Comments on: Can a firefighter be turned away from a volunteer fire department?

By: TheHangedFrog

TheHangedFrog — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:39:59 +0000

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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By: hdean45

hdean45 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:50:59 +0000

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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By: My <3 belongs to Jethro

My <3 belongs to Jethro — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:12:59 +0000

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

By: KS7102

KS7102 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:39:59 +0000

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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By: billyboy64

billyboy64 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:34:59 +0000

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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By: Daisy-flower

Daisy-flower — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:13:59 +0000

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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By: RipHimToShreds

RipHimToShreds — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:59:59 +0000

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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By: jordd <3

jordd <3 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:35:59 +0000

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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By: TheAntzMan

TheAntzMan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:53:59 +0000

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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By: Prophet 1102

Prophet 1102 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:21:59 +0000

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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