(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Helping Neighbors

showcrop

showcrop

Well-known Member
Tractor Cedric posted and Gtidwell wrote a good response yesterday about helping neighbors. Most of us our now in our days of needing a lot more help than we can give. Last year another one of the older guys on the Fire Department commented that he joined initially because he had seen his father live in town for twenty years without knowing hardly anyone, and that he wanted to be involved in the community. All rural towns require many people being involved in order to provide some of the needed services. If you look around your community you will see volunteers getting things done. There are few robots. There is a lot that seniors can do. I am a driver-operator, and also a slave driver, always urging the newer younger members to see what needs to be done in order to constantly make our department better. At a large event there are many support jobs that need to be done in order to free the longer members up to perform the more strenuous tasks. Your church also requires a lot of volunteer hours in order to provide the services that most people don't even know are being provided. Yes, there is a place for you, and you will get the benefit of the camaraderie and a new circle of friends.
 
It is a "me" culture that is rampant in the US, would agree that it has been growing since the 60s.
 
This same sentiment and interactive positive cooperation is easily applied to suburban and core city dwellers as well. Our telecommunications capability has allowed us
to think of friends as 50 people in our contacts lists. NOPE. Collectively we need to be far more local. Building trust. Building relationships of values. Building
community. Helping dig a post hole, rig a cross brace cable with turnbuckle for a gate, or fix lawn mower with a plugged air cleaner. Thanks for your insight. It is
high value. Jim
 
When i was a kid my father was in the Lions Club in the summer they mowed the lawns for many elderly people--I always went with him and did a lot of the mowing as other sons did also--he was also an ex fire chief and commisioner
 
There was a lot more volunteer work done in our
community before our County was turned into a
Regional Municipality. Now only Union employees
are able to run things like the local ball park and
hockey rink, and the prices have gone up and up to
the point these facilities are used less and less. Our
local Lions club used to do lots of volunteer work at
both, but are now not welcome. The Lions raised
funds to build the skating rink , and put up the ball
park, complete with lights, but once the Municipality
took over control, nothing gets done. No community
participation and feelings of pride in community
accomplishment. Thanks government, thanks
Unions.
 
I am 70 this month. Grew up in the country. It use to be when someone needed help. You helped them. Getting harder to find people like that anymore. I am blessed with a son that still follows the old ways.
 
I admire communities that stick together
and help each other out. My community
isn't one of those. I personally hate my
local town. My family has been around
this area for over 100 years. I still
remember when my dad died years ago. I
was 10 years old and before he even had a
funeral the btos were hitting my mom up
about selling the ground to them. The
local fire chief is the biggest crook and
is angling to become the police chief as
well. I'd rather drive 30 miles to the
next town and spend money than to support
this miserable little town.
 
I know what you mean.

My father-in-law died 8:00 one evening. At 7am the next morning one of the neighbors beat on my mother-in-law's door and told her if she wanted to sell the farm he'd write her a check on the spot. He's lucky I wasn't there or he'd have gotten a knuckle sandwich.

I live exactly halfway between two towns. My mailing address is from one and my telephone is from the other. I refuse to have anything to do with the town I get my mail from, and claim the other town as my home town. The town I get my mail from is so cliquish, and so intermarried and interrelated that if you aren't part of the local clique they don't want anything to do with you. Which is fine with me, I don't want anything to do with them, either.
 
Similar story to what Goose has posted. My brother, who was farming our father's land, died in a car crash early one morning at age 30. Before noon, a neighbor a couple of farms away was in the driveway wanting to rent the land. There are SOBs, there are rotten SOBs, and then there are people like that neighbor.
 
You must live close to me. When dad dies a neighbor was quick to ask us to sell him the farm. We said it is not for sale. 13 months later, mom died. Same neighbor was quick to tell us we need to sell him the farm as quick as we can get papers drawn up. We each told him the same thing. IF we decide to sell, he would be the last to know. He still lives close. If he drives past, we still wave at him just like all the others in the area. He almost gets whiplash looking the other way.

All the other neighbors are friendly and will give you the shirt off their back and go buy you another if there is a need.
 
I believe there is a place for anyone who can show up. We had a guy in an electric wheelchair for years as radio operator, and thankful to have him. Older guys like me drive truck or run pump or direct traffic. And keep our criticism to ourselves; let the younger guys run the dept in the way that works best for them.

Our state fire association has lobbied for more mandatory training hours than a young working man can volunteer for. That has drove many away from volunteering. Yes, training is important to keep you and the public safe. But having 4 hours of training on how to calculate flow rates is a waste of time for a rural department. We don't have the manpower and we don't have the water. Spend that time on something that makes sense for us. Grain rescue for example.

I went to a mandatory training a few years back. The trainer was from Minneapolis Fire I think, and the scenario was a grain elevator fire. He said after you set up 4 pumpers off 8 hydrant lines you locate four 4 man teams with a 500 GPM monitor nozzle one on each corner before beginning your attack. Everyone started laughing, he looked pretty confused. Finally someone said you don't have a clue. Here's our scenario. We just rolled up on this with one truck and five guys and maybe 2500 gallons of water. Mutual Aid is 15 minutes away, that is if their truck started on the first try. Now you tell us what to do. He couldn't deal with that. We do what we can with what we got. And we do a damn good job with it I might add.
 
(quoted from post at 07:42:38 07/24/20) I believe there is a place for anyone who can show up. We had a guy in an electric wheelchair for years as radio operator, and thankful to have him. Older guys like me drive truck or run pump or direct traffic. And keep our criticism to ourselves; let the younger guys run the dept in the way that works best for them.

Our state fire association has lobbied for more mandatory training hours than a young working man can volunteer for. That has drove many away from volunteering. Yes, training is important to keep you and the public safe. But having 4 hours of training on how to calculate flow rates is a waste of time for a rural department. We don't have the manpower and we don't have the water. Spend that time on something that makes sense for us. Grain rescue for example.

I went to a mandatory training a few years back. The trainer was from Minneapolis Fire I think, and the scenario was a grain elevator fire. He said after you set up 4 pumpers off 8 hydrant lines you locate four 4 man teams with a 500 GPM monitor nozzle one on each corner before beginning your attack. Everyone started laughing, he looked pretty confused. Finally someone said you don't have a clue. Here's our scenario. We just rolled up on this with one truck and five guys and maybe 2500 gallons of water. Mutual Aid is 15 minutes away, that is if their truck started on the first try. Now you tell us what to do. He couldn't deal with that. We do what we can with what we got. And we do a damn good job with it I might add.
Click to expand...
If you're using 8 hydrant lines, and only putting out 4-500 gpm lines, I'd say you're using 1960's firefighting tactics anyway. Guess this "trainer" never heard of LDH hose.
First thing is what are the exposures, what are your resources, and can you even put it out in that situation.
But a better scenario is, what can you do to improve your water supply in that area.
Our state (Ohio) requires an initial 36 hour class for volunteer firefighters, then 56 hours every 3 years after that to renew, which I think is entirely doable. I do think the Feds and states need to do better for VFD's in equipment and training resources.
 
(quoted from post at 07:42:38 07/24/20) I believe there is a place for anyone who can show up. We had a guy in an electric wheelchair for years as radio operator, and thankful to have him. Older guys like me drive truck or run pump or direct traffic. And keep our criticism to ourselves; let the younger guys run the dept in the way that works best for them.

Our state fire association has lobbied for more mandatory training hours than a young working man can volunteer for. That has drove many away from volunteering. Yes, training is important to keep you and the public safe. But having 4 hours of training on how to calculate flow rates is a waste of time for a rural department. We don't have the manpower and we don't have the water. Spend that time on something that makes sense for us. Grain rescue for example.

I went to a mandatory training a few years back. The trainer was from Minneapolis Fire I think, and the scenario was a grain elevator fire. He said after you set up 4 pumpers off 8 hydrant lines you locate four 4 man teams with a 500 GPM monitor nozzle one on each corner before beginning your attack. Everyone started laughing, he looked pretty confused. Finally someone said you don't have a clue. Here's our scenario. We just rolled up on this with one truck and five guys and maybe 2500 gallons of water. Mutual Aid is 15 minutes away, that is if their truck started on the first try. Now you tell us what to do. He couldn't deal with that. We do what we can with what we got. And we do a damn good job with it I might add.
Click to expand...


Doug, I am 71 years old. I was on my department for 35 years when the new young chief dismissed me despite my being one of the most active. A few years later the board of Selectmen dismissed HIM and I and some others were asked to come back. Soon after, at a regular training, I learned a new short manpower technique: Two guys can roll up with a pumper and a tanker. I tie my tank into my buddy's pump, he engages his pump and pulls the attack line, we dead man both pumps, then do our best to locate the fire room from outside. When we decide on the best window we take it out with the stream, then hit the ceiling with narrow fog from the ground. The stream will deflect off the ceiling and if done properly will even convert to steam and penetrate to wherever the fire may have extended to. This is a proven technique taught at the national fire academy. It enables old 70+ pharts to still do the job!
 
(quoted from post at 07:42:38 07/24/20) And keep our criticism to ourselves; let the younger guys run the dept in the way that works best for them.
Click to expand...

That is something that most older fellows have an extremely difficult time doing. They're used to being in power, calling the shots. Driving the younger guys away.
 
Yep, I like your example how fog spray converted to steam really knocks down the fire with a small amount of water. We used that plan on a house fire last fall but it got into the attic real bad. Put it out but saved nothing. But, no one got hurt. And like others said, you have to size up your situation. In my grain elevator example there isn't enough water, manpower, and equipment in a 20 mile radius to put it out. And what you going to save? Old 50's vintage wooden elevators are pretty worthless these days anyway. Work your exposures and just try to keep it contained. Any call where everyone comes home is a good call, be safe out there.

cvphoto51315.jpg
 
When I was a kid all the neighbors worked together.
One had a Farmall H and baler, another had an Allice
CA and AC small round baler. My Grandpa was a horse
farmer but had a horse drawn mower. When it was hay
time, they went from farm to farm and put up hay.
The women folk would always put on a feed at lunch
time. They would bake and take pies, bread and cakes
to each place where they were working. Corn picking
time and wheat harvest were the same as well as
butchering. I sure wish times were like that today,
we'd have a lot less problems in this country if they
were. I do miss the community get togethers like
that.
 
Yep, twin story from me. Pa had been renting half the farm to a neighbor (Bernie) for several years before he died. At the funeral lunch a different neighbor came up to me and said Mother should rent the whole farm to him. I said if you rent Mothers farm, who's farm is Bernie going to rent. He didn't know what to say. I told that to Mother and she said,, before I would rent to him I would leave the farm lay idle and grow up in weeds.
 
(quoted from post at 09:38:12 07/24/20)
(quoted from post at 07:42:38 07/24/20) I believe there is a place for anyone who can show up. We had a guy in an electric wheelchair for years as radio operator, and thankful to have him. Older guys like me drive truck or run pump or direct traffic. And keep our criticism to ourselves; let the younger guys run the dept in the way that works best for them.

Our state fire association has lobbied for more mandatory training hours than a young working man can volunteer for. That has drove many away from volunteering. Yes, training is important to keep you and the public safe. But having 4 hours of training on how to calculate flow rates is a waste of time for a rural department. We don't have the manpower and we don't have the water. Spend that time on something that makes sense for us. Grain rescue for example.

I went to a mandatory training a few years back. The trainer was from Minneapolis Fire I think, and the scenario was a grain elevator fire. He said after you set up 4 pumpers off 8 hydrant lines you locate four 4 man teams with a 500 GPM monitor nozzle one on each corner before beginning your attack. Everyone started laughing, he looked pretty confused. Finally someone said you don't have a clue. Here's our scenario. We just rolled up on this with one truck and five guys and maybe 2500 gallons of water. Mutual Aid is 15 minutes away, that is if their truck started on the first try. Now you tell us what to do. He couldn't deal with that. We do what we can with what we got. And we do a damn good job with it I might add.
Click to expand...


Doug, I am 71 years old. I was on my department for 35 years when the new young chief dismissed me despite my being one of the most active. A few years later the board of Selectmen dismissed HIM and I and some others were asked to come back. Soon after, at a regular training, I learned a new short manpower technique: Two guys can roll up with a pumper and a tanker. I tie my tank into my buddy's pump, he engages his pump and pulls the attack line, we dead man both pumps, then do our best to locate the fire room from outside. When we decide on the best window we take it out with the stream, then hit the ceiling with narrow fog from the ground. The stream will deflect off the ceiling and if done properly will even convert to steam and penetrate to wherever the fire may have extended to. This is a proven technique taught at the national fire academy. It enables old 70+ pharts to still do the job!
Click to expand...
I know that it's hard to find guys to volunteer, but 71 years old is a liability IMHO. The local jurisdiction is now liable for any LODD benefits if anything happens, and that can mean a LOT of money. I'll retire from fulltime before I'm 62, and I MAY stay on until 65 on my POC rural FD, but not after that. I have to pass a stress test every year.
FYI, hitting it from the outside is not new, but if you can only do that, good luck putting an actual stop on a lot of fires.
 
(quoted from post at 20:32:42 07/26/20)
(quoted from post at 09:38:12 07/24/20)
(quoted from post at 07:42:38 07/24/20) I believe there is a place for anyone who can show up. We had a guy in an electric wheelchair for years as radio operator, and thankful to have him. Older guys like me drive truck or run pump or direct traffic. And keep our criticism to ourselves; let the younger guys run the dept in the way that works best for them.

Our state fire association has lobbied for more mandatory training hours than a young working man can volunteer for. That has drove many away from volunteering. Yes, training is important to keep you and the public safe. But having 4 hours of training on how to calculate flow rates is a waste of time for a rural department. We don't have the manpower and we don't have the water. Spend that time on something that makes sense for us. Grain rescue for example.

I went to a mandatory training a few years back. The trainer was from Minneapolis Fire I think, and the scenario was a grain elevator fire. He said after you set up 4 pumpers off 8 hydrant lines you locate four 4 man teams with a 500 GPM monitor nozzle one on each corner before beginning your attack. Everyone started laughing, he looked pretty confused. Finally someone said you don't have a clue. Here's our scenario. We just rolled up on this with one truck and five guys and maybe 2500 gallons of water. Mutual Aid is 15 minutes away, that is if their truck started on the first try. Now you tell us what to do. He couldn't deal with that. We do what we can with what we got. And we do a damn good job with it I might add.
Click to expand...


Doug, I am 71 years old. I was on my department for 35 years when the new young chief dismissed me despite my being one of the most active. A few years later the board of Selectmen dismissed HIM and I and some others were asked to come back. Soon after, at a regular training, I learned a new short manpower technique: Two guys can roll up with a pumper and a tanker. I tie my tank into my buddy's pump, he engages his pump and pulls the attack line, we dead man both pumps, then do our best to locate the fire room from outside. When we decide on the best window we take it out with the stream, then hit the ceiling with narrow fog from the ground. The stream will deflect off the ceiling and if done properly will even convert to steam and penetrate to wherever the fire may have extended to. This is a proven technique taught at the national fire academy. It enables old 70+ pharts to still do the job!
Click to expand...
I know that it's hard to find guys to volunteer, but 71 years old is a liability IMHO. The local jurisdiction is now liable for any LODD benefits if anything happens, and that can mean a LOT of money. I'll retire from fulltime before I'm 62, and I MAY stay on until 65 on my POC rural FD, but not after that. I have to pass a stress test every year.
FYI, hitting it from the outside is not new, but if you can only do that, good luck putting an actual stop on a lot of fires.
Click to expand...


John, I understand where you are coming from, however, fitness is not necessarily measured in years. Plenty of firefighters are in danger of sudden death by heart attack due to obesity. Our department has a member who is in his late thirties who is unable to come close to performing the level of strenuous activity that I am. One former member had to be assisted from the building during training.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

db4600
Silo for Saturday
Replies
7
Views
751
db4600
db4600
J
Problems with auto parts stores
2 3
Replies
56
Views
2K
wingnuttx
wingnuttx
R
Alternator Confusion, Positive Ground
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
used red MN
U
YTSupport
Merry Christmas!
Replies
9
Views
424
cpratt
cpratt
cpratt
  • Sticky
Community Features Forum
2
Replies
26
Views
761
DoubleO7
DoubleO7
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top