What the HE!!

[jack61sgfd]

I started my career in Pa. and never saw anything like this.



http://www.wusa9.com/news/columnist/...down-from.html

[RFDACM02]

OK maybe we do need a national Fire Service. Talk about mentally challenged fire chief's! But, hey if it wasn't for those fools, who'd buy all the "I fight what you fear" stickers?

[Catch22]

What exactly is the point of all that?

I've heard of wet-downs before, but I've never seen one or ever heard of what one consists of. I can say I never pictured that.

[MarcusKspn]

I always thought a wet-down was just hosing down the new rig as it backs into its position in the bay. More like a baptism than a water-fight.

I guess I was wrong...

[FireMedic049]

I guess I was wrong...

Me too.

[mmagette]

And Ithought it was ridiculous to push our new engine in.....
I guess we could have done worse.

[sweetpete]

Wow....I'm speechless. What a bunch of hillbillies. No wonder why it'll be another 20 years before they get another piece of equipment. My respect for vollies is still unshaken, but this almost did some damage, for sure.

Pete

[NathanWert]

At least they look like they had fun. *shrug*

[RFDACM02]

Yeah, those career guys with their pranks are soooo unprofessional! But, alas, this is not the volunteer fire service in my area. Around here parades are hosted by communities and FD's have a minimal part vs. full blow apparatus parades that are judged! And any shenanigans like the posted video would never happen.

[Elimper]

The title of this tread is about the best way to put it.

[LVFD301]

Wow....I'm speechless. What a bunch of hillbillies. No wonder why it'll be another 20 years before they get another piece of equipment. My respect for vollies is still unshaken, but this almost did some damage, for sure.

Pete

Wait a minute there. Us hillbillies don't act like that - don't run us down.

[JTFIRE80]

I just heard what a wetdown was a few months ago, and this was NOT how it was explained tome!!!

[sweetpete]

Wait a minute there. Us hillbillies don't act like that - don't run us down.

LOL!!! Good point LVFD301. Sorry. No offense intended. My hat will always remain off to the "true, professional" vollie. BTW, how would you refer to them?
Pete

[Res45cuE]

Having attended some of these wetdowns myself, I think there is some clarification needed:

The average age of the participants is generally in the 18-25 range.
They are generally alcohol-fueled.
They sometimes end with hurt feelings, bruised bodies, and the occasional fistfight.

I don't defend the behavior, but they are very popular in Northern NJ. On one hand, it gives guys the opportunity to blow off steam. On the other hand, injuries and damaged equipment are unacceptable. Straight-streams are usually prohibited. However, again, it's been my experience that at least some participants go home severely p***ed off at their mutual aid agencies for some "overly enthusiastic" participation.

[CrnkB8]

This department and video is a disgrace to the fire service! The chief and all members should be removed from service. We are entrusted with protecting the lives and property of people, and this is how they act? If I was a citizen of this community, I would be outraged!

The potential for injury or death is obvious. Let alone the fact the apparatus was either purchased with local taxpayer money, donations to the department or a grant, and this is how they take care of millions of dollars worth of equipment??

I'm surprised the local law enforcement agency allows this. If they can't handle it, maybe the State Police should step in.

[KevinFFVFD]

I have never been to an apparatus wet down, but I was part of a “personnel wet down”……

One night after training on the first department I was on all of the new guys (5-6 including myself) were told we had to test some new hose. So we laid out a few sections and then were told to stand on the other side of the truck so we could not see what was going on. We were told they would come get us one by one and we were to don full PPE minus SCBA. So I was 4th to go. I knew something was up when I saw the others that had gone before me soaking wet and had this huge grin on their face. So we were instructed to pick up and straddle the line which had a cellar nozzle on it. So we had to hold it in the air while they put a small amount of pressure, just enough to get it spinning good, while the others ran around the person holding the hose. So after each person got on the line then all of us had to get on the line and hold it in the air, and this time they put a good bit of pressure through the line. It was good laughs and then were told we were officially initiated into the dept.

[KB1OEV]

I have never been to an apparatus wet down, but I was part of a “personnel wet down”……

One night after training on the first department I was on all of the new guys (5-6 including myself) were told we had to test some new hose. So we laid out a few sections and then were told to stand on the other side of the truck so we could not see what was going on. We were told they would come get us one by one and we were to don full PPE minus SCBA. So I was 4th to go. I knew something was up when I saw the others that had gone before me soaking wet and had this huge grin on their face. So we were instructed to pick up and straddle the line which had a cellar nozzle on it. So we had to hold it in the air while they put a small amount of pressure, just enough to get it spinning good, while the others ran around the person holding the hose. So after each person got on the line then all of us had to get on the line and hold it in the air, and this time they put a good bit of pressure through the line. It was good laughs and then were told we were officially initiated into the dept.

That sounds much more appropriate. No problems except soaking your gear. Then again, since you just joined the dept, you probably wouldn't be going in on any fires right away.

[nameless]

that wet down seems a bit more rowdy then other videos I've seen, but even before this video wet downs seemed very dinger. Parading around town lights and sirens then douching the truck with water, maybe I'm no fun but even without all the jack*****ery of this video it still seems pretty whacker.

there is having fun while being a professional, and this clearly isn't it

[LVFD301]

LOL!!! Good point LVFD301. Sorry. No offense intended. My hat will always remain off to the "true, professional" vollie. BTW, how would you refer to them?
Pete

Frickin idiots. Thats what I would use.

You have to wonder what goes through the heads of some people.

I would also add, if it was my department? I would call them civilians,
and be working to get new firefighters to help reclaim our professionalism and
respect of our community.

IMHO.

[KevinFFVFD]

Well I personally think this is an excellent way to hold pump operation and hose line training. These firefighters will come away from that will excellent experience. This is how all training operations should be held. LOL