August 26, 2009 — I just read this editorial commentary in the Austin American-Statesman http://www.statesman.com/opinion/content/editorial/stories/2009/08/26/0826truesdell_edit.html. The Fire Chief this article refers to was recently hired from an Asst Fire Chief's position in Little Rock, Ark. I believe this lady has flipped out. If you don't have time or the desire to read the article here is it's opening paragraph: "Under a new departmental policy developed and issued by its chief, the Austin Fire Department units will be allowed to respond to emergency calls at the posted speed limit. Units must wait for the green light at a "congested intersection," with lights and sirens turned off." Is this not the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard of? It is to me! The next paragraph indicates that this policy is more restrictive then state law.
Our city seems to be in constant turmoil with agencies such as the fire department and police department about how they do their business. We as citizens demand that these departments perform at the highest level and there are many that just wait for them to screw up, so they can drag them through big investigations and chastise them at every turn. Then a bozo chief like this comes up with this stupid policy. I just can't believe it!
I hope every driver of the vehicles that this policy affects completely ignores it and takes whatever discipline might come from doing so. At least they will know that they are doing the job they were trained and paid to do...save lives and property. These are hard working men and women that deserve better than this. Without them we would be in dire straits sometimes and we could lose our life. So keep on driving with lights on and the sirens blaring...keep saving lives and property...it's what really matters!
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