ORANGE PARK AND THEIR LADDER TRUCK

Interesting choice for a user name! Welcome to the blogs!  I don't know who Larry Carter or Pete Morgan is, glanced at an article where there were complaints the new truck is being driven too much.

As long as they're not driving around picking up women, frequenting bars or hanging out in the poker room I don't see what the problem is. Can't imagine how long it would take to get used to a big monster fire truck, I only know what its like to get behind the wheel of a different vehicle.  I would think there would be an advantage to "road test" the beast and not wait till the middle of an emergency to figure out there is a defect of some sort.   No matter where they are they help when they are called or see an emergency. Their familiarity with that vehicle can save time and more importantly lives.  These guys risk their lives everyday and see things that are just down right difficult to live with. For anyone to collectively complain about Firefighters over something like this to me is downright UN American.

I really have a hard time believing anyone is out "joy riding" in a Firetruck. I like seeing them out and about, its one of those "feel good" things.

I think there are more important things to focus on, God Bless the FireFighters!

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As a resident of Orange Park, the town, i have no problem with the fire department taking the engine down to a resturant.  There are maybe two or three good places to eat in the entire town and any rest. is no more than what two or three miles away.  I seriously doubt they do this non-stop, there is a winn-dixie accross the street from the station, i imagine they dine in often as well.  This is quite the small issue, is this all our town council deals with?  

Marsha, It could not be said better.

I believe the ENTIRE town of Orange Park is 2 square miles......how far can they drive?-you are right Foxx. Not far at all. 

I have no problem with the fire fighters using the truck to go get a meal to keep their bodies strong and alert. They risk their life all the time for the public and I say they deserve some good eats.

I know if my house were burning down I would like to know they could get to me as soon as possible. I would hate to think they would all need to jump in their privately owned vehicles to go back to the station to pick up the truck that may save my life.

TRUTHHURTS

Firemen when riding in a truck may be doing some of the following things.

1) checking hydrants to see that they are still operational

2) checking the static pressure of a hydrant

3) checking to see that bushes/brush have not overgrown hydrants

4) checking to see that the blue reflector is in place/painting a hydrant

5) riding the territory with a new fireman to learn the area

6) becoming familiar with a new fire apparatus (truck)

7) doing a PR project, such as taking blood pressures at a civic meeting

8) doing fire prevention talks to people in a group or a fire prevention free check

9) helping another department in the city out

10) performing a public service for someone or group

11) going to a non-emergency check well being call (checking on an older person who lives alone)

Any project deemed important for public safety by the Chief. If you want me to get even more long winded, let me know.

Very good Islander.There is also the possibilty that they are on a call.In O.P. and Clay, not all calls require lights and sirens.Who's to say that when they are out that they are not closer to the next call.

David

Eat, drink, be merry & keep on taking care of us.

Maxie;)

I was totally appauled at this article concerning the O.P.Ladder truck!!  The nerve of someone to complain like this.  Do you not know the extensive training that these FINE men have done to help save lives, while RISKING their very own?? Would you like them to arrive at your residence on fire in their personal vehicles???  I am very very proud of our local firefighters, as they risk their lives everyday for us!!  Imagine working the shifts that they do, imagine being awaken by the very loud alarm that awakens them at all hours of the night, imagine the pain, physical and emotional that they endure, all for the sake of others!!  I have seen this ladder truck around town, and each time that I do, I stop and ask God's blessings on these fine HERO's!!!  I think that if you tried doing that instead of complaining that they are using too much gas.....this world just might be a better place!   Perhaps even cook them a meal and take it to the station.....what a nice jesture!! They do have to eat to stay healthy and strong, for the citizens of Orange Park.  Just last week, the fire at the apts, had they not been across the street at the hospital when the fire broke out, much more of the apt. complex would have burnt down.  I think they even arrived before the 911 calls came in!  WOW!!  My hats off to these FINE HEROS!!!  I do believe that O.P. has better worries than this one!!  I pray that God continue to bless our firefighters each and everyday, and keep them safe from harm......in my heart, they are the BEST!!! One of these fine men is my SON!!!

God Bless the Orange Park Firefighters!!!