Sorry, of course I meant MIKE Wilbur . . . His partner, Tom Shand, popped into what passes for my mind as I was typing. And, yes, I know that the years of FD culture make 100% seat belt compliance extremely problematic . . . And not just in the FDNY, it's a nationwide issue. The reality is, if you're not wearing your seatbelt, you're willing to take the risk. Unfortunately, the city you work for isn't, and if you are injured in an apparatus accident while choosing - on your own and in violation of departmental policy - not to wear your seat belt, don't expect the city to cough up a dime for you or your family. Is it worth it?
To go back to what caused us to drift somewhat off-topic (sorry for the hijack), I would safely assume that from this point forward all new FDNY apparatus will be equipped with seat belts and members will be expected to wear them. Fire departments nationwide are struggling with this issue, but a few crashes where the city contests payment for injuries or deaths by members who chose not to use the safety equipment provided for them and mandated to be used, and hopefully the culture will change. I do understand the issue, after 40 years with my department (10 of them as an engine driver in the busy Syracuse University area) and now as a Deputy Chief, I fully comprehend the arguments against seat belt use at every riding position . . . And I used to believe some of them, too.
I don't anymore. The slogan "Everyone Goes Home" becomes just a slogan if we don't do everything we can to protect ourselves.
To go back to what caused us to drift somewhat off-topic (sorry for the hijack), I would safely assume that from this point forward all new FDNY apparatus will be equipped with seat belts and members will be expected to wear them. Fire departments nationwide are struggling with this issue, but a few crashes where the city contests payment for injuries or deaths by members who chose not to use the safety equipment provided for them and mandated to be used, and hopefully the culture will change. I do understand the issue, after 40 years with my department (10 of them as an engine driver in the busy Syracuse University area) and now as a Deputy Chief, I fully comprehend the arguments against seat belt use at every riding position . . . And I used to believe some of them, too.
I don't anymore. The slogan "Everyone Goes Home" becomes just a slogan if we don't do everything we can to protect ourselves.
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