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Read entire statement from PGFD
On Monday, STATter911.com reported that end of the fiscal year money issues were impacting the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s emergency operations. That was the same day Lt. Col. Victor Stagnaro issued a memo to the department’s leadership saying,”Over the next six weeks and perhaps in to the next fiscal year it will become increasingly difficult to maintain apparatus”.
A holiday weekend press release indicates, after further analysis, modifications are being made in an effort to repair fire trucks and ambulances. Many rigs had been lined up at maintenance shops unable to be fixed due to lack of funds. PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady wrote:
Repairs to apparatus will be evaluated on a case by case basis and criteria for which apparatus will be repaired will still be under extreme financial scrutiny and oversight, however, repairs have been started to put front line units back on the street.
In a statement Monday Brady confirmed there were gaps in coverage due to ladder trucks and squads being out of service. About one-third of the truck companies in the county were not operating. Brady said then the department had no choice but to live within its budget, explaining that it was not business as usual.
Despite serious budget problems resulting in furloughs and a drastic cut in overtime, PGFD also found that it was unable to bring in new free labor in the form of volunteer firefighters. A total of 43 people have been waiting to take physicals that had been put on hold because PGFD was unable to pay for the examinations. Brady reports money has now been found and those on the list are being contacted to schedule an appointment.
Here is more from Brady’s press release on the changes:
Fire Chief Jones and his fiscal affairs office have been working diligently to find ways to re-institute programs after having had a chance to review and prioritize them. Fire Chief Jones stated, “Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics and civilian employees while we continue to provide the very best in fire and emergency medical services possible to our citizens, residents and visitors.”
By these programs being funded does by in no way indicate that everything is back to normal. Oversight and tight control over expenditures in all aspects of our agency will become a way of life for the foreseeable future.
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"By these programs being funded does by in no way indicate that everything is back to normal."
Huh? Even for bureaucratese, that makes no sense whatsoever.
When has Brady ever made sense?
none of the issues disscused in the letter ie: apperatus repair, have anything to do with the fire chief. He does not controll the apperatus budget. That budget along with all other money that effects the fire department in Prince George's county is controlled by the fire Commision. The only budget the fire chief oversee's is the personel budget (51), wich controls salery, and overtime. The Commision budget (52) even pays for the car the fire chief drives.
Hey Dave. Thanks for reporting on this. I wonder how much influence your breaking of this story allowed for PGFD to "find" money for aparatus repairs and physicals.
Thanks! keep up the good work
It sure is a good feeling now that Funds have been realocated to ensure the PGFD can continue to serve the Taxpayers. My impression from Mr. Statter's Blog is such that with all the comments submitted, somewhre in the system someone realized the critical essence of this issue. I am especially glad that Funding to allow Career and Volunteer personnel particularly the new applicants to get the required Physical Exam. This is the core of HEALTH AND WELLNESS for all PGFD Personnel. In Today's Fire and EMS Service it is most critical to have the Firefighters at their best Health level. One can only imagine what the consequences would be if no Physicals were required and no funds to ensure this issue. As anyone who has been in the Fire and EMS Service any length of time knows that any Health issues that can/are found before the personnel is accepted in PGFD Career/Volunteer can without question save someone's Life. Perhaps the individual in question, or his/her Brother and Sister Firefighters who would be on the Hose line, EMS Vehicle with this person. Also let us not forget the Safety and Well Being of the Taxpayers who may be in Harms way and need to be Rescued. A Healthy Firefighter is the absolute Top Priority Resource. A Fire dept can have the best Apparatus and Technology known today, however if the Operational Fire and EMS Personnel arenot Physically in shape which lessons their ability to perform Firefighting and EMS Duties. It is also refreshing to read that Funds are being Restored to put 1st Line Apparatus needing Repairs back into Service. This also can be/must be considered an equal Top Priority. All in all I commend Mr. Stater for his bringing to Light this critical Life Crisis Situation. The Comments made also pointed out some really important concerns to be addressed. Someone
in authority obviously read those comments. I believe it is always a Good Thing to bring about the actual Truth and need for immediate action by those in authority, rather than criticize and sterotype those in authority.
This proves that looking only at the surface of critical Public Safety cannot/ willnot solve be the solution to serve the Taxpayers.
"App er atus" What a SMIB.
You make it seem like as soon as they get a physical that they are trained and able to make a difference in staffing. Its takes the average volunteer more than two years to complete FFII and EMT to be considered at a minimum useful to the department at which then most leave for career employment elsewhere. Or they are from PA and only come down to PG twice a year for a weekend ride along. The money should be spent on OT for the trained career firefighters. Lets do the math: $500 physical + $2000 gear + $900 mask and regulator x 43 volunteer applicants assuming they all can pass the physical and background investigation thats about $150,000 that could be spent elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see what comes up in the new budget. Another 80 hours of furloughs? More of the message to do the same with less…. Bottom line they have to figure out how to pay less overtime (that's what's killing the budget.) More crews being furloughed and the volunteers will still have to staff the apparatus (an ambulances) on an increased basis. Got love this county and it's management team…
"The money should be spent for the OT for the trained career firefighters." Guess what….that is coming to a close, the County can go to 1/1 units (that's 1 paramedic and 1 EMT) and cut a whole crap load of OT out. Plus if they continue the furloughs and blackouts with staffing the apparatus with volunteers they can keep this up until the volunteers cut and run… Whatever they end up doing I hope this all turns around and no one loses thier job! That's what it's all about. We will still be putting the fires out no matter how many units are understaffed with 2. ITS WHAT WE DO!!! When we stop doing it-thats when I will join the members of the check of the month club and retire!
I would like to clarify my previous
comments. I stated I believe it's agood thing that Funding has been restored to Get Physical Exams for everyone. Yes I am well aware that getting a Physical doesnot automatically make a Volunteer ready and Trained to perform Firefighting Duties. What my intent was/is that by having the process of Passing a Physical this allows the new recruit to begin the
necessary required Basic Training Requirements. I honestly believe believe my words were taken completely out of context. For whatever reason there may have been. There is not any Volunteer
nor Career Recruit who right away begins the actual performance of Firefighting efforts. How long the Training is desired/Required is dependant upon the Training Staff and the Learning ability to begin the skills that are required. Yes I realize it takes some time to fully Train anyone. I do know it generally Takes 6-8 weeks of everyday Training for Career recruitss. As far as Volunteers keep mindful of the fact their Training is on a weekend of formal
Training at PGFD Training Academy, and hopefully weekly Training Sessions at the respective Stations. There is also MFRI Training which can be done. I recognize your concerns and words of what sounds like frustration. Ok
The Fire Chief realizes his Priorities must be in concert with the County's Economic situation. There is the Federal SAFER Grants that can be obtained for Recruitment and Training by an individual Fire and EMS Dept. Anything As far as as Apparatus going out understaffed yes it is going to occur until the Economic
Situation turns around. I am inclined to Believe the Fire Chief realizes his Top priorities and how to deploy the Personnel and Apparatus Resources to meet the day to day operations. I was impressed by your words of "IT'S WHAT WE DO" in respect to handling your job duties. Obviously you are a Veteran in the PGFD. It is now time for everyone to speak Positive
about PGFD and the Desired Direction that can be accomplished.
With the ever growing population, the Public Safety Resources beginning at the Top and working through not down to the average everyday Firefighter. Yes immediate future times seem to be
at a point where there are feelings and words spoken that anyone who recognizes the difficulties endured are the long term future of PGFD. this simply isnot the facts be known. Basic Body of Knowledge in understanding
is for evryone. The beginning Physical Exams can determine if anyone who applies to be a Part of PGFD Career/Volunteer is in the best Physical Condition. HEALTH AND WELLNESS is the absolute core of every firefighter.
The money should be spent on OT for the trained career firefighters. Lets do the math: $500 physical + $2000 gear + $900 mask and regulator x 43 volunteer applicants assuming they all can pass the physical and background investigation thats about $150,000 that could be spent elsewhere.
$150,000.00 and sometimes as high as $300,000.00 or more A PAY PERIOD is what they are or were spending on overtime. That is a Scam, the career firefighters don't care about their jobs who are you bullshitting, they only care about money. This is the reason they are upset cause they are loosing all their overtime that they scam.
They are the highest paid and with the best benefits of any firefighter in the entire Metropolitan COG area. BUT, while all the others have given concessions to the contract in order to maintain jobs the 1619 local won't give anything back, they would just as soon let their own loose jobs in layoffs.
This is a combination department, you knew it when you got here and it is still here and going to remain here, so if you can't deal with that on a positive basis why don't you just retire or quit. There are plenty of people out there that would take a job in this county and do a better job for less money than most we currently have. Take medics for example, I have never in my life seen such a large group of incompetent medics anywhere in the US as here in PG County. There are plenty of people waiting to replace you also, people who actually care about providing a service and at competent levels.
Guess what….that is coming to a close, the County can go to 1/1 units (that's 1 paramedic and 1 EMT) and cut a whole crap load of OT out.The only problem with this is the county and the union will have to agree to change the contract. I believe that the union contract still states that the first 10 medic units, (55,29,49,43,25,30,47,12,45, and 20) have to be staffed with 2 paramedics. The others can go down to 1 medic and 1 EMT-B. But then the county would have to change the way they dispatch things. There is no reason to put a PA unit on a call with either an ALS or BLS unit. I have heard calls where there was a PA unit, Medic, and Paramedic Engine all on the same call. That is 4 medics on one call.
Yes there is a lot of things this county could do and even more that they should do.
Well what we have here is another person who complains about the "Medics", but want to do nothing about it. Dude instead of complaining about the medics, why don't you become part of the solution. There are some very good medics in this county. Is there some average medics, sure there is, not everyone can be a superstar like yourself.
You all make it seem like the only reason career firefighters are here for is the pay check. Well hate to bust your bubble, but there is a whole bunch of firefighters that love the job and money isn't everything. As someone told me once before, you aren't going to get rich in this job. We could flip the coin and say that alot of volunteers are here for the free place to stay and the joy ride. Or just about every PA whacker is a weekend warrior.
That is great they "found" money from somewhere. But the next question is does the county have money for a mask and gear. We shall see.
As for the person with the positive attitude, you hit the nail on the head if you will. We do get it done with what we have and will continue to do that, no matter how bad it gets.
I have read the comments, most recent ones to date. I must say the criticism of Paramedics is really out of line and totally uncalled for. PGFD hasa good well Trained Paramedics. Please keep mindful of the fact the Paramedics are Sanctioned and approved by the state of Maryland. These fine folks
just like their counter parts in other jurisdictions must have a certain amount of Physican Directed Training through the state. If during any calendar year
any Paramedic fails to meet a specific Medical Objective they can/will be thoroughly investigated. If the Paramedic is found Negligent, careless with Respect to applying ALS Intervention to any taxpayer/Citizen the Paramedic will automatically be suspended from his/her duites. Depending upon the actual nature of the infraction the Paramedic can have his/her status permanently revoked. It's a very closely Moniotored process in granting Paramedic Status. I would also like to point out fact be known the growth in County Population,
obviously Fiscal Funding contraiunts puts a hardship on everyone. The Paramedics in all probably run quite a few ALS Calls in any 24 hour Tour of Duty. Just stop and think what it's like to run a number of Codes, Violent calls, ie; Shootings/stabbings and the Like. As in every jurisdiction there is a shortage of Paramedics. Not everyonew in the Fire and EMS Service can nor want to become Paramedics. This doesnot take away the need, for ALS Trained People.
Perhaps PGFD could, and perhaps should look at the neighbors in Montgomery County. Their System is, Each 1st Line Apparatus ie; Engines, Trucks/Towers/rescue Squads have or are in the workings to have 4- Staffing. One of the 4- Staffing must be a Paramedic. Each MICU in Montgomery County has an EMT and 1-Paramedic Staffing. The 1st Line Apparatus is what is called "AFRA" Units. These units carry ALS Equipment. When an ALS call goes out, one MICU, one Afra unit goes with it. This gives 2- Paramedics on the scene. there are times when MICU's are busy. The closes BLS Unit and the 2-closes AFRA Units are sent. This gives the needed 2- Paramedics on the scene. These units can upgrade the BLS Unit to a full MICU. If both Paramedics are utilized the AFRA unit will follow the BLS upgraded unit to the Hospital. These type situations do occur when a shortage of Paramedics is real. I really believe whom ever commented against the Paramedics, in PGFD You need to rethink your words and look a realistic objective view. The Paramedic Program within the state of Maryland has True and Accurate Monitoring to ensure Physican Directed and Ordered Administration of Prescribed Life saving medications are done properly. The State Medical Society plays an important role in this program. As in every entity within the Fire and EMS Service, the Taxpayer's Health and Well being is foremost. Equally the Health and Wellness of each Public
Safety Servant is first and foremost.
45 never had a medic unit….
I would like to respond to the brief comment "45 nevar had a Medic" I presume it's reasonable to comment that comment is referencing the Fire on Old Indian Head Road. To begin with there is not a need for a Medic Unit @ Station 845. I would think Medic 820, and Medic 840 on both sides of Station 845. Both of these units have quick access to Route 301 a Major Thoroughfare. There is also Medic 825 which be in Marlboro area within a reasonable response time. Medic Units are Strategically Stationed to serve a
large response area to serve the Taxpayers. please keep mindful of the fact there is not enough Paramedics to Staff a Medic Unit in every Station. This would be excellent with ideal conditions of Staffing. There are Paramedic Engines and Paramedic Ambulances in PGFD. You can only do your best with the actuality of Resources that are available.
That one hurt, now we have a SMIB trying to type and talk about Montgomery County ALS.
OUCH my eyes hurt.
To the Jackass at 7:32 pm
Uh, no the comment referred to the fact that an earlier post listed 45 as having a medic unit, when in fact they didn't. It has nothing to do with 45 and their situation.
Presume = assume = ass out of, well just you in this case.
This applies to all, if your not happy having a job and doing what your asked to do….. quit. In any other proffession if you didn't like the job you were given to do, your options would be do it, quit or get fired. Stop all the crying. If you don't like who you work for now go looking for another job. There are just to many cry baby "fireman" which is questionable. Fireman never cried in the old days……I'm waiting for your job.
In response to the last comments stated in a negative fashion, I am the one who responded about 45. The previous comment said 45 didn't have a Medic. Whe I read I read this comment I presumed it was in reference to the fire on Old Indian Head Road. I had no preconceived intent to create any harsh nor negatism. As far as the comment about some SMIB trying to type and talk about Montgomery County ALS. Just for your information I am a Retired Lieutenant from Montgomery County
and I have ties as aLife time Volunteer in Prince Georges County. My comments about Montgomery County were merely pointing out that there is a shortage of paramedics in every Jurisdiction. What I explained is how Montgomery County addressed this critical need. How,why, when, who, can/will PGFD address this issue is strictly a Management Decision. I donot like nor condone ignorant juvenile comments by anyone. I take everything in the Fire and EMS Service very seriously. Obviously you can only focus your opinion on how to criticize and be judgemental about something you are totally familiar with. As far as my Typing I never claimed to be a Typing expert. Yes there are probably misspelled words in my comments. The actual intent and meaning of my comments are done and have been done all through my Fire and EMS Career in the best possible Positive Attitude. It always seems amazing that there are always those individuals who tend to speak with Bias and Sterotype without knowing the facts. You mentioned your head hurts. Look yourself in the Mirror and ask yourself, are you part of the problem or part of the Solution to do whatever your best skills and knowledge will allow to enhance the PGFD. First and foremost Professional Customer Service to the Taxpayers. This effort is always in concert with Firefighter Safety.