This word seems to allow many events to happen even if they don't make sense. My Granfather, father, and uncle all served as volunteer fire fighters. I remember many stories of parties at the fire house through the 1950's and well into the 80's. This is when firefighters were “MEN”. They didn't wear SCBA, that was for “MEN”. They rode the tailboard and hung on like “MEN”. They drank beer, because that is what “MEN” did!

Alcohol is associated with attaining adult status in the American society. The thought of having an alcoholic beverage when we are out doing adult “MEN” things has always been acecpted, tradition.
Alcohol and the firefighter is one tradition that needs to end. There are many more but we will stay on track with this one.

What would think if you knew that your hospital allowed a surgeon to have a “few” drinks before surgery? How about your fleet mechanic that is about to do a brake job on your ambulance? Most of you would speak up and not allow this to happen. Yet, when a brother or sister comes into the firehouse for a call and you can smell the ETOH you question yourself. Why? This is really a question of respect.

Your brother or sister firefighter/EMT has displayed a great disrespect for you and your mission statement. They need to be helped. You as their crew member owe it to them. Tell them that you are very displeased with what has happened yet you are still there to help them.

Tradition.

This word seems to allow many events to happen even if they don't make sense. My Granfather, father, and uncle all served as volunteer fire fighters. I remember many stories of parties at the fire house through the 1950's and well into the 80's. This is when firefighters were “MEN”. They didn't wear SCBA, that was for “MEN”. They rode the tailboard and hung on like “MEN”. They drank beer, because that is what “MEN” did!

Alcohol is associated with attaining adult status in the American society. The thought of having an alcoholic beverage when we are out doing adult “MEN” things has always been acecpted, tradition.
Alcohol and the firefighter is one tradition that needs to end. There are many more but we will stay on track with this one.

What would think if you knew that your hospital allowed a surgeon to have a “few” drinks before surgery? How about your fleet mechanic that is about to do a brake job on your ambulance? Most of you would speak up and not allow this to happen. Yet, when a brother or sister comes into the firehouse for a call and you can smell the ETOH you question yourself. Why? This is really a question of respect.

Your brother or sister firefighter/EMT has displayed a great disrespect for you and your mission statement. They need to be helped. You as their crew member owe it to them. Tell them that you are very displeased with what has happened yet you are still there to help them.

Tradition.

Unfortunately the fire department in my town allows a member have up to 4 drinks and still run calls.

Unfortunately the fire department in my town allows a member have up to 4 drinks and still run calls.

I think we should ask around about the “taboo” of drinking in the fire station. Maybe Fire Geezer or STATer 911 has some knowledge of this. My hunch is that there are still fire stations that serve beer in the station post call or training.

Thanks again for encouraging us all to better understand the connection between off time and on time.