Spence Spence the ARSONIST.. and James D Mason

Pasco reduces fire engine staffing amid budget crunch
By Jodie Tillman, Times Staff Writer In Print: Friday, October 15, 2010
Pasco County taxpayers may be paying more for fire protection this year, but so far they are getting less for their money: Over the weekend, four engines began running with fewer firefighters.
That means those particular engines could roll up to scenes with just two firefighters on board — one fewer person than they have now and two fewer than a national standard for getting enough personnel on scene to battle structure fires quickly and safely.
Chief Anthony Lopinto said the decision to reduce crew sizes on four of the county's 21 engines results from this: The firefighters union is demanding merit raises that even the additional tax revenue won't cover.
The higher tax rate approved by county commissioners last month — $1.43 per $1,000 in taxable property, a 23-cent increase over last fiscal year — essentially kept the Fire Rescue Department whole, covering increased health and pension costs plus the costs of hiring 15 people to reduce overtime.
"I'm preparing for the fiscal reality of that," Lopinto said of the proposed union raises. "We did this early on so it's not drastic."
Firefighters gave up their merit increases last year. For this year, they propose getting only 60 percent of what they would be due if full raises were in place.
Union president Ralph Grant said that concession will save $223,225 in the first year and $480,000 in the second year.
He said officials jumped the gun on reducing crew sizes so soon; he said they could have waited until new hires come on to see if that reduces overtime costs enough to free up money to pay for everything.
The 15 new hires are expected to finish orientation by January. Another 14 new hires who are filling once-frozen vacancies will come on board this month.
"We're still trying to resolve the solutions," said Grant. "We are trying to work it out. What he's doing is pre-emptive."
Lopinto said county officials are still crunching the numbers to see how much the union's proposal will cost them. He also said he did not have a figure yet on how much the reduced crews on the four engines will save.
The engines with reduced crews include one from the station behind Kmart in New Port Richey and one from Centennial Road in east Pasco. The other two will be on a rotating basis, depending on how many firefighters call in sick on a particular day.
The main reason that experts say engines should be staffed with at least four people? The "two-in, two-out" rule.
That means two firefighters should not enter a burning building unless there are two more of them on the outside, ready to help if something goes wrong. If two firefighters have to wait for another truck to bring two partners, there could be a critical delay.
Under Lopinto's leadership, Pasco Fire Rescue had worked its way up from two workers per truck to three. The emphasis has been sending rescue cars and other support vehicles with the engines to get enough personnel on scene.
But requiring that every engine have three firefighters means dipping into overtime if enough firefighters are out sick or on vacation on any given shift. Officials will save money — in overtime salaries for up to four workers per shift — if they don't require three people on those four engines.
About 15 percent of the 47,000 calls each year to Pasco Fire Rescue are for fires. Traffic accidents would not require a backup engine to respond, Lopinto said.
If rescue cars can't get two more firefighters to a scene, Lopinto said the engine can call for backup from the closest station.
"What we'll expect is that they'll have the same number of people responding to the call," he said. "Is it preferable to have those people early on? Yes, it is. But we're dealing with financial realities."
Grant, the union president, said the potential delays — say, if backup help is on another call — aren't worth the savings. "We're dead set against it," he said.
Grant said the union is insisting on partial raises this year because Pasco firefighters are among the lowest paid in the area. Other county employees did not get raises, but Grant said, "They don't have a contract."
Grant said he told county administrator John Gallagher when they met for negotiations four months ago to plan on raises. "I told Mr. Gallagher to budget for it, and they didn't," he said. "We're trying to work with them."
County personnel director Barbara DeSimone said she's hoping administrators and the union can come to some sort of agreement in coming weeks. But she said raises are a tough sell in this economy.
Commissioners, she said, "aren't going to increase taxes to pay for raises."
Jodie Tillman can be reached at jtillman@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6247.[Last modified: Oct 14, 2010 06:48 PM] Click here for reuse options! Copyright 2010 St. Petersburg TimesClick here to post a comment
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There are 55 comments Oldest First Newest First Top Rated

mes7709 wrote:
were demanding raises lopinto? really im pretty sure the county knew they screwed up and they were gonna have to pay us and you know what as a matter of fact i am DEMANDING my raise because im under paid over worked and pissed off i even stayed in this county you sir have a serious morale problem in your department and going on record saying things like that DOES NOT HELP. we have some of the best firefighters in the area i would put up against anyone this county needs to give us what we deserve and thats RESPECT! 2 man engines you gotta be kidding me
Oct 14, 2010 12:57 PM
6 6 Report Abuse

desert scorpion wrote:
Nice to see some austerity in county government. I am ready to accept any consequences.
Oct 14, 2010 1:11 PM
2 6 Report Abuse

gulliversaliar wrote:
pig. Now fire those thieving mobsters and HIRE PEOPLE who would be grateful for the job not these INGRATES who stalk people. Have people noted the big red Rs gracing bldgs?? They've got some NEW SCAM going.
Oct 14, 2010 1:52 PM
4 7 Report Abuse

gulliversaliar wrote:
Now beware of the "arsons" going up and/or the houses burning down while family is out and ONLY TWO GUYS THERE. Fine. We'll go back to the bucket brigades. It would be more effective and less THEFT would be committed. I am so sick to death of these thugs getting the only jobs they're able to get with GEDs besides picking up trash and then THIEVING. Screw them.
Oct 14, 2010 1:55 PM
3 6 Report Abuse

The Captain wrote:
Ah yes, the almighty "union".....
Oct 14, 2010 2:03 PM
1 4 Report Abuse

meatballredoo wrote:
Firefighters are like guns....when you need one, absolutely positively nothing else will do. I invest in quality guns, and am willing to invest in quality fire/EMS protection. Pay the fellas, and charge me the measley $.25 per thousand on my tax bill. For most of the rednecks reading this, that only amounts to $20 a year.
Oct 14, 2010 2:06 PM
7 1 Report Abuse

pascofailspublic wrote:
Paying more for less is a common acurance up here in 2002 2003 the county assessed Fire tax in 5 volunteer districts they merge back into the county and then left theM as unmanned stations some still to this day THATS PAYING ALOT FOR NOTHING.
The firefigthers aren't demanding the raise it was in the contract that the COUNTY agreed to SO GET IT RIGHT YOU KNEW. The dept fires liers
This county has no interest in public safty it was very apparent by the commissioners at the meeting with the sheriff it is apparent with the fire dept These guys are under paid, and work more hours then surrounding dept. And the citizens are the ones that suffer the most with: lack of manpower on scenes, long response times to calls, and a dept that lacks station, equipment, manpower,Specilized equipment and teams.
THIS COUNTY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF MISMANGMENT THATS STARTES AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. THIS KNEE JERK REDUCATION IN STAFFING IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE THAT WILL END UP IN A TRAGEDY.
Oct 14, 2010 2:16 PM
4 1 Report Abuse

pcff007 wrote:
Pasco County Fire Fighters have been underpaid & mistreated since our inception of a professional fire/rescue organization. We started a union a few years to protect ourselves. Our working conditions have been extremely dangerous, ultimately making it less safe for the county's residents. Let me say that we are all grateful to have jobs and love what we do! That being said... The county and the firefighters agreed upon a contract which included merit raises. The county and the fire chief knew ahead of to budget for this but FAILED to do so! Last year firefighters voluntarily gave up their raises to help the county with the understanding that the next year they would budget for it like they were supposed to do in the first place. The county has had several opportunities to renegotiate this issue with the union but could not come to a resonable agreement. So now, because the county and fire chief can budget their money correctly they are taking it out on the public...(to be continued)
Oct 14, 2010 2:44 PM
6 1 Report Abuse

pcff007 wrote:
by short staffing engine companies which could affect the outcome of YOUR emergency. Whoever said said this staffing issue would only affect building fires is wrong. Cardiac and respiratory arrests, vehicle extrications, water rescues, brush fires, obese patients require an all hands on deck approach. There is no time to wait for more units to get to the scene. I didn't even include any kind of special rescue team, because we have none. You would have to wait over an hour for another dept. to come into our county, to do our work for us because we don't have the money. Nobody in PCFR is looking to become millionaires by doing this thankless job. We just want to be compensated fairly and comparably to every surrounding fire dept. Many very good firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics leave PCFR for other places because they pay much more and have better health benefits. It is not fair for the county to blame us firefighters for thier own faults! Commissioners, do your part and we'll do ours!
Oct 14, 2010 3:07 PM
5 1 Report Abuse

pcff007 wrote:
gulliversailer- I don't know where you get your information about our education standands, but I'll bet you have never met a firefighter with just a GED. We all go through fire academy and at least EMT school. Most now are paramedics so add that on. We all participate in continuing education year round after we are on the job and hold several state and national certifications. Oh, and it takes many more college classes to get promoted to driver, captain and chief. Most firefighters today have degrees in several fields because of the competition to even get promoted. So next time, before you go off on a subject that you have no clue what you are talking about, if you don't know, you better ask somebody!
Oct 14, 2010 3:21 PM
5 1 Report Abuse

pcff007 wrote:
BOOM!!! I'm out!
Oct 14, 2010 3:21 PM
3 0 Report Abuse

mes7709 wrote:
haha..eat that
Oct 14, 2010 3:55 PM
1 1 Report Abuse

smokeydabear wrote:
Pasco County hates its firefighters!
Oct 14, 2010 4:04 PM
3 0 Report Abuse

smokeydabear wrote:
Lopinto is a liar just like many other officers that work for Pasco fire rescue!
Oct 14, 2010 4:05 PM
3 0 Report Abuse

PCFR_Medic wrote:
Why cant the reporter put a little disclaimer at the end of every article saying "My reporting of this story is biased as John Gallagher is a member of my family through marriage"
Typical nonsense. People hate us anyways for whatever reason, I might as well not be below the poverty line doing it.
Oct 14, 2010 4:16 PM
3 0 Report Abuse

clhf wrote:
So sad to read all the negative comments posted towards the Firefighters of Pasco Co. These men & women put there lives on the line everyday for you and your family members. Try showing them a little respect. They do their job for little pay, all they are asking for is what they deserve. To bring home enough money to take care of their families and to be safe at work. That's not to much to ask for. I'm sure it is no less than what you would expect from your employer. When the day comes and you or one of your loved ones needs them, perhaps then you will realize the respect they deserve and give it to them.
Oct 14, 2010 5:28 PM
5 0 Report Abuse

pascoboyz wrote:
Underpaid...... thats what pasco firefighters have dealt with for years... thats why out turnover rate is amazing. over 1000 in 10 years.. and its only a 400 man dept to start out with..Now they want to reduce engine sizes... humm lets see... how much is your parents or child worth if their life is in danger? I guess by the county's standards not much.. because now you will get "green" people and not enough of them to make a change.. A year ago they cheated the ISO rating by staffing some stations with people that wont be fighting fire/ or accident mitigation .. ie chiefs and air trucks just to meet the ISO's Staffing requirements... Just another example of cheating to get by..So what the heck.. keep it going.. cheat the public's safety to get by huh? well Mr/Mrs public... prepare for longer response times/ less service/ decreased chances of survival/ and increased insurance premiums when the insurance companies get ahold of this info...sleep safe
Oct 14, 2010 5:30 PM
5 2 Report Abuse

pascoboyz wrote:
maybe someone should ask why station 39 ( next to Lapino's house) got built before other stations that were set to be built..bumped to the front of the line.. wouldnt have anything to do with lowering his insurance rates would it??? nawww
and for grant.... 3% WTF??? after years of hearing their underpaid.. and selling to give up a raise... you come back at them with 3%....Just makes you wonder why the moral in this department is at a all time low..
If no one fights for the fire department..... what exactly makes you think they will risk everything and fight for you....
and Tillman, next time your at a family function.. lean over and ask Gallagher exactly what he wants you to write next time..
fair reporting my A$$
sleep tight pasco,, because if it was up to them you truly would be on your own
Oct 14, 2010 5:43 PM
5 1 Report Abuse

gulliversaliar wrote:
because for the most part they are thieves. Prove it pasco firefighter. Your degrees come from SPC or HCC or PHCC and are more aptly called certificates or associate's degrees. puleeze. No. You guys are pushy, egotistical, disgusting THIEVES. Stuff it. We really don't need you as much as you idiots have convinced yourselves we do. and lopinto is an outright thief. And likely a crack dealer living on top of the station like that. Who DOES THAT?Were you guys so happy with bob blackburn due to his facility in taking out victims you couldn't quite snow? People are ON TO YOU. Drive by my burning house. Not like you haven't done it ALREADY. More than once. And one of you living in one of them now. YOU don't have ANY clue what you are talking about OR more likely: just lying.
Oct 14, 2010 6:05 PM
1 6 Report Abuse

gulliversaliar wrote:
The veiled threats: as usual : from pascoboyz: sleep safe. sleep tight. If you guys didn't waste so much taxpayers' money STALKING PEOPLE and carting meth around to build your find houses and buy your gd hummers people wouldn't have caught on so fast. You're not heroes. You're barely human. Look at yourself in the mirror and SEE WHAT YOU ARE. Or ask my dead sister. And get your brother fireman the hell out of her stolen house.
Oct 14, 2010 6:08 PM
3 4 Report Abuse

PCFirefighter wrote:
@gulliversaliarYou must be related to John Gallagher & Jodie Tillman or maybe you are one of the 2 listed? I am a Firefighter with Pasco County Fire Rescue, and I am proud of it. I myself hold 2 degrees, 1 in EMS and 1 in Fire Science, and both are 4 year degrees. You call us "thieves"? Why is that? because we want to make considerable pay for the work we do? How much is your life worth? How much is the members of you families lives worth? We could down right put in place what they do in an area in TN were you pay for services or they don't come. Would you like that? Do you think operations are free? Do I have the right to provide to my family? feed them? provide them with shelter? I do believe so. You are ignorant my friend. Obviously you have something bad in your past, were you didn't get your college education and someone got a GED and passed college and got a Fire Dept Job. My god have mercy on your soul ... for your comments, KARMA will bite you in the ●●●!
Oct 14, 2010 6:14 PM
2 2 Report Abuse

PCFirefighter wrote:
@ the St Pete Times
I would like to say, I am proud to see the word out, but sad that it was reported wrongfully. How could you let this reporter who is family to John Gallagher writete this article?
St Pete Times, I would like to see some reaction to our concerns!
Oct 14, 2010 6:17 PM
2 0 Report Abuse

PCFirefighter wrote:
I am a firefighter with Pasco County. Proud of what I do, and make sure every day that when I go on duty I do the best job possible regardless of my pay or crew size. I am worried though for the safety of myself, my fellow brothers and sisters, my family who lives in the county and all other citizens of Pasco County. How can you, as residents of the county approve of such disregard to your safety by the commissioners of this county? I don't know what its going to take, maybe a death or serious injury of someone to turn on the light bulb so you can see what's happening. I am personally sicken by our operation dept and our union that they let this go on.
Please County Residents, call, write, email or show up to the county building and let your voices be heard on this!
Oct 14, 2010 6:22 PM
4 1 Report Abuse

PCFirefighter wrote:
@gulliversaliar
Make yourself known! Put your real name out there .. show your face! Don't put your lies about your "dead sister" on here!
As for meth, your are off your rocker!
"And get your brother fireman the hell out of her stolen house." - Why is she stealing houses?
Seems to me everyone that this person obviously didn't make it past the 8th grade!
Oct 14, 2010 6:27 PM
2 2 Report Abuse

mes7709 wrote:
im actually really disturbed by the comments on this link it is just unreal how people can bash fireman so much i dont get it im sorry i have a job gulliversaliar obviously something is very screwed up in your head and your life there is not ONE DAMN reason myself or any other firefighter working for this department should be living paycheck to paycheck barely getting by and for your information gulliversaliar i got into this when i was 20 its been 7 years now so i guess im a freakin idiot right i could of been out there screwing off until i was 30 but i decided to work for pasco county and to have you and the rest of the public S**t in our face is disturbing i wish i knew who u were, carma is a BIT** and it will meet you sir.
Oct 14, 2010 7:02 PM
3 0 Report Abuse

PCFirefighter wrote:
This was an email sent by the writer of the article who "denies" her relation to John Gallagher. I sent a response asking how she calls herself a reporter, being one sided .... she responds back with this email, from her personal email! "states she can't get to her work email" .. but she read it? How can that be? Think she doesn't want it tracked by the St Pete Times!
Seems she is one sided? You be the judge!
Hello, This is Jodie Tillman, reporter with the St. Pete Times. I'm unable to send out e-mails from my company account at the moment but thought your message (and I'm assuming your blog post on the story) warranted an immediate response. In short, I have no idea what you are talking about. I am not in any way related to anyone at the county. I thought the story was fair to both sides, and I"m wondering if you actually read it. Thanks for the feedback.
Oct 14, 2010 7:35 PM
1 0 Report Abuse

pascoboyz wrote:
wow makes you wonder why they actually do the job... to be put down by the public/dismissed by their own employer and no support from their own operations division..
all for the lowest pay around..
Oct 14, 2010 7:56 PM
1 1 Report Abuse

mes7709 wrote:
Because for alot of us its to late to leave and I love the guys I work with unless your a firefighter u dont understand that my guys are family and tommorow well get on our engine run our calls who knows it might b one of the a%+holes on here
Oct 14, 2010 8:04 PM
2 0 Report Abuse

gerry wrote:
Don't forget Sheriff Bob "firefighter" White said he could get the fire department 4 million dollars. He and Cochran hatched this idea some time back and what ever happened. With the 4 million White can save the department.... Your raises are easy..... What has Cochran done for the union now that they supported him? Lame duck I think...... Anyway, if you joined the Sheriff's office you all would have gotten everything you wanted..... NOT..... You guys do deserve more than the county has provided, and only when someone is badly hurt will they pony up....... Good luck.
Oct 14, 2010 8:25 PM
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pascoboyz wrote:
also the paper forgot to tell you that the county has been using mandatory overtime list not for emergencies , but for a hidden type of staffing.. for problems they have been overlooking for years...
Oct 14, 2010 8:57 PM
0 2 Report Abuse

PCFR-D/P wrote:
Just an fyi to everyone. The R's and the F's that are placed on a red maltese cross (the firefighter symbol) on the outside of buildings is to inform firefighters that the building has a lightweight type construction roof or floor (R or F respectively). This was implemented because so many firefighters have DIED because of this type of construction. It is not some "New Scam".
Oct 14, 2010 9:10 PM
5 0 Report Abuse

PCFirefighter wrote:
Funny how 9/11/01 everyone loved Firefighters, now we are just thought of as money hording scum!
Oct 14, 2010 9:17 PM
1 0 Report Abuse

pcfrsupporter wrote:
@GULLIVERSALIAR~ who the F*C@ do you think you are? you're trying to call people theives w/ no education? haven't seen you post your resume up here. as for your "dead sister" was she living in a mobile home smoking a cigarette in bed? The firefighter that, I'm an 1000% sure purchased her house legitimately, is now living in it b/c she/he probably couldn't pay their loan and it was forclosed on. You're ridiculous and you're making yourself look like a freaking idiot w/ the ignorant comments you're leaving. So why don't you logoff your stolen computer, sit down on your torn up couch, smoke the last of the meth or crack you probably have sitting in front of you, and try to get a little shut eye before you have to get out on the street and hook and hustle so you can buy your next fix. And when you overdose or YOUR trailer catches on fire be sure to call for the BRAVE MEN & WOMEN of PCFR to SAVE YOUR A$$!!!!!
Oct 14, 2010 9:55 PM
2 1 Report Abuse

pcfrsupporter wrote:
To the people that are complaining about these brave men and women simply asking for the raises that they are due, not only under their contract, but simply for having the courage to do this dangerous job, think about how underpaid they are the next time they have to come lift your fat butt out of your recliner at 2am and they don't complain one time but instead show you respect. Why don't some of the citizens of Pasco take a look at the surrounding depts (Pinellas, Polk, Tampa, Hernando) at those salaries and their primo equipment and apparatuses that are FULLY staffed? They are far greater than that of Pasco. In fact I think the only dept getting paid lower is Gulfport (they have 1 station). And if you see firefighters driving around in nice vehicles it's probably b/c they work a 2nd or even 3rd job like 99% of firefighters do. Therefor if you're jealous of their nice vehicles get up off your butt and get at least 1 job!
Oct 14, 2010 10:11 PM
2 0 Report Abuse

pcff007 wrote:
@ gulliversailer
WOW!!! You have some imagination! You should consider a career in creative writing, maybe with tampabay.com. Exactly where do we keep this meth? I'm dying to hear this!! Sounds like you've been hitting some of that meth for yourself. You might want to go back and read what you wrote when you aren't baked and see how ridiculous you sound! I think people are logging on here for you to entertain them. I know I am. You are a complete and total idiot! C'mon, who's home catches fire more than once? YOURS!!! If that's true, it's probably because your dumb a$$ burns your own house down before the bank can foreclose on you. It's called insurance fraud... But I'm sure you already knew that.
Oct 14, 2010 11:29 PM
0 1 Report Abuse

DumbInPasco wrote:
It is as simple as this. The county commissioners and Gallagher do not care about public safety because you can not see it like you can in a park or library, or an aesthetically eye pleasing shopping plaza or gated community. Public safety doesn't assure the commissioners votes because they can pass it off to whoever is sheriff at the time. They keep Gallagher in because he gives them the justification to cut budget spending from all the departments while still investing money in real estate, reserve accounts and investment accounts. This is how they have done it for years and the general public (voters) are too stupid to see it. The commissioners have been banking on it and the voters have NOT failed them yet, so why change?Gallagher even pointed it out at the budget hearings when he stated the amounts they have cut from different areas while his bar graph showed them making "poor mouth" cuts in 2006 and 2007 when they got way more tax money than expected...
Oct 15, 2010 3:04 AM
1 0 Report Abuse

DumbInPasco wrote:
What they have not counted on is there are a few people who caught it. Unfortunately, it will require going through a lot of St. Pete Times article archives to locate the articles where commissioners bragged about the windfall taxes and then stated they needed to sock the extra dollars away for upcoming lean years.
Guess what. They didn't draw any money out to ease the budget burdens for the last few years, so where did the >30% cut from several areas of liability for 2006 and 2007 that Gallagher spoke of at the last budget meeting go? When they refuse to fund something or cut from different departments and then put millions of dollars into hurricane funds, or special reserves you have to watch that money. They move it around a year or two later then use it for something it was never intended to be used for. But, most voters in Pasco are just plain stupid and think county workers, deputies and firefighters are the ones ripping them off. What a joke!
Oct 15, 2010 3:17 AM
1 1 Report Abuse

aaaa wrote:
Pasco county fire fighters make way too much for how easy their jobs are. Sit around the station and wait for a fender bender to send t2 engins out and 6 people. It is also true that you can be a firefighter with a GED but I think that is the same with all local goverment.
Oct 15, 2010 6:25 AM
2 3 Report Abuse

Native Floridian wrote:
This is a really simply dilema. Chief Lopinto has assembled an under qualified and under educated command staff ( including him) to run this department. Wonder why the assistant chief position has not been filled for 6 months, it's because nobody wants to work for him and he is not going to allow someone with more education than him to enter his kingdom. The temporary assistant chief he has is a result of his personal relationship and not a profession one and everyone on the job knows it. As a result, they cannot not make sound decisions to advance to the future. By the time he finishs micro managing them, nothing get's done. Second, the county comissioners are full of crap. The can't fund public safety, but they fund a sports complex and other stupid ●●● ideas or spend their time changing zoning to benefit their contractor buddies. People need to remember this in a few weeks and vote them out.
Oct 15, 2010 7:38 AM
0 0 Report Abuse

pascoboyz wrote:
Hey cox... and the other fool.... you going to chime in on this before the election???? or just pass it along like you all do with everything else?
Oct 15, 2010 9:50 AM
1 0 Report Abuse

flrxfire wrote:
Seems to me this means more engines driving to each call. Even as a volunteer fire department we'd always try to get 3 or more to an engine.
Oct 15, 2010 9:54 AM
0 0 Report Abuse

pcff007 wrote:
@ aaaa
You should change your name to AAA because you must be drunk or or maybe just stupid. I challenge you to apply for a firefighter job anywhere in the country with just a GED. You will be disappointed. If are jobs are so easy and all we do is sit around and wait for fender benders, then every idiot like you would be one. Then we'd all be in trouble.
Oct 15, 2010 11:41 AM
2 1 Report Abuse

pcfrsupporter wrote:
????
Oct 15, 2010 11:51 AM
0 0 Report Abuse

pcfrsupporter wrote:
Dear Gilliversaliar- WOW, it might be hard to believe my husband has worked for PCFR for almost a decade and doesn't even make 14 dollars an hour. Yet every third day he gets on his truck to help people like YOU. And get this he (like all)who attended college for this job. WOW! You COULDN'T cut it could you. I'm guessing 7th grade had you stumped by your comments on here. And we still dont have that hummer you talk of. But we do have an 826 dollar family insurance policy the county shoves down our mouths. Please know your facts before you open your trap. Oh and my husband would love to meet you for a beer some time on his day off. He said he will buy on his 13.97 hr job.....
Oct 15, 2010 12:07 PM
2 1 Report Abuse

pcfrsupporter wrote:
@aaaa~ Firefighting is an EASY job, huh? I'm sure the job you have is difficult for you. I mean it's not easy trying to find the hamburger picture AND fries picture on the cash register all for the same order. Then you have to put both of those items in a bag. Whew! I know you're worn out at the end of your day. And I'm sure once you get your GED you'll be promoted to manager in no time! Good luck! We'll be pulling for ya!
Oct 15, 2010 12:12 PM
1 1 Report Abuse

pcfrsupporter wrote:
I can't wait for November elections....Commissioners and Gallagher start packing your bags!!!!!!!!
Oct 15, 2010 12:14 PM
2 1 Report Abuse

flrxfire wrote:
I'm not sure where all these firefighter hating commenters are coming from, but am reminded of a saying from the 60'a - If you think cops are bad, next time you are being robbed, call a hippie. Damn few citizens would do what firefighters will for you in an emergency. If you doubt that, next time you need help, call one of these negative commenters.
Oct 15, 2010 12:18 PM
2 1 Report Abuse

pascoresident wrote:
Part of the reason the county now owes so much money on this is that they blew a few deadlines in the union negotiations, therefore are responsible for the penalties. Also, because they spent so much money that they purportedly didn't have fighting the union. All the firefighters are asking for is consideration. It's the county that needs to reorder it's priorities.
Oct 15, 2010 12:24 PM
1 1 Report Abuse

mes7709 wrote:
Im waiting capt grant why isnt this all over the news or are we gonna play nice because thats not workin is it
Oct 15, 2010 12:53 PM
1 0 Report Abuse

do_something81 wrote:
PCFR guys, GulliverSalliar, is some crazy woman from Tampa who thinks firefighters stalk her all the time. She likes to stir the pot on any story involving fire departments or firefighters. She also goes by Voxy and a few other aliases. Plainly put, she is certifiable, and anyone who follows the comments on the Times knows her well. She has numerous blogs about how the City of Tampa and Pasco county officials have harmed her and her family.
That said, I and my family as Pasco county residents support PCFR firefighters in your pursuit for more funding. We have your back but also feel as powerless to get the funds you deserve as you do. All I can really say is keep up the good fight; you are worth it.
Oct 15, 2010 12:56 PM
2 1 Report Abuse
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Thank you for your vote

gulliversaliar wrote:
hey pcff007, in st pete they keep it in the washing machine. Maybe you keep it in one of those convenient panels on your ninety gazillion dollar trucks that I pay for and you losers use to stalk citizens. Maybe it's in the back of your little thieving ambulance boxes. Could be anywhere. It's meth. Not exactly tough to hide. Now, pot. That would be tougher.
Oct 15, 2010 3:27 PM
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gulliversaliar wrote:
More threats from the thugs AND their wives. Who then perform ad hominem attacks. WHO PAID FOR YOUR DEGREE????????????? That's right. I did. Ask Spence Roberts who is living in my dead sister's house. You'll find him at Tampa Fire Dept. Ask his buddies out in Pasco who burned down my mother's home. And then go ahead and ask him who added accelerant to the stove top vent in my mother's next home. Ask that fat pig and then get back with me. You people are for the most part: TRASH. Anyone who can read KNOWS IT. Don't threaten me. Drive by my burning house. LOL. You've done it four times I can count so far.
Oct 15, 2010 3:34 PM
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gulliversaliar wrote:
No. I call you a THIEF because you ARE ONE. If you're not one than you are BLIND. Take your pick. The rest of us know what you are and more are catching on every day. Scam artists and thieves who set fires and steal homes. I wouldn't put my dead dog in the back of one of your death trap ambulances.
Oct 15, 2010 3:37 PM
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gulliversaliar wrote:
pcfirefighter, that's because you swine USED Sept 11, 2001 to ride the coattails of HEROES. They died. You're here. Playing the game. Don't go around fire expectin not to sweat. Really on the Red R's?>> Thanks for the info. Would they actually SEE THAT when the bldg was burning down? I'll ask around and verify that. I think it's creepy. How'd they figure that out in the past??
Oct 15, 2010 3:39 PM
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gulliversaliar wrote:
Yes, I've noticed that most of their second and third jobs involve the handyman and fix up of the homes they steal. GOT IT. Thanks. Of course he can't support himself on 13.97 an hour but if he was really working a FULL TIME JOB he wouldn't have time for ANOTHER ONE AND ANOTHER ONE. We're not stupid. You get a job. Not sitting home defending losers.
Oct 15, 2010 3:42 PM
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