Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Takeover?

[charliepff]

I like pie too!!! I can not say I trust to much of anything out of their. Even a new president.

[derricksonb]

But yet, at the meeting I attended a few months ago, Mr. Collins indicated the embezzlement was "old business" and would not address anybody's questions. I hope those responsible for stealing from the community are brought up on charges.

Wrong. I was at the same meeting and President Collins said that the embezzlement and other matters were under investigation and therefore he would not address them at that time. It would appear that he is now ready to speak on some of those.

IRT Pres Collins getting voted out by the members of the VFD I would pay careful consideration to that as it is inevitable as the "Old Guard" tries to protect their own best interests. Personally I'd like to see a paid staff in there 24/7. Maybe then the county can finally answer why a department that cannot get manned apparatus out needs 3 or 4 utility vehicles, a deuce and a half and a chiefs car.

[KatherineA]

They need all those vehicles, in part, because, I heard that they are letting people take them to their personal workplaces. I think this is absurd (and totally irresponsible)

[chipgallo]

... I heard that they are letting people take them to their personal workplaces. I think this is absurd (and totally irresponsible)

I think an assertion like this is absurd and totally irresponsible, unless backed by a verifiable source. Straw man arguments such as this may needlessly incite distrust of the BRMVFC. Did you consider that there may be a legitimate reason such as response time involved? I don't know the answer but suggest you contact Fred Collins directly.

[KatherineA]

I think an assertion like this is absurd and totally irresponsible, unless backed by a verifiable source. Straw man arguments such as this may needlessly incite distrust of the BRMVFC. Did you consider that there may be a legitimate reason such as response time involved? I don't know the answer but suggest you contact Fred Collins directly.

It is verifiable.
I wouldn't have put it on here, if it was simply a rumor I heard.
I don't think response time is a valid reason to give someone an official vehicle to take to work - even though that is a likely excuse given for this policy

And "I" am inciting distrust in the Fire Dept?? seriously? they've done that all by themselves.

[charliepff]

No one should be taken any personal vehicles anywhere. The only time they should be used is during FIRE COMPANY BUSINESS. This includes classes, fundraisers, shopping for station supplies and such. Not for work. The chief should only have the command vehicle when he is available to run. These support vehicles cost extra money also. I thought that was an issue they were having?! There response showing has not been very impressing to say the least. They need to concentrate getting the essential units out staffed with capable personel. Not a chiefs vehicle, a utility, and an ems response vehicle. I myself have seen how they use these vehicles to respond to the station or to calls. Someone help them if I ever get a video of it for the State Police. As far as management, most places I know the chief serves two year or four year terms. Not sure how it is their. Maybe it is time for someone with new ideas. Just a thought.

On the flip side. They do need need brush vehicles, tankers, engines and ambulances. Ideally, one of each at each station. I whole hartedly support them having a duece and a half or five ton brush truck. These things are amazing. Floods, brush fires and other disasters do not stop these trucks. They are a big asset. You live in and cover a large urban interface area which is a high target hazard area. Vehicles like this are essential, so are tankers. The new tanker is a little less desirable due to its size. They have the right idea with their main fire equipment, just not very well thought out.


One more thing before everyone doeses off, there comes a time when you can not handle something that you need to swallow your pride and ask for help. Two stations is a lot to handle for any volunteer corporation. There is no shame in having issues and needing help. They would not be the first or the last. Costs for maintnance, utilities and general costs for two stations is bordering ridiculous on some of the budgets these companies have. Decreasing manpower, higher standards, and busier call volume complicate issues more. They also serve a unique and high hazard area.

[mountainman83]

Heard Mr Collins is no longer president at BRMVFC. Will someone down there let this community know whats going on down there

[LFE]

One more thing before everyone doeses off, there comes a time when you can not handle something that you need to swallow your pride and ask for help.

Maybe we should submitt a request for help to these folks... it would have to make for better TV then fixing up a bar!
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[The Good Tony]

It is verifiable.
I wouldn't have put it on here, if it was simply a rumor I heard.
I don't think response time is a valid reason to give someone an official vehicle to take to work - even though that is a likely excuse given for this policy

And "I" am inciting distrust in the Fire Dept?? seriously? they've done that all by themselves.

Yeah! Eat those words Chip.You must be the last person on the mountain who doesn't know this as fact.

[chipgallo]

I haven't seen you folks at the volunteer fire department meetings recently. It is easier to sit back and throw stones via the internet, but what changes do you expect to come with this tactic? I have attended each BRMVFC monthly meeting since the JCESA one where Ed Burns was scheduled to speak. When I have questions, I ask the fire department leadership directly.

Membership forms are available online. The newsletter handed out at the boot drive is online. Fred Collins gave out his personal cell phone number for people with questions. There have been open invitations to stop by the station and talk with the volunteers.

Some people on this forum were not willing to shell out 20 cents to read Ed's interview in the Spirit. Other people are unhappy with any increase in costs to pay for fire and EMT related services. If you distrust the volunteers this much, what is your plan then? Venting to each other on this board may have a psychological feel-good effect for you personally, but that doesn't put out fires or get the injured to medical care quickly.

Please try to think of a positive action that will help improve the situation on the mountain. That was how this thread started.

[charliepff]

I have volunteered for 15 years. I had enough. I want to concentrate on my family and house. Since you go to the meetings and talk to the members, why do you not join as a member?? I am also not sure you fathom how many decent people have been pushed out or left over the years due to frustration and coruption. As far as stopping by, anyone can give lip service.

[chipgallo]

... Since you go to the meetings and talk to the members, why do you not join as a member??

I did join as a member.

[mountainman83]

If your a member then answer the question why did they get rid of Collins?

[chipgallo]

At the meeting on August 1, Fred was on the job. That is all I know.

[chipgallo]

I called Fred this morning and confirmed that he is still on the job. He also suggested that instead of paying the 20 cent fee to read the Spirit interview, you go to the County Commission video page and watch it. His presentation to the CC begins in Part 1 of the July 26 session at around 20 minutes (2012-07-26p1.wmv) and ends at around 41 minutes including Q&A.

http://129.71.117.176/camera/archived_meeting.php

He also offered to share the company policy on taking vehicles home or to work. I will share this when I have it from him.

[charliepff]

Nice job Chipgallo on providing some needed information.

[The Good Tony]

Please try to think of a positive action that will help improve the situation on the mountain.

Mr. Burns gave me hope but they got rid of him. They still have some of the same tools working up there, why the hell would I want to be around that bunch?

He also offered to share the company policy on taking vehicles home or to work.

You might want to ask him the story about the Chief having an extended stay with the new tanker truck because it was his honeymoon!
At the meeting I went to he said it was nobody's busy what he does with the company vehicles.

I did join as a member.

Well I sure hope this is a good thing and you help fix the mess.
I gave up going to the meetings and hope of the department getting rid of the rif-raff.
Best wishes and good luck.

[LFE]

4:22
Nazareth - Razamanaz

[chipgallo]

This is a downloadable MP3 (20MB) of Fred's presentation only:

http://www.mediafire.com/?dv95c6arnhbgcgb

[Willis]

See the thread HERE for the Blue Ridge VFD's response to President Collin's statements before the County Commission as reported in the Spirit.