Retained crewing

[Cut Fire Service Pay]

Im a W/T Ff and am just about to resign from the retained station were I provide cover for the reasons you give speck.

I live just around the corner from the station so could be first in and ride/drive the pump everytime but I don't. I have become so fed up with Lfs/SubOs doing the job of a Ff! If you have a Ff avalible to drive then that is what should happen. A JO should only drive if there are no Ff drivers! The other week we booked out with a Lf OIC, a Sub O driving! & in the back were 2 further Lfs and me, a Ff!! Meanwhile all of the Ffs are back at the station signing for an attendence. ITS DAFT management know all of this but do nothing about it.

As for being told to move closer, well that just about sums up some retained managers. I very often stand down so some of the other lads could ride the pump but sadly alot of the others will not. I agree also that NO pump should be booking out with a crew of 3. Its plain dangerous.

Im voting with my feet and packing it in.

[RLFACTOR]

when i first joined as a retained FF i was advised not to let the station take over my life! difficult when your so keen and eager and making alot of shouts..

 However after 4 months i changed my bread winning job and am now wholetime with the MOD fire service (DFRS) this now means alot of the time i am not around but when i am avalible i miss nearly all the shouts becuase of where i live!!!

 This has effected me over time becuase i am starting to lose the motivation and drive to be availble for calls and its also affecting my watch manager  as he is now getting shirty with me on trivial things!!! All becuase it seems like im making less of an effort which is true to an extent, but what is the point in me rushing into the station at 0300, steping through the door with the wagon still there just to see the same six people getting ready to roll as usual...