My husband (who is well liked by a ton of people) tried to join our local fire department but was turned away because the cheif and he dont see eye to eye. They go by votes and the cheif said that there was no sense to have a vote because he would have it fixed. Is there some law to prevent this? How can you turn someone away from a volunteer department ?
If he wants it that bad, he could take it up with the city council. But would it be worth it is the real question. If the chief feels this way about it, and the city council sides with your husband, there’s nothing to stop the chief from making your husband’s job on the fire department miserable.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
well if he wasnt fireman material…
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February 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Why fight it??? He is a volunteer is it worth the risk of being disgruntled….I would much rather work where I am appreciated and liked…everyone has personality conflicts but were talking about the chief….move on.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
it’s a "good ‘ol boys" network, and if you don’t mesh, you don’t get in.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I don’t know why you’re husband would want to bother with it.
Raise a big stink, for no gain.
I suggest he consider other ways to volunteer his time.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 4:53 pm
That is totally unlawful. go talk to the boss man in charge of the city. like the mayor or whatever you have in your hometown.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 5:35 pm
i dont think that is legal.
my dad is in the volunteer fire department, and i think that they have to let everyone in.
i would talk to someone else who has authority there! because if he is a paid fireman, then he obviously has the skills needed to be a volunteer too.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 5:59 pm
volunteer fire departments are run by the local government and are not entities to themselves. i would check with the local government.
however, it is probably going to come down to the chief’s word against your husband’s, and the chief will probably win. tough break
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February 22nd, 2010 at 6:13 pm
ummmm thats doesn’t sound good!
Seems pretty unfair too me.
Why? don’t your Hubby talk too this goof ball and see what the problem is??????
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February 22nd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
If he wants it that bad, he could take it up with the city council. But would it be worth it is the real question. If the chief feels this way about it, and the city council sides with your husband, there’s nothing to stop the chief from making your husband’s job on the fire department miserable.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
You’re an adult, and if you have children I’m sure you tell thema ll the time that life isn’t fair.
it’s very wrong the chief did that, but there’s not a damn thing you can do about it. And if you can do something, don’t. It’s not worth your time. So dry up the tears & move on. Tell him to go volunteer elsewhere.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Its not worth fighting for it….firefighters are like brothers and 95% of the time they stick together….if one hates someone, they all hate them…..tell him to try volunteering in another deparment
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Grew up in the fire dept, boyfriend is assistant chief for a volunteer dept, brother in law paid firefighter
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:50 pm
It would depend on the bylaws of the Dept. but no they don’t have to let him in. It sounds like your father and the Fire Chief are at odds over something so maybe your father would be wise to not try to join right now.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 8:39 pm
It might be illegal, it might be unlawful, but if he did fight it, and get in, he would be the "blacksheep" of the department and be basicly ostriscized.. Honestly not worth it.
If you do want to raise a stink.. find out who the FD is held accountable to.. Some areas it is city or county govt’ other times Board of Directors for the organization, other times it could be the state business practices office. EEO might be a claim if it has to do with age, religion, gender, race etc….
However the best way to get dad in, is for husband to try to sit down and resolve differences, and even concede a bit.. sorta like;
"I know we have had our disagreements in the past, but I would like to be a part of this organization. I understand, that I would have to follow your lead, and your orders. You are the boss here and I can accept that. I just want to be able to help out the community. If you are willing to give me a chance to prove that I am able to work well under your leadership, I will try my best to show I can be a valuable member of this department"..
If that don’t work.. He could ask for a vote of the membership, but most chiefs have the ability to override a vote. And most likely he will not get in.
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