Click here and here for previous coverage of this story.
Read letter from President Stephen Lamphier, Riverdale Fire Department, Inc.
Stephen Lamphier is the president of the Riverdale VFD, Station 807 of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department. President Lamphier tells me he gave a lot of thought to our coverage of the video posted on YouTube (and then STATter911.com) of members of his department having some fun during the recent snowstorm. He composed a letter while at the station on Christmas Day.
At some point I will likely respond to Steve's comments, but I wanted to make sure his views got through unfiltered.
The only thing I will add is there is no disputing one point that Steve makes in his letter. I should have contacted Riverdale VFD Chief Charles Ryan at the same time I sent an email to PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady. That was an oversight on my part that I addressed with Chief Ryan the next day.
Also on STATter911 …
- Update on DC firefighters: Chuck Ryan still critical, but improving. One released & two in good condition. – April 11, 2011
- Burned DC firefighter out of the hospital. Chuck Ryan visits firehouse on the way home. – May 27, 2011
- Update on injured DC firefighters. FF Charles Ryan still in critical condition. – April 9, 2011
- A video message from the burn unit: DC Lt. ‘Cadillac’ Alvarado thanks Fairfax County firefighters for donating blood. – April 12, 2011
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Having come from both Fulltime and Volunteer services I can honestly say that I’ve seen similiar activities several times in the past. Yes, some of it was questionable safey wise, but when we were young, worked hard and needed to blow off some steam, those things happened. Who of us didn’t do something not exactly wise as young firefighters? Firefighters are firefighters and the unique makeup of personality traits that make us do what we do can also be our worst enemy sometimes. I can see both sides of the issue but I think the real issue would be the lack of judgement in posting a video of the activity for the world to see and judge. All the misdeeds (as long as they are not criminal) pale in comparison to the good these men and women do paid and unpaid on a daily basis. Perhaps is is up to our officers and wiser firefighters to mentor each other and help keep them out of trouble. A good policy/educational session by the powers that be of “videoland” discretion would help prevent future problems for any department. Thanks Dave for reporting as you do though, it helps us all learn.
I appreciate how well written this letter is. In a profession I have found to be full of hot tempers and quick tounges (myself included) rarely do we take the time to organize our thoughts and place them so eloquently. I got into the story after the origional stories, I never got the impression it was about what was used but the impression that the “public” could get from the video. Did it look like fun? Yes. Something I would have done a few years back? Probably. But appropiate to post on the web for all to see? Ehhh that is a tough one!
Although many of the comments are just plain stupid, occasionally there is some thoughful and thought provoking conversations. Keep up the good work Dave and Mr. Lamphier keep on your positive attitude and direction, the fire service is in desperate need!
So he is telling me preforming illegal activity with department items is ok to relieve the stress of being in a firehouse for 48 hrs? HUH! I do shifts of up to 56 hrs straight with the same or more call volume.If I did what these firefighters did I would be fired for sure.I think he is missing the point of comments left on this site bout the video.
And I would let my 10 year old sled down a hill any day before thinking that being pulled around with a motor vehicle was “safer”
I’m not familiar with this department or any in the state for that matter. So I don’t want anyone to think this is some personal attack on anyone in that department.
Come on guys,lets use are heads out there
Wow. Five whole days of volunteer staffing… Is impressive the word I’m looking for? Doubtful. Try stringing a few more days together, perhaps some consecutive ones, before you stand on your soapbox and toot your horn.
Dave,
Thank you for publishing the letter, and letting it do so without commentary from you. There are very few media sources (print, network, cable, web) that would willingly allow their critics unfettered access. Thank you for reminding us of what journalism can be.
I haven’t done an assessment of the negative versus positive stories on the site, but most of them seem to be neutral to positive in nature. Stories about firefighters doing their jobs are inherently positive, and the reader is left to make their own decision about the content of the story.
Mr. Lamphier’s crews may have videotaped the numerous efforts they made to keep the ramp and sidewalk clear of snow, and of the delicious and nourishing meals they cooked, and they quite possibly posted them to Youtube for the masses to watch. It seems most likely they videotaped the “fun” things they did, and posted only that. I eagerly await the companion video, “Shoveling snow and cooking meals”.
I hate the critique of the media never reports the good stuff, and Mr. Lamphier should begin the finger pointing with himself, for doing such a poor job of promoting his department. Did Mr. Lamphier contact this site and offer video, still pictures, and stories to publicize the positive efforts of his department prior to this story? If he didn’t he should stop his whining that the media doesn’t report on all the positive efforts of his department. Maybe you can do a follow-up piece about them returning the toilet seat to the seated position when they are done urinating, and their extensive efforts to accurately sort out their recycling. Be prepared for the numerous comments as members of the DCFD debate with the PGFD about the issue of leaving the plastic cap on the recyclable bottle. It will no doubt be compelling stuff.
Why doesn’t NIOSH report on all the incidents that are handled without serious injuries or LODDs. Wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on those departments that are doing things correctly? Why don’t the hosts of talk radio focus on all the things that are good about this nation? Why do I need to hear about all the departments that are cutting jobs and staffing, how about hearing about the ones that are hiring? Mr. Lamphier, people pay more attention to negative issues than positive ones. That is human psychology, not a nefarious plot to prevent positive coverage of your department and their efforts to move snow off the sidewalk.
I had planned to take my children sledding this March when we went to Colorado to ski, but with Mr. Lamphier’s knowledge of the inherent dangers of sledding down a hill versus the added safety that comes from being pulled by a car on an old stretcher, I have decided the best course of action will to spin them around the hotel parking lot. I imagine the scene from National Lampoon’s Family Vacation, and the state trooper telling Chevy Chase the little dog probably kept up for the first mile or so before his little legs gave out. Thank you for making me smile with the thought that in your district being pulled by a pick-up truck is somehow safer than sledding. Maybe your department could look to do some sort of community outreach to parents and children explaining the benefits of said wintertime activity.
Certain stories garner the majority of attention and comments. It was fine for the members of your department to video themselves, but it was STUPID for them to post it to the web. Without the video, there would be no discussion of their actions.
If the Pwesident wants increased stories showing the good his fire company does, send a press release before the event and maybe you’ll get coverage. Thats what corporate does. If the press doesn’t know that you’re doing it they won’t cover it.It’s obvious he knows how to contact Dave, so ya can’t sit back and bitch that something isn’t covered–cause look he covered you’re letter (seems fair and balanced to me, but this ain’t Fox) Its just like repsonding on a call, sometimes ya gotta blow your own horn.
The PR in president is for P R?
True leadership whould know that their only logical course of action in a situation like this would be to recognize that what occurred was clearly unsafe and a poor use of equipment, and then announce that their membership has been counceled to act more professional in the future.
But no. Instead, this letter is an excellent example of the problem with volunteer leadership in P.G.: Whenever your members are caught in stupid situations, adopt a defensive posture, claim the good you do should offset the act of stupidity, and while absolving the transgressors, always blame the messenger for bringing the story to public light.
Seems whenever these clowns find themselves stuck in a hole, their first answer is always “quick! …send more shovels!”. Will they ever wise up? Doubtful.
CTFirefighter: Please cite from COMAR what illegal activity occurred. I am not advocating the activity, but I’d like to see what your answer is.
The kind of response you expect when you get caught doing something that makes people question your intellect. All the stuff in the letter about being at the firehouse for several days and shoveling the ramp multiple times, you would be the first to tout this as a selling point if you were looking to justify having VFD’s versus converting to an all career department and how much you care about “the community”. Nothing new here, just another example of the “Riverdale Romp”.
I cant believe that the departments workers comp company hasnt issued a warning on this kind of activity. OURS sent us a letter warning us that some non-firefighting activities are no longer covered and Im sure THIS wouldnt be covered either. What would they do if someone DID get hurt? Claim it was a training exercise? Got hurt shoveling snow? Risk management needs to be a top priority in any well run fire department these days. Why is it that PG County seems to be the name that gets brought up everytime something like this happens? Maybe its time to hire baby sitters for those vol. stations. I know as a Chief, if I caught my people doing this on my time, they would have plenty of time afterwards to do it all they wanted cause I would show them the door. Fireworks, mysteriously disappearing ambulances, fights on fire scenes, VW clown cars, snow surfing and arson gangs. Is this a great county or what?
Im not slamming them cause they are volunteers, Ive been one for 30 years…but Im slamming them because they are acting stupid and unprofessional. Everytime one of these clowns gets caught like this, the rest of us REAL firefighters take a hit in the publics eye.
Anonymous: Is it legal in your state to be towed behind a vehicle? It’s been illegal in every locale I’ve lived in for the past 37 years.
This is conduct that _could_ be perceived as bringing dishonor to the RVFD and the profession as a whole. This conduct should never be tolerated or condoned. Any explanation or allegation of biased reporting is an attempt to obfuscate the issue — that dishonorable conduct was exhibited by members of a Department that already has had enough dishonor brought upon itself and the profession of which it is a part of.
Grow up and rise to the standards that other members have worked hard at building.
actually, it is against the law – Maryland Transportation Article Section 21 1204 paragraph G: Sledder Attaching to veh. on Roadway. $50.00 fine.
Although Mr Lamphier’s letter is well written and somewhat convincing (yet horribly misguided), I see it as nothing more than an attempt at bolstering his own image within his department. By standing up and defending the RVFD in the face of this ‘controversy’, he will certainly gain favor with the membership by showing them what a strong and loyal leader he his.
Unfortunately for him, it would have been much better to eat a big healthy slice of humble pie this time around.
Who cares? So what, they went sledding…. And for the guy who’s so worried because it’s against the law, so is spitting in many areas or driving without a seatbelt, but we have all done that.
Get over it. The had some fun, no harm, no foul. Move on to the next bitch session.
Bunch of Tre Huggers!!!
Sorry…. Should be TREE,not tre
jonboy, thank you. I couldn’t find that anywhere- but now its quite obvious. I copied the text here for clarification.
21-1204 Clinging to vehicles.
(g)Sleds. – A person riding a sled may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
To quote Anonymous, “CTFirefighter: Please cite from COMAR what illegal activity occurred. I am not advocating the activity, but I’d like to see what your answer is.”
Try this, genius:
MD Title 21, Vehicle Laws
§ 21-1204. Clinging to vehicles.
(d) Coasters.- A person riding on any coaster may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(g) Sleds.- A person riding on any sled may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
Obviously I left out the stuff that didn’t apply but, took all of a minute to Google that…Idiot
” Bob says
Who cares? So what, they went sledding…. And for the guy who’s so worried because it’s against the law, so is spitting in many areas or driving without a seatbelt, but we have all done that.
Get over it. The had some fun, no harm, no foul. Move on to the next bitch session.”
They didn’t just go “Sledding” that’s something my kids do on the neighborhood hill. The problem here is they posted a video of themselves doing a reckless/illegal activity,not good in the eyes of the public. It’s an image I don’t want for the fire service.I bet you were one of the kids doing it that night from your defensive tone.
I’ve been a volunteer Firefighter/EMT for 30+ years. I always said I could write a book about my experiences. I would title it, “Neighbor, I don’t know you, but just grab my hand.”
You goofs in PGFD could write a bigger book, it would be titled, “The good, the bad, the ugly, the weird, the freaks, the idiots, the criminals, the mildly retarded, & the stupid.”
Ok, it would have been fine, except they used bunker gear that was designed for other purposes.. not sled riding. What would have happened if a working structure fire came in, the gear soaked from the snow and sweat… FF’s enter the structure, did you ever suffered steam burns… not a pleasant feeling. Worker’s Comp would have a field day, Bunker was worn while riding a sled towed by a Pick up Truck? Wow, neat way to respond to calls, what, the FF hit the front bumper of a vehicle.. LOL… sorry, not covering the injuries due to being stupid.. Enough said.
Dirk Diggler: Spend less time on the internet. That might explain your choice of a username.
I’ll take it under advisement…thanks for your concern.
§ 21-1204. Clinging to vehicles.
(a) Exceptions.- This section does not apply to any log skid, drag, or farm sled while used in agricultural or forestry practices.
(b) Bicycles or motor scooters.- A person riding on any bicycle or motor scooter may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(c) Play vehicles.- A person riding on any play vehicle may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(d) Coasters.- A person riding on any coaster may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(e) Skateboards.- A person riding on any skateboard may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(f) Roller skates.- A person riding on any roller skates may not attach them or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(g) Sleds.- A person riding on any sled may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(h) Toy vehicles.- A person riding on any toy vehicle may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 11-1204; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 2001, ch. 557.]
Well, at least the president and chief at the Great VFD of Riverdale are supporting other illegal activities besides lighting fires these days. Riverdale VFD creates their own problems and the poor leadership proves it. The only reason the county doesn’t do anything about it, is because they can’t afford to staff the station with paid professionals.
Im going to remain neutral on all the stuff being said here. I believe Dave’s site is one of the best I have ever come across. I dont think its all negative as stated in the letter to him from the Riverdale President. I am going to make two points and I learned these ones the hard way. Trust me on that one! DONT RECORD ANYTHING YOU DONT WANT THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE…and second, if you find yourself recording these things. Destroy it as soon as you screw your head on straight. Everyone loves to have fun. Their are people just sitting in the weeds waiting for crap like this. Its not worth watching it again. I remember when memories were good enough. Have fun, stay safe and RUN SILENT and RUN DEEP
Hey at least your not getting pissed on over at Burtonsville VFD. In all honesty, we just give the community another bad impression of the fire service by have videos like this posted and a website like this for all to see.
If it was common sense, wouldn’t we all have it???
Well written letter, but it is a perfect example of why the career fire service constantly looks down on volunteers. The president was trying to excuse his people’s actions by saying they answered calls and shoveled snow. Wow, you did average firefighter tasks and think that excuses stupid behavior? Good for you, you wanted to be called a fireman, so now do the work that goes along with it. (before all the volunteers get worked up, I realize not all of you are like that, but a good chunk are and its annoying)
Secondly, the guy loses credibility because he doesn’t even admit that his people did something wrong. Wearing your PPE to mess around with shouldn’t be excused as something good. Using broken department equipment as toys isn’t something very good (how convenient that it is beyond repair). Video taping it and posting it online under a title with the word “firefighters” in it isn’t a good idea either.
If this guy wants to see more positive stories and less negative ones, maybe he should get his band of clowns in line. Get them to cut out the stupid crap (or don’t wear their turnouts while doing it) or at least don’t tape it. Or just keep making excuses and keep losing what little respect is left for his organization.
so no fd vehicle used.
the stretcher was one slated for trash (no misuse of equipment)
if they would not have been wearing gear, would the story even made it on here?
Doubtful.
Note to self and others.
Next time dont video it. If you do, don’t wear your gear.
Geeze!
Anonymous says
§ 21-1204. Clinging to vehicles.
(a) Exceptions.- This section does not apply to any log skid, drag, or farm sled while used in agricultural or forestry practices.
(b) Bicycles or motor scooters.- A person riding on any bicycle or motor scooter may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(c) Play vehicles.- A person riding on any play vehicle may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(d) Coasters.- A person riding on any coaster may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(e) Skateboards.- A person riding on any skateboard may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(f) Roller skates.- A person riding on any roller skates may not attach them or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(g) Sleds.- A person riding on any sled may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
(h) Toy vehicles.- A person riding on any toy vehicle may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.
[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 11-1204; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 2001, ch. 557.]
************************************************************
It don’t say nuttin about backboards being attached to no vehicle so’s it muss bees o k!
So’s can wees stop beatin this dead horse and move on to the next horse.
If you listen you can clearly hear Mr. Ryans voice in the video so for all we know it was probably his pick up used for this latest romp. However this incident pales in comparison with what has gone on in the past and will continue into the future. Why you ask? Lack of adult supervision? Volunteer corporations have a board of directors separate from the fire side that acts as a separate voice to insure a deptartment runs properly However in this case they are the same people this means the fox is watching the chickens. As long as the same people continue to be elected year after year there will be no change only more black eyes to come………..
The incident was recorded-irrelevant
The incident was posted in Youtube-irrelevant
Your volunteers kept the station shoveled-irrelevant (Many staions did this)
Your volunteers kept your apparatus staffed-irrelevant (again, many stations did this)
Your volunteers managed to feed themselves-irrelevant (do I have to say it?)
Your volunteers didn’t use a company vehicle-irrelevant
Your volunteers didn’t damage any bunker gear-irrelevant
Your volunteers used an “out of service” cot-irrelevant
Your guys did something ill-advised, stupid and illegal- RELEVENT.
You as company president should do better than to excuse this kind of irresponsible behavior.
THIS IS SOME FUNNY A$$ $HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET OVER IT AND QUIT YOUR F@KIN CRYING!!!!!!!!!!!! BOO HOO BOO HOO
Ummm, more concerning to me was the baby in the back of the truck.
I think they did some things wrong and other ways not. Number 1 DO NOT put things on the web! Keep things between yourself’s and in the dept. If the dummies wouldn’t have recored the whole thing this would have never happened. But i can understand having fun and blowing off steam. As well you should be aloud to let loose sometimes, people tend to forget the things we as firefighters see and deal with. Also to Ct firefighter your comments make no sense… do you want a cookie because you work 56 hours. These guys in the story are VOLUNTEER. They choose to serve the community not for money but to help people. Don’t get me wrong some of my best friends are paid firefighters in pg county, and i have the upmost respect for all firefigters paid or volunteer. So in conclusion was it all that bad no. They should have not used a reeves stretcher. But wearing ppe is fine there is snow on the ground they can keep warm with it. So a simple talk from the Chief to the people involved would have done fine. IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL!
Of all the problems the fire service has! posting video of a group having fun, must really be big news. What a waste of time. But stir the pot, those fun loving volunteers are having fun! There will always be a pissing contest between PGFD/Union vs any Volunteer Organization. What a wasted story? I expected more from you Dave, than crap like this.
You should never expect more of me. You will always be dissapointed. Been telling my wife that for years.