Did Fire Mascot “Sparky” Receive Overtime Pay from City Taxpayers?

By David GreenwaldAugust 26, 2008260 comments
The City Apparently Does Not Know the Answer

A few weeks ago in response to the initial wave of reports on city finances, the Vanguard received a tip that as part of the Davis Fire Department Public Education Program, the fire fighter who dressed as “Sparky” received overtime pay.

A phone conversation at that time with Davis City Manager Bill Emlen confirmed that this was indeed a distinct possibility. Thus the Vanguard fired off a public records request to find out in exact terms, what the fire mascot received in terms of overtime pay. Even by the standards of this city, the Vanguard is shocked and stunned by what it found.

The Public Education program, according to the city:

“is contained within the Fire Prevention Division of the Davis Fire Department budget. The Fire Prevention Division includes fire safety inspections, fire investigations, plan review, public education, weed abatement, youth fire diversion, water supply and permits. The scope of the Public Education program emphasizes citizen education regarding fire safety, to reduce the chance of fires in places of assembly, residences and in the business community.”

Some of the activities include:

• Annual Fire Department open house in October
• Fire safety presentations
• Disaster preparedness presentations
• Pre-school presentations
• Third grade class presentations
• Career days at local junior and senior high schools
• Fire extinguisher operation presentations and drills
• Station tours
• Fraternity and Sorority fire safety talks
• Neighborhood Night Out
• Special events (approximately 20 annually)

However, when asked for budget items related to the funding of the Public Education Program, the Vanguard was stunned to find out that the city does not separately account for the program. Rather it contains the Public Education Program within the budget for the Fire Prevention Division, a grouping that also contains fire investigations, weed abatement, and the youth fire diversion.

Last year, the city spent $371,238 on such programs, a not so modest budget including $229,505 in salaries and another $19,491 in overtime.

When asked for the city to itemize “expenditures to the firefighter for work performed as the mascot ‘Sparky,'” again the city had no answer.

“The Fire Department does not have any records responsive to your request because expenditures to a Firefighter for work performed as the Mascot “Sparky” are not recorded as working as “Sparky,” but as a public education event.”

However, the city was able to tell the Vanguard:

“The mascot “Sparky” is typically used approximately 3-5 times a year. The events are: Farmers market twice a year (February and October) four hours each; Open House in October four hours; and possibly one or two additional City events for two to four hours.”

This led to the conclusion that “Sparky” probably involved in about 20 hours of work.

The Vanguard asked if these payments constitute overtime pay. The response was illusive at best.

“Again, the Fire Department does not have any records responsive to your request because such time is recorded as public education time. That said, the Fire Department tries to limit overtime pay when feasible for public education events. Firefighters on overtime are only used when no one else is available.”

When asked over the phone, Bill Emlen seemed fairly sure that the firefighter who dressed up as “Sparky” was given overtime pay. And even if “Sparky” was not directly given overtime pay, it seems likely that a firefighter who worked these extra shifts would eventually be given overtime pay because of the additional hours.

The Vanguard can approximate the amount of money the city might be paying the firefighter to dress up as “Sparky” in public events.

We know the average firefighter received $88,555.01 in base salary. Averaging that over a 40 hour work week gives us an approximate total of $42.57 per hour. That means that overtime pay at a time and a half would be roughly $63.86 per hour for a total over 20 hours of $1277.24 of cost to the Davis taxpayers. That is not over $1200 of money going to help fight fires, it is money going to a man dressed up in a dog suit.

You might ask why a fire department volunteer could not perform that task for no cost? Are you telling me that they could not get an individual to volunteer for a few hours at a time to dress up as “Sparky”? It seems inconceivable to me that there is a possibility that the city paid a firefighter overtime wages to dress up as “Sparky”–whether those are direct overtime wages or those hours would eventually push their regular duty into overtime is appalling to me.

But frankly I am not sure what is more appalling–the use of taxpayer money or the fact that the city cannot directly account for that use of taxpayer money?

This public records request was not a very complicated request. The city was not able to itemize those expenditures. They have no idea how much the fire department is spending on public education as opposed to some of the other fire prevention programs. They have no idea how much overtime they are paying for these support programs. That is appalling and it is completely irresponsible.

The people who run this city have very little idea how the taxpayers money is being spent and amazingly they have admitted as much in their response to the Vanguard’s public records request.

The only reasonable explanation I can think of is that the city does not want to know specifically how this money is being spent because then they have plausible deniability. They cannot be held accountable for what they do not know–and they know money is being misspent.

Any responsible agency should be embarrassed that they cannot breakdown exactly how taxpayer money is being spent by departments under their control. This definitely makes one wonder how many other times this is the case as well, in how many other city departments.

I implore the city council to hold the city manager’s office and the city finance department responsible for the amount of money that the city spends on various programs so that the city council and the public can no exactly where the city’s tax money goes and whether or not it is being spent wisely.

—Doug Paul Davis reporting

Author

  • David Greenwald

    Greenwald is the founder, editor, and executive director of the Davis Vanguard. He founded the Vanguard in 2006. David Greenwald moved to Davis in 1996 to attend Graduate School at UC Davis in Political Science. He lives in South Davis with his wife Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald and three children.

    View all posts

Categories:

Budget/Fiscal

260 comments

  5. Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40. Perhaps They use firefighters on overtime because they have gone through a back ground check. I have watched sparky at the farmers market and how he/she plays with the children. Would it be wise for the fire department to use a volunteer who has not had a background check?
    All of this talk about volunteering has given me an idea. Why not have each neighborhood adopt their local park? All of the neighbors could take turns maintaining the park. The city could have a contest to award the best looking park. This would save the city money while getting people more involved with their neighborhood.

  6. Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40. Perhaps They use firefighters on overtime because they have gone through a back ground check. I have watched sparky at the farmers market and how he/she plays with the children. Would it be wise for the fire department to use a volunteer who has not had a background check?
    All of this talk about volunteering has given me an idea. Why not have each neighborhood adopt their local park? All of the neighbors could take turns maintaining the park. The city could have a contest to award the best looking park. This would save the city money while getting people more involved with their neighborhood.

  7. Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40. Perhaps They use firefighters on overtime because they have gone through a back ground check. I have watched sparky at the farmers market and how he/she plays with the children. Would it be wise for the fire department to use a volunteer who has not had a background check?
    All of this talk about volunteering has given me an idea. Why not have each neighborhood adopt their local park? All of the neighbors could take turns maintaining the park. The city could have a contest to award the best looking park. This would save the city money while getting people more involved with their neighborhood.

  8. Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40. Perhaps They use firefighters on overtime because they have gone through a back ground check. I have watched sparky at the farmers market and how he/she plays with the children. Would it be wise for the fire department to use a volunteer who has not had a background check?
    All of this talk about volunteering has given me an idea. Why not have each neighborhood adopt their local park? All of the neighbors could take turns maintaining the park. The city could have a contest to award the best looking park. This would save the city money while getting people more involved with their neighborhood.

  9. How many ways can the city of Davis screw itself in the name of “public safety”? I find the arrogance of the fire dept and Rose Conroy to be the most consistently troubling aspect of this issue. Nor, do I have any confidence in any “internal investigations” funded by the city specifically designed to preempt any actions the grand jury might take. Last weekend I saw the same two fire trucks driving around west Davis at least 3 times. No fires,no training exercises. Just PR apparently by increasing visibility. Actually I’m surprised the city hasn’t sent us all copies of “Rescue Me”, but the issue is still fairly new. It’s annoying to be played by our own agency, but it’s my guess that that’s the game Rose plays, and has been playing for quite a long time successfully.

  10. How many ways can the city of Davis screw itself in the name of “public safety”? I find the arrogance of the fire dept and Rose Conroy to be the most consistently troubling aspect of this issue. Nor, do I have any confidence in any “internal investigations” funded by the city specifically designed to preempt any actions the grand jury might take. Last weekend I saw the same two fire trucks driving around west Davis at least 3 times. No fires,no training exercises. Just PR apparently by increasing visibility. Actually I’m surprised the city hasn’t sent us all copies of “Rescue Me”, but the issue is still fairly new. It’s annoying to be played by our own agency, but it’s my guess that that’s the game Rose plays, and has been playing for quite a long time successfully.

  11. How many ways can the city of Davis screw itself in the name of “public safety”? I find the arrogance of the fire dept and Rose Conroy to be the most consistently troubling aspect of this issue. Nor, do I have any confidence in any “internal investigations” funded by the city specifically designed to preempt any actions the grand jury might take. Last weekend I saw the same two fire trucks driving around west Davis at least 3 times. No fires,no training exercises. Just PR apparently by increasing visibility. Actually I’m surprised the city hasn’t sent us all copies of “Rescue Me”, but the issue is still fairly new. It’s annoying to be played by our own agency, but it’s my guess that that’s the game Rose plays, and has been playing for quite a long time successfully.

  12. How many ways can the city of Davis screw itself in the name of “public safety”? I find the arrogance of the fire dept and Rose Conroy to be the most consistently troubling aspect of this issue. Nor, do I have any confidence in any “internal investigations” funded by the city specifically designed to preempt any actions the grand jury might take. Last weekend I saw the same two fire trucks driving around west Davis at least 3 times. No fires,no training exercises. Just PR apparently by increasing visibility. Actually I’m surprised the city hasn’t sent us all copies of “Rescue Me”, but the issue is still fairly new. It’s annoying to be played by our own agency, but it’s my guess that that’s the game Rose plays, and has been playing for quite a long time successfully.

  13. Maybe they weren’t just driving around for PR, maybe they were doing routine fire inspections for local city businesses. Maybe they were helping an elderly person change a battery in her smoke detector, which doesn’t require lights and sirens. Maybe they were returning from and incident, or canceled from a vehicle accident which fortunately nobody was injured…. The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. Just because you see the same engine 3 times in one weekend, doesn’t mean they were just “increasing visibility”, it means you have nothing better to do!

  14. Maybe they weren’t just driving around for PR, maybe they were doing routine fire inspections for local city businesses. Maybe they were helping an elderly person change a battery in her smoke detector, which doesn’t require lights and sirens. Maybe they were returning from and incident, or canceled from a vehicle accident which fortunately nobody was injured…. The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. Just because you see the same engine 3 times in one weekend, doesn’t mean they were just “increasing visibility”, it means you have nothing better to do!

  15. Maybe they weren’t just driving around for PR, maybe they were doing routine fire inspections for local city businesses. Maybe they were helping an elderly person change a battery in her smoke detector, which doesn’t require lights and sirens. Maybe they were returning from and incident, or canceled from a vehicle accident which fortunately nobody was injured…. The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. Just because you see the same engine 3 times in one weekend, doesn’t mean they were just “increasing visibility”, it means you have nothing better to do!

  16. Maybe they weren’t just driving around for PR, maybe they were doing routine fire inspections for local city businesses. Maybe they were helping an elderly person change a battery in her smoke detector, which doesn’t require lights and sirens. Maybe they were returning from and incident, or canceled from a vehicle accident which fortunately nobody was injured…. The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. Just because you see the same engine 3 times in one weekend, doesn’t mean they were just “increasing visibility”, it means you have nothing better to do!

  17. “The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. “

    And neither does the city council or city manager. That’s a huge problem.

  18. “The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. “

    And neither does the city council or city manager. That’s a huge problem.

  19. “The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. “

    And neither does the city council or city manager. That’s a huge problem.

  20. “The point is, you don’t know what they were doing. “

    And neither does the city council or city manager. That’s a huge problem.

  21. If Fire or Police work in official capacities at public events, they should be paid. If the hours they work involve overtime work then they should be paid overtime. Why pick on Sparky? The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.

    The big picture is how to maintain public safety at a reasonable cost – something that the City and taxpayers can afford.

  22. If Fire or Police work in official capacities at public events, they should be paid. If the hours they work involve overtime work then they should be paid overtime. Why pick on Sparky? The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.

    The big picture is how to maintain public safety at a reasonable cost – something that the City and taxpayers can afford.

  23. If Fire or Police work in official capacities at public events, they should be paid. If the hours they work involve overtime work then they should be paid overtime. Why pick on Sparky? The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.

    The big picture is how to maintain public safety at a reasonable cost – something that the City and taxpayers can afford.

  24. If Fire or Police work in official capacities at public events, they should be paid. If the hours they work involve overtime work then they should be paid overtime. Why pick on Sparky? The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.

    The big picture is how to maintain public safety at a reasonable cost – something that the City and taxpayers can afford.

  25. You should ask how much the Sparky costume cost and how it was paid for. I understand that the costumes are several thousand dollars. A lot of money for something used a few times a year.

  26. You should ask how much the Sparky costume cost and how it was paid for. I understand that the costumes are several thousand dollars. A lot of money for something used a few times a year.

  27. You should ask how much the Sparky costume cost and how it was paid for. I understand that the costumes are several thousand dollars. A lot of money for something used a few times a year.

  28. You should ask how much the Sparky costume cost and how it was paid for. I understand that the costumes are several thousand dollars. A lot of money for something used a few times a year.

  29. Oh boy, get ready for the apologists under the name “anonymous.”

    It’s no wonder our city is is facing the financial challenges that it is facing.

  30. Oh boy, get ready for the apologists under the name “anonymous.”

    It’s no wonder our city is is facing the financial challenges that it is facing.

  31. Oh boy, get ready for the apologists under the name “anonymous.”

    It’s no wonder our city is is facing the financial challenges that it is facing.

  32. Oh boy, get ready for the apologists under the name “anonymous.”

    It’s no wonder our city is is facing the financial challenges that it is facing.

  33. “Why pick on Sparky?”

    Sparky is a convenient foil here for a bigger problem. To me, the fact that the city could not identify exactly how much money this program was getting was absolutely appalling.

    “The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.”

    As I understand it, Sparky doesn’t talk. That means that anyone could go inside his suit, including people not getting OT pay for doing so. So the marginal costs of a firefighter inside Sparky do not seem worth it given his function and the role he plays.

  34. “Why pick on Sparky?”

    Sparky is a convenient foil here for a bigger problem. To me, the fact that the city could not identify exactly how much money this program was getting was absolutely appalling.

    “The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.”

    As I understand it, Sparky doesn’t talk. That means that anyone could go inside his suit, including people not getting OT pay for doing so. So the marginal costs of a firefighter inside Sparky do not seem worth it given his function and the role he plays.

  35. “Why pick on Sparky?”

    Sparky is a convenient foil here for a bigger problem. To me, the fact that the city could not identify exactly how much money this program was getting was absolutely appalling.

    “The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.”

    As I understand it, Sparky doesn’t talk. That means that anyone could go inside his suit, including people not getting OT pay for doing so. So the marginal costs of a firefighter inside Sparky do not seem worth it given his function and the role he plays.

  36. “Why pick on Sparky?”

    Sparky is a convenient foil here for a bigger problem. To me, the fact that the city could not identify exactly how much money this program was getting was absolutely appalling.

    “The benefits of Sparky probably far outweigh his costs.”

    As I understand it, Sparky doesn’t talk. That means that anyone could go inside his suit, including people not getting OT pay for doing so. So the marginal costs of a firefighter inside Sparky do not seem worth it given his function and the role he plays.

  37. “Even by the standards of this city, the Vanguard is shocked and stunned by what it found.”

    Really, you mean ‘One Guy With A Computer’ is shocked and stunned? Again, unless you have a board of directors or editors, there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.

    Sparky needs his kibble. Don’t be hatin’.

  38. “Even by the standards of this city, the Vanguard is shocked and stunned by what it found.”

    Really, you mean ‘One Guy With A Computer’ is shocked and stunned? Again, unless you have a board of directors or editors, there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.

    Sparky needs his kibble. Don’t be hatin’.

  39. “Even by the standards of this city, the Vanguard is shocked and stunned by what it found.”

    Really, you mean ‘One Guy With A Computer’ is shocked and stunned? Again, unless you have a board of directors or editors, there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.

    Sparky needs his kibble. Don’t be hatin’.

  40. “Even by the standards of this city, the Vanguard is shocked and stunned by what it found.”

    Really, you mean ‘One Guy With A Computer’ is shocked and stunned? Again, unless you have a board of directors or editors, there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.

    Sparky needs his kibble. Don’t be hatin’.

  41. I thought the Sparky job could be done on a volunteer basis by one of our esteemed city council memebers until I read where Sparky doesn’t talk. That would not work under those circumstances.

  42. I thought the Sparky job could be done on a volunteer basis by one of our esteemed city council memebers until I read where Sparky doesn’t talk. That would not work under those circumstances.

  43. I thought the Sparky job could be done on a volunteer basis by one of our esteemed city council memebers until I read where Sparky doesn’t talk. That would not work under those circumstances.

  44. I thought the Sparky job could be done on a volunteer basis by one of our esteemed city council memebers until I read where Sparky doesn’t talk. That would not work under those circumstances.

  45. Sumdood should be Dumbdood.

    The Vanguard is a guy with a computer and thousands of readers or “Vanguardians.”

    What do you have besides a bad attitude?

    It’s good that there is someone holding the city accountable and sharing information with the readers. We would never find this in the Davis Enterprise. They only do fluff stuff.

    What I don’t understand is why anyone at the management level in the Davis Fire Department is getting paid overtime?

    When you are a salaried employee you should not be paid overtime. In the “real world,” outside of Disneyland Davis, this does not happen.

    DPD, does this also happen with other management staff for the city? Do they get paid overtime?

    All of this and we are expected to support a huge water project that is going to raise our rates anywhere from $100 to $200 per month?

    No thank you.

  46. Sumdood should be Dumbdood.

    The Vanguard is a guy with a computer and thousands of readers or “Vanguardians.”

    What do you have besides a bad attitude?

    It’s good that there is someone holding the city accountable and sharing information with the readers. We would never find this in the Davis Enterprise. They only do fluff stuff.

    What I don’t understand is why anyone at the management level in the Davis Fire Department is getting paid overtime?

    When you are a salaried employee you should not be paid overtime. In the “real world,” outside of Disneyland Davis, this does not happen.

    DPD, does this also happen with other management staff for the city? Do they get paid overtime?

    All of this and we are expected to support a huge water project that is going to raise our rates anywhere from $100 to $200 per month?

    No thank you.

  47. Sumdood should be Dumbdood.

    The Vanguard is a guy with a computer and thousands of readers or “Vanguardians.”

    What do you have besides a bad attitude?

    It’s good that there is someone holding the city accountable and sharing information with the readers. We would never find this in the Davis Enterprise. They only do fluff stuff.

    What I don’t understand is why anyone at the management level in the Davis Fire Department is getting paid overtime?

    When you are a salaried employee you should not be paid overtime. In the “real world,” outside of Disneyland Davis, this does not happen.

    DPD, does this also happen with other management staff for the city? Do they get paid overtime?

    All of this and we are expected to support a huge water project that is going to raise our rates anywhere from $100 to $200 per month?

    No thank you.

  48. Sumdood should be Dumbdood.

    The Vanguard is a guy with a computer and thousands of readers or “Vanguardians.”

    What do you have besides a bad attitude?

    It’s good that there is someone holding the city accountable and sharing information with the readers. We would never find this in the Davis Enterprise. They only do fluff stuff.

    What I don’t understand is why anyone at the management level in the Davis Fire Department is getting paid overtime?

    When you are a salaried employee you should not be paid overtime. In the “real world,” outside of Disneyland Davis, this does not happen.

    DPD, does this also happen with other management staff for the city? Do they get paid overtime?

    All of this and we are expected to support a huge water project that is going to raise our rates anywhere from $100 to $200 per month?

    No thank you.

  53. The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept. It’s the fire chief’s job. She then reports to the city manager who reports to the city council who then reports to the taxpayers. I’m sure the city council and city manager would love to have a phone call every time a fire engine makes a move in the city! Throw in the parks and police and their phones will never stop ringing. That is why the system is set up the way it is…there isn’t micro managing. Every employee in the city is doing the tasks as set forth in policies and procedures from the city manager, city council and on down the line. Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to. If you see a fire engine driving around, how do you know there isn’t a training exercise? It may be the actual act of driving a fire engine is the training. If a cop is sitting on a street corner in his vehicle, is he just being lazy or is he monitoring traffic, or just finished helping find a lost child. Why assume any one of them is not doing their job. Any one of these people would be at yours and any other residents need at the drop of a hat, and do it with pride.

  54. The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept. It’s the fire chief’s job. She then reports to the city manager who reports to the city council who then reports to the taxpayers. I’m sure the city council and city manager would love to have a phone call every time a fire engine makes a move in the city! Throw in the parks and police and their phones will never stop ringing. That is why the system is set up the way it is…there isn’t micro managing. Every employee in the city is doing the tasks as set forth in policies and procedures from the city manager, city council and on down the line. Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to. If you see a fire engine driving around, how do you know there isn’t a training exercise? It may be the actual act of driving a fire engine is the training. If a cop is sitting on a street corner in his vehicle, is he just being lazy or is he monitoring traffic, or just finished helping find a lost child. Why assume any one of them is not doing their job. Any one of these people would be at yours and any other residents need at the drop of a hat, and do it with pride.

  55. The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept. It’s the fire chief’s job. She then reports to the city manager who reports to the city council who then reports to the taxpayers. I’m sure the city council and city manager would love to have a phone call every time a fire engine makes a move in the city! Throw in the parks and police and their phones will never stop ringing. That is why the system is set up the way it is…there isn’t micro managing. Every employee in the city is doing the tasks as set forth in policies and procedures from the city manager, city council and on down the line. Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to. If you see a fire engine driving around, how do you know there isn’t a training exercise? It may be the actual act of driving a fire engine is the training. If a cop is sitting on a street corner in his vehicle, is he just being lazy or is he monitoring traffic, or just finished helping find a lost child. Why assume any one of them is not doing their job. Any one of these people would be at yours and any other residents need at the drop of a hat, and do it with pride.

  56. The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept. It’s the fire chief’s job. She then reports to the city manager who reports to the city council who then reports to the taxpayers. I’m sure the city council and city manager would love to have a phone call every time a fire engine makes a move in the city! Throw in the parks and police and their phones will never stop ringing. That is why the system is set up the way it is…there isn’t micro managing. Every employee in the city is doing the tasks as set forth in policies and procedures from the city manager, city council and on down the line. Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to. If you see a fire engine driving around, how do you know there isn’t a training exercise? It may be the actual act of driving a fire engine is the training. If a cop is sitting on a street corner in his vehicle, is he just being lazy or is he monitoring traffic, or just finished helping find a lost child. Why assume any one of them is not doing their job. Any one of these people would be at yours and any other residents need at the drop of a hat, and do it with pride.

  57. “The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept.”

    That’s the most naive statement I’ve ever heard. The City Manager, Finance Department, and City Council set the budget for the department and are responsible to the voters.

    “Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to.”

    That’s just absurd. All of public monies need to be monitored and scrutinized.

  58. “The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept.”

    That’s the most naive statement I’ve ever heard. The City Manager, Finance Department, and City Council set the budget for the department and are responsible to the voters.

    “Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to.”

    That’s just absurd. All of public monies need to be monitored and scrutinized.

  59. “The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept.”

    That’s the most naive statement I’ve ever heard. The City Manager, Finance Department, and City Council set the budget for the department and are responsible to the voters.

    “Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to.”

    That’s just absurd. All of public monies need to be monitored and scrutinized.

  60. “The point is, it’s not the job of the city council and the city manager to oversee the job of the fire dept.”

    That’s the most naive statement I’ve ever heard. The City Manager, Finance Department, and City Council set the budget for the department and are responsible to the voters.

    “Why assume they are doing something they are not supposed to.”

    That’s just absurd. All of public monies need to be monitored and scrutinized.

  61. As long as we are commenting on Fire Dept, I tried in vain to protest the way the Dept. ‘inspects’ and charges businesses in the city. I rented a 120 sq ft. office in downtown Davis for several years. Yearly or maybe biannually firepersons (always 2 or 3) would ‘inspect’ and then I was charged upwards of $100. One office, one person office. When I tried to complain I was given the run around by the Fire Dept and the Finance Dept. I asked, does every business get charged the same, whether one person or a restaurant…got no answer. When I said, why don’t you charge the landlord, not the 15 individuals who rent small offices…and how about the kitchen and the bathrooms?? No answer. Very frustrating.

  62. As long as we are commenting on Fire Dept, I tried in vain to protest the way the Dept. ‘inspects’ and charges businesses in the city. I rented a 120 sq ft. office in downtown Davis for several years. Yearly or maybe biannually firepersons (always 2 or 3) would ‘inspect’ and then I was charged upwards of $100. One office, one person office. When I tried to complain I was given the run around by the Fire Dept and the Finance Dept. I asked, does every business get charged the same, whether one person or a restaurant…got no answer. When I said, why don’t you charge the landlord, not the 15 individuals who rent small offices…and how about the kitchen and the bathrooms?? No answer. Very frustrating.

  63. As long as we are commenting on Fire Dept, I tried in vain to protest the way the Dept. ‘inspects’ and charges businesses in the city. I rented a 120 sq ft. office in downtown Davis for several years. Yearly or maybe biannually firepersons (always 2 or 3) would ‘inspect’ and then I was charged upwards of $100. One office, one person office. When I tried to complain I was given the run around by the Fire Dept and the Finance Dept. I asked, does every business get charged the same, whether one person or a restaurant…got no answer. When I said, why don’t you charge the landlord, not the 15 individuals who rent small offices…and how about the kitchen and the bathrooms?? No answer. Very frustrating.

  64. As long as we are commenting on Fire Dept, I tried in vain to protest the way the Dept. ‘inspects’ and charges businesses in the city. I rented a 120 sq ft. office in downtown Davis for several years. Yearly or maybe biannually firepersons (always 2 or 3) would ‘inspect’ and then I was charged upwards of $100. One office, one person office. When I tried to complain I was given the run around by the Fire Dept and the Finance Dept. I asked, does every business get charged the same, whether one person or a restaurant…got no answer. When I said, why don’t you charge the landlord, not the 15 individuals who rent small offices…and how about the kitchen and the bathrooms?? No answer. Very frustrating.

  65. Naive, not. It is the job of the fire chief to set the budget recommendations. Those budget recommendations are then taken to the city manager and the finance department who then decide whether changes are to be made and once the changes are made it is sent to the city council, who represents you, to decide to vote on the budget. It is the job of the city council to ensure that the city manager and the fire chief are doing their job within the budget.

  66. Naive, not. It is the job of the fire chief to set the budget recommendations. Those budget recommendations are then taken to the city manager and the finance department who then decide whether changes are to be made and once the changes are made it is sent to the city council, who represents you, to decide to vote on the budget. It is the job of the city council to ensure that the city manager and the fire chief are doing their job within the budget.

  67. Naive, not. It is the job of the fire chief to set the budget recommendations. Those budget recommendations are then taken to the city manager and the finance department who then decide whether changes are to be made and once the changes are made it is sent to the city council, who represents you, to decide to vote on the budget. It is the job of the city council to ensure that the city manager and the fire chief are doing their job within the budget.

  68. Naive, not. It is the job of the fire chief to set the budget recommendations. Those budget recommendations are then taken to the city manager and the finance department who then decide whether changes are to be made and once the changes are made it is sent to the city council, who represents you, to decide to vote on the budget. It is the job of the city council to ensure that the city manager and the fire chief are doing their job within the budget.

  69. Newspaper ad: Wanted, volunteer to dress up as sparky. No background check required. Will be around children of all ages for extended periods of time. Does require physical contact such as hugging, high 5’s and children sitting on your lap. No talking required.

  70. Newspaper ad: Wanted, volunteer to dress up as sparky. No background check required. Will be around children of all ages for extended periods of time. Does require physical contact such as hugging, high 5’s and children sitting on your lap. No talking required.

  71. Newspaper ad: Wanted, volunteer to dress up as sparky. No background check required. Will be around children of all ages for extended periods of time. Does require physical contact such as hugging, high 5’s and children sitting on your lap. No talking required.

  72. Newspaper ad: Wanted, volunteer to dress up as sparky. No background check required. Will be around children of all ages for extended periods of time. Does require physical contact such as hugging, high 5’s and children sitting on your lap. No talking required.

  73. The Fire Department has a Fire Corps (much like the Police Department has a Volunteers in Policing program) that should be taking on more tasks that don’t require a firefighter to do. Why isn’t the Fire Department making use of this Fire Corps? Or maybe the question should be “Why is the accrual of overtime for less skilled tasks such an integral part of the firefighters’ compensation strategy?”

  74. The Fire Department has a Fire Corps (much like the Police Department has a Volunteers in Policing program) that should be taking on more tasks that don’t require a firefighter to do. Why isn’t the Fire Department making use of this Fire Corps? Or maybe the question should be “Why is the accrual of overtime for less skilled tasks such an integral part of the firefighters’ compensation strategy?”

  75. The Fire Department has a Fire Corps (much like the Police Department has a Volunteers in Policing program) that should be taking on more tasks that don’t require a firefighter to do. Why isn’t the Fire Department making use of this Fire Corps? Or maybe the question should be “Why is the accrual of overtime for less skilled tasks such an integral part of the firefighters’ compensation strategy?”

  76. The Fire Department has a Fire Corps (much like the Police Department has a Volunteers in Policing program) that should be taking on more tasks that don’t require a firefighter to do. Why isn’t the Fire Department making use of this Fire Corps? Or maybe the question should be “Why is the accrual of overtime for less skilled tasks such an integral part of the firefighters’ compensation strategy?”

  77. I am not sure how I feel about the $1200 overtime being spent on Sparky. I sure would like to know how much was and is spent on the suit and other incidental costs. But like DPD, I am more bothered by the unaccountability of the city as to how our taxpayer dollars are being spent and the concept of “plausible deniability”.

    That being said, I don’t understand why you are so surprised DPD. The city puts its expenses like road maintenance and employee benefits in the “unmet needs” column of the city budget, and then conveniently announces a “balanced budget”. “Sparkygate” seems mild in comparison to “Budgetgate”!

    I’m ready to recall Bill Emlen – he absolutely stinks as City Manager, and is completely in the pocket of the City Council majority.

  78. I am not sure how I feel about the $1200 overtime being spent on Sparky. I sure would like to know how much was and is spent on the suit and other incidental costs. But like DPD, I am more bothered by the unaccountability of the city as to how our taxpayer dollars are being spent and the concept of “plausible deniability”.

    That being said, I don’t understand why you are so surprised DPD. The city puts its expenses like road maintenance and employee benefits in the “unmet needs” column of the city budget, and then conveniently announces a “balanced budget”. “Sparkygate” seems mild in comparison to “Budgetgate”!

    I’m ready to recall Bill Emlen – he absolutely stinks as City Manager, and is completely in the pocket of the City Council majority.

  79. I am not sure how I feel about the $1200 overtime being spent on Sparky. I sure would like to know how much was and is spent on the suit and other incidental costs. But like DPD, I am more bothered by the unaccountability of the city as to how our taxpayer dollars are being spent and the concept of “plausible deniability”.

    That being said, I don’t understand why you are so surprised DPD. The city puts its expenses like road maintenance and employee benefits in the “unmet needs” column of the city budget, and then conveniently announces a “balanced budget”. “Sparkygate” seems mild in comparison to “Budgetgate”!

    I’m ready to recall Bill Emlen – he absolutely stinks as City Manager, and is completely in the pocket of the City Council majority.

  80. I am not sure how I feel about the $1200 overtime being spent on Sparky. I sure would like to know how much was and is spent on the suit and other incidental costs. But like DPD, I am more bothered by the unaccountability of the city as to how our taxpayer dollars are being spent and the concept of “plausible deniability”.

    That being said, I don’t understand why you are so surprised DPD. The city puts its expenses like road maintenance and employee benefits in the “unmet needs” column of the city budget, and then conveniently announces a “balanced budget”. “Sparkygate” seems mild in comparison to “Budgetgate”!

    I’m ready to recall Bill Emlen – he absolutely stinks as City Manager, and is completely in the pocket of the City Council majority.

  81. “Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40.”

    Two things:

    1. Firefighters in Davis work 8 days a month. Any more than that is overtime.

    2. We have a large group of unpaid volunteers in Davis, who have been trained by the fire department to help out in case of emergencies. Surely one of them could be asked to volunteer to dress up like a dog.

  82. “Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40.”

    Two things:

    1. Firefighters in Davis work 8 days a month. Any more than that is overtime.

    2. We have a large group of unpaid volunteers in Davis, who have been trained by the fire department to help out in case of emergencies. Surely one of them could be asked to volunteer to dress up like a dog.

  83. “Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40.”

    Two things:

    1. Firefighters in Davis work 8 days a month. Any more than that is overtime.

    2. We have a large group of unpaid volunteers in Davis, who have been trained by the fire department to help out in case of emergencies. Surely one of them could be asked to volunteer to dress up like a dog.

  84. “Firefighters work a 56 hour work week not a 40.”

    Two things:

    1. Firefighters in Davis work 8 days a month. Any more than that is overtime.

    2. We have a large group of unpaid volunteers in Davis, who have been trained by the fire department to help out in case of emergencies. Surely one of them could be asked to volunteer to dress up like a dog.

  85. The righteous indignation over these expenditures seems a bit overblown. I agree that there are many ways for those in government to be more cost concious, and that as citizens that we are legitimately concerned. Managers should have fiscal responsibility in the mix with the primary objectives of their departments.
    However I would argue for some perspective (after all of the ravaging of our society by the billions and billions spent on weapons and war), and look for constructive ways to improve the situation – not polarize it. Turning on other workers is the wrong way to go about it. Is it true that some folks make more than they “should” relative to other workers? – obviously, and we should work to make adjustments. But don’t presume to know what is precisely a just wage – in my opinion the most valuable work I have done in my life as a preschool teacher was by *far* the worst paid. “Life isn’t fair” I have learned, but we can all work to make it more kind.

  86. The righteous indignation over these expenditures seems a bit overblown. I agree that there are many ways for those in government to be more cost concious, and that as citizens that we are legitimately concerned. Managers should have fiscal responsibility in the mix with the primary objectives of their departments.
    However I would argue for some perspective (after all of the ravaging of our society by the billions and billions spent on weapons and war), and look for constructive ways to improve the situation – not polarize it. Turning on other workers is the wrong way to go about it. Is it true that some folks make more than they “should” relative to other workers? – obviously, and we should work to make adjustments. But don’t presume to know what is precisely a just wage – in my opinion the most valuable work I have done in my life as a preschool teacher was by *far* the worst paid. “Life isn’t fair” I have learned, but we can all work to make it more kind.

  87. The righteous indignation over these expenditures seems a bit overblown. I agree that there are many ways for those in government to be more cost concious, and that as citizens that we are legitimately concerned. Managers should have fiscal responsibility in the mix with the primary objectives of their departments.
    However I would argue for some perspective (after all of the ravaging of our society by the billions and billions spent on weapons and war), and look for constructive ways to improve the situation – not polarize it. Turning on other workers is the wrong way to go about it. Is it true that some folks make more than they “should” relative to other workers? – obviously, and we should work to make adjustments. But don’t presume to know what is precisely a just wage – in my opinion the most valuable work I have done in my life as a preschool teacher was by *far* the worst paid. “Life isn’t fair” I have learned, but we can all work to make it more kind.

  88. The righteous indignation over these expenditures seems a bit overblown. I agree that there are many ways for those in government to be more cost concious, and that as citizens that we are legitimately concerned. Managers should have fiscal responsibility in the mix with the primary objectives of their departments.
    However I would argue for some perspective (after all of the ravaging of our society by the billions and billions spent on weapons and war), and look for constructive ways to improve the situation – not polarize it. Turning on other workers is the wrong way to go about it. Is it true that some folks make more than they “should” relative to other workers? – obviously, and we should work to make adjustments. But don’t presume to know what is precisely a just wage – in my opinion the most valuable work I have done in my life as a preschool teacher was by *far* the worst paid. “Life isn’t fair” I have learned, but we can all work to make it more kind.

  89. How thorough are the background checks to become a Davis firefighter? Not to suggest that there’s any child safety concerns with current DFD personnel; however, there seems to be an assumtion made that those in the Sparky outfit have been run through a background check before being allowed to “suit up.”

  90. How thorough are the background checks to become a Davis firefighter? Not to suggest that there’s any child safety concerns with current DFD personnel; however, there seems to be an assumtion made that those in the Sparky outfit have been run through a background check before being allowed to “suit up.”

  91. How thorough are the background checks to become a Davis firefighter? Not to suggest that there’s any child safety concerns with current DFD personnel; however, there seems to be an assumtion made that those in the Sparky outfit have been run through a background check before being allowed to “suit up.”

  92. How thorough are the background checks to become a Davis firefighter? Not to suggest that there’s any child safety concerns with current DFD personnel; however, there seems to be an assumtion made that those in the Sparky outfit have been run through a background check before being allowed to “suit up.”

  93. I think that the problem Mike has less to do with what people are making and more to do with the city have seemingly little control over their spending habits and also seemingly trying to insulate themselves from the consequences of these decisions. I am not looking at this issue in isolation, which I agree, by itself it is hardly worth our time, but rather as a whole string of little things that will end up being an avalanche of problems down the road. More to come on this.

  94. I think that the problem Mike has less to do with what people are making and more to do with the city have seemingly little control over their spending habits and also seemingly trying to insulate themselves from the consequences of these decisions. I am not looking at this issue in isolation, which I agree, by itself it is hardly worth our time, but rather as a whole string of little things that will end up being an avalanche of problems down the road. More to come on this.

  95. I think that the problem Mike has less to do with what people are making and more to do with the city have seemingly little control over their spending habits and also seemingly trying to insulate themselves from the consequences of these decisions. I am not looking at this issue in isolation, which I agree, by itself it is hardly worth our time, but rather as a whole string of little things that will end up being an avalanche of problems down the road. More to come on this.

  96. I think that the problem Mike has less to do with what people are making and more to do with the city have seemingly little control over their spending habits and also seemingly trying to insulate themselves from the consequences of these decisions. I am not looking at this issue in isolation, which I agree, by itself it is hardly worth our time, but rather as a whole string of little things that will end up being an avalanche of problems down the road. More to come on this.

  97. Anonymous 10:44 Nobody is ADVOCATING that you have a predator dress up as Sparky who has not gone through a background check.

    Background checks can be done on volunteers just as they are in many organizations. Why do you have to go tho the extreme of painting such a horrible picture as if nobody can go through a background check? Volunteers go through checks all of the time.

    This fear mongering in place of accountability for how city funds are spent is absurd.

    DPD made a good point and we should definitely know how tax dollars are being spent.

    Thank you DPD.

  98. Anonymous 10:44 Nobody is ADVOCATING that you have a predator dress up as Sparky who has not gone through a background check.

    Background checks can be done on volunteers just as they are in many organizations. Why do you have to go tho the extreme of painting such a horrible picture as if nobody can go through a background check? Volunteers go through checks all of the time.

    This fear mongering in place of accountability for how city funds are spent is absurd.

    DPD made a good point and we should definitely know how tax dollars are being spent.

    Thank you DPD.

  99. Anonymous 10:44 Nobody is ADVOCATING that you have a predator dress up as Sparky who has not gone through a background check.

    Background checks can be done on volunteers just as they are in many organizations. Why do you have to go tho the extreme of painting such a horrible picture as if nobody can go through a background check? Volunteers go through checks all of the time.

    This fear mongering in place of accountability for how city funds are spent is absurd.

    DPD made a good point and we should definitely know how tax dollars are being spent.

    Thank you DPD.

  100. Anonymous 10:44 Nobody is ADVOCATING that you have a predator dress up as Sparky who has not gone through a background check.

    Background checks can be done on volunteers just as they are in many organizations. Why do you have to go tho the extreme of painting such a horrible picture as if nobody can go through a background check? Volunteers go through checks all of the time.

    This fear mongering in place of accountability for how city funds are spent is absurd.

    DPD made a good point and we should definitely know how tax dollars are being spent.

    Thank you DPD.

  101. Mike Adams seems to say, because the feds are wasting far more money on the stupid Iraq war and such, we should not be concerned about wasting money here in Davis.

    I volunteer with STEAC, so I know a little bit about how much $1,200 is worth in our community. (Mike Adams probably knows this too. I don’t mean to sound like this is privileged info.) It costs around $5 per person for a complete adult dinner. So with $1,200, volunteers at our churches in Davis could feed 240 homeless adults a good dinner with the money the city is paying a firefighter, who already makes $100,000 a year or more I understand.

  102. Mike Adams seems to say, because the feds are wasting far more money on the stupid Iraq war and such, we should not be concerned about wasting money here in Davis.

    I volunteer with STEAC, so I know a little bit about how much $1,200 is worth in our community. (Mike Adams probably knows this too. I don’t mean to sound like this is privileged info.) It costs around $5 per person for a complete adult dinner. So with $1,200, volunteers at our churches in Davis could feed 240 homeless adults a good dinner with the money the city is paying a firefighter, who already makes $100,000 a year or more I understand.

  103. Mike Adams seems to say, because the feds are wasting far more money on the stupid Iraq war and such, we should not be concerned about wasting money here in Davis.

    I volunteer with STEAC, so I know a little bit about how much $1,200 is worth in our community. (Mike Adams probably knows this too. I don’t mean to sound like this is privileged info.) It costs around $5 per person for a complete adult dinner. So with $1,200, volunteers at our churches in Davis could feed 240 homeless adults a good dinner with the money the city is paying a firefighter, who already makes $100,000 a year or more I understand.

  104. Mike Adams seems to say, because the feds are wasting far more money on the stupid Iraq war and such, we should not be concerned about wasting money here in Davis.

    I volunteer with STEAC, so I know a little bit about how much $1,200 is worth in our community. (Mike Adams probably knows this too. I don’t mean to sound like this is privileged info.) It costs around $5 per person for a complete adult dinner. So with $1,200, volunteers at our churches in Davis could feed 240 homeless adults a good dinner with the money the city is paying a firefighter, who already makes $100,000 a year or more I understand.

  105. “…there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.” — Sumdood writes.

    Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!

  106. “…there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.” — Sumdood writes.

    Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!

  107. “…there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.” — Sumdood writes.

    Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!

  108. “…there is only one person who is shocked and stunned at the ‘Vanguard’.” — Sumdood writes.

    Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!

  109. When I see posts like this:

    “Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.

  110. When I see posts like this:

    “Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.

  111. When I see posts like this:

    “Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.

  112. When I see posts like this:

    “Yes, isn’t it interesting how the “People’s” part of the “People’s Vanguard of Davis” has been phased out over the past few months for all intents and purposes, except bumper stickers.
    Are you suggesting it be renamed:
    “Doug Paul Davis’s Vanguard of Davis?” haha!”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.

  113. “I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t the firemen who are putting in all of the insults on this blog under fake names wouldn’t be so angry that DPD is exposing their scams.

  114. “I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t the firemen who are putting in all of the insults on this blog under fake names wouldn’t be so angry that DPD is exposing their scams.

  115. “I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t the firemen who are putting in all of the insults on this blog under fake names wouldn’t be so angry that DPD is exposing their scams.

  116. “I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t they’d be arguing using points of logic as opposed to insults.”

    I know DPD is hitting the mark, because if he weren’t the firemen who are putting in all of the insults on this blog under fake names wouldn’t be so angry that DPD is exposing their scams.

  121. Mascot stuff interesting reading. Lots of firefighters participating in order to deflect financial focus on them, although, with their overtime, they are the highest paid workforce in government. The real question that has not been asked yet is: What is the purpose of having Sparky in the first place. Have any studies been conducted on how effective his appearances have on fire prevention? The answer is a big ZERO. It is purely a PR campaign that is really being conducted in concert with the fire union who benefit the most. Remember, the fire culture is stronger than normal hierarchal organizational structures; it is a family, and each family member is expected to tow the line, from the newest recruit right up and to the chief. They control the purse strings by virtue of their endorsements and contributions to council races. The city manager cannot impose cost controls when the council acts as a buffer between him and the union.

    Don’t get me started on fire inspection fees for businesses. What a rip off. And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.

  122. Mascot stuff interesting reading. Lots of firefighters participating in order to deflect financial focus on them, although, with their overtime, they are the highest paid workforce in government. The real question that has not been asked yet is: What is the purpose of having Sparky in the first place. Have any studies been conducted on how effective his appearances have on fire prevention? The answer is a big ZERO. It is purely a PR campaign that is really being conducted in concert with the fire union who benefit the most. Remember, the fire culture is stronger than normal hierarchal organizational structures; it is a family, and each family member is expected to tow the line, from the newest recruit right up and to the chief. They control the purse strings by virtue of their endorsements and contributions to council races. The city manager cannot impose cost controls when the council acts as a buffer between him and the union.

    Don’t get me started on fire inspection fees for businesses. What a rip off. And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.

  123. Mascot stuff interesting reading. Lots of firefighters participating in order to deflect financial focus on them, although, with their overtime, they are the highest paid workforce in government. The real question that has not been asked yet is: What is the purpose of having Sparky in the first place. Have any studies been conducted on how effective his appearances have on fire prevention? The answer is a big ZERO. It is purely a PR campaign that is really being conducted in concert with the fire union who benefit the most. Remember, the fire culture is stronger than normal hierarchal organizational structures; it is a family, and each family member is expected to tow the line, from the newest recruit right up and to the chief. They control the purse strings by virtue of their endorsements and contributions to council races. The city manager cannot impose cost controls when the council acts as a buffer between him and the union.

    Don’t get me started on fire inspection fees for businesses. What a rip off. And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.

  124. Mascot stuff interesting reading. Lots of firefighters participating in order to deflect financial focus on them, although, with their overtime, they are the highest paid workforce in government. The real question that has not been asked yet is: What is the purpose of having Sparky in the first place. Have any studies been conducted on how effective his appearances have on fire prevention? The answer is a big ZERO. It is purely a PR campaign that is really being conducted in concert with the fire union who benefit the most. Remember, the fire culture is stronger than normal hierarchal organizational structures; it is a family, and each family member is expected to tow the line, from the newest recruit right up and to the chief. They control the purse strings by virtue of their endorsements and contributions to council races. The city manager cannot impose cost controls when the council acts as a buffer between him and the union.

    Don’t get me started on fire inspection fees for businesses. What a rip off. And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.

  129. Honestly , are you guys from Mars ?
    Know wonder Bob Dunning is so successful , his articles are the best. Informative and caring ,a Clark Kent if there ever was one .

  130. Honestly , are you guys from Mars ?
    Know wonder Bob Dunning is so successful , his articles are the best. Informative and caring ,a Clark Kent if there ever was one .

  131. Honestly , are you guys from Mars ?
    Know wonder Bob Dunning is so successful , his articles are the best. Informative and caring ,a Clark Kent if there ever was one .

  132. Honestly , are you guys from Mars ?
    Know wonder Bob Dunning is so successful , his articles are the best. Informative and caring ,a Clark Kent if there ever was one .

  133. You underestimate the value of having these characters and mascots in teaching young children about safety and fire prevention. How many people learned “stop drop roll” as children from these types of cute characters. Why do you think the police have McGruff? What is the difference in terms of time? An fire fighter coming to the school or day care and telling the kids to run out of a house if there is a fire instead of hiding vs. a Sparky coming over to “communicate” the same thing. Which will draw and hold the child’s attention longer? Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.

  134. You underestimate the value of having these characters and mascots in teaching young children about safety and fire prevention. How many people learned “stop drop roll” as children from these types of cute characters. Why do you think the police have McGruff? What is the difference in terms of time? An fire fighter coming to the school or day care and telling the kids to run out of a house if there is a fire instead of hiding vs. a Sparky coming over to “communicate” the same thing. Which will draw and hold the child’s attention longer? Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.

  135. You underestimate the value of having these characters and mascots in teaching young children about safety and fire prevention. How many people learned “stop drop roll” as children from these types of cute characters. Why do you think the police have McGruff? What is the difference in terms of time? An fire fighter coming to the school or day care and telling the kids to run out of a house if there is a fire instead of hiding vs. a Sparky coming over to “communicate” the same thing. Which will draw and hold the child’s attention longer? Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.

  136. You underestimate the value of having these characters and mascots in teaching young children about safety and fire prevention. How many people learned “stop drop roll” as children from these types of cute characters. Why do you think the police have McGruff? What is the difference in terms of time? An fire fighter coming to the school or day care and telling the kids to run out of a house if there is a fire instead of hiding vs. a Sparky coming over to “communicate” the same thing. Which will draw and hold the child’s attention longer? Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.

  137. “Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.”

    Any evidence to prove that that has happened? Also any evidence that it needs to be a paid firefighter in the suit rather than a volunteer?

    This is the crux of the point.

  138. “Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.”

    Any evidence to prove that that has happened? Also any evidence that it needs to be a paid firefighter in the suit rather than a volunteer?

    This is the crux of the point.

  139. “Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.”

    Any evidence to prove that that has happened? Also any evidence that it needs to be a paid firefighter in the suit rather than a volunteer?

    This is the crux of the point.

  140. “Even one child saved from pain and death or disfigurement is worth much more than $1000 over a year.”

    Any evidence to prove that that has happened? Also any evidence that it needs to be a paid firefighter in the suit rather than a volunteer?

    This is the crux of the point.

  141. The firefighers were barbecuing at some Democratic event at the Odd Fellows hall this past Friday. We were walking to Mishka’s cafe and saw them outsie.

    Now I am a Republican and I want to know is this how our tax dollars are being spent? Will they barbecue for a Republican, Independent, or Libertarian too?

  142. The firefighers were barbecuing at some Democratic event at the Odd Fellows hall this past Friday. We were walking to Mishka’s cafe and saw them outsie.

    Now I am a Republican and I want to know is this how our tax dollars are being spent? Will they barbecue for a Republican, Independent, or Libertarian too?

  143. The firefighers were barbecuing at some Democratic event at the Odd Fellows hall this past Friday. We were walking to Mishka’s cafe and saw them outsie.

    Now I am a Republican and I want to know is this how our tax dollars are being spent? Will they barbecue for a Republican, Independent, or Libertarian too?

  144. The firefighers were barbecuing at some Democratic event at the Odd Fellows hall this past Friday. We were walking to Mishka’s cafe and saw them outsie.

    Now I am a Republican and I want to know is this how our tax dollars are being spent? Will they barbecue for a Republican, Independent, or Libertarian too?

  145. Seeking Accountability:

    That’s a union activity, not an employee activity, so the city does not pay for any of the firefighter’s time to cook for whatever political events they want, just as the city doesn’t pay for any other union and campaign related activities.

  146. Seeking Accountability:

    That’s a union activity, not an employee activity, so the city does not pay for any of the firefighter’s time to cook for whatever political events they want, just as the city doesn’t pay for any other union and campaign related activities.

  147. Seeking Accountability:

    That’s a union activity, not an employee activity, so the city does not pay for any of the firefighter’s time to cook for whatever political events they want, just as the city doesn’t pay for any other union and campaign related activities.

  148. Seeking Accountability:

    That’s a union activity, not an employee activity, so the city does not pay for any of the firefighter’s time to cook for whatever political events they want, just as the city doesn’t pay for any other union and campaign related activities.

  149. “And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.”

    I don’t believe this is true.

    While it is the case that the DFD trucks go en masse to the supermarket to purchase food supplies (the firefighters, by the way, pay for their own food), the great majority of times the trucks are out of the station is to respond to medical calls.

    I would classify these responses into three groups:

    1. The DFD responds to many car accidents (and car-pedestrian or car-bike accidents), some of which take place on the freeways disecting Davis. This is a necessary and sensible use of their skills as emergency responders. Because of I-80 and Highway 113 and because of novice bike riders, we have a higher share of these kinds of calls than other towns our size, I would guess;

    2. Serious medical emergencies. The DFD plays an important role, mostly as a back-up, to the AMR crews (whose exclusive job is in this arena), in order to assist when a patient is in critical condition;

    3. Non-critical medical 9-1-1 calls. This is where I have a problem with sending two fire trucks, loaded with full crews. Under the policies of Chief Conroy, our fire department uses no discrimination at all (unlike most other fire departments) when responding to a medical 9-1-1 call. If someone cut his hand on glass and simply needs one EMT or paramedic to stitch him up or bandage the wound and possibly transport him to the hospital, for example, the ambulance comes, followed by a legion of firefighters in full regalia in two trucks. It’s not only a waste of gas and other resources, but by misdeploying our firefighters to calls where they are not needed, where they are literally chasing an ambulance, it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    It’s not unlikely that by sending out our fire crews to minor medical calls, we are likely incurring even more overtime costs, busying the firefighters in this capacity.

    A problem in Davis, when many calls come at once, is the question of response times for medical calls. (Normally, our response times are very fast.) The answer to this put forward by the firefighters’ union — and the fire chief — is to build a fourth fire station in Davis (despite the fact that fires here are quite uncommon), which would bring about millions of more dollars and jobs to the DFD each year (and ream the taxpayers).

    A much better answer, in my opinion, would be to do what most other towns and cities do: don’t tie up our fire trucks on medical calls where qualified 9-1-1 operators (who work out of the DPD on 5th Street, by the way) determine that an ambulance alone is sufficient. Then, if a heart attack call comes in and the two ambulance crews in Davis are occupied, a fire crew (which has no paramedics but is otherwise all certified EMTs) could respond and likely save a life by getting there promptly.

  150. “And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.”

    I don’t believe this is true.

    While it is the case that the DFD trucks go en masse to the supermarket to purchase food supplies (the firefighters, by the way, pay for their own food), the great majority of times the trucks are out of the station is to respond to medical calls.

    I would classify these responses into three groups:

    1. The DFD responds to many car accidents (and car-pedestrian or car-bike accidents), some of which take place on the freeways disecting Davis. This is a necessary and sensible use of their skills as emergency responders. Because of I-80 and Highway 113 and because of novice bike riders, we have a higher share of these kinds of calls than other towns our size, I would guess;

    2. Serious medical emergencies. The DFD plays an important role, mostly as a back-up, to the AMR crews (whose exclusive job is in this arena), in order to assist when a patient is in critical condition;

    3. Non-critical medical 9-1-1 calls. This is where I have a problem with sending two fire trucks, loaded with full crews. Under the policies of Chief Conroy, our fire department uses no discrimination at all (unlike most other fire departments) when responding to a medical 9-1-1 call. If someone cut his hand on glass and simply needs one EMT or paramedic to stitch him up or bandage the wound and possibly transport him to the hospital, for example, the ambulance comes, followed by a legion of firefighters in full regalia in two trucks. It’s not only a waste of gas and other resources, but by misdeploying our firefighters to calls where they are not needed, where they are literally chasing an ambulance, it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    It’s not unlikely that by sending out our fire crews to minor medical calls, we are likely incurring even more overtime costs, busying the firefighters in this capacity.

    A problem in Davis, when many calls come at once, is the question of response times for medical calls. (Normally, our response times are very fast.) The answer to this put forward by the firefighters’ union — and the fire chief — is to build a fourth fire station in Davis (despite the fact that fires here are quite uncommon), which would bring about millions of more dollars and jobs to the DFD each year (and ream the taxpayers).

    A much better answer, in my opinion, would be to do what most other towns and cities do: don’t tie up our fire trucks on medical calls where qualified 9-1-1 operators (who work out of the DPD on 5th Street, by the way) determine that an ambulance alone is sufficient. Then, if a heart attack call comes in and the two ambulance crews in Davis are occupied, a fire crew (which has no paramedics but is otherwise all certified EMTs) could respond and likely save a life by getting there promptly.

  151. “And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.”

    I don’t believe this is true.

    While it is the case that the DFD trucks go en masse to the supermarket to purchase food supplies (the firefighters, by the way, pay for their own food), the great majority of times the trucks are out of the station is to respond to medical calls.

    I would classify these responses into three groups:

    1. The DFD responds to many car accidents (and car-pedestrian or car-bike accidents), some of which take place on the freeways disecting Davis. This is a necessary and sensible use of their skills as emergency responders. Because of I-80 and Highway 113 and because of novice bike riders, we have a higher share of these kinds of calls than other towns our size, I would guess;

    2. Serious medical emergencies. The DFD plays an important role, mostly as a back-up, to the AMR crews (whose exclusive job is in this arena), in order to assist when a patient is in critical condition;

    3. Non-critical medical 9-1-1 calls. This is where I have a problem with sending two fire trucks, loaded with full crews. Under the policies of Chief Conroy, our fire department uses no discrimination at all (unlike most other fire departments) when responding to a medical 9-1-1 call. If someone cut his hand on glass and simply needs one EMT or paramedic to stitch him up or bandage the wound and possibly transport him to the hospital, for example, the ambulance comes, followed by a legion of firefighters in full regalia in two trucks. It’s not only a waste of gas and other resources, but by misdeploying our firefighters to calls where they are not needed, where they are literally chasing an ambulance, it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    It’s not unlikely that by sending out our fire crews to minor medical calls, we are likely incurring even more overtime costs, busying the firefighters in this capacity.

    A problem in Davis, when many calls come at once, is the question of response times for medical calls. (Normally, our response times are very fast.) The answer to this put forward by the firefighters’ union — and the fire chief — is to build a fourth fire station in Davis (despite the fact that fires here are quite uncommon), which would bring about millions of more dollars and jobs to the DFD each year (and ream the taxpayers).

    A much better answer, in my opinion, would be to do what most other towns and cities do: don’t tie up our fire trucks on medical calls where qualified 9-1-1 operators (who work out of the DPD on 5th Street, by the way) determine that an ambulance alone is sufficient. Then, if a heart attack call comes in and the two ambulance crews in Davis are occupied, a fire crew (which has no paramedics but is otherwise all certified EMTs) could respond and likely save a life by getting there promptly.

  152. “And when you see the engine and trucks driving casually down the street, the predominate factor is that they are either going to or coming from food shopping or are simply driving around to get out of the station house because they are bored.”

    I don’t believe this is true.

    While it is the case that the DFD trucks go en masse to the supermarket to purchase food supplies (the firefighters, by the way, pay for their own food), the great majority of times the trucks are out of the station is to respond to medical calls.

    I would classify these responses into three groups:

    1. The DFD responds to many car accidents (and car-pedestrian or car-bike accidents), some of which take place on the freeways disecting Davis. This is a necessary and sensible use of their skills as emergency responders. Because of I-80 and Highway 113 and because of novice bike riders, we have a higher share of these kinds of calls than other towns our size, I would guess;

    2. Serious medical emergencies. The DFD plays an important role, mostly as a back-up, to the AMR crews (whose exclusive job is in this arena), in order to assist when a patient is in critical condition;

    3. Non-critical medical 9-1-1 calls. This is where I have a problem with sending two fire trucks, loaded with full crews. Under the policies of Chief Conroy, our fire department uses no discrimination at all (unlike most other fire departments) when responding to a medical 9-1-1 call. If someone cut his hand on glass and simply needs one EMT or paramedic to stitch him up or bandage the wound and possibly transport him to the hospital, for example, the ambulance comes, followed by a legion of firefighters in full regalia in two trucks. It’s not only a waste of gas and other resources, but by misdeploying our firefighters to calls where they are not needed, where they are literally chasing an ambulance, it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    It’s not unlikely that by sending out our fire crews to minor medical calls, we are likely incurring even more overtime costs, busying the firefighters in this capacity.

    A problem in Davis, when many calls come at once, is the question of response times for medical calls. (Normally, our response times are very fast.) The answer to this put forward by the firefighters’ union — and the fire chief — is to build a fourth fire station in Davis (despite the fact that fires here are quite uncommon), which would bring about millions of more dollars and jobs to the DFD each year (and ream the taxpayers).

    A much better answer, in my opinion, would be to do what most other towns and cities do: don’t tie up our fire trucks on medical calls where qualified 9-1-1 operators (who work out of the DPD on 5th Street, by the way) determine that an ambulance alone is sufficient. Then, if a heart attack call comes in and the two ambulance crews in Davis are occupied, a fire crew (which has no paramedics but is otherwise all certified EMTs) could respond and likely save a life by getting there promptly.

  153. “it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    I need to clarify this: they are not “unavailable.” They could be taken off the first call and sent to the second, of course. However, by sending them unnecessarily to the first call, they are likely out of position, and thus it would take much longer to get to the serious emergency.

  154. “it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    I need to clarify this: they are not “unavailable.” They could be taken off the first call and sent to the second, of course. However, by sending them unnecessarily to the first call, they are likely out of position, and thus it would take much longer to get to the serious emergency.

  155. “it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    I need to clarify this: they are not “unavailable.” They could be taken off the first call and sent to the second, of course. However, by sending them unnecessarily to the first call, they are likely out of position, and thus it would take much longer to get to the serious emergency.

  156. “it makes those crews unavailable if a fire, car crash or serious medical crisis (like a heart attack) happens at the same time.

    I need to clarify this: they are not “unavailable.” They could be taken off the first call and sent to the second, of course. However, by sending them unnecessarily to the first call, they are likely out of position, and thus it would take much longer to get to the serious emergency.

  157. While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas? I would like to know to the exact dollar amount. What? You can’t? That’s apalling that you could not tell me this!

  158. While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas? I would like to know to the exact dollar amount. What? You can’t? That’s apalling that you could not tell me this!

  159. While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas? I would like to know to the exact dollar amount. What? You can’t? That’s apalling that you could not tell me this!

  160. While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas? I would like to know to the exact dollar amount. What? You can’t? That’s apalling that you could not tell me this!

  161. Enough, of this railing on about the Davis fire dept. I frankly feel the greatest ire and animosity is stirred by you and Rifkin, because you can’t stand to see some community college jocks pullin down some good dinero! This town is too PHD grade self in flatedly important. I quote Orwell, “we sleep safe in our beds at night beacause rough men stand ready to visit violence on those that would do us harm” When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??

  162. Enough, of this railing on about the Davis fire dept. I frankly feel the greatest ire and animosity is stirred by you and Rifkin, because you can’t stand to see some community college jocks pullin down some good dinero! This town is too PHD grade self in flatedly important. I quote Orwell, “we sleep safe in our beds at night beacause rough men stand ready to visit violence on those that would do us harm” When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??

  163. Enough, of this railing on about the Davis fire dept. I frankly feel the greatest ire and animosity is stirred by you and Rifkin, because you can’t stand to see some community college jocks pullin down some good dinero! This town is too PHD grade self in flatedly important. I quote Orwell, “we sleep safe in our beds at night beacause rough men stand ready to visit violence on those that would do us harm” When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??

  164. Enough, of this railing on about the Davis fire dept. I frankly feel the greatest ire and animosity is stirred by you and Rifkin, because you can’t stand to see some community college jocks pullin down some good dinero! This town is too PHD grade self in flatedly important. I quote Orwell, “we sleep safe in our beds at night beacause rough men stand ready to visit violence on those that would do us harm” When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??

  165. DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.

  166. DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.

  167. DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.

  168. DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.

  169. “While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas?”

    If I were a business I could. You better believe it. Comparing a private individual to a government entity is ludicrous.

  170. DPD , lets charge your wife for the publicity photo she took with Sparky to further her campaign , say $1300.00, lets round up what the heck.
    Bob Dunning wouldn’t have a problem rounding up for a good cause, he’s the best !!!!

  171. “While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas?”

    If I were a business I could. You better believe it. Comparing a private individual to a government entity is ludicrous.

  172. DPD , lets charge your wife for the publicity photo she took with Sparky to further her campaign , say $1300.00, lets round up what the heck.
    Bob Dunning wouldn’t have a problem rounding up for a good cause, he’s the best !!!!

  173. “While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas?”

    If I were a business I could. You better believe it. Comparing a private individual to a government entity is ludicrous.

  174. DPD , lets charge your wife for the publicity photo she took with Sparky to further her campaign , say $1300.00, lets round up what the heck.
    Bob Dunning wouldn’t have a problem rounding up for a good cause, he’s the best !!!!

  175. “While you’re at it, can you tell us how much of your food budget last year was spent specifically on bananas?”

    If I were a business I could. You better believe it. Comparing a private individual to a government entity is ludicrous.

  176. DPD , lets charge your wife for the publicity photo she took with Sparky to further her campaign , say $1300.00, lets round up what the heck.
    Bob Dunning wouldn’t have a problem rounding up for a good cause, he’s the best !!!!

  177. The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child .

  178. The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child .

  179. The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child .

  180. The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child .

  181. “When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??”

    This is a false choice. A fire department cannot be effective with a more reasonable budget and more reasonable salaries?

    Let me ask you this question, what is going to be more risky–unmet needs which includes vital road repairs or paying firefighters $70,000 versus $110,000 on average?

    Think before you post this stuff. No one here doesn’t appreciate what firefighters do. This is not a question of appreciation, this is a question of fiscal responsibility and budgeting.

    Let’s not make this into a false debate.

  182. “When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??”

    This is a false choice. A fire department cannot be effective with a more reasonable budget and more reasonable salaries?

    Let me ask you this question, what is going to be more risky–unmet needs which includes vital road repairs or paying firefighters $70,000 versus $110,000 on average?

    Think before you post this stuff. No one here doesn’t appreciate what firefighters do. This is not a question of appreciation, this is a question of fiscal responsibility and budgeting.

    Let’s not make this into a false debate.

  183. “When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??”

    This is a false choice. A fire department cannot be effective with a more reasonable budget and more reasonable salaries?

    Let me ask you this question, what is going to be more risky–unmet needs which includes vital road repairs or paying firefighters $70,000 versus $110,000 on average?

    Think before you post this stuff. No one here doesn’t appreciate what firefighters do. This is not a question of appreciation, this is a question of fiscal responsibility and budgeting.

    Let’s not make this into a false debate.

  184. “When you choke on your Noah’s bagel, who are you going to call??”

    This is a false choice. A fire department cannot be effective with a more reasonable budget and more reasonable salaries?

    Let me ask you this question, what is going to be more risky–unmet needs which includes vital road repairs or paying firefighters $70,000 versus $110,000 on average?

    Think before you post this stuff. No one here doesn’t appreciate what firefighters do. This is not a question of appreciation, this is a question of fiscal responsibility and budgeting.

    Let’s not make this into a false debate.

  185. “The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child . “

    Good for them, I’m sure they couldn’t have done it without that extra 50K per year.

  186. “The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child . “

    Good for them, I’m sure they couldn’t have done it without that extra 50K per year.

  187. “The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child . “

    Good for them, I’m sure they couldn’t have done it without that extra 50K per year.

  188. “The Davis Enterprise sure had a nice positive article today about the Davis fire dept.,helping to save a 2 month old child who had fallen out of a 15 foot high window onto a lawn mower .Good thing for Angels ,and the sound of a siren racing your way,comforting that poor parent who believes that the worst could happen to there child . “

    Good for them, I’m sure they couldn’t have done it without that extra 50K per year.

  189. “DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.”

    Now how could you do something like that to Sparky????

  190. “DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.”

    Now how could you do something like that to Sparky????

  191. “DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.”

    Now how could you do something like that to Sparky????

  192. “DPD, instead of complaining about the problem, how about working to solve it. Maybe you would be willing to volunteer to dress up as Sparky? How fitting. Would save the city over a $1000 a year.”

    Now how could you do something like that to Sparky????

  193. Folks, many have lost the point of this story.

    First point, should the city taxpayers be paying a firefighter overtime to play the role of Sparky? This is a role that does not require speaking or technical knowledge. This is a role that could easily be played by a volunteer. I am not suggesting a need to do away with the program.

    The second point, and really I think the more important point is the inability for the city apparently to be able to itemize expenditures for specific programs. So the taxpayers, the city manager, and the council, really do not know how much we are spending on this. If we do not know how much we are spending, then it is difficult to hold these programs accountable, to find waste, to save the taxpayers moeny.

    In the scheme of things, $1000 or $1200 is not a lot of money. But if we are wasting money, we are probably wasting it elsewhere. A thousand here and a thousand there, and pretty soon we are talking about real money.

  194. Folks, many have lost the point of this story.

    First point, should the city taxpayers be paying a firefighter overtime to play the role of Sparky? This is a role that does not require speaking or technical knowledge. This is a role that could easily be played by a volunteer. I am not suggesting a need to do away with the program.

    The second point, and really I think the more important point is the inability for the city apparently to be able to itemize expenditures for specific programs. So the taxpayers, the city manager, and the council, really do not know how much we are spending on this. If we do not know how much we are spending, then it is difficult to hold these programs accountable, to find waste, to save the taxpayers moeny.

    In the scheme of things, $1000 or $1200 is not a lot of money. But if we are wasting money, we are probably wasting it elsewhere. A thousand here and a thousand there, and pretty soon we are talking about real money.

  195. Folks, many have lost the point of this story.

    First point, should the city taxpayers be paying a firefighter overtime to play the role of Sparky? This is a role that does not require speaking or technical knowledge. This is a role that could easily be played by a volunteer. I am not suggesting a need to do away with the program.

    The second point, and really I think the more important point is the inability for the city apparently to be able to itemize expenditures for specific programs. So the taxpayers, the city manager, and the council, really do not know how much we are spending on this. If we do not know how much we are spending, then it is difficult to hold these programs accountable, to find waste, to save the taxpayers moeny.

    In the scheme of things, $1000 or $1200 is not a lot of money. But if we are wasting money, we are probably wasting it elsewhere. A thousand here and a thousand there, and pretty soon we are talking about real money.

  196. Folks, many have lost the point of this story.

    First point, should the city taxpayers be paying a firefighter overtime to play the role of Sparky? This is a role that does not require speaking or technical knowledge. This is a role that could easily be played by a volunteer. I am not suggesting a need to do away with the program.

    The second point, and really I think the more important point is the inability for the city apparently to be able to itemize expenditures for specific programs. So the taxpayers, the city manager, and the council, really do not know how much we are spending on this. If we do not know how much we are spending, then it is difficult to hold these programs accountable, to find waste, to save the taxpayers moeny.

    In the scheme of things, $1000 or $1200 is not a lot of money. But if we are wasting money, we are probably wasting it elsewhere. A thousand here and a thousand there, and pretty soon we are talking about real money.

  197. Let’s pay our fire dept. personnel at least $2000 per annum less than an Assist. Prof. at UCD. That would really “put them in their place”. Don’t you think? I do before I post this “stuff”

  198. Let’s pay our fire dept. personnel at least $2000 per annum less than an Assist. Prof. at UCD. That would really “put them in their place”. Don’t you think? I do before I post this “stuff”

  199. Let’s pay our fire dept. personnel at least $2000 per annum less than an Assist. Prof. at UCD. That would really “put them in their place”. Don’t you think? I do before I post this “stuff”

  200. Let’s pay our fire dept. personnel at least $2000 per annum less than an Assist. Prof. at UCD. That would really “put them in their place”. Don’t you think? I do before I post this “stuff”

  201. To Rich Rifkin: Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting? My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency. My daughter is knowledgeable in this field, and I also listened to a firefighter explain it, and it made sense to me. I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.

    To DPD: I agree with you wholeheartedly – the city is not keeping track of its costs. It does not care to. That is because the City Manager is beholden to the City Council majority, who is beholden to special interests like the DFD. The money spent on Sparky is a symptom of a much larger problem, no accountability when it comes to taxpayer funds – much like the mess in our school system. Lack of accountability is rampant in our federal, state and local gov’t. We need to do better.

  202. To Rich Rifkin: Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting? My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency. My daughter is knowledgeable in this field, and I also listened to a firefighter explain it, and it made sense to me. I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.

    To DPD: I agree with you wholeheartedly – the city is not keeping track of its costs. It does not care to. That is because the City Manager is beholden to the City Council majority, who is beholden to special interests like the DFD. The money spent on Sparky is a symptom of a much larger problem, no accountability when it comes to taxpayer funds – much like the mess in our school system. Lack of accountability is rampant in our federal, state and local gov’t. We need to do better.

  203. To Rich Rifkin: Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting? My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency. My daughter is knowledgeable in this field, and I also listened to a firefighter explain it, and it made sense to me. I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.

    To DPD: I agree with you wholeheartedly – the city is not keeping track of its costs. It does not care to. That is because the City Manager is beholden to the City Council majority, who is beholden to special interests like the DFD. The money spent on Sparky is a symptom of a much larger problem, no accountability when it comes to taxpayer funds – much like the mess in our school system. Lack of accountability is rampant in our federal, state and local gov’t. We need to do better.

  204. To Rich Rifkin: Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting? My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency. My daughter is knowledgeable in this field, and I also listened to a firefighter explain it, and it made sense to me. I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.

    To DPD: I agree with you wholeheartedly – the city is not keeping track of its costs. It does not care to. That is because the City Manager is beholden to the City Council majority, who is beholden to special interests like the DFD. The money spent on Sparky is a symptom of a much larger problem, no accountability when it comes to taxpayer funds – much like the mess in our school system. Lack of accountability is rampant in our federal, state and local gov’t. We need to do better.

  209. “Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting?”

    Yes, of course. I’ve spoken at length with Fire Chief Rose Conroy, who sets the policies in this regard. She gave me her explanations. They were fine, except when it came to using no discrimination in medical 9-1-1 responses. I told her that when I interviewed her.

    (And off the record, I have spoken with a few firefighters who are on the job and others who have retired from the DFD about this particular issue and others; and I’ve spoken with AMR personnel. Beyond that, I spoke with a DPD lieutenant to understand how our 9-1-1 service is run.)

    “My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency.”

    There is a method — the idea, Conroy and others explained to me, is that by sending a fully loaded team of firefighters to every non-life threatening medical 9-1-1 call, they will be able to redeploy, if needed, while they are out of the station.

    In other words, if someone slipped in his house and threw his knee out of its socket, for example, and in addition to the ambulance crew a whole horde of firefighters were responding, and then, while the firefighters were there, watching the ambulance crew work, a fire call came in, the intact fire crew* could take off for the more important call.

    If you read my post above with an open mind, you will know that I have problems with this strategy, when they were not needed at the 9-1-1 call:

    1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;

    2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner. If, for example, they are called to Wildhorse for a non-emergency and then a fire erupts downtown or anywhere else in their bailiwick, they will take much longer to get there. As you know, our three stations in town are spaced in such a way to reach all parts of town in roughly the same amount of time. But if a crew is out of position for an unimportant reason, it is not unlikely that will make them take longer to get to emergency calls;

    3. Two retired fire fighters told me that “most” other fire departments of our size use more judgment when ordering a fire crew to a medical 9-1-1 call. One can only speculate as to why our department does not follow this protocol;

    4. When our fire trucks are, sirens blaring, racing to a non-emergency call, that has the potential to put in danger other cars, bikes and pedestrians on the road in Davis. Frankly, I have never heard of a fire truck causing an accident, here. However, I personally witnessed in San Francisco a fire truck T-boning a station wagon with children in the back. As such, I have long realized that, while necessary when they are going to an actual emergency, the fact is that a fire truck racing around town is potentially dangerous.

    “I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.”

    I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    * I say “intact” as opposed to sending one or two firefighters in a sedan, which obviously would save resources but would have the unwanted effect of dividing the crew when they might be needed to act together.

  210. “Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting?”

    Yes, of course. I’ve spoken at length with Fire Chief Rose Conroy, who sets the policies in this regard. She gave me her explanations. They were fine, except when it came to using no discrimination in medical 9-1-1 responses. I told her that when I interviewed her.

    (And off the record, I have spoken with a few firefighters who are on the job and others who have retired from the DFD about this particular issue and others; and I’ve spoken with AMR personnel. Beyond that, I spoke with a DPD lieutenant to understand how our 9-1-1 service is run.)

    “My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency.”

    There is a method — the idea, Conroy and others explained to me, is that by sending a fully loaded team of firefighters to every non-life threatening medical 9-1-1 call, they will be able to redeploy, if needed, while they are out of the station.

    In other words, if someone slipped in his house and threw his knee out of its socket, for example, and in addition to the ambulance crew a whole horde of firefighters were responding, and then, while the firefighters were there, watching the ambulance crew work, a fire call came in, the intact fire crew* could take off for the more important call.

    If you read my post above with an open mind, you will know that I have problems with this strategy, when they were not needed at the 9-1-1 call:

    1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;

    2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner. If, for example, they are called to Wildhorse for a non-emergency and then a fire erupts downtown or anywhere else in their bailiwick, they will take much longer to get there. As you know, our three stations in town are spaced in such a way to reach all parts of town in roughly the same amount of time. But if a crew is out of position for an unimportant reason, it is not unlikely that will make them take longer to get to emergency calls;

    3. Two retired fire fighters told me that “most” other fire departments of our size use more judgment when ordering a fire crew to a medical 9-1-1 call. One can only speculate as to why our department does not follow this protocol;

    4. When our fire trucks are, sirens blaring, racing to a non-emergency call, that has the potential to put in danger other cars, bikes and pedestrians on the road in Davis. Frankly, I have never heard of a fire truck causing an accident, here. However, I personally witnessed in San Francisco a fire truck T-boning a station wagon with children in the back. As such, I have long realized that, while necessary when they are going to an actual emergency, the fact is that a fire truck racing around town is potentially dangerous.

    “I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.”

    I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    * I say “intact” as opposed to sending one or two firefighters in a sedan, which obviously would save resources but would have the unwanted effect of dividing the crew when they might be needed to act together.

  211. “Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting?”

    Yes, of course. I’ve spoken at length with Fire Chief Rose Conroy, who sets the policies in this regard. She gave me her explanations. They were fine, except when it came to using no discrimination in medical 9-1-1 responses. I told her that when I interviewed her.

    (And off the record, I have spoken with a few firefighters who are on the job and others who have retired from the DFD about this particular issue and others; and I’ve spoken with AMR personnel. Beyond that, I spoke with a DPD lieutenant to understand how our 9-1-1 service is run.)

    “My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency.”

    There is a method — the idea, Conroy and others explained to me, is that by sending a fully loaded team of firefighters to every non-life threatening medical 9-1-1 call, they will be able to redeploy, if needed, while they are out of the station.

    In other words, if someone slipped in his house and threw his knee out of its socket, for example, and in addition to the ambulance crew a whole horde of firefighters were responding, and then, while the firefighters were there, watching the ambulance crew work, a fire call came in, the intact fire crew* could take off for the more important call.

    If you read my post above with an open mind, you will know that I have problems with this strategy, when they were not needed at the 9-1-1 call:

    1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;

    2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner. If, for example, they are called to Wildhorse for a non-emergency and then a fire erupts downtown or anywhere else in their bailiwick, they will take much longer to get there. As you know, our three stations in town are spaced in such a way to reach all parts of town in roughly the same amount of time. But if a crew is out of position for an unimportant reason, it is not unlikely that will make them take longer to get to emergency calls;

    3. Two retired fire fighters told me that “most” other fire departments of our size use more judgment when ordering a fire crew to a medical 9-1-1 call. One can only speculate as to why our department does not follow this protocol;

    4. When our fire trucks are, sirens blaring, racing to a non-emergency call, that has the potential to put in danger other cars, bikes and pedestrians on the road in Davis. Frankly, I have never heard of a fire truck causing an accident, here. However, I personally witnessed in San Francisco a fire truck T-boning a station wagon with children in the back. As such, I have long realized that, while necessary when they are going to an actual emergency, the fact is that a fire truck racing around town is potentially dangerous.

    “I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.”

    I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    * I say “intact” as opposed to sending one or two firefighters in a sedan, which obviously would save resources but would have the unwanted effect of dividing the crew when they might be needed to act together.

  212. “Have you talked to the Fire Dept., to determine the feasibility of what you are suggesting?”

    Yes, of course. I’ve spoken at length with Fire Chief Rose Conroy, who sets the policies in this regard. She gave me her explanations. They were fine, except when it came to using no discrimination in medical 9-1-1 responses. I told her that when I interviewed her.

    (And off the record, I have spoken with a few firefighters who are on the job and others who have retired from the DFD about this particular issue and others; and I’ve spoken with AMR personnel. Beyond that, I spoke with a DPD lieutenant to understand how our 9-1-1 service is run.)

    “My understanding is there is a method to the madness of sending out fire to every medical emergency.”

    There is a method — the idea, Conroy and others explained to me, is that by sending a fully loaded team of firefighters to every non-life threatening medical 9-1-1 call, they will be able to redeploy, if needed, while they are out of the station.

    In other words, if someone slipped in his house and threw his knee out of its socket, for example, and in addition to the ambulance crew a whole horde of firefighters were responding, and then, while the firefighters were there, watching the ambulance crew work, a fire call came in, the intact fire crew* could take off for the more important call.

    If you read my post above with an open mind, you will know that I have problems with this strategy, when they were not needed at the 9-1-1 call:

    1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;

    2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner. If, for example, they are called to Wildhorse for a non-emergency and then a fire erupts downtown or anywhere else in their bailiwick, they will take much longer to get there. As you know, our three stations in town are spaced in such a way to reach all parts of town in roughly the same amount of time. But if a crew is out of position for an unimportant reason, it is not unlikely that will make them take longer to get to emergency calls;

    3. Two retired fire fighters told me that “most” other fire departments of our size use more judgment when ordering a fire crew to a medical 9-1-1 call. One can only speculate as to why our department does not follow this protocol;

    4. When our fire trucks are, sirens blaring, racing to a non-emergency call, that has the potential to put in danger other cars, bikes and pedestrians on the road in Davis. Frankly, I have never heard of a fire truck causing an accident, here. However, I personally witnessed in San Francisco a fire truck T-boning a station wagon with children in the back. As such, I have long realized that, while necessary when they are going to an actual emergency, the fact is that a fire truck racing around town is potentially dangerous.

    “I think it would be worth your effort to become better educated on the subject, and then see if you come to the same conclusion.”

    I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    * I say “intact” as opposed to sending one or two firefighters in a sedan, which obviously would save resources but would have the unwanted effect of dividing the crew when they might be needed to act together.

  213. I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    Bob Dunning could do that for you Rich,there is a reason that he has six features a week.

    He’s a pro at what he does,just happens to write for a good newspaper too .

  214. I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    Bob Dunning could do that for you Rich,there is a reason that he has six features a week.

    He’s a pro at what he does,just happens to write for a good newspaper too .

  215. I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    Bob Dunning could do that for you Rich,there is a reason that he has six features a week.

    He’s a pro at what he does,just happens to write for a good newspaper too .

  216. I agree that there is much more I could learn.

    Bob Dunning could do that for you Rich,there is a reason that he has six features a week.

    He’s a pro at what he does,just happens to write for a good newspaper too .

  221. Bob is the best. I’ve been reading his column for more than 30 years. When I was a student at UCSB, I had my mom cut out and send me Dunning columns.

  222. Bob is the best. I’ve been reading his column for more than 30 years. When I was a student at UCSB, I had my mom cut out and send me Dunning columns.

  223. Bob is the best. I’ve been reading his column for more than 30 years. When I was a student at UCSB, I had my mom cut out and send me Dunning columns.

  224. Bob is the best. I’ve been reading his column for more than 30 years. When I was a student at UCSB, I had my mom cut out and send me Dunning columns.

  225. “I find it humorous that DPD suggests having a volunteer dress up as Sparky when his wife is a union organizer and unions oppose using volunteers to do anything.”

    And I find it humorous the frequency with which you bring up the fact that my wife is a union organizer.

    You wouldn’t find it nearly so humorous if you actually knew anything about me.

    First of all, the last I checked, it was my wife and not myself who is a union organizer.

    While my wife and I agree on somethings, perhaps a lot of things, we also disagree on some things as well. Do you find that idea humorous as well? Are you married do you agree with everything your wife believes? Do you agree with everything that your wife’s bosses believe?

    And that leaves me to the other point, even if I did work for a union, it is doubtful I would agree with all of their policies. Fact is, I find myself in disagreement with a number of policies that a variety of unions put worth, despite the fact, that I am very supportive overall of organized labor and unions. In fact, I was supportive of labor and unions long before I even met my wife and long before she became a union organizer.

    If you are interested in my opinions, I suggest you ask me rather than slyly trying to make veiled insinuations.

  226. “I find it humorous that DPD suggests having a volunteer dress up as Sparky when his wife is a union organizer and unions oppose using volunteers to do anything.”

    And I find it humorous the frequency with which you bring up the fact that my wife is a union organizer.

    You wouldn’t find it nearly so humorous if you actually knew anything about me.

    First of all, the last I checked, it was my wife and not myself who is a union organizer.

    While my wife and I agree on somethings, perhaps a lot of things, we also disagree on some things as well. Do you find that idea humorous as well? Are you married do you agree with everything your wife believes? Do you agree with everything that your wife’s bosses believe?

    And that leaves me to the other point, even if I did work for a union, it is doubtful I would agree with all of their policies. Fact is, I find myself in disagreement with a number of policies that a variety of unions put worth, despite the fact, that I am very supportive overall of organized labor and unions. In fact, I was supportive of labor and unions long before I even met my wife and long before she became a union organizer.

    If you are interested in my opinions, I suggest you ask me rather than slyly trying to make veiled insinuations.

  227. “I find it humorous that DPD suggests having a volunteer dress up as Sparky when his wife is a union organizer and unions oppose using volunteers to do anything.”

    And I find it humorous the frequency with which you bring up the fact that my wife is a union organizer.

    You wouldn’t find it nearly so humorous if you actually knew anything about me.

    First of all, the last I checked, it was my wife and not myself who is a union organizer.

    While my wife and I agree on somethings, perhaps a lot of things, we also disagree on some things as well. Do you find that idea humorous as well? Are you married do you agree with everything your wife believes? Do you agree with everything that your wife’s bosses believe?

    And that leaves me to the other point, even if I did work for a union, it is doubtful I would agree with all of their policies. Fact is, I find myself in disagreement with a number of policies that a variety of unions put worth, despite the fact, that I am very supportive overall of organized labor and unions. In fact, I was supportive of labor and unions long before I even met my wife and long before she became a union organizer.

    If you are interested in my opinions, I suggest you ask me rather than slyly trying to make veiled insinuations.

  228. “I find it humorous that DPD suggests having a volunteer dress up as Sparky when his wife is a union organizer and unions oppose using volunteers to do anything.”

    And I find it humorous the frequency with which you bring up the fact that my wife is a union organizer.

    You wouldn’t find it nearly so humorous if you actually knew anything about me.

    First of all, the last I checked, it was my wife and not myself who is a union organizer.

    While my wife and I agree on somethings, perhaps a lot of things, we also disagree on some things as well. Do you find that idea humorous as well? Are you married do you agree with everything your wife believes? Do you agree with everything that your wife’s bosses believe?

    And that leaves me to the other point, even if I did work for a union, it is doubtful I would agree with all of their policies. Fact is, I find myself in disagreement with a number of policies that a variety of unions put worth, despite the fact, that I am very supportive overall of organized labor and unions. In fact, I was supportive of labor and unions long before I even met my wife and long before she became a union organizer.

    If you are interested in my opinions, I suggest you ask me rather than slyly trying to make veiled insinuations.

  233. “1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;”

    How does it result in overtime? Is this speculation on your part, or do you have proof?

    “2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner.”

    But to do otherwise splits personnel, which is far worse. Also, what do you do if you arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, and the person who is ill is heavy, or needs multiple people to care for him/her? This is often the case in a medical emergency, which may not be known ahead of time.

    For instance, my daughter was involved in a medical emergency, in which she administered CPR to someone whose heart stopped. When AMR arrived, all personnel were needed to do the various tasks. The same would be true if fire arrived first – and even a one minute differential can mean life or death to the victim.

    I agree with your view that fire are paid far too much, and probably are paid too much overtime. Just not convinced your criticism of “overkill” with respect to the DFD showing up at every medical emergency is valid.

  234. “1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;”

    How does it result in overtime? Is this speculation on your part, or do you have proof?

    “2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner.”

    But to do otherwise splits personnel, which is far worse. Also, what do you do if you arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, and the person who is ill is heavy, or needs multiple people to care for him/her? This is often the case in a medical emergency, which may not be known ahead of time.

    For instance, my daughter was involved in a medical emergency, in which she administered CPR to someone whose heart stopped. When AMR arrived, all personnel were needed to do the various tasks. The same would be true if fire arrived first – and even a one minute differential can mean life or death to the victim.

    I agree with your view that fire are paid far too much, and probably are paid too much overtime. Just not convinced your criticism of “overkill” with respect to the DFD showing up at every medical emergency is valid.

  235. “1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;”

    How does it result in overtime? Is this speculation on your part, or do you have proof?

    “2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner.”

    But to do otherwise splits personnel, which is far worse. Also, what do you do if you arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, and the person who is ill is heavy, or needs multiple people to care for him/her? This is often the case in a medical emergency, which may not be known ahead of time.

    For instance, my daughter was involved in a medical emergency, in which she administered CPR to someone whose heart stopped. When AMR arrived, all personnel were needed to do the various tasks. The same would be true if fire arrived first – and even a one minute differential can mean life or death to the victim.

    I agree with your view that fire are paid far too much, and probably are paid too much overtime. Just not convinced your criticism of “overkill” with respect to the DFD showing up at every medical emergency is valid.

  236. “1. It wastes gas and equipment and (I believe) it adds to the O.T. bill we are paying the DFD;”

    How does it result in overtime? Is this speculation on your part, or do you have proof?

    “2. It often puts the fire crews out of position to respond to serious emergencies in a timely manner.”

    But to do otherwise splits personnel, which is far worse. Also, what do you do if you arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, and the person who is ill is heavy, or needs multiple people to care for him/her? This is often the case in a medical emergency, which may not be known ahead of time.

    For instance, my daughter was involved in a medical emergency, in which she administered CPR to someone whose heart stopped. When AMR arrived, all personnel were needed to do the various tasks. The same would be true if fire arrived first – and even a one minute differential can mean life or death to the victim.

    I agree with your view that fire are paid far too much, and probably are paid too much overtime. Just not convinced your criticism of “overkill” with respect to the DFD showing up at every medical emergency is valid.

  241. I also find DPD’s response to my 4:16 posting about unions humorous…first, you assume that I’ve brought up the fact that your wife is a union organizer previously – I haven’t, although I’m sure some other anon. has. Second, you assume that I’m male, which I’m not. Finally, I didn’t veil any comment – I find it funny that you think a volunteer should dress up as Sparky while the unions are trying to prevent volunteers from doing anything, which is despicable, to the say the least. Maybe you’ve had this argument with Celia, maybe you haven’t…point is, she’s a union organizer and you supported her run for city council…I can only assume you support her pro-union stances.

    -Davis Republican (should have used my usual ID in the first place)

  242. I also find DPD’s response to my 4:16 posting about unions humorous…first, you assume that I’ve brought up the fact that your wife is a union organizer previously – I haven’t, although I’m sure some other anon. has. Second, you assume that I’m male, which I’m not. Finally, I didn’t veil any comment – I find it funny that you think a volunteer should dress up as Sparky while the unions are trying to prevent volunteers from doing anything, which is despicable, to the say the least. Maybe you’ve had this argument with Celia, maybe you haven’t…point is, she’s a union organizer and you supported her run for city council…I can only assume you support her pro-union stances.

    -Davis Republican (should have used my usual ID in the first place)

  243. I also find DPD’s response to my 4:16 posting about unions humorous…first, you assume that I’ve brought up the fact that your wife is a union organizer previously – I haven’t, although I’m sure some other anon. has. Second, you assume that I’m male, which I’m not. Finally, I didn’t veil any comment – I find it funny that you think a volunteer should dress up as Sparky while the unions are trying to prevent volunteers from doing anything, which is despicable, to the say the least. Maybe you’ve had this argument with Celia, maybe you haven’t…point is, she’s a union organizer and you supported her run for city council…I can only assume you support her pro-union stances.

    -Davis Republican (should have used my usual ID in the first place)

  244. I also find DPD’s response to my 4:16 posting about unions humorous…first, you assume that I’ve brought up the fact that your wife is a union organizer previously – I haven’t, although I’m sure some other anon. has. Second, you assume that I’m male, which I’m not. Finally, I didn’t veil any comment – I find it funny that you think a volunteer should dress up as Sparky while the unions are trying to prevent volunteers from doing anything, which is despicable, to the say the least. Maybe you’ve had this argument with Celia, maybe you haven’t…point is, she’s a union organizer and you supported her run for city council…I can only assume you support her pro-union stances.

    -Davis Republican (should have used my usual ID in the first place)

  245. Well I apologize for making two assumptions in my post, your comments mirrored another frequent poster who seems to have an obsession about my wife’s occupation.

    I don’t know Cecilia’s position on volunteers working as Sparky as opposed to paying a firefighter overtime. I didn’t ask her before I wrote this article. Although she didn’t object to the article when she read it, so I don’t think she strongly disagreed with it, if she disagreed at all.

    I do think there should be a distinction made between volunteers taking the place of regular workers to do work that falls within the one’s ordinary duties. I can understand sensibilities on that issue more than I can with regard to Sparky. (Hey it’s not like we’re not already paying these guys over $100K per year anyway, it’s hard to feel sorry about taking away 20 hours of OT for a non-skilled duty in the interest of fiscal responsibility).

    That said, I’m in agreement with Weintraub that refusing to allow trash pick up volunteers is ludicrous.

    And I did not ask Cecilia’s opinion on the issue, you’ll have to ask her yourself.

    I’ve never really been one to adhere to party-lines.

  246. Well I apologize for making two assumptions in my post, your comments mirrored another frequent poster who seems to have an obsession about my wife’s occupation.

    I don’t know Cecilia’s position on volunteers working as Sparky as opposed to paying a firefighter overtime. I didn’t ask her before I wrote this article. Although she didn’t object to the article when she read it, so I don’t think she strongly disagreed with it, if she disagreed at all.

    I do think there should be a distinction made between volunteers taking the place of regular workers to do work that falls within the one’s ordinary duties. I can understand sensibilities on that issue more than I can with regard to Sparky. (Hey it’s not like we’re not already paying these guys over $100K per year anyway, it’s hard to feel sorry about taking away 20 hours of OT for a non-skilled duty in the interest of fiscal responsibility).

    That said, I’m in agreement with Weintraub that refusing to allow trash pick up volunteers is ludicrous.

    And I did not ask Cecilia’s opinion on the issue, you’ll have to ask her yourself.

    I’ve never really been one to adhere to party-lines.

  247. Well I apologize for making two assumptions in my post, your comments mirrored another frequent poster who seems to have an obsession about my wife’s occupation.

    I don’t know Cecilia’s position on volunteers working as Sparky as opposed to paying a firefighter overtime. I didn’t ask her before I wrote this article. Although she didn’t object to the article when she read it, so I don’t think she strongly disagreed with it, if she disagreed at all.

    I do think there should be a distinction made between volunteers taking the place of regular workers to do work that falls within the one’s ordinary duties. I can understand sensibilities on that issue more than I can with regard to Sparky. (Hey it’s not like we’re not already paying these guys over $100K per year anyway, it’s hard to feel sorry about taking away 20 hours of OT for a non-skilled duty in the interest of fiscal responsibility).

    That said, I’m in agreement with Weintraub that refusing to allow trash pick up volunteers is ludicrous.

    And I did not ask Cecilia’s opinion on the issue, you’ll have to ask her yourself.

    I’ve never really been one to adhere to party-lines.

  248. Well I apologize for making two assumptions in my post, your comments mirrored another frequent poster who seems to have an obsession about my wife’s occupation.

    I don’t know Cecilia’s position on volunteers working as Sparky as opposed to paying a firefighter overtime. I didn’t ask her before I wrote this article. Although she didn’t object to the article when she read it, so I don’t think she strongly disagreed with it, if she disagreed at all.

    I do think there should be a distinction made between volunteers taking the place of regular workers to do work that falls within the one’s ordinary duties. I can understand sensibilities on that issue more than I can with regard to Sparky. (Hey it’s not like we’re not already paying these guys over $100K per year anyway, it’s hard to feel sorry about taking away 20 hours of OT for a non-skilled duty in the interest of fiscal responsibility).

    That said, I’m in agreement with Weintraub that refusing to allow trash pick up volunteers is ludicrous.

    And I did not ask Cecilia’s opinion on the issue, you’ll have to ask her yourself.

    I’ve never really been one to adhere to party-lines.

  249. David Greenwald,

    I agree with you. Whoever has a question about unions here they should be directed to cecilia.

    Cecilia can you explain david's comment that the SEIU is heavily autonomous? Why are they "heavily autonomous? I thought we are all one union? Can you tell me, and other members of the SEIU, what happened with tyrone & jackson. Can you inform us about another SEIU female rep,whose boyfriend got a lot of SEIU money, reported in today's SACBEE, what happened?

    Although forced to join I did support an SEIU union because they came on strongly about representation and fairness. Now it appears they have a similarity with the teamsters, theft of union dues,cronyism, and corruption and serving themslves due to greed. Lastly. when one needs representation it's like trying to get an appointment to see the Governor.

    While extolling the virtues of standing together they appear to be picking the pockets of the members and ultimately the taxpayers. Any comments cecilia?

  250. David Greenwald,

    I agree with you. Whoever has a question about unions here they should be directed to cecilia.

    Cecilia can you explain david's comment that the SEIU is heavily autonomous? Why are they "heavily autonomous? I thought we are all one union? Can you tell me, and other members of the SEIU, what happened with tyrone & jackson. Can you inform us about another SEIU female rep,whose boyfriend got a lot of SEIU money, reported in today's SACBEE, what happened?

    Although forced to join I did support an SEIU union because they came on strongly about representation and fairness. Now it appears they have a similarity with the teamsters, theft of union dues,cronyism, and corruption and serving themslves due to greed. Lastly. when one needs representation it's like trying to get an appointment to see the Governor.

    While extolling the virtues of standing together they appear to be picking the pockets of the members and ultimately the taxpayers. Any comments cecilia?

  251. David Greenwald,

    I agree with you. Whoever has a question about unions here they should be directed to cecilia.

    Cecilia can you explain david's comment that the SEIU is heavily autonomous? Why are they "heavily autonomous? I thought we are all one union? Can you tell me, and other members of the SEIU, what happened with tyrone & jackson. Can you inform us about another SEIU female rep,whose boyfriend got a lot of SEIU money, reported in today's SACBEE, what happened?

    Although forced to join I did support an SEIU union because they came on strongly about representation and fairness. Now it appears they have a similarity with the teamsters, theft of union dues,cronyism, and corruption and serving themslves due to greed. Lastly. when one needs representation it's like trying to get an appointment to see the Governor.

    While extolling the virtues of standing together they appear to be picking the pockets of the members and ultimately the taxpayers. Any comments cecilia?

  252. David Greenwald,

    I agree with you. Whoever has a question about unions here they should be directed to cecilia.

    Cecilia can you explain david's comment that the SEIU is heavily autonomous? Why are they "heavily autonomous? I thought we are all one union? Can you tell me, and other members of the SEIU, what happened with tyrone & jackson. Can you inform us about another SEIU female rep,whose boyfriend got a lot of SEIU money, reported in today's SACBEE, what happened?

    Although forced to join I did support an SEIU union because they came on strongly about representation and fairness. Now it appears they have a similarity with the teamsters, theft of union dues,cronyism, and corruption and serving themslves due to greed. Lastly. when one needs representation it's like trying to get an appointment to see the Governor.

    While extolling the virtues of standing together they appear to be picking the pockets of the members and ultimately the taxpayers. Any comments cecilia?

  253. I don’t know why you are expecting Cecilia to be checking a week old comment thread.

    I’ll answer the question for you–the different locals of SEIU are pretty much separately run under the auspices of the international. So to compare Cecilia’s local to the one down in LA would be like blaming the Davis firefighters association for a local from Burbank.

  254. I don’t know why you are expecting Cecilia to be checking a week old comment thread.

    I’ll answer the question for you–the different locals of SEIU are pretty much separately run under the auspices of the international. So to compare Cecilia’s local to the one down in LA would be like blaming the Davis firefighters association for a local from Burbank.

  255. I don’t know why you are expecting Cecilia to be checking a week old comment thread.

    I’ll answer the question for you–the different locals of SEIU are pretty much separately run under the auspices of the international. So to compare Cecilia’s local to the one down in LA would be like blaming the Davis firefighters association for a local from Burbank.

  256. I don’t know why you are expecting Cecilia to be checking a week old comment thread.

    I’ll answer the question for you–the different locals of SEIU are pretty much separately run under the auspices of the international. So to compare Cecilia’s local to the one down in LA would be like blaming the Davis firefighters association for a local from Burbank.

  257. To shed some light on what exactly firefighters do on a 24 hour shift, a recent and thorough audit of a fire department larger than but similar in features to Davis, shows the following in order of time spent:

    Leisure . . . . . . . 9.75 hours
    Sleep . . . . . . . . 8 hours
    Food shop/prep/eat. . 3 hours
    Response to calls . . 1.25 hours
    Training. . . . . . . 1 hour
    Maintenance . . . . . 1 hour

    This department’s activity logs and dispatch logs revealed that each engine company responds to 4.4 calls per shift, with each call (both fire and medical) averaging 15 minutes each. This average run time even factors in some incidents that take several hours such as the rare but occasional working structure fire and cleanup. 93% of fire alarms are false and many calls are non events or canceled while they are enroute. Most actual fires consist of trash can, small lots, car or some other event that can easily be handled by one, three person engine company.

    The reason why engine companies always respond on medical calls is because they have to justify their existence, logging thousands of runs per year, when in fact, they are not needed in most of the calls and when they are needed, it takes only two firefighters to aid the contract ambulance personnel.

    If you don’t believe me, conduct your own audit of the DFD and see. Look at the data on medical versus fire calls. You will find that over 99% of medicals are single person events and that over 99% of fire calls, two or three firefighters on an engine can easily handle the calls. But, the fire department is able to justify its massive on-duty resources based upon anecdotal stories of taking babies out of burning buildings, when, in fact, that is a myth. Most people are saved in structure fires by neighbors, relatives, the mailman or cop, often minutes before the first fire engine arrives.

    But the union argues that a community has to have them because they are an insurance against major disasters. As firefighters continue to out pace the rest of government workers, especially when overtime is factored in, the public might just wake up and see for themselves how much it is costing for the work actually performed. There are many other scenarios of staffing for these kinds of emergencies without having to pay the cost burden currently in place.

    The only way to restructure and make the fire service as we know it today to be cost effective and responsive to the actual needs of the public, is to bring in executive managers from private industry and have them operate as the CEO’s for several years. This will restore accountability and rid taxpayers of incredible waste. The corporate CEO’s that I know are shocked at hearing how fire departments operate and how much they cost the taxpayer.

  258. To shed some light on what exactly firefighters do on a 24 hour shift, a recent and thorough audit of a fire department larger than but similar in features to Davis, shows the following in order of time spent:

    Leisure . . . . . . . 9.75 hours
    Sleep . . . . . . . . 8 hours
    Food shop/prep/eat. . 3 hours
    Response to calls . . 1.25 hours
    Training. . . . . . . 1 hour
    Maintenance . . . . . 1 hour

    This department’s activity logs and dispatch logs revealed that each engine company responds to 4.4 calls per shift, with each call (both fire and medical) averaging 15 minutes each. This average run time even factors in some incidents that take several hours such as the rare but occasional working structure fire and cleanup. 93% of fire alarms are false and many calls are non events or canceled while they are enroute. Most actual fires consist of trash can, small lots, car or some other event that can easily be handled by one, three person engine company.

    The reason why engine companies always respond on medical calls is because they have to justify their existence, logging thousands of runs per year, when in fact, they are not needed in most of the calls and when they are needed, it takes only two firefighters to aid the contract ambulance personnel.

    If you don’t believe me, conduct your own audit of the DFD and see. Look at the data on medical versus fire calls. You will find that over 99% of medicals are single person events and that over 99% of fire calls, two or three firefighters on an engine can easily handle the calls. But, the fire department is able to justify its massive on-duty resources based upon anecdotal stories of taking babies out of burning buildings, when, in fact, that is a myth. Most people are saved in structure fires by neighbors, relatives, the mailman or cop, often minutes before the first fire engine arrives.

    But the union argues that a community has to have them because they are an insurance against major disasters. As firefighters continue to out pace the rest of government workers, especially when overtime is factored in, the public might just wake up and see for themselves how much it is costing for the work actually performed. There are many other scenarios of staffing for these kinds of emergencies without having to pay the cost burden currently in place.

    The only way to restructure and make the fire service as we know it today to be cost effective and responsive to the actual needs of the public, is to bring in executive managers from private industry and have them operate as the CEO’s for several years. This will restore accountability and rid taxpayers of incredible waste. The corporate CEO’s that I know are shocked at hearing how fire departments operate and how much they cost the taxpayer.

  259. To shed some light on what exactly firefighters do on a 24 hour shift, a recent and thorough audit of a fire department larger than but similar in features to Davis, shows the following in order of time spent:

    Leisure . . . . . . . 9.75 hours
    Sleep . . . . . . . . 8 hours
    Food shop/prep/eat. . 3 hours
    Response to calls . . 1.25 hours
    Training. . . . . . . 1 hour
    Maintenance . . . . . 1 hour

    This department’s activity logs and dispatch logs revealed that each engine company responds to 4.4 calls per shift, with each call (both fire and medical) averaging 15 minutes each. This average run time even factors in some incidents that take several hours such as the rare but occasional working structure fire and cleanup. 93% of fire alarms are false and many calls are non events or canceled while they are enroute. Most actual fires consist of trash can, small lots, car or some other event that can easily be handled by one, three person engine company.

    The reason why engine companies always respond on medical calls is because they have to justify their existence, logging thousands of runs per year, when in fact, they are not needed in most of the calls and when they are needed, it takes only two firefighters to aid the contract ambulance personnel.

    If you don’t believe me, conduct your own audit of the DFD and see. Look at the data on medical versus fire calls. You will find that over 99% of medicals are single person events and that over 99% of fire calls, two or three firefighters on an engine can easily handle the calls. But, the fire department is able to justify its massive on-duty resources based upon anecdotal stories of taking babies out of burning buildings, when, in fact, that is a myth. Most people are saved in structure fires by neighbors, relatives, the mailman or cop, often minutes before the first fire engine arrives.

    But the union argues that a community has to have them because they are an insurance against major disasters. As firefighters continue to out pace the rest of government workers, especially when overtime is factored in, the public might just wake up and see for themselves how much it is costing for the work actually performed. There are many other scenarios of staffing for these kinds of emergencies without having to pay the cost burden currently in place.

    The only way to restructure and make the fire service as we know it today to be cost effective and responsive to the actual needs of the public, is to bring in executive managers from private industry and have them operate as the CEO’s for several years. This will restore accountability and rid taxpayers of incredible waste. The corporate CEO’s that I know are shocked at hearing how fire departments operate and how much they cost the taxpayer.

  260. To shed some light on what exactly firefighters do on a 24 hour shift, a recent and thorough audit of a fire department larger than but similar in features to Davis, shows the following in order of time spent:

    Leisure . . . . . . . 9.75 hours
    Sleep . . . . . . . . 8 hours
    Food shop/prep/eat. . 3 hours
    Response to calls . . 1.25 hours
    Training. . . . . . . 1 hour
    Maintenance . . . . . 1 hour

    This department’s activity logs and dispatch logs revealed that each engine company responds to 4.4 calls per shift, with each call (both fire and medical) averaging 15 minutes each. This average run time even factors in some incidents that take several hours such as the rare but occasional working structure fire and cleanup. 93% of fire alarms are false and many calls are non events or canceled while they are enroute. Most actual fires consist of trash can, small lots, car or some other event that can easily be handled by one, three person engine company.

    The reason why engine companies always respond on medical calls is because they have to justify their existence, logging thousands of runs per year, when in fact, they are not needed in most of the calls and when they are needed, it takes only two firefighters to aid the contract ambulance personnel.

    If you don’t believe me, conduct your own audit of the DFD and see. Look at the data on medical versus fire calls. You will find that over 99% of medicals are single person events and that over 99% of fire calls, two or three firefighters on an engine can easily handle the calls. But, the fire department is able to justify its massive on-duty resources based upon anecdotal stories of taking babies out of burning buildings, when, in fact, that is a myth. Most people are saved in structure fires by neighbors, relatives, the mailman or cop, often minutes before the first fire engine arrives.

    But the union argues that a community has to have them because they are an insurance against major disasters. As firefighters continue to out pace the rest of government workers, especially when overtime is factored in, the public might just wake up and see for themselves how much it is costing for the work actually performed. There are many other scenarios of staffing for these kinds of emergencies without having to pay the cost burden currently in place.

    The only way to restructure and make the fire service as we know it today to be cost effective and responsive to the actual needs of the public, is to bring in executive managers from private industry and have them operate as the CEO’s for several years. This will restore accountability and rid taxpayers of incredible waste. The corporate CEO’s that I know are shocked at hearing how fire departments operate and how much they cost the taxpayer.

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