Comments on: Anne Arundel reduces responses by Dunkirk VFD after collision between two rigs. Volunteer chief disputes police report & makes own accusations about career staff. Crash highlights problems between border companies. Driver charged.

By: 30+ on the job

30+ on the job — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:26:08 +0000

Firefighting and managing are different skills sets. If he is such a great Chief at Drunkirk why is he not a Chief for DCFD? Lack of experience, education, not qualified by DCFD? Why does it all change when we cross a jurisdictional line? I have seen this too many times and the result is usually the same.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:50:19 +0000

wasnt dunkirk banned from the convention in ocean city because of the way the were acting?

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:37:15 +0000

So i have absolutely zero knowledge of Calvert County or AAC. An incident that I do have knowledge of is the fire on East Capital Street. Sid already hashed out one of my worries. PG is closer? Not so much, 2 city blocks away from the firehouse.

Number 2 issue. Toby entered the basement via the interior stairs? They entered the basement via exterior steps due to the report of people trapped in the basement based upon information given by our communication as well as a family member in the rear of the residence when himself and the other fireman went to the rear. Good decision on going to the rear due to the second due trucks response from 8 Engine. Smart or not, we face life of death situations on a daily basis. You can’t fault a man for trying to give the gift of life to someone who was bed ridden and couldn’t get themselves out. Based on the family member stating they had voice contact with the individual inside, I think it was a very courageous act on FF Sealy and Doughty!

These two fellas should be commended for there efforts, not bashed on any note. Great job fellas, the tradition of DC’s Finest continues on with your great effort. Get well soon FF Toby!

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:03:48 +0000

The previous comment speaks volumes of exactly what the actual Fire/EMS Service Reflects. The us and them mentality obviously is from strict believers in the IAFF. The Union has a specific
job obligation to the membership. The sarcasism and vile words against anyone or any Department shows a narrow mindset. Igf the IAFF would focus more of their effort in maintaining good work condiditions and once again Firefighter Safety Everyone goes home. They have absolutely no concern nor any reason to speak about the Volunteer Sector is/isnot doing. The incident in question like was previously mentioned is about what occurred in an isolated incident. Both Engine 51 and Tower 40
must in all reasonable thinking, aspects share equal blame for what happened. The media Reporting did in some ways shame the Fire and EMS Professional on going day to day operations. The
Anne Arundel County Command Authorities and the Dunkirk Command Authorities must realize reducing the Mutual Aid Responses serves no one any good. By reaching out and both Depts listening and learning about what is to expected in all Mutual Aid Responses into Anne Arundel County, and vice versa.
This is the 21st Century. A professional Approach is an absolute must for all to contine to function in serving the
average Taxpaying Citizens.

Thank You

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:27:16 +0000

I am a Dunkirk resident who works for AAFD and know Toby Sealey personally. I ran mutual aid calls with him and there was never an “us vs them” attitude. We worked together and got it done without all of the BS discussed here. I think it is unbelievable to attack him (or anyone else)for getting burned in a fire trying to save a life. As far as brotherhood, I haven’t met many people who understand and act on it the way he does. I’ve seen him extend assistance to brothers/sisters in different departments (both active and retired) simply because of the fire department. Once he became chief here, I know he has worked to change the frathouse image of Dunkirk. Some of the comments here against AAFD will only undermine the hard work he has put into that and push this back even further. I just think there is too much of this “us vs. them” mentality when we need to work together. If this is about TW40 and E51, that is one thing, but if it is just bashing people for volunteering in Dunkirk (where that’s all there is) it’s completely differet. I for one would work with Toby any day and know he would have my back.

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:50:14 +0000

With Respect to previous comment (s) specifically lambasting a person’s Grammar/Spelling. You maynot like nor agree with the person. However the person commented on what he believes/perceives as what did/didnot occur. Making sarcastic ignorant words of vile intent aganst some, because perhaps that person may/maynot be as well educated as the individuals who so quick to chastise. Another comment as was stated “F” SAFETY is without doubt a most unwarranted ignorant statement for anyone to make. Today’s Fire/EMS Service emphasizes Firefighter Safety Everyone Goes Home, with one Objective. “ACCOUNTABILITY” Everyissue confronted by Fire/EMS Personnel today must always be focused in total with the Safety of how they perform their job duties. The Term Safety reflects everything from (1) Health/Wellness, (2) Wearing Turnout Gear at all times while responding/operating on the Fire/EMS emergency scene. ***There is no more running jumping on Apparatus Trying put Turnout Gear on while Responding.***
(3) EveryLearned/continued Training Techniques is designed to
help Firefighters/Paramedics Serve The Taxpayers with a degree of certainty/confience about themselves. (4) Responding Apparatus, must at all times be Safety Conscious with Defensive Driving and knowing the Response areas, and the other Responding Apparatus. All Apparatus Responding must have
reason to think and perceive that unit probably will encounter
another unit such was in case. Both Drivers Engine 51 and Tower 40 obviously either didnot know to realize/understand this fact, or the old “Let’s beat them in”. You be the best Trained/Knowledgeable Firefighters/Paramedics around. You may be of the mindset you know your job and can get it done correctly. If you donot arrive on the scene safely you cannot
perform your Basic Body of Knowledge Job Responsibilities. This is TRUE for CAREER and VOLUNTEER. “The Accountability
is the same for both”. I believe the individuals who wrote “F” Safety are Veterans within the Fire/EMS Service, you know better. Think about your words and yourselves.

Everyone Have a Nice Day

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:47:02 +0000

most talked about story ever

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:44:10 +0000

Maybe Toby Sealy should take the publice relations class offered by his company Box Alarm Training. I certainly hope he doesn’t teach the grant writing class after reading his letter to AA County!!

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:43:21 +0000

I would like comment on theissues focused upon here. All the comments seem to be nothing more than opinions criticizing individuals and Anne Arundel County and Dunkirk. I am appalled at the comments made about “F” Firefighter Safety”. In case anyone who may not know the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation put together the Firefighter Safety Effort. This is to assist Fire/EMS Agencies to recognize the absolute need for
all Fire/EMS Personnel to be protected while on the scene. The idea of SCBA/Pass Device Driving with caution etc is to help reduce the LODD’s that occur. Reading these comments it’s like the Hatfields and McCoys. The incident in question will be investigated and the Truth will come out. As far as referring to a jurisdiction where there may be Border Stations from an adjacent jurisdiction, Each Jurisdiction has specific policies and Procedures to follow. The Term Mutual Aid means there is an agreement if you will a pact between jurisdictions to ensure proper Fire/EMS Protection. This entails maintaining good Response Times. The comments about the DCFD incidents yes
there are bordering Stations from PG County, Montgomery County. It is the decision of the DCFD authorities to utilize their resources first. As far as Anne Arundel County and Dunkirk, keep in mind the Primary Jurisdiction has the final decision about which Mutual Aid Responses can and will be utilized. This incident in question was an unfortunate circumstance. As was commented I also believe both Apparatus Drivers share some guilt due to lack of common sense in responding. Anne Arundel County and Dunkirk need to sit down and understand from both jurisdictions that SOP’s and Response Procedures must be adhered to at all times. Dunkirk needs to realize this, and understand their Mutual Aid Assistance must be in total accordance with Anne Arundel County. ie; Equal Training by both Depts. It’s time now to take a step back and rethink opinions of who,when,where, why,whynot the future Responses can/must be Professional in all aspects. As far as making fun of a person’s Grammar, spelling that is juvenile.
The comments about IAFF, The Unions are in place as a Labor Force to protect employees working conditions and other job assistance as may be required. Which union is better is also
juvenile. Come on people, take a step back. Where are the Priorities? What is wrong with you people? Get it together now, before an unforseen un wanted incident happens that may impact Firefighters, and/or The Taxpayers.

Thank You

By: Flash

Flash — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:34:39 +0000

Yeah Sam you git it right!! u is a FOOL!!! You’re package does not compare to mine. It is apparent all u can do is sit around and bitch with your little panties in a twist. There is more to life than crying all the time. Oh I am sure you never cleaned a bathrrom or mopped a floor while working because you’re above that. Man up and Grow up and move along and let the real men and women do the job because fools like u can only whine!!!!!!!!