver or did we get what we were gona get anyway ?
Received via email 1-26-07 RF is a user and always has been. He used up the Union and now he is using up HQ. WAKE UP D/Cs and quit feeding the troops a bunch of BS, and smell the freakin coffee !!!!!!!!
Received via email 1-27-07 Well now that the homeless are going to court, let the blame game begin at HQ. I think RF forgets he will be under oath. I know that is something weird for him to have to tell the truth. But, its that or jail for perjury. I wonder whom he will pass the buck to this time to keep him out of trouble. I bet you this, that Large will not back him once this gets rolling.
Received via email 1-27-07 Cory Wagner submitted his letter of resignation. His last day with the department will be Febuary 3. Good for you Corey and best of luck at Longboat Key FD.
Received via email 1-27-07 Don't pick on the DCs, they work hard moving magnets.
Received via email 1-27-07 We got what we were going to get anyways. I was there. he's wasnt that great.
Received via email 1-27-07 Friday was Friday's last day before moving on to Hernando County Fire Rescue. While the conditions here at SPF&R wasn't his primary reason for leaving, he said that the situation we're in now and that of the forseeable future, made moving on a lot easier to decide on. In the end, he wanted to be closer to home but said that when he started on his journey to be a Firefighter/Paramedic, working for St. Pete was an obvious choice. He made note of the fact that he had an exit interview with the chief. He was asked what he thought was driving the current situation and told the chief that he thought that the 'mayor' was the hold up. The chief didn't share that same opinion.
Received via email 1-28-07 No wonder Friddy left. No one knew his name.
TEAM: He'd be all set, working at Cheers!
Received via email 1-28-07 Just a question...is Cory Wagner Cliff Wagner's son?
Received via email 1-28-07 "Exit interview with the chief." The only person that needs to be performing any exit interviews around here is the UNION PRESIDENT. Once we get rolling and conditions start to mirror that of our 3rd world Police Department, we can take all the exit interview data to city council. We can then have the satisfaction of knowing that we did our job before they flush the results down the same toilet that they flush the PD's exit interviews!
As to the chief not believing that the Mayor is the problem... c'mon, fire chief's are political appointee's. With a wink and a nod from the Mayor, they'll burn their own house down.
Received via email 1-28-07 Rumored to be on the chalkboard at the Strategic Planning Meeting, "Union holds too much power!"
We hold all the power of law. The only trouble this Union is now causing for anyone exists do to the fact that we're finally exercising our lawful rights under the law.
Hey management: BLOW IT OUT YOUR ASS!
Can't deal with it: BLOW IT OUT YOUR ASS!
I've never seen such a whining bunch of FIRE CHIEF'S. If you guys can't control EVERYTHING you feel a tad insecure. One thing's for sure. And that's that you'll never control is the organized labor pool.
Get over it!
Received via email 1-28-07 You close your eyes for a minute and look what happens. Poof!!!! "We all look like a bunch of jack asses because of the actions of a few." Funny thing about it - you'd expect that to be a statement made by someone in our leadership. It's not. It's a statement being made numerous times every day by the rank and file. We're embarrassed by our fire department's leadership and the fact that they exhibit an inability to act with the same restraint that they ask us to always exhibit. There's a big difference between us and management. They're supposed to be the example. When one of us get's it wrong, the public realizes that a single individual who works for the department, got it wrong. When management gets it wrong, we all suffer because it looks like institutionalized mayhem!
We were all fooled into believing that with Callahan's leaving, so went his regime. Not! Remnants still remain. They commit unlawful, corrupt acts and try to cover for one another. Lawless with a badge.
If you ever wondered why some departments don't promote from within - SPF&R epitomizes the example. RF's a good example departmental inbreeding. Sadly, he's not the only one. There are others above him.
Received via email 1-28-07 Exit interviews provide an employer with one thing and that's input on why someone doesn't want to work at a particular place anymore. Problem is you have to be smart enough to listen to what is being said during the interview and use it to your advantage to make the changes that are needed to make people want to stay. When AF was asked what he thought was the driving force behind the current situation the chief was most likely thinking about what he was going to have for lunch or if someone on light duty was done cleaning and gasin up the chief-mobile. This city has been sleeping for along time and its a deep sleep that may take years to come out of. Its a sad state of affairs. Best of luck to all that have left and to all that are thinking about leaving.
Received via email 1-28-07 A wise old comics alligator said many years ago "I have met the enemy and he is us."
Received via email 1-28-07 Cory Wagner is Mike Burton's nephew.
Received via email 1-29-07 Who is Mike Burton ?
TEAM: Former Assistant Chief. Now Chief of Greenville N.C. FD. This site receives a lot of hits from that city. I would say he's reading this, right about now!
Received via email 1-29-07 Received via email 1-28-07 Rumored to be on the chalkboard at the Strategic Planning Meeting, "Union holds too much power!"
I don't see a problem with that statement. I'm not sure if that was an attempt to piss someone off or to empower the brothers and sisters. One of the principal concepts that came out of the facilitator's head during the meetings was the notion that "even though you don't have the money to implement all that you've compiled on your list of needs, you still must write them down because they're 'still' needs. In the future - implement them when funding's available."
Well now... isn't the Union doing the same damned thing? Aren't we listing our needs?
Is there a funding shortage? The city of St. Pete is ripe with money. Because they don't adequately fund Public Safety, (the FIRE DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET, along with PAY, PENSION and WORKWEEK) does that mean there's a funding shortage? Nope! Budget shortfall. Plenty of funds - little concern.
Whose strategic planning is more important? The Union's with every monthly membership meeting or quarterly TEAM meeting or that of the department?
So let me get this right... you guys have a meeting every so many years and this is the best that you've come up with to combat your present dilemma? You'll never be shown the secret handshake that way (unless the mayor's got one).
Received via email 1-29-07 The Division Chiefs mostly use fear and intimidation to get their agenda accomplished. They have for a long time. Well, now that doesn't work any more. FFs have become more aware of their rights and they are not going to put up with the BS anymore. Best part is, we are strong when united. They know that, and are intimidated 'themselves' by this and believe me, they don't like it. That's why they included it in the strategic planning meeting. What they really should do is just make sure they (management) do not violate our rights as firefighters or citizens, and all will be fine, but that does not make sense to them because most of them are not real leaders. They are kiss a--es who were promoted to a position they can't handle. That's their problem, not ours ! They better understand that UNION & UNITY = POWER. POWER to regain back our rights and keep them intact. If they can't handle that, they need to get out of public service and go sell cars or vacuum cleaners !!!!!
Received via email 1-29-07 Preston Floyd's last day was today. He came on the job at the age of 21 and is leaving at 55! Preston was a REAL Fire Fighter with no ego problems and was a man among men. He was a real person that you could have a conversation with and never have to worry that your words would be repeated or that you'd be thrown under the bus. If more of us who've had the pleasure of knowing him were also impressed by him - would embrace his values system, we'd serve the public and each other better and never take shit from those who only talk shit to us! A great fire officer whose first name was Preston, not Lieutenant!
Fair winds, Brother.
Received via email 1-29-07 That *oddamned Mike Burton was good mother****ing people. Not like a lot of the other c*****ckers we have now. I miss that shit bag son of a bitch.
C*** Shit Piss,
C***face the Clown
TEAM: Was that Grover Rockey? (Rock was a big "Mike Burton" fan.) Speaking of fans... every time Rock got out of Mike's car, Mike needed a fan. A big one! Rock liked to cut the cheese and slam the doors shut upon exiting!
Received via email 1-29-07 I miss ya'll.........rd
Received via email 1-29-07 Looks like the TEAM and 10B took good care of a Brother on his last day on the job!
Received via email 1-29-07 We should have had him wear his battle ribbon on his uniform shirt before he left. He's one of the few whose earned it!
Received via email 1-30-07 Preston was the best fire Lt on the job. He didn't take crap from anybody. A few years ago he wanted to take JW (when he was a DC) out back of the station and beat his ass. He would tell people what he thought, know matter what rank they were.
TEAM: Let's all raise a glass to the "too few like him!"
Received via email 1-30-07 Mike Burton was a great Asst. Chief. Not like the asshole we have now. Don't turn your back on him.
TEAM: Sheesh... and we just got him to agree that there IS a First Amendment right to free speech. He's not going to be pleased with you!
Received via email 1-30-07 That's a nice picture of Preston above. From the photo, it looks like he got a plaque and a ribbon to wear on his shirt too!
TEAM: TEAM members are everywhere! It's like Hulkamania. "It's runnin' wild!" Let us know about an especially deserving Brother or Sister who has gone above and beyond in an effort to take care of their Brothers and Sisters. The TEAM will review the details and who knows... maybe 'you' can present them with a plaque and a battle ribbon! You never know when TEAMania is gonna run wild over you!
Received via email 1-30-07 I really thought a lot of Preston. It was especially fun when Wimberly wanted to take him down a notch and Preston kicked his ass. That episode showed us that Little Jim wasn't quite the straight walker we all thought he was. Not that it slowed down his career path at all. Even if God isnt on his side, at least he had a few district chiefs and affirmative action on his side. You gotta give it to the 10 minute captain, he knows how to work a system. Ahhhh... memories.
TEAM: Jeff Oliver sent us a nice letter.
Received via email 1-30-07 I had the honor and privilege to work with Preston and call him my friend. If more of the Lt's were like him, the dept. would run a lot more smoothly. The new guys need to learn to mix some of the old school in with your college B.S. and the world would be a better place. By the book is one thing, but I'll take common sense any day.
Received via email 2-01-07 Take the test and be like him. Stop blaming everyone else. Stop hating start participating.
Joe Leeezy
Received via email 2-01-07 I was surprised when Wimberly did that. I used to think he was a stand up guy, but that situation showed that he was probably not ready to have any real authority. Funny how guys like that seem to move up. I think he means well, but in his current position he looks like a boy scout trying to head up a group of pirates. He just isn't the right kind of guy to lead a bunch of firefighters.
Received via email 2-01-07 I miss the fag color we had earlier.
Received via email 2-01-07 Common sense, wish this admin and past admins had just a little bit of that.
Received via email 2-02-07 I just want to say that I'm so glad that I didn't take that job in St Pete. There are way too many problems. But you guys keep fighting the good fight.
Received via email 2-02-07 What did Wimberly do??
Received via email 2-03-07 Wimberly threw a hissy fit at Preston Floyd a few years ago when he was a DC. He tried to transfer him out of 10. Floyd went over his head to stay, so Wimberly went totaly ape shit and split up the entire crew instead, shipping them everywhere. Probably the biggest DC hissy fit in DC hissy fit history.
Received via email 2-03-07 First 2/2 hey dick head everyone has problems, we just air them more than others. If not interested in the job, then why visit the site you pr**k?
Received via email 2-03-07 Personally, I stand with our Union president when he says that if we don't get what we're bargaining for at the end of the day, then we need to be going to impasse. We all need to toughen up a bit for the long term. Nobody's ever going to give you anything of value in this life, without fighting for it.
TEAM: How right you are, Bro'/Sis. We recently had that same conversation with President Newton and while he'd probably like to tell you that it was 'his' original thought; it wasn't. More likely, he'll tell you that that mindset was banged into his head on more than one occasion by labor attorneys at one of the many labor forums that we pay for our officers to attend. To continue to do the same old thing that "doesn't exactly get you what we want, but feels good in the interim," is idiotic! In the past, we've presented no surprises whatsoever to either the negotiators or city council. We've been just as predictable as the cops. We always made 'some' headway with pay percentages but when you're behind your contemporaries, 6% in a single year can look like a good number.
"Nobody's ever going to give you anything of value in this life, without fighting for it." Understood. Nobody wants to give the impression that "we're always poised for a fight, just for the sake of fighting." With that said, the TEAM thinks we're off to a pretty good start. Some might disagree with our assessment, but what's the alternative... "a contract that comes in on time, every time?" Been there; done that; carrying the emotional baggage. This is a WAR! Albeit, it's a war of wills - a war of attrition.
Received via email 2-03-07 Can someone please update the union info line-its been almost 6 weeks now of the same message.
SHOUTING via email 2-03-07 JOW THE [edited] DIDN'T KNOW WHO HE WAS MESSING WITH WHEN FLOYD SHUT HIM DOWN.
Received via email 2-04-07 I hope that we are not sending our own to help with just trailers. If so what a waste of our time.
Received via email 2-04-07 To #3 on 2/3/07
Winnie must not have gotten the entire set of instructions at those labor attorney meetings. If he did he would have made use of the impasse process. Instead he skipped that step in the process and went directly to council. The purpose of the impasse step is to present your side, and at the same time have the city's side presented, to an unbiased outside stranger who is very well qualified to hear both sides of each issue and determine who's "right" using the facts presented by both sides. If the union and the city are willing to agree to the decision of the special master then that's the end of the process. However, if either side is unwilling to agree to the findings of the special master they can ask for a hearing before the city council. The council then has the opportunity to look at the issues and the findings of the master. Each side has an opportunity to plead their case at a hearing. The council makes a decision on each of the impasse items and their decision is final. Whatever they decide is what is done. Period. The union has an opportunity to ratify the decision. In doing so the members agree that what the council has given them is fine with them. Not ratifying the council's decision merely means you still get what they're giving you but you don't like it. Either way the council's ruling on each item is final.
The question on everyone's mind is why go to the special master and spend a boatload of money proving our side when the council gets the last say anyway and the master's findings are not binding? To a rational person looking at the process it would appear that the special master step is pointless. The only purpose of the special master step is to go before council with as much firepower as possible. In a normal environment it makes it harder for the council to turn down or alter items which have been found in favor of the union. The "award" of the unbiased outside third party is supposed to carry a considerable amount of weight since the city also spent a boatload of money in an attempt to prove their point too. The cost of that step is considerable and neither party is willing to just throw away money by not considering quite heavily the findings. Therefore, again in a normal environment the council would probably make some minor changes but for the most part go along with the findings of the master. They don't have to but by this time everyone, including the public, knows the outcome of the hearings.
I can understand why Winnie went around the master hearings. He apparently feels that the council will have the last say and why spend the money on third party findings. I think most would agree that that's common sense. However it doesn't do what the law calls for in the event that there is a problem later. The law demands that ALL avenues of resolution must be taken by both sides. If you skip or omit a step you have no recourse to anything. This is another reason why you go to the special master. The steps are in the law for a reason and are expected and intended to find an amicable outcome for both sides. Following the steps doesn't guarantee that you'll get all you want.
VCF
Received via email 2-04-07 I'm not sure that was all JOW, The prior administration that was anchored in the 70's mentality of "when in doubt, break then up" probably had something to do with that. In any case, it was a ballsy move for Preston to push the issue, no doubt about that. I also would not be surprised to see the Prior Admin tell JOW to do something and when they get heat, leave him as the fall guy. For those of us who were around, that was right out of Screw With The Guys Volume 1, 1972.
Received via email 2-04-07 I love the picture at the top of the home page. It seems to sum up this whole city's agenda. Ask more of, while spending less of!
TEAM: Alright... you get it! It's all good if you're into more dog parks, public bathrooms, speed humps and round-about's. The problems in this city are systemic and endemic. Next time you get a chance to take a peek into some else's fire apparatus, do it. We're at least 25 years behind the curve. We're so used to begging and pleading for new equipment that we soon grow tired of asking. That's a plus for "somebody" I'm sure, but it does little for those of us who do the heavy lifting.
Received via email 2-04-07 Amazing. While reading this page, I'm watching Channel 15. The mayor of Pinellas Park is talking about the Penny for Pinellas. They're showing all that the Penny has purchased (fire engine's, police cars, etc.) and quickly made note of the fact that the Penny doesn't pay for all! While showing their PD building, he said that they've found out how expensive it is if you don't renovate in a timely manner. "It gets very expensive if you let things go."
Received via email 2-05-07 HOW DID YOU GUYS TALK JOW INTO DOING THE HALF TIME SHOW . JOLLEY, BURTON ,LARGE,OR CALLAHAN NEVER DID THAT !
Received via email 2-05-07 THERES ALOT TO BE SAID FOR THE 70'S MENTAILTY ITS NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING . THINK ABOUT IT
Received via email 2-05-07 It's not JOW, it's "formally known as".
Received via email 2-06-07 I miss long side burns, Grand Funk Railroad, Rowan and Martin's "Laugh In" and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
TEAM: "The Midnight Special" and "Love American Style"
Received via email 2-08-07 Don Jones was Right!
Received via email 2-09-07 How does Feinburg get paid more than bill wade in Tampa? Bill gets way more air time. Maybe Feinburg should cut Bill a check!
Received via email 2-09-07 Where do I sign up to be St.Pete PIO? He doesn't even do the work of one Fire Inspector, how does he get the pay for almost 2 people. He must kiss alot of a**.
Received via email 2-09-07 Not a single firefighter should sign-up to work overtime for the Grand Prix.
Received via email 2-09-07 What was Don Jones right about ???
Received via email 2-09-07 You ask how RF can make more than Bill Wade? Ron Smith was asked to pay back the overage that was found in his pay. He had nothing to do with "their" mistake. RF is in control of his own pay codes. Why don't you ask him why he hasn't been asked to pay any of HIS overages back. They have been documented! Better yet, ask the Chief of the FIRE DEPARTMENT!
Different day --- same old song and dance. Is there no credible individual at the top of this organization? All of this drama is getting in the way of our credibility. How, you ask??? You liars and theives can't hide anymore. Now go get your own website so you can try to spin your story (I mean get your story straight).
Received via email 2-09-07 Here, here. I just can't get enough of this stuff.
Baker's response to the slashing was slow in coming and all lawyered up. His first statements came three days after the slashing:
"I did not know that the operation had occurred until it occurred. I was aware that the fire marshal had identified a very grave concern. I did not know the specifics to the solution." '
Apparently our Jr. Fire Marshal didn't know the solution to the specifics!
Received via email 2-09-07 What do you expect Baker to say? He can't win. He knows that those homeless bastards are worthless pieces of shit. We all know it. But obviously he can't say much except some bullshit about how much he cares and what a tool the police chief is. Thats standard mayor stuff. F**k him. F**k them all.
Received via email 2-11-07 Hey did they make an LT yet ?
Received via email 2-12-07 Don Jones is the 70's! Cool and in charge!
Received via email 2-12-07 Hey man, they don't "make" lieutenants. It's more complicated than that. First they feed the kool aid to a bunch of blue shirts on a list. Then they pick the first one or two to either pass out, or pretend to be passed out. Then, they eat them. The next morning what they find in the shitter they promote. There. The secret is out.
Received via email 2-12-07 Don Jones actually has to use a time machine to find the right stores when he shops for clothes.
Received via email 2-12-07 Tim White has been promoted to LT effective 2/19/07.
TEAM: Congratulations to Tim White.
Received via email 2-12-07 Won't Tim Whites promotion cause a Dilemma? Where will Tim be able to get 18 steak dinners for $2.00?
Received via email 2-13-07 You guys are Fu**ed up. You would sell your mother down the river on this site if you had to. If you do not know Tim's deal then leave it alone. He has done nothing to anyone and will make a great officer, And know his nuts are not in my mouth. I figured some smart ass would tell me to get them out of there. Let him enjoy this time.
TEAM: It's got to be an inside joke that the majority of us don't get, so don't sweat it too much.
Received via email 2-13-07 The A shift will take them from the B shift fridge. By the way, where the hell is the half & half?
TEAM: Yeah... it was.
Received via email 2-13-07 Looks like it's promotions as usual. Better candidates are overlooked. I'm surprised they did'nt hold three positions just to get to #15. Just because someone was coached well and scored the most points does not make a them the best person for the job.
Received via email 2-13-07 Once again, experience means squat on this job.
Received via email 2-13-07 Would you figure any different, look who is making the promotions. He didnt make it by experience either, just kissing the right A_ _ at the right time.
Received via email 2-13-07 Email remove via email request.
Received via email 2-13-07 Hello what do you expect? The DCs want a do boy not someone who has leadership experience. I mean you have a liar and a person who was charged with attempted murder of his wife. Whoops. I guess your history still follows you. Why do you think they do not want people with experience as officers because they will not be able to control them. I mean you have cubby and JOW. How long were you a Captain for anyway? You and Luke Williams can suck up to Baker when He "gives" you your positions. Let's see. Two black chiefs. That will help his political asspirations.
Received via email 2-13-07 He 2-13, we never thought they were in your mouth, just your typing hand. "And know"?!?!!??
Received via email 2-15-07 SO WHATS WAS WRONG WITH CALLAHAN? OR ARE YOU GUYS F@#$ING STUPID! LET'S HEAR IT FOR PRINCE! YEAH RIGHT!
Received via email 2-15-07 Hey 2-13 #6. At least I served my country. I was even in the theater of operation during the Gulf War. So go ahead and check my record asshole... I fought for your right to bad mouth me. But while your checking on things look into the laws about Dafamation. I suggest the team do so as well...
Steve Lawrence
TEAM: Your name went unnoticed by us at the time that it was posted as it was just another email passing through this site. You always have the opportunity to contact us via the CONTACT page and notify us of your wish to have your name removed. If that is your pleasure, please inform us of such. We've done it before. If your wish is confrontation with someone here, you'll find none. Don't shoot the messenger. If it's truth that you seek, find out who has an in depth knowledge of your personal history who owns a personal computer and confront them. We know nothing of your personal history.
As to your service to our country - you'll find that this website pays tribute to our servicemen and women a couple of times a year with a special home page because we think it's important to always remember. Our thanks goes to you for your service. Not everyone has the guts to place themselves in harms way for a country that can't stand the site of flag draped coffins returning to Dover Delaware! It's a giant weakness that may well spell our downfall!
Received via email 2-15-07 Way to go Steve glad your standing up for us all.
Received via email 2-15-07 What are the odds of getting BACK in the military?
Received via email 2-15-07 That would be "defamation." Thanks for serving your Country and protecting us.
Received via email 2-16-07 Dafamation. Isn't that what daffy duck does?
Received via email 2-16-07 I thought avoiding being penetrated by a DC firefighter was the real issue in here. Sorry.
Received via email 2-16-07 Hey, Steve, you said you were in the first Gulf. What were you involved in there? From coffee boy to SF. I am guessing you were not in any combat arena because I was in the Combat arena and never saw your name. Was just wondering. And as for the other post. The military now has lesser standards then SPPD to get in. I wouldnt brag about that.
TEAM: Thanks for your service, Bro'/Sis'.
Received via email 2-16-07 And in case your wondering. I was in the 3rd of the 20th SF group.
Received via email 2-17-07 None of us were wondering.
Received via email 2-17-07 I was in the salvation army does that count? I want an at a boy.
Received via email 2-17-07 How about Bubba's Army, does that count?
Received via email 2-17-07 I think giving preference points to veterans shows them disrespect, just like affirmative action says that minorities need help. It's an insult.
TEAM: Today, many 'minority' groups are treated a particular way by law, due to prior insults inflicted upon them by the 'majority'. Veterans, too, can be considered a minority in a sense, but because they don't fit the typical profile of being 'born' of a minority group (as a whole); there may lie a clear enough distinction to choose to think of them as otherwise. Veterans are members (today) of a volunteer force and as such, may not pass the litmus test as it pertains to the description of a true minority group for your purposes. They certainly can be considered a minority group who have figured out that freedom isn't free and that with freedom comes responsibility.
Someone has to draw the sword.
Consider this... In day to day life, the families of Firefighters suffering from a LODD, probably fare better (monetarily) than the families of average grunts who are KIA. We don't know the exact figures as they pertain to death benefits for our Servicemen killed in action but we don't believe that it's a stretch of the imagination to say that state and federal benefits for Firefighters far outweigh those of our Servicemen. Of course that's is you're killed! You're screwed if you think Florida Workers Comp will do shit for you if you're caught in a building collapse!
Others care to take a shot at this?
Received via email 2-17-07 Don't pick on the Salvation Army. They do good things for alot of people, especially for the military in Iraq.
Received via email 2-17-07 Ask a vet if it is an insult, I am guessing they will say it's not. We should show our fighting brothers and sisters any and all respect due to them for what they have done for our freedom. Wether they are buttholes or not. God Bless the U.S.A.
Received via email 2-18-07 Isn't it enough of a slap in the face of our troops that the Libs and the RINO's (Republicans In Name Only) just told our troops to piss up a rope? It's all about politics. The Dems aren't going to go with the President's plan, even though they don't have a plan of their own. Not one of them is listening to the troops on the ground, who'll tell you that you have to kill every one of thos MOTHER F****ERS over there. THEY know that they're making a positive difference in spite of the fact that everyone turns a blind eye to the real problem --> Iran moving arms and insurgents into Iraq. Let's give our folks in the service everything they need when their over ther and when they return too! We can never do enough for them!
Received via email 2-19-07 Congrats Timmy. It's to bad they didn't promote someone who has experience. Like Randy Kahle 15 years of driving E 5 yipee, he has done so much.
Received via email 2-19-07 2/19 #1 I am a bit slow. Are you slamming Timmy or Kahle? If we promoted on experience then we should promote Artie out at #2. Hell, he has been on for over 20 years that must make him smart and able to lead.
Received via email 2-19-07 Wait does timmy drink beer, play volleyball and have a criminal record yet. If the answer is yes then he should be fast tracked to DC.
Received via email 2-19-07 What the f**k? How is being a veteran at all like being a minority? When it's all said and done the military is just a job. You can argue that it is a public service or a "calling," but it is still just a job. You know, like firefighting.
How does a military veteran deserve a bigger push up the ladder than a firefighter? A 6 year firefighter with 3 years of military service should get a ten point push past a 15 year firefighter? Bullshit. It is a bullshit law, just like affirmative action. Like I said before: It insults the intelligence and integrity of the minority, or in this case the veteran. A veteran with integrity would not accept the push, just like many minority firefighters refused to accept theirs (okay, it never happened in St. Pete, but there have been minorities with enough integrity elsewhere).
The law may have had good intentions, but like most things that come from liberal leaders, they may have meant well, but in the process they end up insulting their country and everyone in it.
The promotional process is pure bullshit, but at least it is an arguably even playing field when it is not f**ked with. Stop f**king with it and let people get promoted based on how well they did in the process, bullshit or not.
Thanks. I needed that.
Lisa Nowak
International Space Station
Received via email 2-19-07 2/19 #1, you are a moron. you must totally f$^ked up. there were five very good candidates up for promotion. if you fail to see this, go back to sleep and the rest of us who are proud to work with these individuals will continue picking up your slack. tim white was a great choice, as would have been any of the other four up for promotion. you bashers need to pay attention to the real enemy. and he doeent work in any of our fire stations.
Received via email 2-19-07 where does he work? Which office. I thought SK was an enemy? I must be alseep not running calls and watching tv and wake up at 7 am when the bell goes off.
Received via email 2-19-07 Historically, the"list" meant nothing. If you were number 1 and the head drunk or his buddies didn't like you no matter how much experience you may have or how many of the guys/girls respect you - you will remain at the top, until you give up. Historically those of us that have taken the test and ended up in the ZONE, got our faces slapped each time we were passed over.. Hell rewind 5-7 years and check out the promotions. Rarely did it EVER go 1-2-3. If there are issues with the candidates, remove them from the process! There should be a rule or policy where there is no gray area... no good ole boy system. Have the test facilitated by non participant outsiders in our profession. If you're number one, its yours! If not, then just publish a list in a big circle of all the guys and gals that passed the test. Promote which c**k suckers you want and no one can say I was passed over again! Fair play its a concept the management hasn't fathomed in many many years. So, from someone that will never take the exam again, good luck! Remember... being a blue shirt firefighter is a great job. Ya hardly ever get hit in the ass!
FTM!
Received via email 2-19-07 Lisa are you saying minoritys on this job dont have integrity?
Received via email 2-19-07 Anyone heard how Rob Dobbins is doing? Rob? Can you hear me? Just wondering. Hope all is well.
Mr. Curious Guy
Dave Fraser
Received via email 2-19-07 Very true thats why the admin promotes the young guys so they can control them and not have to hit them in the ass. Just threaten them with their job if you do not do what the DC s tell you to do. Yes Master who do I need to write up next.
Received via email 2-20-07 I can hear you Dave. Rob here and all is well. We are in the process of surviving our second winter in North Ga. hasn't been to bad up here just a couple of snows as of now. We hope to start building a house this year on some property that we bought last year. The kids are doing great in school and all other activities they are involved in. (football, baseball, mandolin and guitar lessons,fishing and hiking). The wife is working on finishing her masters in teaching and we both work for an organization that helps people that are in abuse situations. I miss all of you guys down there, but I really like it up here and wouldn't change a thing. That's pretty much what we have been up to, you guys all take care and have a safe year.
Later RD
TEAM: It's good to hear from the Robster...
Received via email 2-20-07 Interesting to see the mentality of those who think they discovered how the promotional system works here at SPFR. It's also interesting to see that nothing has changed. In the seventies they called it "Affirmative Action". That's where the powers would by-pass the first twelve or fifteen caucasian applicants on the Lieutenant's list to get the first minority who came in sixteenth and then the powers had the balls to act like there was nothing wrong with that since they needed to fill "quotas" in certain ranks as mandated by the government. And yes, there were probably federal funds at stake. That's the way it was and I won't argue the fact with anyone.
In the earlier days they had what was known as the "Rule of Three". The "Rule of Three" stated, and I'm paraphrasing here, that for each opening for promotion there would be submitted to the Chief a list of the TOP three applicants from the list. One of those would be appointed to the open position. The other two went back on the list in the chronological order they originally came in on the exam. If and when there was another opening the Chief again received a list of three candidates. Again this time the list contained the names of the top three applicants for the promotion. The list was in effect from one test to the next and only ran out upon the issuing of a new exam.
I suppose in a perfect world the ideal way to promote would be to start with number one on the list and award him or her the first opening available for promotion. This would be the fairest and least problematic of all methods. However with the influences and pressures both political and ethnic it's difficult if not impossible to promote in a manner that would remotely approach fairness. The promotional system in the SPFR is skewed to say the least but it's what's politically correct and directly in line with the current societal mores and will not go away any time soon.
VCF
Received via email 2-20-07 Hey wait I have 4.5 years on and know the books and can BS people and can drink like a fish and lie. Why cant I get promoted?
Received via email 2-20-07 Minorities can do the job. You shouldnt get the job because you are one. Right B52.
YELLING 2-20-07 I AM ALWAYS CURIOUS WHEN YOU GUYS GO TALKING ABOUT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME A BLACK LT WAS MADE. I HAVE BEEN HERE 5 YRS ONLY ONE BLACK LT WAS MADE AND THAT WAS GC. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME A BLACK CAPTAIN HAS BEEN MADE. 1 IN THE PAST 10-15 YRS (BW). WHEN I WAS HIRED OUT OF 9 FF HIRED THEY ONLY HIRED 2 MINORITIES (2 BLACKS). 1YR AFTER I WAS HIRED OUT OF 13 FIREFIGHTERS THERE WAS ONLY 1 MINORITY. THE LAST CLASS THAT CAME THROUGH OUT OF I BELIEVE 12 THERE WAS ONLY 4 MINORITIES( I COULD BE WRONG ABOUT HOW MANY WAS HIRED BUT I DO KNOW THERE WERE MORE WHITE MALES THAN MINORITIES). 2 WOMAN AND 2 BLACKS. YOU GUYS COME IN HERE TALKING ABOUT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND THINGS THAT HAPPENED ALMOST 20 YRS AGO TO GET PEOPLE ALL UPSET ABOUT NOTHING. YOU GUYS HAVE YOUR OWN LITTLE SYSTEM OF NEPOTISM. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING THAT THAT 1 LT AND THAT 1 CAPTAIN WERE THE RESULT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. THAT THOSE 2 ARE NOT CAPABLE OF SUPERVISING WHITE MEN. IF YOU ASK ME, I THINK THAT THAT IS WHAT ALL OF THIS IS ABOUT. YOU GUYS DONT WANT MINORITIES OR WOMAN ON THIS JOB AND EVERYTIME I COME IN HERE A READ THESE POST IT IS MORE EVIDENT. NOT SAYING ALL OF YOU GUYS DONT WANT US HERE BUT THERE ARE SOME.
TEAM: We almost attached some red ink to the bottom of that one when it first posted - but instead let it go - untouched. You are one member who is able to quickly discern the old from the new news. It's a sure sign that no one's thinking for you with 'their' version of events!
Received via email 2-21-07 Good point about affirmative action in recent years. I guess this proves we don't need it.
Received via email 2-21-07 I agree with Lisa Nowak that affirmative action is bullshit. Even if it was once needed here, it obviously is needed no longer. It really is an insult to a minority to be brought up from a lower position on a list the same way you would let a handicap, skip to the front of a line. It is wrong to assume minorities can't make it on their own. I have far too much respect for minorities to believe affirmative action is necessary.
John Glenn
the Greatest Generation
Received via email 2-21-07 Why do minorities type in all capital letters?
TEAM: We dunno. For the same reason some people ask stoopid questions?
Here's something interesting...do with it what you will
Received via email 2-21-07 Maybe connors will be next. It would explain alot.
Received via email 2-21-07 Holy shit! Talk about going out of your way to take advantage of affirmative action. GO STEVE STANTON!
Received via email 2-21-07 If that city manager becomes a woman, how will he f**k the firefighters in the ass?
Received via email 2-21-07 After asking how Rob Dobbins was doing in here the other night, Rob called me at #9 last night to say hi. He sounds great, and he says that he and his family are very happy up there. Rob, thanks for touching base. It was great hearing from you, glad to hear you are doing so well. As someone who is getting near "drop time", I was pleased to hear you say that there is life after retirement.
Dave Fraser
Received via email 2-21-07 THE POINT THAT I WAS TRYING TO MAKE IS THAT YOU GUYS ARE SCREAMING ABOUT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION - HOW IT IS RUINING YOUR DEPARTMENT. WHO IS IT WORKING FOR? IT'S NOT WORKING FOR ANY OF THE MINORITIES ON THIS JOB. IF IT IS... PROVE IT. YOU COULD ONLY NAME ONE INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS BENEFITED FROM IT. I WOULD PUT MY PAYCHECK ON IT THAT THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE ON THIS JOB THAT ARE A PRODUCT OF NEPOTISM THAN THERE ARE MINORITIES ON THIS JOB. THERE ARE MORE LT.'S ON THIS JOB THAT BENEFIT FROM THEIR PARENTS BEING OFFICERS THAN THERE HAVE BEEN MINORITIES THAT HAVE BEEN PROMOTED. I STAND WITH AFFIRMITIVE ACTION. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY A MINORITY IS GOING TO GET IN THE DOOR. YOU GUYS GET IN VIA NEPOTISM SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? LIKE I SAID BEFORE. OUT OF 9 FF HIRED, 2 WERE MINORITIES. IN EVERY HIRING, WHITES OUT NUMBERED MINORITIES IN EVERY HIRING 5 TO 1. WHATS WRONG WITH THAT #? IF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS SO EFFECTIVE THEN WHY HASN'T IT BALANCED THAT OUT? I AM NOT HERE TO TELL YOU GUYS TO ACCEPT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. WHAT I AM GETTING FROM YOU GUYS IS THAT WE DON'T DESERVE TO BE HERE AND THAT IS WHY I AM POSTING, THAT WE DON'T COUNT WITHIN THIS DEPARTMENT BECAUSE OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE #S I POSTED - THAT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS NOT WORKING FOR ANYONE. TO POST 2-21 #3. THE REASON WHY I TYPE IN CAPS, IS THE SAME REASON WHY YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND WONDER WHY YOU'RE A PUSSY.
TEAM: Well, we must say that the current subject matter doesn't please us, but you've certainly held your own, Bro'/Sis.
You get an "E" and "FIST" for effort. We guess you could say that you're the first one to get FISTED! Congrats...
Received via email 2-22-07 Go to the the local academies. The minorities are just not there. The whites out number minorities 5 to 1 so what can you do when they do not apply. Before you run off out the mouth, find out how many minorities applied and how many received the job. Sit on an interview board and watch all the individuals not just minorities struggle with the very basics. We should not hire a retart just because of the color of their skin. I would like to work beside the best person for the job.I have not heard anyone say that minorities do not belong here.
Received via email 2-22-07 Ahhhhhh. Being in the majority never felt so good! Please, can we find another turd to polish. Like GL's head?
Received via email 2-22-07 Come on everyody knows that Baker wants to hire the least qualified so he can say that he is pro affirmative action and get the minority vote. Thats why minorties are hired. Not because the are the best qualified but, because the mayor wants to look good. For you people that do not understand. There is still a quota system. Do not let them tell you different. The mayor doesnt care if they are the best qualified. He cares about points and what makes him look good.
TEAM: Well now... that about does it for us. We thought that low pay, shit workweek condx and a pension that trails all others were mitigtating factors in who showed up at the door for a job!
TEAM: Funny stuff - but we ain't printing it!
Received via email 2-22-07 You bitches in St. Pete are so backward. Here in DC we prefer to use seperate water fountains.
Received via email 2-22-07 I won't mention names, but if that DC that tried to kill his wife by beating her with a pistol had gone to jail-- would he have still been promoted?
Received via email 2-22-07 Shoot straight with me. I heard that at training the other night, GL was there and before entering the maze, he grabbed a Marine Corps flag and shouted, "Follow me into the bowels of hell, you DevilDogs!" If that was true, did anyone follow hiim or just look and laugh?
Received via email 2-22-07 I heard the city is going to reach out to illegal aliens to work on the fire department because they will work jobs that Americans don't want to work.
My name is Jose' Jiminez
Received via email 2-22-07 I met a guy that was turned down by the DC fire dept because he refused to kiss a guy.
Received via email 2-22-07 GL said, Last guy in the pool is a DC firefighter! And oh yeah - the flag wasn't a Marine Corps flag it was the gay pride flag. I just thought you should know.
TEAM: Did the flag look like this one? We're not saying this is 'it'. But did it? Huh? Did it?
Received via email 2-22-07 THIS WOULD BE MY LAST POST ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ONE WAY OF SEEING THINGS AND YOU ALL HAVE YOUR WAY. TO POST 2-22 #1 YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT. WITHIN THE LAST PROCESS THERE WERE AT LEAST SIX MINORITIES. I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS AT THE DRILL GOUNDS WHEN THEY TOOK THEIR AGILITY TEST. SO THAT WHAT YOU SAYING IS BULLSHIT. WE ONLY HIRED TWO. 2 OUT OF 6. OH I GUESS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION WORKED FOR THOSE 2 BUT IT DIDNT WORK FOR THE OTHER 4. THOSE 2 THAT WE HIRED WERE JUST A POLITICAL TOKEN AND THEY DIDNT DESERVE THIS JOB. I WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER ONE TO LOOK AT. CAPT WE(10). WHERE WAS HE ON THAT LIST. CAPT DM(11). WHERE WAS HE ON THE LIST. I RECKON NEITHER AT THE TOP. HOW DID THEY RECIEVE THEIR PROMOTION. THEY RECIEVED IT THROUGH EXPERIENCE. OH BUT CAPT BW WAS A RESULT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. I WILL GIVE ANOTHER ONE. LT TL(9. WHERE WAS HE ON THE LIST. HE RECIEVED HIS THROUGH HARD WORK AND EXPERIENCE BUT GC(8)GOT HIS THROUGH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. YOU PEOPLE ARE FULL OF SHIT. ALL THIS UP ROAR IS ABOUT A BLACK MAN BEING IN CHARGE OF WHITE MEN. THOSE SAME MEN I NAMED EARNED THEIR POSITION IN YOUR EYES THROUGH LEADERSHIP BUT A BLACK MAN EARN HIS POSITION THROUGH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. THERE ARE PLENTY PEOPLE WHO HAVE CAME THROUGH THE INERVIEW STRUGGLING THROUGH THE BASICS BUT WHO ALWAYS GET THE AX BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. I HAVE HEARD FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE A PART OF THE INTERVIEW PROCESS VOTE IN THERE. YOU ALL DO IT BASED ON WHAT SOMEONE LOOKS LIKE SO THAT SHIT YOU SPEAK IS A CROCK WHALE SHIT. TO 2-22 #4 LET ME GET THIS RIGHT - THE MAYOR HIRES THE LEAST QUALIFIED BECAUSE HE IS PRO-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR THE MINORITY VOTE. FORM WHAT I KNOW THAT EVERYONE THAT PARTICIPATS IN THE HIRING PROCESS HAS A FIREFIGHTER AND A EMT CERTIFICATE. HOW DOES THAT MAKE ANY MORE QUALIFIED FROM THE OTHER. OH I GET IT SINCE ITS A BLACK MAN WITH A FIREFIGHTER AND EMT CERTIFICATION HE IS NOT QUALIFIED BUT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS WORKING. IM DONE WITH THIS CONVERSATION. ITS BEEN FUN BUT I SEE THAT THIS DEPARTMENT HAS NOT MADE ANY STRIDES SINCE THEY STARTED HIRING BLACK PEOPLE OR MINORITIES. ITS GREAT TO COME TO WORK AND KNOW THAT SO MANY OR A FEW ARE AGAINST YOU. LIKE I HAVE ALWAYS SAID "STOP HIDING THE WAY YOU REALLY FEEL AND START STATING THESE THINGS TO THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH. AT LEAST WE WILL HAVE AN IDEA ABOUT SOME OF YOU. STOP SMILING IN OUR FACES AS IF WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS. BE HONEST. I CAN RESPECT A MAN MORE WHEN I KNOW WHERE HE STANDS INSTEAD OF HIM THROWING ROCKS AND HIDING HIS HAND. HAD FUN. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT WAKE UP CALL.
Received via email 2-22-07 Hey cry baby, go fu**yourself. Stop bringing up this racist shit. No one says affirmative action besides your narrow minded ass. Capt and I rephrase Capt Williams is an excellent officer. No one says he received it from affirmative action if they do they are fu**up like yourself. As for hiring there were six minorities out of what applied 80 or so. We hired the 4 because they did the best rather than the other two that did not know what a bale is. You know what a bale is, dont you? So once again stop selling your bullshit because no one is buying it.
Received via email 2-22-07 Whoa! have I entered a time warp ? is it the 70's again ? If so I have a little league baseball game to be at tonight....and coach says it's my turn to pitch. Man on man do I miss the 70's
Signed Notdon Jones
TEAM: Nah... we ain't gonna print that one. Good try though!
Received via email 2-22-07 Are you guys done arguing and bitchin. Lets stay union-ized and kick some city a--.
Sergeant Gunny Highway
Received via email 2-22-07 6th 2/22. Actually GL said, "Go in the maze while I sit on my ass and WATCH you, YOU BUNCH OF LOSERS work, and maybe I'll back the city in giving all of you a 3.5 % raise! And for gosh sakes, get off your lazy asses and do some training! You pieces of crap need to earn your keep, and not blame the city for your financial problems" thats the short, very short (of him), I mean it.
Received via email 2-22-07 LIKE I SAID BEFORE I AM DONE WITH THIS ISSUE. MOVE ON TO SOMETHING ELSE NOW.
Received via email 2-23-07 We are not done with the issue. You started it. Go fu**yourself.
Received via email 2-23-07 I hope this doesn't sound racist but I agree with 2/22/07, number 11. I worked with Captain Williams at #11 for several years and I can assure you he is one of the finest men you'll find on this department. I retired to give him my postition as engine driver. (just kidding) Bernie's a class act on and off the job and he is very capable of achieving without any outside assistance. I still consider Bernie to be a friend and if you see him tell him I still have the coins his wife sold me. LOL And no, please don't jerk me around for being a name dropper. Every person on the job should be proud to work with Captain Bernie Williams.
Fraternally,
Dick Tully
Received via email 2-25-07 LET ME EXPAIN. I AM NOT SAYING THAT HE HIS NOT CAPABLE OF DOING THE JOB. PERSONALLY I LOOK UP TO CAPT BW MORE THAN ANYONE ON THIS JOB. SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE MISCONSTRUED MY POST. WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS AFFIRMITIVE ACTION AND HOW EVERYTIME A BLACK MAN GETS PROMOTED PEOPLE ON THIS SITE AND THIS JOB FEEL THAT IT HELPS MINORITIE FF BUT HURTS WHITE FF THAT WANT TO BE PROMOTED. MY POINT IM TRYING TO MAKE IS THAT AFFIRMITIVE ACTION IS NOT HELPING NOBODY. HOW IS THAT WHEN A WHITE MAN COMES OUT ON THE LIST AND NOT DO TOO WELL AND HE GETS PROMOTED EVERYONE SAYS "OH HE DESERVED IT BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD LEADER AND HE HAS BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE". "HE IS A GREAT GUY". YOU GUYS MAKE UP ALL THE EXCUSES IN THE WORLD FOR THIS INDIVIDUAL BUT WHEN A BLACK MAN GETS PROMOTED THE FIRST THING COMES OUT OF YOU GUYS MOUTHS IS THAT HE GOT PROMOTED BECAUSE HE IS BLACK. I HAVE SAT IN OTHER ROOMS WHILE YOU GUYS HAVE DISCUSSED THESE SITUATIONS. YOU GUYS ASSUME THAT WE DONT HEAR WHAT IS SAID BETWEEN YOU GUYS. ALL I AM TRYING TO SAY IS THAT, WHO IS AFFIRMITIVE ACTION WORKING FOR BECAUSE IT IS NOT WORKING FOR BLACK PEOPLE YET YOU GUYS COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. WE ARE NOT TAKING ANY JOBS AWAY FROM YOU. TO POST 2-22 #11 I AM F**KED UP BECAUSE SOMEONE SPOKE OF AFFIRMITIVE ACTION AND I PULLED THEIR CARD. I CHOOSE TO SPEAK ABOUT IT. SPEAKING OF THE 2 THAT YOU HIRED BECAUSE THEY KNEW WHAT A BALE WAS, THERE WERE A FEW IN THAT GROUP THAT WERE HIRED THAT DIDNT KNOW WHAT A BALE WAS SO THAT IS A BUNCH OF CRAP YOU ARE SPEAKING. TO 2-23 #1. THOUGHT YOU WOULD HAVE SOMETHING INTELLIGENT TO SAY. INSTEAD OF DIALOGUE THAT WOULD BRING US TO AN UNDERSTANDING, YOU WANT ME TO F--- MYSELF. WOW WHAT BROTHERHOOD WE HAVE. IF THERE IS SUCH A THING. SO MR TULLY IN NO WAY AM I TRYING TO COME DOWN ON CAPT BW. I RESPECT HIM TOO MUCH TO EVEN THINK THAT WAY OF HIM. ALL I WAS TRING TO DO WAS MAKE A POINT ABOUT AFFIRMITIVE ACTION. SORRY ABOUT THE CONFUSION IF I CONFUSED ANYONE.
Received via email 2-25-07 SORRY MR TULLY. IN YOUR POST, I THOUGHT YOU DIDNT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE DEBATE WAS ABOUT. FORGIVE ME FOR NOT READING YOUR POST ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I THOUGHT THAT YOU WERE THINKING THAT I WAS BASHING CAPT BW. SORRY.
TEAM: Thanks for the clarification, Bro'/Sis'. We were wondering about that ourselves. And just so you know where the TEAM's coming from, Bernie Williams is one of the few on this job who is a TITAN, 24/7. There are few on this job (of whatever color) who enjoy the respect and adoration that this man does. For him it's a two way street. He's not going to ask you to do anything that he wouldn't do first, himself. There are some on this job who have the rules and regs shoved so far up their ass that they can recite them backwards and forwards and to their glee - that simple feat of memorization commands respect. BULLSHIT!.
Look closely under one of Bernie's shirt pocket flaps. He may be hiding one of these . He didn't have it pressed into his hand because he was thought to be a punk!
Received via email 2-25-07 Hey Dick, now your making some sense. Keep it up big guy ! Dr. Phil
Received via email 2-25-07 The only reason I keep telling you to go fu** yourself is because you are the only one brining up affirmative action. I have not heard it spoken here except by you. No one that has been promoted has been perfect. They all have there quirks"?". The last guy that was perfect was hung on a cross. Now if a minority was in the top 5, I seriously doubt that anyone would claim affirmative action but if we held a promotion or two to be able to skip down 12 or 13 names, well then there is a different story.
Received via email 2-25-07 Hey chief! Why don't you reign in your boys? You've got a c-shift medic that's just about had it with this place and when he ask's to get off of the rescue - your two boys "Capt. Suckinghardtobechief" and "DC Doesthesecretaries" are keeping him on the road. Grow up you guys. Nobody likes working for assholes and you guys ain't wearing no pants! Of course if you leave him alone, you'll still be assholes.
Received via email 2-25-07 Can anyone confirm? Did one of our guys who's going to medic school (to save this friggin' department from itself) get jammed by Lanning at a night drill? I heard that he was returning from a day of medic school when he ended up at the night drill wearing his medic student shirt. Lanning supposedly made a call to JW while he was at home relaxing, to see if it was okay for the medic student to participate.
Is this some weak shit or what. Are we hiring sissies or what? The trouble with some of you guys is you think too damned much. I'd love to have tapped that phone line. "Hey chief. This is Greg. One of our guys just returned from medic school and he's about to go into the maze in full bunker gear while wearing a student shirt." "Can he do that?" "If he does, will I get in trouble?"
Because of promotions like yours, we're all in trouble...
Received via email 2-26-07 All i know is I dont't have to worry about if my top button is buttoned or not anymore.
Received via email 2-26-07 6th 2/25, I think your right, GL should get a job at a hair salon or some other more fitting occupation other than the one he is thinks he is in !
Received via email 2-26-07 Now thats funny, "DC "Doesthesecretaries"" You wouldn't be talking about MM would you? Also you're right again. He is a asshole and always will be!!!!!
Received via email 2-28-07 Any of you chicken little pussies notice that the world has not ended yet because we gave up our NAAKs? What a bunch of whiny snot nosed crybaby wussies.
TEAM: We noticed the same thing. Truly, the world has not come to an end. But what we did notice was that a unilateral change in working conditions took place that caused some cities in this county to step up to the plate to protect their hometown hero's. It didn't go unnoticed, either, that every sunstar scab is protected with a NAAK or his or her own.
Thanks for mentioning it though. Oh, and that reminds me...
Received via email 2-28-07 I remember a couple years ago a guy had just made Div.Chief (training) but I will not mention any names. And we had a night drill @ the drill grounds, with aprox 25 of us there. One guy (being myself) had one extra button undone on his shirt and another guy came in a dept. issued t-shirt. Nothing was said at the drill but the very next shift my D.C. formally know as P______ came out to my station to let me know that this Div. Chief had noticed and wanted to let me know it was unacceptable. Thank God he didn't notice my
white socks or I would have been fired.
Received via email 3-1-07 Don't forget removal of the body armor either. It's not like a guy was ever shot on one of our firetrucks, oops, well it's not like we've ever had riots...oops, well it's not like someone shot themselves in front of.....Why did we get rid of them again?
Received via email 3-1-07 We got rid of them because no one ever put them on. DO you think the crew out of 13 would have had vests on if they were there. We do not even wear the safety glasses but we will bitch when we get exposed through our eyes.
TEAM: The circumstances that presented themselves to the crew of E13 were something that couldn't be planned for unless every crew member wore a vest on every call. On those occasions where there is prior notification that you may have to work in riot conditions (for instance) proper planning would either negate the very possibility of Fire Fighters working in hostile conditions not created by fire or medical emergency - or provide bullet-proof vests for those individuals inquisitive enough to see how poor a bad guy's aim is that may be aiming for your head. Proper planning by this department's management has their heart in the right place but the city's wallet always seems to prevail.
Received via email 3-1-07 A tool given up, is a tool never replaced. This city is all about JUST GETTING BY!
Received via email 3-1-07 It's still better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them. I know guys didn't ever wear them, but God forbid if a crew get's caught in the crossfire and they could get to the box and open up a compartment just to find extra blankets there where the vest used to be. It's called good planning which is something our dept. forgot a long long time ago.
Received via email 3-1-07 The body armour the dept provided is standard. Did you ever read the label. Only good for 38 cal and barely frag protection. Then take the length of time it has been around deterioating. And what war was it from? Korea or Vietnam. Now I am sure the paper palace chiefs most likely have up to date BA.
TEAM: A few years ago, Reginald Roundtree did a story on ballistic vests that were in use after their expiration date. A Kenneth City officer was interviewed, whose vest was older than he was. They placed his vest on a stack of phone books and shot it with a 9mm round. The round went squarely through the vest and deeply into the stack of phone books. The vest's layers of Kevlar delaminated and pooched-out so bad that you wouldn't be able to get the vest back on your body if you tried. It didn't take long for their Union to demand new body armor. Very good point, Bro'/Sis'.
Received via email 3-1-07 If the dept stands by the vests then why doesnt one of the chiefs put a vest on and let them be shot with a 22 or a 38 to prove how well they work?
Received via email 3-2-07 I can remember putting them on, but they were always too big for me. It left some big holes to shoot through, so putting them on seemed kind of useless. Pat
Received via email 3-2-07 Well you sure won't need them in Longboat, Pat...
TEAM: Nahhh - we ain't biting. We aren't printing that one.
Received via email 3-5-07 OK
Received via email 3-5-07 Let's face it - we all know we really only need one D/C per shift and that they're really only needed on a limited number of the major calls. Just like the squad truck. So why not just let the D/C's drive the squad.
Received via email 3-5-07 So the squad can get stolen outside of a girlfriend's house?
Received via email 3-5-07 As long as you're bringing her Robitussin.
Received via email 3-5-07 Let's get this straight now. We put guys/gals off for B/P meds, when HQ and the job is what caused the high B/P in the first place.
Received via email 3-5-07 What about counseling in the park at night?
Received via email 3-5-07 maybe if you guys ran fires, you would need fire chiefs........
TEAM: And maybe if you guys hired fewer fags, you wouldn't have to order bunker gear in size XXXXXXXL to fit the matress that's strapped onto your back's! Hmmmm? Back under the porch, MUTT!
Received via email 3-6-07 Are the girls from DC here again?
Received via email 3-6-07 Big up's to the DC's (NC, GC, and MZ) who showed up at the meeting yesterday. Especially MZ for getting up and speaking. Not to mention the Capt.'s there (WE, JG, AR). Sorry if I missed anyone, but it was hard to see with tears in my eyes.
TEAM: TITAN'S never forget from whence they came!
Received via email 3-7-07 I said it a few months ago and it turned out to be true. If anyone listened on Tuesday, the cit could care less as to how the stations are staffed as long as they are staffed. A large part of the city's focus was on our dollars earned. I would venture to say that if those asked about their overtime worked were to add up those dollars "ya know the non pensionable stuff" that a 5% raise would have turned out to be a better deal. Im told that our union prez has finally taken position on the issue and it sounds something like this: STOP WORKING OVERTIME! Every hour worked is an opportunity lost to force the city to look at the problem. AS long as we continue to fill the seats they WILL NOT hire more employees. And what appeals to new employees? Anyone? Anyone? PAY AND BENEFITS! Look, we have a geat job - I mean great... and we have to remember that it is our primary occupation not our part-time job! So lets get back to some old school brotherhood.
And lets not bring back terms like SCAB !
Received via email 3-8-07 ATTENCIONE' ATTENCIONE' A liitle bird just told me, that printed in an online Key West newspaper, that the former St. Petersburg Fire Chief was arrested and charged with DUI! What a pisser, huh? I wonder where he'll land next in an attempt to work in all Florida Counties! All you drunken firemen who see this as being "cool," can go bail him out!
Received via email 3-8-07 What thrill do you get kicking a man while he's down? Have a heart where is the brother/sisterhood ?
Received via email 3-8-07 I heard the same story. It said he had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. I thought that was common for him.
Received via email 3-8-07 Not a rumor! Our illustrous former fire chief WAS ARRESTED!!
Received via email 3-8-07 Heven forbid any of you ever a problem to deal with ! God only knows if you do I hope that you git more support from your brothers and sisters that your appear to be giving this man.
Received via email 3-8-07 You wrote: "What thrill do you get kicking a man while he's down? Have a heart where is the brother/sisterhood?" That drunk never knew the meaning of brotherhood, unless it had something in it for him! Why the hell do you think he left before the big 100th anniversary? Drunken probie parties, fighting drunks and chiefs on buses? He was a nice guy, LOL, but he has the market cornered on alcohol and good ole boy supportin'! Maybe some time in a Key West Jail, with Jon, and Bruce will clear his mind! Turn about IS fair play! FTM!
Received via email 3-8-07 I guess Callahan had not set up a rotation of designated officer drivers like he had here. Pity. To be fair, he went longer than I would have guessed without getting popped down there.
Received via email 3-9-07 He had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. And then he knocked off work for the day and went out drinking.
Received via email 3-9-07 Maybe now some of JK's "REAL" friends will let him know that he has a serious drinking problem. This is obviously something that his buddies here would not do. On the brighter side, isnt it refreshing to see a person of authority say that since this took place off duty, not in uniform, or in a Dept. vehicle it would be between JK and the courts? Our F**ked up admin could take a quick lesson from this.
Received via email 3-9-07 Oh he got popped by us several times he just never was arrested.
Received via email 3-9-07 Isn't DUI and refusing a breath test a felony in Pinellas County? Heck, (hick) I'm driving to Monroe County....
Received via email 3-9-07 Budtallion one Budtallion one, responding from Sloppy Joes, Hiccup. Hey mister officer could you help me stand. Why is anyone feeling sorry for him? He could have killed someone, and may have if he wasn't stopped. We see it everyday and are all angry when we see a person killed by a drunk driver. But oh, he was a good ole boy, lets feel sorry for him. He is a 60 year old man, if he can't be more responsible than that, then he shouldn't be driving at all. Grow up Callahan, we are over it ! Nuff said !
Received via email 3-9-07 I see from the home page that we're now in CONDITION ORANGE! Would that have anything to do with having 3 out of 4 of our ladder trucks broken at the same time? Probably not.
TEAM: That's just part of it. You would do well to think of us as a volunteer organization that won't be seeing many more volunteers coming through the door!
Received via email 3-9-07 Broken down equipment is just another way for the city to justify the importance of the Penny for Pinellas $$4. They have lottoized this budget as well as the others. Council member Foster went out of his way to make that a known fact Tuesday evening.
Received via email 3-9-07 Well, why don't the people that are defending the drunk go down there and help him out. I am sure those who he promoted know who they are. Let's see. Bump set spike. Wait. Drink, get the test questions bump set spike.
Received via email 3-9-07 In response to post 3/7/07: "Stop working overtime" That makes absolutely no sense. Ever hear of "mandatory overtime"? Although it would be great to take such a stand, whether it is fifty or zero people signing up for overtime, it makes little difference. The slots will be filled.
Received via email 3-9-07 "Thanks" go to the crews of Engine 6 and Rescue 6 for scraping me and my motorcycle off of the middle of 49th Street, this afternoon. They did an excellent job of treating me and protecting me and my bike from further traffic insults. The Engine crew also remained with my bike until it could be transported to the dealership. Grade A service! And... by the service that I got from our two long standing west end cops, you'd have thought we hired a few more. We usually can't get them on scene in less than 20 minutes, but they were right there with Big, Bigger, Biggest Six!
A big thank you also goes to Big Country and Rhino who were on scene in a matter of minutes. While laying on my back in the middle of the road, multiple people made the call to 911 to help me. I felt around my waist area looking for my cell phone but it had shot down the road, somewhere. I asked one of the young ladies who had witnessed the accident if she would make a phone call to the Union hall for me, and she did. While the crew of R6 offered to take me to SPG in lieu of the scab cab -- in an effort to get them back in service quickly, Scotty and Rick took me, my helmet and my windshield that they found, waaay down the road, to the hospital
Six stitches in one leg, a jammed up knee on the other - not to mention some road rash and Some 800 mg. Motrin's and I'll be up and around, soon.
It's nice to have such protective friends...
Fraternally,
Jon Pearl
Received via email 3-10-07 You do not have to work mandatory overtime. You all should know this. They can write you up all they want. But you can get out of it. Lets see. Sick or have a mental day and say your tired and too stressed to work and it could hurt your job performance.
Received via email 3-10-07 Glad to hear you are ok Jon, and thanks to the crews/guys that came to your aid.
Received via email 3-10-07 3-10 #1: That's all well and good, but bottom line is you will just screw the next guy/girl in line. The trucks have to go out the doors with their minimums (as understaffed as they are).
Received via email 3-10-07 If I have to take it in the ass, I would rather be bent over by a fellow firefighter and lose a half day off, then to be broken open like a shotgun and plugged for the rest of my career and lifetime by a bad council decision.
Received via email 3-10-07 In response to 3-10-07 #1: “You do not have to work mandatory overtime”. Sure, every time your name comes up on the list, go ahead and tell the chief your not working because (fill in the blank) and tell me how that works out for you. With your logic you just “stuck it to the man”, but you also succeeded in being, what some call, a “buddy-f*%ker”. Depending on who you chafe (be it the next person in line or the DC), you may wish you had worked the mandatory. Way to go tough guy.
Received via email 3-10-07 Yes it will work. If we all band together. Yes there will be those suck ups to the DC's whom are not up to Zamp's caliber. But, if we unite - then we will overcome. We are too divisive right now and the city knows that. If you want to know whom the enemy is, then look in the mirror. Tell the city NO NO NO and we will win. As for the suck ups. Hope you end up at the bottom of the bay where you belong.
Received via email 3-10-07 My ball's ache, my head hurt's and my feet stink.....who am I ?
Received via email 3-10-07 Lets see... balls ache: must be from being kicked so many times. Head hurts: how bout from banging it against the wall so many times. Feet stink: comes from wading through the knee deep shit. This has to be the members of our negotiating team.
Received via email 3-10-07 Well, it can't be anyone from the DCFD. You know -- the 'balls' thing!
Received via email 3-10-07 3-10-07 # 8.......We have a bingo, with an honorable mention going to 3-10 #9 just for mentioning DCFD and ball's "which actually shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence never ever again!"
Received via email 3-12-07 3-12-07 I guess none of you speaking out against JK ever drove home from a probie party of any other off duty firefighter function. So now that we determined that you all are perfect. Nuff said!
Received via email 3-12-07 Qn responce to who am I is it the late D. D
Received via email 3-12-07 With the exception of maybe Prince . I would venture to say any one at HQ has driven home under the influnce or maybe even came to work that way the next morning. If you quit drinking at midnight you are still legaly drunk until about 1 pm the following day. So There !
Received via email 3-12-07 "...ever drove home from a probie party or any other off duty firefighter function." I would guess that plenty have driven home. But if your question is, "Have any of you driven home, drunk off your ass so that you're playing Russian Roulette with "my" family who is minding their own business while trying to navigate the public roads, safely?" Just because you do it, doesn't mean that it's right or that the rest of us condone it. Just because JK held a position of importance doesn't mean that you should emulate his actions. In my family's mind, alcoholics are killers when they get behind the wheel. I have no pity!
3-10 #11...I am FAR from perfect, but that man has a huge problem. Everyone has ignored it for years and its amazing that it took this long for him to be caught.
Received via email 3-12-07 1st 3/12, JK was so friggin drunk, if you read the article, he was going toward oncoming traffic and vehicles were swerving and braking to avoid a collision. Then when he stepped out of the car the police officer had to hold him up from falling. That is pathetic. His ass should be in jail for a while. Someone probably would have been killed by the drunk you are making excuses for. This loser has been doing this for years and it is just a matter of time until someone innocent is going to be injured or killed by this menance. Quit trying to kiss his ass. He doesn't work here anymore. Quit making excuses for a person who refuses to change. He is sixty year old man, not a teenager who has made a mistake. No one is perfect, but only a few are that stupid. NUFF SAID.
Received via email 3-12-07 Drunk is Drunk. Its like being a little bit pregnant. You are or your aren't. If you drink even 1 beer an hour and drive, you're legally drunk - case closed. Quit making excuses for yourself. You're no better. My family is out there too! Besides the people he ran off the road in Key West were more than likely impaired as well!!!!!
Received via email 3-12-07 I never said I was condoneing drunk driving, or his driving drunk. I'm just saying if you had a drink even one and you drive your in the wrong. Point being your no better ! Except it for what it is . ! One drink or 20 drinks your leagely drunk. Are you to stupid to see it for what it is ? This is not about JK its about drinking and driving period. DUH
Received via email 3-12-07 Is your life so boring or so bad all you can do is bad mouth a man who has left the dept. You bad mouth him while he was hear and now he is gone your still bad mouthing him. Your life must really suck or you have a small @#%& !!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET OVER IT HE'S GONE FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO BITCH ABOUT!
Received via email 3-12-07 He is a lucky man that he hasn't hurt anyone in this incident or any others that he has been involved in in the past. Fact is he does have a serious problem and it's sad that those that are close to him have tolerated it without doing something about it. He is just a good ole boy from way back and thats just the way it is. Bottom line is when you drink and drive and you get pulled over you dont get a chance to say your sorry anymore. It's always amazed me how many plastered firefighters and police that I have seen drive away from parties when they couldnt walk or talk, I know because I used to be one of them some fifteen plus years ago, but not anymore. Stay off the roads. Just ask someone that has been through the dui thing it doesn't look like alot of fun to go through.
Received via email 3-12-07 To the 3-09 poster and all those worried about not doing the right thing about volunteering to work Overtime and what it will mean to others,., Yes, there is such a thing as mandatory OT. But the beautiful thing is, it's what it says it is. They had to "MANDATORY" someone to fill that slot. The city's atty. was very quick to point out Tuesday that a very small portion of the hours worked were considered mandatory. BTW this is a question the team has been asking for a long while and has always been told that there is no special code for mandatory OT. If that is the case, where did the atty. get his info? If you have so many people that are willing to work then short staffing is not a problem. If you are one of those that just loves working for extra earnings I am sure that if you get your name known to be one that will fill someone's mandatory slot, then you will still get all you can handle. Bottom line is to quit SIGNING up for it. This includes anything for speciality teams, inspector gigs, special events, and what you may be lead to believe is a once in a lifetime opportunity, or this will look good on your resume, sell. THEY WANT YOU. THEY NEED YOU. Make them pay you what you rightfully deserve. Time and one half for doing the work of someone they won't hire.
Let's look at it like this: if they hire a new employee, they have salary, pension, health care, and payroll taxes that according to their charts Tuesday night costs $71,000. They did not include vacation and sick leave accruals, safety shoes, bunker gear, uniforms, sheets, training, physicals, etc. So if it cost $71,000 into 2740 hours= $26 bucks an hour. A new hire only makes about $11 bucks an hour or $17 if you are lucky to get true 1.5%. Even a top paid employee will only earn $24.00 a hour at true 1.5% earnings. CHA CHING!!! Which do you think they will opt for?
Also keep in mind every year when budgets are figured, every hour is figured at the maximum cost possible, because that is the only way it can be done. You have no control over who is off and who works in their place. CHA-CHING!!!!
Also every premium pay is figured at 60 cents per hour x 24 hours x 5 people per team x 365 days. Same for Drivers except that is 18 persons per day. Well guess what? Many people are working double duties (Stack pay), i.e. EMT/Driver, Driver/TRT, Haz-Mat, Diver etc. When you do this the city now only gives you 30 cents for the extra extra job you are doing and once again pockets the rest. CHA-CHING!!!!
Safety shoes as well, 320 fire employees x $85.00 Per. Many (over half) of us don't buy these, CHA-CHING!!!
Mileage, we all get transferred at least once in a year during the shift, but also leaving your station to go directly to an OT assignment is also payable, coming from your annual physical to your station is payable, many of us use our own vehicles to go to meetings and such. When is the last time any of us took a minute to fill out a mileage form AND sent it in? At 35 cents a mile, that has a cost to the city that they don't pay. CHA-CHING!!!!
Are we getting the picture yet??? These are ALL items that are BARGAINED FOR... and we allow them to slip away from us because we don't know, don't care, or think it will look good in our promotional files. Let's put an end to this constant f**king we are taking from the city and DEMAND that we get paid what we Bargain For. What we Deserve, and what is paid to our Brothers and Sisters throughout this county and in the surrounding areas....
Every sound of CHA-CHING!!!! should be in your account, not theirs. And don't feel that you are in some way saving the tax payers money when you don't ask for your share. Every dollar is spent somewhere or is hidden in the unreserved funds that were pointed out by the union's atty. Tuesday night. Never has this city sent a refund to a taxpayer at the end of the year for funds not used. Those are the facts and we don't matter to this city. Make THEM ASK YOU, and MAKE THEM ASK YOU TWICE if necessary, just don't do it for free...
Editor. please place this in each sub heading so it wont be missed.
TEAM: We don't think they'll miss it. We follow the trends and the average reader hits 5.5 pages per visit! Good work, Bro'/Sis'. You obviously were one of the TEAM who attended one of the four informational meetings, where these points were driven home. The city has plenty of line items where they show money being set aside for bullshit projects that don't even exist. At a barest minimum, that number added up to $11,000,000.00!
Received via email 3-13-07 The reason "we" won't quit bashing JK is because after 15 years of his neglect, this department is in very bad shape. I have never been a particular fan of JD, but let's face it, he inherited garbage from the former chief. It will take 10-20 years to fix this department. The problems we're having now is just the tip of the iceberg.
Received via email 3-13-07 Amen and all sing 3-13-07 #1 has hit the nail on the head. JD has his hands full but at least he doesn't have to drive JK home from the pub's anymore.
Received via email 3-13-07 Is JK Jim Kelly or Jerry Knight ?????
Received via email 3-13-07 Ah he was only here the last 10 years, so 5 of your 15 was Jerry - and the only way the dept will change is when Prince or an outsider takes over.
Received via email 3-13-07 I would like to know how Bro Jon Pearl is doing any update?
Received via email 3-14-07 I heard tell that there's another C shift medic looking to drop his patch, Can anyone lend some more info on this? If he is, he'll have to stand in line behind Brother Gomo. With KF leaving for the big bux at Orlando FD, I'll bet there's going to be a bonanza of O/T possibilities for medics to line up for. Count me in! NOT!
Received via email 3-14-07 Thanks for asking. Jon Pearl is mending. My right leg (without stitches) is hurting worse than my left leg (with stitches). Navigating through the house last night, I smacked my right knee on an office chair. I whimpered, (a lot) put some ice on it, sucked it up and waited for Magnum PI to come on the tube. Nothing gets in the way when Thomas Magnum is fighting dirtbags!
Thanks for all the phone calls and emails.
Received via email 3-14-07 Hey, Lt. DD, are you still drinking managments Kool Aid? You got the job, now pretend you're a Brother and quit honking on bobo! How many people are signing up for your bullshit CPR instructor classes? I hope all that shit dries up and soon. If this city wants to lead in everything that doesn't cost it a dime, don't come looking to ride on our back's anymore. I'm over it all! See if you can get the red cross to do it for free! Oh - what? They get paid too? Who'd f***ing thunk?
Received via email 3-14-07 Glad to hear Jon Pearl is recovering! I forgot to sign my name whe asking. Your in my thoughts and prayers Jon. Scott Pownall (retired)
Received via email 3-15-07 Did we lose yet another Medic, to some other less paying department? Don't tell the city but I think their math was off somewhat. If they won't admit that, then they will have to admit that folks are so fed up with the BS they are willing to move and drive further to go somewhere else and start as new for less.
Received via email 3-15-07 Come on now, we had 88 apply last process. We aint short on staffing. Besides, the cops have about 70 or 80 leaving this year. Heck, we could lose 30 and not even be close to their numbers. Yeah, Baker must be right. We are all useless and don't deserve a decent raise, especially the medics. They just sleep all night anyway. Where did we get these dumb ass politicians from anyway - Boley Manner ??
Received via email 3-16-07 88 applications.....wow
Baltimore City (---DELETED---)
Washington Dc (---DELETED---)
New York City (---DELETED---)
TEAM: Ooops! Again... another case of unneeded information coming from places that we don't care about. Our little neck of the woods is so far behind all of the above named big cities, that it never fails to amaze us how many of their Fire Fighters retire to St. Petersburg. Hmmmm... there must be something to the notion of moving out of the northeast. Move on, now. There's nothing for you here.
Received via email 3-16-07 LOL........
Received via email 3-16-07 Happy St. Patty's Day! Stay safe,
Scott ( retired )
Received via email 3-17-07 I think I just saw JK leading the St. Patty's parade in Key West. He was dressed as a drunken lush that was unsteady on his feet. He did very well.
Received via email 3-18-07 Hey, is the Lt. DD in 3-14 #3 at station 4? Where do I sign up? I mean, I want to work on my off duty days for the Red Cross! At least I know when I apply for the job, they already don't care about me. What's this FD's excuse for bending me over without a kiss? Here's to all you Cool Aide drinkers out there! Now go and remove those union sticker from your rear windows! You ain't impressing anybody but the cops with those things and you sure as hell don't deserve them!
Received via email 3-18-07 Q. When is being the biggest not being the best?
Received via email 3-19-07 A. Weigh-in day at Jenny Craig.
Received via email 3-20-07 Children, children , children take off the sunglasses and put down the bong ! Are you to blind to see ? This is not about your union president ! Check you history under the last 3 or 4 chief's the oh so bad good ole boy system you always got a contract and a raise. Now that your good ole boy system is gone! Suprize, suprize, suprize no contract. Welcome to the real world it only gets worst from here on out. When you say good-bye to the good ole boy system you also say good-bye to the benifits that came along with it.
Ka-Sa-Ra-Sa -
Received via email 3-20-07 Wonder which good ole boy 'officer' in the DROP posted that one? FTM FTM
Received via email 3-20-07 We all knew Large would be the chief because he is sleeping with Baker!!!!!! Well if he was truly a firefighters guy, he would back us as he was buying the mayor dinner....
Received via email 3-20-07 Who or what is FTM ????????????????
Received via email 3-20-07 My only reply is what the f*&% Stevie Wonder. Not an officer! Only a person that can truly see what is going on! Wake up and smell the coffee. STUPID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Received via email 3-20-07 3-20-07 #1, Ok, let me get this straight. The corrupt as hell good old boy system that openly discriminated against Blacks, Females, and any other minorities that they could think of, including anyone that spoke up against their drunk azz dope smoking titty bar runs to Miami, was good? If that's what it takes to get us a contract you can shove it up your azz with a red hot poker, I'll work without one.
Received via email 3-20-07 3/20 no. 4 - You're kidding, right? The elephant at the bottom of every page ought to give away the letter M! I've found all kinds of hidden stuff on this site. Click on the monkey on the home page. A whole new world with open up to you.
FTM PTB&S EGH DTRT Oh yeah... FTM!
Received via email 3-20-07 3/20 no. 6 - I agree with everything you've said, but I think you gave the dickweed that you're replying to, way too much attention. Let's direct all of our efforts to where they belong -- to those of us in both bargaining units who fight the good fight every day. None of our struggles have anything to do with what management thinks or does. They don't matter. What does matter is the way in which we support each other and empower each other 'unconditionally', even when the Mutts take you aside and tell you that taking a stand against the city and this department's piss poor labor relations might be taken as an embarrassment by outsiders. HELLO SOME OF US FIGHT DIRTY, TOO!
Some of you in management need to man up and defend what's right. For the first time in your lives, why not take a shot at being able to claim something other than... "I used to pay dues!" And paying dues ought to mean more than just collecting your free union sticker!
FTM PTB&S DTRT EGH Oh yeah... FTM!
TEAM: Wow! Can we use that last line, Bro'/Sis'? "And paying dues ought to mean more than just collecting your free union sticker!"
Good words for us all to live by, we suspect!
Received via email 3-21-07 Hey I paid a buck for my union sticker, it wasn't free.
Received via email 3-21-07 Mine was a dollar too. Our union dues at work.
Received via email 3-21-07 You remember when young guys used to talk at the stations and eventually one would say "Well if I were chief, I'd do......" Heys dorks, you're now chiefs, so fix all the stuff you whined about as a blueshirt.
Received via email 3-21-07 If you guys paid for union stickers, they were something other than the red, black and white one's that are given away. I'm a steward and I keep free one's in my locker for the guys.
TEAM: Ding ding ding ding... We have a winner! We knew someone would get to it, sooner or later!
Received via email 3-21-07 I ask several stewards and they did not have them. My red one cost a dollar yes the red one.
TEAM: Your station steward may or may not have them in his or her locker. The generic red one's are free.
Received via email 3-22-07 Well, go to the union office and ask for a generic red sticker. Bet you'll pay a dollar or you wont get one. Unless things have changed in the last few weeks.
Received via email 3-22-07 I went to the meeting and I asked for 1 sticker. It was free. Maybe you've got a library book overdue or something.
Received via email 3-3-07 They charged me a buck what is so hard to understand about that. It was the generic red sticker. Several people have also been charged so I guess it depends on who gives you the sticker and whether or not they need to get cheesy puffs.
Received via email 3-23-07 Hey Mr. Webmaster. The DC boys and are complaining on the other site that your twisting their words and that you won't post their messages over here. Someone named fireltspfr says theres still a few bad seeds here. What say you?
TEAM: We don't twist their words and you're right --- we don't post 'em either. As to the other guy, his opinion is as good or bad as the next guy's.
Received via email 3-23-07 We dont want or need the DC guys on this site. We have to unite together to fight the big bad and the ugly (city admin). We don't have time for the DC nonsense. They must really be bored if they need to constantly bad mouth us. Maybe when spring hits full bloom they can go out and play, Must be to cold inside right now for the DC guys to do anything else but talk about our department!
Received via email 3-23-07 you cheap f***ers!
Received via email 3-24-07 Exactly when did the worst problem that we have become union stickers, so what if they are a buck, so what if they are ten bucks, if you are a member in good standing and want to put one on your vehicle then buy one and wear it proud. This will also help weed out all of the cheap sob's that arn't paying dues that are just looking to get out of a speeding ticket.
Received via email 3-24-07 It is not the point of being of cheap if you are referring to the union stickers. We pay dues, I attend meetings, picket, put up signs to help out. I should not be charged for a sticker that I am paying dues for.
Received via email 3-24-07 Well if greed count's for anything, I was standing in Billy's office one day when someone asked for half a dozen stickers. I don't know about you guys, but mine last better than a year with ease. I'll bet a phone call would solve this.
Received via email 3-24-07 Someone asked about FTM. It's not behind the monkey on the home page, it's behind the dot at the bottom of the home page! Pretty good stuff.
FTM If you're reading this, that may be you!
Received via email 3-25-07 If the city got off their greedy cheap ass and gave us at least a raise that kept up with the increase in insurance benefits not to mention the normal cost of living increase we all have seen over the past year including raising gas prices, we could afford a dollar sticker.
Received via email 3-25-07 Anyone who missed the lecture put on by Chief Rick Lasky this past couple days, I suggest that you get his book and take a serious look about what he has done for the fire service. He is no MUTT by any standards, is pro union, and EVERYONE in our department could learn something from him.
Received via email 3-25-07 2nd 3/25, How bout the Staff Chiefs all going to Lasky seminar so they can learn something.
Received via email 3-25-07 I THOUGHT THEY WENT LAST YEAR, COUNDN'T TELL THE EXACT TIME, BUT IT WAS OFFERED TO STAFF ONLY. IF THEY DID IT'S OBVIOUS THAT IT DID NOT WORK. REMEMBER THEY HAVE NO SPINE. IT'S NOT THEIR FAUL
Received via email 3-25-07 You can tell the weather is nice. No is on the site bitching. Oh by the way... pay the buck!
Received via email 3-25-07 3-25 #3&4: Well, just like the lecture, unfortunately some people just don't get it.
3-25 #5: Take your nonsense elsewhere.
Received via email 3-28-07 Boy, I hope Fox news never catches on to us. Watch this in disbelief and then think, Could this happen here? Damn Skippy...
Received via email 3-29-07 Most of the District Chiefs have some gumption, it is those Division Chiefs we need to be concerned about.
Received via email 3-29-07 Fox hell, I would be more worried about Mike Deeson from 10 news if I was Jimbo.
Received via email 3-29-07 I'm never going to retire. I hate everything about the MUTTS at HQ and I'm going to be around for a long long time to apply my no. 14 boot some someone's ass! "An ass a day, I say. An ass a day!"
Received via email 3-29-07 It's terrible the way some of you guys keep opening old wounds. Say... would you pass the salt?
Received via email 3-29-07 Yeah. this is the straight dope page, take the opening of old wounds to the next page marked open wounds.
Received via email 3-29-07 Kudo's go out to the companies who operated at the tanker crash/ explosion job that we just read about in the St. Pete Times online. We had one of those recently, tough job. I know you dont expect compliments from me, but is deserving. DC Sgt
Received via email 3-29-07 Any truth that Jimbo was unreachable during last nights 4 alarm blaze? I hear he finally showed up around 1AM. I guess his tv, radio, pager, cell phone, blackberry, and home phone were all knocked out by the blaze.
Received via email 3-29-07 DC Sgt. Thanks for the Kudos. Hey sometimes we fight an argue with our closest family members at home. Still the same, we are brothers and sisters. We appreciate you keeping us safe when we go to conventions in DC, and we'll keep protecting you when you need to get some extra sunshine in the sunshine state. An IAFF brother.
Received via email 3-29-07 There was a city equipment lot under that over pass and the city lost about a half million bucks, I hope that jackass Conners doesn't add that in on our "total compensation package" like he does everything else.
Received via email 3-30-07 Connor says we dont face the same hazards as police. Yeah how bout worse hazards you ass----
TEAM: And people ask - "Hey, how come you leave that old stuff up on the web page?" So we won't forget!
Received via email 3-30-07 Well since fire destroyed the equipment, it is only fair that we add that figure into the compensation. Now we are the highest paid in the world with a starting about 1,000,000 dollars. Do not forget about the bridge also that needs to be replaced, the storm water pipes, and the sod that was burnt. It all adds up toward total compensation. Connors go fu**yourself.
Received via email 3-30-07 Posts 3/29 #6 and #8 is how its should be done. Way to be professionals on both sides.
Received via email 3-30-07 Heads up! I just took my health screening (it's not a physical, just so you know). I took it this week, or was it last week? I really can't remember. Anyhow, I think we're beginning to have an effect on them. I have a small condx that their aware of and when asked (they were looking at last year's records) if I still had the condx, I said NO! I'm a perfect physical specimen. Was I still on the meds for it? I said I don't have to share that with anyone by my primary care physician. He just stared at me for the longest time like he was the principal and I was the 6th grader that was hiding something! I said, you're a doctor, right? And he said yes. I said, then it shouldn't be any problem with your giving me this health screening because I'm sure that even a resident doctor was up to that! I don't think he like the statement or me either. F--k him! I'm trying to survive, here and these pr--ks keep changin the rules.
We need to do just as Captain James T. Kirk did when he took the dreaded Kobiashi Maroo...He changed the rules and won.
FTM KTF EGH PTB&S DTRT!
Signed,
NFPA Member
Received via email 3-31-07 Did you get your NFPA complimentary finger wave? I'll bet you didn't. You see, the NFPA's not at fault here. Everyone wants to blame the NFPA. They just make the guidelines that we follow. Did I say that right? They just make the guidelines that we 'mostly' follow. The chief's worried about the liability that comes with this little pr**k of a Dr. putting some of us off for this or that. He cherry picks. It costs literally nothing to take a FF off line so that we can say that we're following the NFPA guidelines, but that's all bullshit. We don't staff our apparatus properly as per the NFPA, but that's because THAT GUIDELINE COSTS MONEY!
They'll blow smoke up your ass and tell you that because of JATC, you're more employable. That's a good thing I guess. I can use it when Palm Harbor comes a calling. They'll blow smoke up your ass with this accreditation thing too. It's a feel good thing for the management types who ride a desk. Other than a $6 window sticker on the truck, it's all bullshit. We don't meet the guidelines and cannot. Here's a deal for you. The one thing you can count on for sure, is that everyone on this job that matters is paying Union dues. Let's see a real sticker on our trucks that has some meaning. And they're free (unless you want 10 of them for your two cars - then they're a dollar).
FTM
Received via email 3-31-07 Call up the NFPA and ask them to tell you just how many people are involved in the making of these NFPA "guidelines" that SPFR follows or sometimes follows, or better yet pick up a copy and read some of it. What you will find is there are a great number of individuals with degrees upon degrees that go to great extremes to make sure that these standards wont hurt anyone the only thing is this (we are not included in the word anyone) at this point we are "them" "those-guys" "the poor suckers" that may or may not be able to finish that 35 years plus 5 in the drop that we had planned on doing. They are a group that is trying their best to do the right thing but have had to have some conversations at some point about what this will do to all of us good people. Be carefull boys and girls cause sooner or later you have to face the music, it isn't the *#!-hole Dr. doing the deed it's the folks that we work for. But he still is an *#!-hole.
Good Luck to all of you.
Received via email 3-31-07 3-29 #3 "An ass a day, I say. An ass a day!" ROTFLMAO You've bee looking over my shoulder again. That's just what I was thinking. Take care of the public and throw a monkey wrench in the middle of everything else, I say!. The Lanning's of the world have never had to deal with that before. They will now!
Retire now stupido's! The drunk's got a spare foom for you in the beautiful Florida Keys!
Received via email 3-31-07 I think this site needs the Ass of the week Division Chief that does something really stupid against common sense, competence, or the union itself. Display it on the front page for all to see. Lets see, who would be the Division Chief Ass of this week ? If we took a poll, we all know who that would be !!
Received via email 4-01-07 If your car or truck is worth more than 20 grand, maybe you should peel off your union stickers until we get a contract. Nothing like seeing some dipwad's Porsche in the parking lot while we are trying to convince the city that we are barely scraping by.
Received via email 4-01-07 If someone is driving a Porsche, you are not scraping the bottom of the barrel, that's for damn sure.
TEAM: Give it a couple of months. Goliath Davis is going to help us to see the bottom of the barrel! Another Band-Aid for a city that's bleeding people.
Received via email 4-01-07 2nd 4/1, just because someone is driving a porsche doesn't mean the rest of us are hurting for money. Maybe their Spouse is making all the money or maybe they were smart and made an extra income beside what this cheap ass city pays us, regardless, we are still underpaid compared to the rest of the county and surrounding fire departments.
Received via email 4-02-07 The writing below in quotatations was taken from the home page of this site. Why can't we put some of this stuff in the times or tampa trib. It is true and good stuff that the public should be aware of. Even an editorial or something.
"Penny For Pinellas passes muster in Tuesday's vote.
Congratulations goes to the city of St. Petersburg! Continuing what has become a tradition for The City That Ignores Public Safety, the city of St. Petersburg can continue forthe next 13 years, to NOT FUND the PURCHASE of FIRE APPARATUS, POLICE VEHICLES, FIRE STATIONS or POLICE STATIONS!
This comes as no surprise to the Paid Professional - Career Service Combat Fire Fighters & Firefighter/Paramedics of this city, as the Mayor and Council don't properly fund the salaries and benefit packages of their public safety personnel, either.
The Mayor and City Council refuse to make equitable comparisons of pay, workweek and pension benefits with like sized cities for their
Fire Fighters benefit - yet lavish themselves with pay raises of 32% and 40% respectively, based on those same comparisons, we are denied! "
TEAM: Hold on there, Sparky. You're assuming that this website (and thus - it's content) is taken seriously by anybody at all. During the last Union meeting, one person stood up and proudly proclaimed that this website is viewed by HQ staff and they laugh at it. Kinda makes you wonder. Are they laughing at it's existence or are they laughing at your words. Take these words in their entirety and use them for good intentions. Union Brothers and Sisters wrote them!
The TEAM did some laughing of our own over the 'penny' issue. It would seem that every funding scheme that comes along - funds things like apparatus and equipment and stations and the labor for the people build them. The most important provision that's always left out of the scheme... monies for salaries and the continued salary growth of the people who will ride the apparatus; operate the equipment and live in the stations for one third of their entire adult working lives! Now there's a joke!
Received via email 4-02-07 I have not seen a Porsche in the lot in a while, but all those 40K pickup trucks arent helping us either.
Received via email 4-02-07 I drive one of those lavish pickups and it is my choice. I work another job and my wife has a pretty good job too. So what is the difference in what we drive? I even go out to eat at other places besides taco bell. I spend the money I earn and if I want a nice ride so be it. So take your pickle wagon to the food stamp office and get some assistance. By the way I need two brand new union stickers for my ride and my wifes new ride, and I will even buy the $1 sticker you cheap son of a bitch.
Received via email 4-02-07 Try living and breathing in a station the city has ignored, refused to improve, or move the date up to replacement. The lungs and immune systems of three shifts at Station 8 are full of as yet to be revealed diseases. Be angry and then again hope the funds from that penny will add a few years to those unfortunate to be stationed there. They deserve it as much as the members at new stations. Oh yeah its down in the southside. There's not a lot of them high up rich folks like in the ole northeast.
FTM FTM and save some lives!
Received via email 4-02-07 I would like to thank the guys & gals who worked the pits at the SPGP. Whether or not you volunteered or were mandatoried, you did a great job. The safety folks from both the IMSA and the IRL organizations came by to specifically say thanks. That bit of info may not get out in an official form so I thought that I would post it here. -Rob Edwards
Received via email 4-02-07 (From the Contact page) Web master, can this be considered for the editorials page?
TEAM: You got. Thanks for the input!
Received via email 4-03-07 I keep reading that a little birdie told me this or a little birdie told me that....yeah! Well a little bird told someone who's gullible, who told me that if Winnie either steps down or if he loses in the next election, that the city will tend to be more cooperative with the union in the future.. I've got a question for all of you scholars out there. Who is it in the city that's making these 'facts' available to us? and who is it among 'us' who's getting these valuable facts fed to them?
I think the slaves in the master's house are feeding a load of bullshit to the rest of us slaves working out here in the field. The master's house is air conditioned, it pays more, you get the ocassional pat on the head and you get better scraps !!
I don't know about you, but this field slave has figured it out. There's a revolt coming and the house boys are getting a bit shaken that they may be back pulling the plow again.
Received via email 4-03-07 Yeah, how come across the country it's supposed to be a democracy, but with our city admin. liars, they not only skew their numbers but the whole democratic process. Just look how they influenced the council back on March 6. I guess we have partnered a little to much with St. Petersburg Russia. Mayor Stalin now has the floor. Hopefully, all will change in a few years.
Received via email 4-03-07 "if Winnie either steps down or if he loses in the next election, that the city will tend to be more cooperative with the union in the future" That makes me laugh. That's like the democrats wishing and pleading..."Pull the troops out now. We're not going to win any friends staying a minute longer!" If you haven't noticed, be you Jew or Gentile, the whack jobs that have hijacked Islam are gunning for every one of us. YOU go talk nice to them. When and if you return, I'll pack 4 by 4's around your wound and get you the hospital, pronto!
Received via email 4-03-07 To the posters that believe in the rumor "if Winnie steps down..city will be more cooperative." Are you reading what you are posting? This city is in fact playing the hardest ballgame of its life and they dont like it that the Union is in it to win. You have never seen the city told "no" before. The Mayor by his own admission doesnt like it and he is therefore ordering the slow down to an impossible trickle. If we would have just been happy with the usual crumbs we would have been through with this long ago. Well they have found out that we not only want a full slice this time but we want something to drink with it too. Notice we didnt ask for cake and a glass of milk, heaven forbid, we just want some bread and water. This is a full out war and we must continue the battle. We may not win but we will be able to pride ourselves for not willingly asked for the same ole shit.
TEAM: Everyone... let's keep Heather Brady's brother, who is a Law Enforcement Officer, in our thoughts & prayers:
Received via email 4-03-07 "he is therefore ordering the slow down" Well heck, if he is ordering the slow down, maybe we should order one ourselves (not on calls of course) but all the other BS fire admin throws at us, and around the station. Unfortunately, places like 3, 1, 5, 4, 7, 13, 6, well I guess all of us can't slow down if we wanted to! That Mayors a big pain in our ass !!! Ok well guess will keep on working, but heck, ignore him next time you see him, like he did us at the race.
Received via email 4-03-07 4/3 #5, Is that part of a memo from________ to_________? Please fill us in!
Received via email 4-03-07 I'm sure most of you have seen the memo that says we must now code MANDITORY OVERTIME in the POS payroll program that I won't name. Which one of the mutts made that possible? Which one of the conspiracy theorists? The only reason that we're now capturing that data is because Winnie drug their asses over the coals over the issue during impasse. Anyone recall that Winnie just happened to bring up the fact that we've never been able to pin the city down on the number of MANDITORY OVERTIME HOURS we work? Well for all of you little fishys that keep trying to thow him under the bus because YOU'VE got an agenda, (axe to grind) you might want to thank him because none of your so called BROTHERS that are calling him out, are doing anything for you except trying to put a hurting on the one guy that's up this city's ass 24/7 and the city mutts don't like it. And if they dont like it, we should LOVE it!
Received via email 4-04-07 The only ones against winnie are the MUTTS, or the cry babies that are really good buddies with the MUTTS. All of the rest of us think he is doing and has done a great job battling the Giant (City). By the way, not to change the subject, but while we are talking about those supposedly running our city, who would ever name their kid Goliath, one of the worse most evil villians in the Bible. I think I'd change my name or call myself something different. Who knows maybe he likes to think he is the big bad giant. Dont know what any of that has to do with anything, just crossed the ole bean as I was typing.
Received via email 4-04-07 Officer Lt. Dahlem is in our prayers.
Received via email 4-05-07 Although I don't think that it is fair to call someone a mutt just because they disagree with Winnie, I wholeheartedly agree that naming a kid Goliath is pretty f**ked up. Why not Satan or Judas? Those are Bible names too. Did you ever meet anyone named Hitler? Some names should stay in the history books.
Received via email 4-05-07 Dear Mr. Conners, Palm Harbor had 85 men and women apply for 2 jobs. 15 of these applicants were Medics. How do you feel now about the huge (ha ha) numbers that our city draws for its hiring process. Wake up and realize that the best just aren't coming here anymore. Maybe your lawyer will teach you how to spin these facts.
Received via email 4-06-07 Think of this hiring dilema. St Pete Police has 70 out of 700 officers leave in a year and o' my gosh we need to give them the world - and rightfully so, they do deserve it. But when we have 7 m out of 70 paramedics leave, its no big deal. Now when I was taught how to divide in elementary school, it appeared that ratio is exactly the same, for every 10 in that position we have 1 leaving. Regardless how big the numbers, public service is effected. And these friggin math and number crunchers for our city can't see this. Are they that dumb, or just that stupid. Wake up City Admin, quit lying in your presentations and look at the truth !!! You morons !!
Received via email 4-07-07 4/5 #1 I have met a few named Adolph.... you retard.
Received via email 4-07-07 4/7 they said hitler not Adolph .... you retard. Why dont you read before you write something stupid !!!
Received via email 4-10-07 Good point, he did say Hitler and not Adolph. But there probably have not been many Adolphs named since WWII. so 4/7 #1 is definately the retard here. No mistaking that. I don't know who 4/5 #1 is, but 4/7 #1 makes him look like a rocket scientist. Hey 4/5 #1, is 4/5 #1 your real name or just some numbering system they have for retards? Just curious.
Received via email 4-11-07 I wasn't aware Satan and Judas were last names like Hitler.... why dont you read before you write something stupid YOU retard??
