Montrose - Daily Press

Hardly any of the local citizens know anything about the fire department and how it is governed. They mostly assume it is like where ever they came from.

The Jane Jefferson's government directory doesn't list it at all -- other than the telephone number under the City of Montrose. Talk about flying under the radar.

It has a web site which lists the directors and a way to contact the administrative assistant. Are the directors real persons? Are they appointed by the Board of County Commissioners like the Hospital Board?

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Who knows? More importantly, who really cares? The ambulance comes. The fire engines come. No one died unattended in the street lately (well, except for gunshots). Nothing has burned down lately. So who really cares?

Well, if you read the replies to the articles here at the newspaper site, you will see that several of those who reply think that all government employees are simply hogs feeding from the public tax trough. Their attitude is, why not have all volunteers - my taxes will be less. You probably say that they are on the fringe. But when there is no reply, the fringe gets stronger. Couple that with the myth that this is just a quiet, back-water small town -- hardly bigger than Colona -- and you may have a problem.

Do you care enough to search out -- not the Fire Chief (CEO) -- but one of the members of the Board of Directors to ask him face-to-face "what's going on other than the rent ?" As the "Jolly Green Giant" says, Ho, Ho, Ho! See you at the Farmer's Market.

Comments

See ya wrote on Jul 9, 2009 6:53 PM:

" This topic has been over discussed! Let's move on! "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:51 AM:

" @ Correction,

You may be sure that anyone wandering in off the street would be welcomed with open arms; but that is not the universal experience.

I do not agree that I have wandered off-topic. Who is drawing pay for what is very much part of administration. "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:42 AM:

" @ Correction,

I was unsure of what Ashley meant and I included question marks to show that. "




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Wheredoesthisstuffcomefrom wrote on Jul 6, 2009 6:53 PM:

" most of the firefighter that are doing there clinicals are not getting payed over time for it and if they are going out of town for them they do that with out any over time. And i think there is 13 volunteers and i heard that there was a few more but they moved out of town, And from the volunteer that I know love being on and injoy it alot. And were did you get that "Volunteers are not respected, nor desired" "




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Correction wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:15 AM:

" BaldJim,
What Ashley was saying is that she took an EMT course (probably through the Vo-Tech) and was required to do clinicals (ride-alongs) with a department such as MFPD. The hospital had nothing to do with anything. Where did you get that? Nurses are not the only people required to do clinicals. I can tell that you should also go spend a day or two with MFPD to see what it is all about. I am sure they would be happy to have you. I understand that you want to watch admin, but you stray from the topic. "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 4, 2009 9:31 AM:

" >it is not your job to be department police, and they do not have to have your approval to operate<

That seems to be a summary of the slams against me personally rather than refutations of what I say.

As to the board's holding anyone highly accountable, that's a matter of opinion. "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 4, 2009 9:20 AM:

" >the Montrose Firefighters are not putting in free labor to Montrose Memorial<

I'm delighted to know that. It's a fine line between being a student and being free help.

In this case, the students are being paid firefighter FLSA overtime for their OJT in the hospital.

Everybody's doing it you say? "




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Laurawithhair wrote on Jul 3, 2009 11:03 PM:

" "Baldjim'-
I am i little relieved to hear that you at least do have some degree of respect for the firefighters, as that is not always evident from your rantings. You're right, it is the responsibility of the public to be concerned and informed about how our service agencies work. However, it is not your job to be department police, and they do not have to have your approval to operate. They are highly accountable to a board for that! "




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Laurawithhair wrote on Jul 3, 2009 10:55 PM:

" "Baldjim"
Don't worry- the Montrose Firefighters are not putting in free labor to Montrose Memorial. In the past they have welcomed students receiving education in emergency medical or fire fields, as they are big believers in training and education. This happens in fire departments across the country. Are you seriously just looking for anything at all you can fight about? "




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Laurawithhair wrote on Jul 3, 2009 10:50 PM:

" "Baldjim"- Where have you been? I have found it entertaining that you vanished from this discussion until someone would side with you! I'm curious though..are you always so negative? Wouldn't you be more proactive by trying a positive approach? Can you offer a single thing to say commending the MFPD administration? If so... I'd love to hear it!! "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 3, 2009 7:09 AM:

" The public should not let the glow of respect for the workers obscure the responsibilities of the board members and the chief (CEO).

The Grand Junction Rural District flew under the radar and lost big money through illegal >investments<.

The public is the watchbird. "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 3, 2009 7:02 AM:

" @ Prior Commentors,

Of course the firefighters and EMTs are respectable and hardworking. They have hard and dangerous jobs, and they deserve respect.

The best respect the public can show is to monitor carefully the people who govern & manage their work environment. "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 3, 2009 6:49 AM:

" @ Fact Check, You are going to anger the other commentors who think everything is wonderful.

Do you suppose the attitutude toward volunteers arises with the Board or the top paid Management Staff? "




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BaldJim wrote on Jul 3, 2009 6:43 AM:

" @ Ashley, you say: >I had the pleasure of working with the MFPD doing my clinicals< ; that's nurse training in the emergency room at the hospital? And what was the MFPD role? Who was paying them as they worked there? "




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Fact Check wrote on Jul 2, 2009 7:39 PM:

" Members don't dare complain for fear of losing their jobs. The couple of paid members who have tried to help the volunteers have been not only shot down, but also put on remedial duties.

It's time questions were raised about some of the MFD workings. This isn't to negate those members who bust their butts for the community to protect us and be there for us. However, there are internal issues that are long overdue for some attention. Behaviors toward volunteers is just one of them. "




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Fact Check wrote on Jul 2, 2009 7:36 PM:

" The MFD does NOT have 15 volunteers; maybe a handful. They keep just enough volunteers to continue grants and special funding. Otherwise they would rid themselves of them. Volunteers are not respected, nor desired. Few stay on. "




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PROUDOFTHEM wrote on Jul 2, 2009 1:23 PM:

" "RUBBLE RUBBLE" "




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Ashley wrote on Jul 1, 2009 1:44 PM:

" I am very proud to see the town of Montrose stick up for their local heros. I had the pleasure of working with the MFPD doing my clinicals and let me tell you...they are the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with! "




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rockhard wrote on Jun 29, 2009 5:07 PM:

" What is your deal with montrose fire department? It seems like every few months you Blablabla about MFPD. It is very easy to call them or go in to get the right information about things, and if its to hard to find this unknow fire department then here is the address: 441 S Uncompahgre. It seems like you are just board and need somthing to do! "




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rockhard wrote on Jun 29, 2009 1:09 PM:

" Bladjim I'm tried of hearing you balbalbal about montrose fire Department. Every other month it seem like you have somthing else to say about MFPD. What do you have against the fire department? O and the phone number is under the city goverment under, fire then go down to non-emergency hay look theres the number. "




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mister big wrote on Jun 28, 2009 3:17 PM:

" There the ones that save your're butt when you catch you're house o n fire. "




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Andrea wrote on Jun 26, 2009 4:20 PM:

" The MFPD has gone through a period of unprecedented growth and change. MFPD is now operating out of two stations, with Station 2 open in May 2007. The MFPD's team currently consists of 32 career, 10 reserve, 15 volunteer firefighters and one administrative assistant.

The personnel at the MFPD strive to provide excellent customer service with high expectations for our staff to be effective, responsive and innovative.

All you need to know really on the website "




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Andrea wrote on Jun 26, 2009 4:19 PM:

" The Montrose Fire Protection District (MFPD) proudly protects a population of approximately 25,000 in an area of 186 square miles. MFPD is a combination paid and volunteer department. MFPD is an independent taxing special district governed by an elected, five member, Board of Directors.

Montrose Fire Department was established in 1888. In May of 1946, Montrose Rural Fire District was formed. In January of 1978 the Montrose Fire Department merged with the Rural District to form the current MFPD. To further improve EMS levels and enhance customer service the MFPD purchased Montrose Ambulance in 1999. "




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ex- chief from wa state wrote on Jun 24, 2009 2:22 PM:

" It sounds like to same o' retoric by the uninformed and disgruntled.
All one has to do is attend the fire meetings and get your facts straight, .. But then again, if you do that , then there isn't anything to grouse about.
Be a real citizen, volunter to help the fire department.
Nough said "




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a_montrose_resident wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:13 PM:

" man, i sure hope that you may require or request the services you question. karma or not, you must wear a tin foil hat when you sleep. "




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Native wrote on Jun 21, 2009 11:20 AM:

" I willl never question a firfighter, who they are, where they came from, and who gives them their paycheck if they get one at all. They have dedicated their career to keeping people and their property safe and that is all I need to know. Thank you to the brave men and women that risk their lives for the lives of strangers. You are selfless and wonderful people!!!! Everyone could learn a good lesson from you! "




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Short Stack wrote on Jun 20, 2009 3:31 PM:

" Who is the Montrose Fire Department? They are the brave souls who come to our aid in the middle of the night, weekends or holidays, bad weather or good. They fight that which will or has killed, destroyed or injured. They keep us from dying and the Lord willing, bring us back when we have. They are a group of fine individuals who deserve our respect and support. I'm not one them, but I've seen them in action a few times and we're lucky to have them. That's who they are! "




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Laurawithhair wrote on Jun 19, 2009 11:21 PM:

" (Continued to BaldJim)...
let me just put your mind at ease, and tell you that the Montrose Fire Department doesn't often "fly under the radar", and their telephone number is quite accessible! They are respected in this community, so if you're looking for someone to jump on your bandwagon, you're barking up the wrong tree! "




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Laurawithhair wrote on Jun 19, 2009 11:17 PM:

" Bald Jim- Your statement that hardly any of the Montrose citizens know anything about the fire department and how it is governed is quite incorrect. As a lifelong citizen of Montrose, I'd like to ask that you please not speak for me. I'm not nor have I ever been employed by the MFPD. Im am not married to or related to anyone who is, yet I've had no problem becoming educated on their operations when I've been so inclined. Im not sure where it is you are from, but.... "




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patriot49 wrote on Jun 18, 2009 10:01 PM:

" continued: There is not a finer group of men and women. Just go down to the station and talk with them and they will answer your question or they can tell you where to find the answers. Don't try to degrade them without doing a little research. There is no connection between the county, city, or the fire district. they are a separate entity. Know what you are talking about before you complain. "




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Patriot 49 wrote on Jun 18, 2009 9:00 PM:

" Bald Jim - I am really disappointed in your comments. The board of directors are elected by the tax payers of the Montrose Fire District, not appointed by anyone. The Department used to be almost all volunteer but with the added responsibilities of the EMS, more career firefighters had to be added. There are still many volunteers and reserve firefighters.I know what I am talking about as I became a volunteer firefighter in 1972 and served this community until I retired. "




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Confused by Post wrote on Jun 18, 2009 9:09 AM:

" What's your point? Call the station and get the schedule for the board meetings and attend. I'm sure you'll be able to learn quite a bit about how the fire district operates. It seems like you are trying to start something, here. Do you have an agenda against the fire district? If so, don't make us guess what that is! "




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harryjames wrote on Jun 18, 2009 3:18 AM:

" baldjimcantdoasearch on MFPD

it looks like a private organization funded by a public tax on property.

MFPD took charge of these services in 1977, a mill levy increase was approved to finance their operations independent of the City.

Board of Directors

Gregory L. Bollig

Peter Cassidy, Jr.

Steve Ellis

James Haugsness

Paul McDermott, lots of familiar names! "




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