Special parking for Volly.

[nightwolf]

I am currently in my second year of college in upstate NY. I am a FF with the local FD (I am also an EMT, and although I am only starting to run ems with the dept., I am one of few members cross-trained). On campus, student parking is quite a way from my dorm and classes, and it is very difficult to get a spot in the closest student lot. As it stands now, it's a 500ft+ run to my truck from my dorm, and further from central classes (I don't often leave classes but when I'm in dining hall, etc. i respond). There is a staff parking lot 100ft from my dorm, much closer to class buildings, and further along my response route to my firehouse. I calculated the difference in response times to be about a minute, which added to my response greatly decreases my chance of making the first truck. I work at the parking desk at school and have a respectable relationship with the individual responsible for parking. Last year, when I requested special parking privileges, I was bluntly denied. Am I justified in [requesting] this perk or way out of line? Should I make another formal request for closer parking?

 

[JazzDad]

... the difference in response times to be about a minute...

Ah, yes. First truck out syndrome. Many an incident, accident and near-miss have occurred by needing to be there first.

 

[fire1]

I am currently in my second year of college in upstate NY. I am a FF with the local FD (I am also an EMT, and although I am only starting to run ems with the dept., I am one of few members cross-trained). On campus, student parking is quite a way from my dorm and classes, and it is very difficult to get a spot in the closest student lot. As it stands now, it's a 500ft+ run to my truck from my dorm, and further from central classes (I don't often leave classes but when I'm in dining hall, etc. i respond). There is a staff parking lot 100ft from my dorm, much closer to class buildings, and further along my response route to my firehouse. I calculated the difference in response times to be about a minute, which added to my response greatly decreases my chance of making the first truck. I work at the parking desk at school and have a respectable relationship with the individual responsible for parking. Last year, when I requested special parking privileges, I was bluntly denied. Am I justified in expecting this perk or way out of line? Should I make another formal request for closer parking?

I would like to see this happen, but do not think it will, Even though you are a EMS/FF, which is great. They do not see EMS or FF needing spacial parking. Normally reserved for some type of handicap. Ask the person in charge of parking If you do not know how they determine the need.


Good luck

 

[chief1562]

No! I am sure unless your dept. does not have enough people you should not worry about first out. We have people around here who are vollies with a few of the departments.


And unless it's a second tone out for manpower you should not put the campus and the other students in jeoparty because you think you need to run first call.


Don't get me wrong about responding.


You keep wanting to be first call will put you in dutch with the teachers and admin.


We've had close calls because of students attending college and being responders.


And just because you are a vollie gives you no speical consideration in school or on a job.


It's up to the school and the job to allow you to leave.


Most employers will let you go if you get a multiable call out.


But not a first.


This my opinion as a former vollie of 15+years.

 

[Zoe]

The University of Massachusetts in Amherst has a close relationship with the Town's FD. There is a "Student Force" Engine company that is staffed by UMASS, Hampshire and Amherst College students, and responds to calls on nights and weekends. In turn for their service, the students have the opportunity to live in dorm rooms in one of the FD stations.


The reason I mention this is because (and at least this is how it was a few years ago) the students who are a part of this program are eligible for special parking permits which allows them to park in any permit lot on campus.


That said, the students do not have lights/sirens in their vehicles... it just allows them to park closer to class... otherwise the walk could be 45min from one end of campus back to their normal lot. When their are box alarms the students can get to the station sooner.


Now, I'm going to say this, and please take it in the spirit for which it is intended... but I think you should get it out of your head that you will, or need to, make the first truck.


I'm not saying that you should necessarily advocate for a similar parking system at your school... but just so you are aware that these types of arrangements do exist.


EDIT


For those interested: Engine 3 - Amherst Fire Dept > Home

 

[Decklights]

That is how it is here at Penn State most of the FD have live in programs and you have to staff the rigs when your not in classes and off duty at night, unless you want to run

 

[BigWil]

You don't know until you ask. Just don't be a sore loser if they say no. I'd send it up in writing, explaining the situation, and go from there. Explaining that you usually don't leave class, but you will go from the dorm/meal hall makes a difference. Also, not being in first year any longer should help, provided you aren't a discipline issue (driving complaints on campus, noise complaints in the dorm) you have a chance. They most likely get lots of requests from self entitled brats in their first year.


Bottom line: You already have a "no", try for a "yes"

 

[nightwolf]

I guess it's because I am young and naive, but I've never ran a call where upon arriving at station I was told that younger qualified members were not needed/desired on the first rig. Is this a new occurrence in towns where Volunteer departments aren't struggling for manpower and to staff a truck? Only responding on a re-alert or upgraded call? Where I am from, you better have a good reason for sitting through the first page. Also associating making the truck/first due with reckless is a bit of a reach for most.


Edit: Guess I should make it clear that i have no problems with the yes/no opinions. Just a little shocked to find out some peoples opinions regarding responding to calls.

 

[Doug]

Last year, when I requested special parking privileges, I was bluntly denied. Am I justified in expecting this perk or way out of line? Should I make another formal request for closer parking?

Just my two cents, but I'd say that you should ask for (desire) this perk, but not expect (in my mind, demand) it.


I would take a look at where you are in school, where you stand with your FD and evaluate if this is something that is absolutely necessary in the interest of public staffing (in other words, are you making up minimum staffing?), and, once you have reached your conclusion, talk with the school and the FD about the situation. If they deem it necessary, perhaps the FD can add some weight to your cause of a closer parking spot.

 

[chief1562]

I guess it's because I am young and naive, but I've never ran a call where upon arriving at station I was told that younger qualified members were not needed/desired on the first rig. Is this a new occurrence in towns where Volunteer departments aren't struggling for manpower and to staff a truck? Only responding on a re-alert or upgraded call? Where I am from, you better have a good reason for sitting through the first page. Also associating making the truck/first due with reckless is a bit of a reach for most.
Edit: Guess I should make it clear that i have no problems with the yes/no opinions. Just a little shocked to find out some peoples opinions regarding responding to calls.

Ok lets try this.


How old are you?


How long you been in the vollie service?


What year are you in school? 2 years check


How far are you from the station?


How many people are possiably available during the day?


How far is mutual aid?


Are you rescue or ambulance staffed.


And what is your company SOP's on responding?


Let's try and keep it here and not sent to the Ring.

 

[BigWil]

The best way to do this is to look at it like a school project, complete with research.


Find out if any schools in the area do offer any consideration for volunteer FF/EMTs;


Find out what the exact policy is for those schools;


Explain the area that your FD responds to, and the demographics (number of vollys/number of paid members)


Lay out exactly what the benefit to the FD and your response area is for you to save the 5 minutes or whatever it is for you to park closer;


be prepared to show ID to prove your membership in the FD.


The more info you give them to support your request, the more likely they are to give it. If you just walk in and ask, they'll say no for sure.

 

[DDCtech]

It would be nice to HOPE for a perk like this. I think a lot of us Volunteer guys would like to the sublte recognition of what we do for the community. Unfortunately the things we think are great ideas never seem to occur to the administrators of the world. They probably feeling like making VFFs a special case will open the door for others to demand what you are simply asking for. Is there pregnant woman parking? How about for military recruiters? They just might not want to open the door.


Just keep things like this in the back of your mind for when, someday, you are in charge of something such as this, and you can be the one to say yes. Otherwise, the dude abides.

 

[C420sailor]

Ok lets try this.
How old are you?


How long you been in the vollie service?


What year are you in school? 2 years check


How far are you from the station?


How many people are possiably available during the day?


How far is mutual aid?


Are you rescue or ambulance staffed.


And what is your company SOP's on responding?


Let's try and keep it here and not sent to the Ring.

What does any of that have to do with responding quickly? When my pager goes off, I get to my truck as quickly as possible, drive expeditiously (but safely) to the station, gear up as quickly as possible, and get on the first rig I can make. I don't game the game by trying to predict who might be available, or what other company could possibly cover us if we're slow getting out. If I happen to be far from the station, I still respond just as expeditiously, until a slow down/under control is transmitted, or all of the rigs are out of the barn.


I don't know about you, but I was always taught to never be complacent, and always act like any call, regardless of how benign it may sound initially, could be the big one.

 

[nightwolf]

What does any of that have to do with responding quickly? When my pager goes off, I get to my truck as quickly as possible, drive expeditiously (but safely) to the station, gear up as quickly as possible, and get on the first rig I can make. I don't game the game by trying to predict who might be available, or what other company could possibly cover us if we're slow getting out. If I happen to be far from the station, I still respond just as expeditiously, until a slow down/under control is transmitted, or all of the rigs are out of the barn.

I don't know about you, but I was always taught to never be complacent, and always act like any call, regardless of how benign it may sound initially, could be the big one.

Likely to be used in an attempt to dismiss my argument based on age/experience.


Move with urgency but do not rush. The volunteer service only works because people are willing to drop what they are doing and respond to calls (the first time tones drop!). One who can not make a judgement call about how to respond safely (yes, even when driving through a college campus! ), does not belong in emergency services.


How old are you?


19


How long you been in the vollie service?


4


What year are you in school?


2 years check


How far are you from the station?


1.4 miles


How many people are possiably available during the day?


Depends which available volunteers decided to wait for the re-alert.


Minus the sarcasm, it still depends.


How far is mutual aid?


9 miles


Are you rescue or ambulance staffed.


1 bus duty crew, rest on call. FD all on call


And what is your company SOP's on responding?


Apparatus or POV?

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

Am I justified in expecting this perk or way out of line? Should I make another formal request for closer parking?

A perk is just that... A perk. You have no reasonable expectation of anything, as much as you would EXPECT people to move out of the way for a COURTESY light.


Also, unless I missed you mentioning, just out of curiosity, whereabouts in "upstate NY" are you going to school?

 

[nightwolf]

A perk is just that... A perk. You have no reasonable expectation of anything, as much as you would EXPECT people to move out of the way for a COURTESY light.

I realize expect was the wrong word, replace with "request"

 

[boboloo]

Try visiting the Dean of Students, or if there is not one then visit the Dean. The Parking Department may not have any leeway to offer you.


If you decide to visit him/her, perhaps start with how much service you give to the community as a volly- part of which may be required volunteer service by your school. Talk about your safe driving record and all of the hours of safety training you do (he will immediately be thinking of safety). Talk about your grades (if they are good!)


Do not think of it as a perk or a privileged. You will still pay the same amount as other students. It is a reasonable accommodation just like many students get for different issues all of the time.


The dean may have a problem with you responding from the classroom as your education is uppermost in his mind and insinuating that you are not 100% dedicated to the class and the college may not be so good. I would only bring up parking close to the dorm. Your extracurricular and off-hours work is almost as important to the dean as your classwork. In my mind asking for "Reasonable Accommodation" isn't too much to ask for.


Good Luck to you!


:thumbsup:

 

[theroofable]

I respond to calls from my college during class if the call is anything other than a fire alarm. The professors always supported this, and I was able to maintain above average grades. I am confused as to why age comes into play about why he should/shouldn't leave for calls. Qualified is qualified.


And what is up with this stuff:

And unless it's a second tone out for manpower you should not put the campus and the other students in jeoparty because you think you need to run first call.


Don't get me wrong about responding.


You keep wanting to be first call will put you in dutch with the teachers and admin.


We've had close calls because of students attending college and being responders.


It's up to the school and the job to allow you to leave.

First off how does leaving college put anyone in "jeoparty"? Secondly, its up to a student if they want to leave or not because they are paying for the school and responsible for their own actions. A job is another story, and even that depends, some towns have policies to let their employees leave for calls.

 

[C420sailor]

Secondly, its up to a student if they want to leave or not because they are paying for the school and responsible for their own actions.

This.


Nothing pissed me off more than dealing with a stuck up professor who claimed that I was disrespecting him/her for not attending class, or leaving early. Let's get this straight. I'M PAYING YOU to educate me. I come to class to learn, not to feed your ego. If something comes up that I deem more important, I'm leaving. End of story.


Some professors need to try living outside the bubble of academia.


[/threadjack]

 

[Bill Boyd]

I'd talk to the FD Chief about this first. Knowing Small Town Upstate NY Politics, if it got back to the Chief that you asked for this and he doesn't know about it, could cause you to get a good a$$ reaming by the chief. Especially if this is the department I think you have described that is near where I live..... a SUNY School......

 

[chief1562]

I may be wrong.... But this is what i'm getting at when the youth get it in their heads the deserve or expect more just because they vol. It may be a far reach from a parking issue. But if you think you deserve the right to park closer because you are a vollie,then you might later also feel you have the right to speak your mind to the media because you are a vollie.


http://elightbars.org/forums/f23/all-you-emergency-medical-services-providers-example-what-not-do-when-speaking-media-29412/?highlight=ithaca+college


And I expect to get reamed on this too.


Still didn't see where you are going to school.

 

[nightwolf]

I may be wrong.... But this is what i'm getting at when the youth get it in their heads the deserve or expect more just because they vol. It may be a far reach from a parking issue. But if you think you deserve the right to park closer because you are a vollie,then you might later also feel you have the right to speak your mind to the media because you are a vollie.
http://elightbars.org/forums/f23/all-you-emergency-medical-services-providers-example-what-not-do-when-speaking-media-29412/?highlight=ithaca+college


And I expect to get reamed on this too.


Still didn't see where you are going to school.

A few people who've commented already know where I attend school it seems and it's something I'd rather not openly announce. I didn't know requesting such a thing could reflect badly on the department/with my chief, I guess I will have to contact him next. This is the reason I asked the question, as I understand it can stir up some controversy and didn't want to make ripples without first testing the water online. It's only my first week of classes, and I've only responded to a couple calls with the parking setup as it is. It will take a few more to determine if I can deal with my current lot. I feel like switching the theme to self-entitled is another jump and I whole-hardily disagree. It's not like a closer spot will help me in any way other than when I respond to calls, and normally I would welcome the bit of exercise that comes with the walk. To me it always came up as the question: Can this change result in me being able to better serve the community/department that I am on...and it was my initial assumption that the answer was yes. It's good to hear everyone's opinions, but I don't feel this is a slippery slope as much as it is a one time permission with limited consequences.

 

[ryan81986]

This.

Nothing pissed me off more than dealing with a stuck up professor who claimed that I was disrespecting him/her for not attending class, or leaving early. Let's get this straight. I'M PAYING YOU to educate me. I come to class to learn, not to feed your ego. If something comes up that I deem more important, I'm leaving. End of story.


Some professors need to try living outside the bubble of academia.


[/threadjack]

Agreed. I had a professor who stated that he would fail anyone who missed 3+ classes w/o a valid excuse. Why? As long as I take in the information and pass the exams what does it matter?


On the other end, I had a professor who basically said "I don't care if you show up or not, just realize that studies show that the less you show up, the lower the grades tend to be. But do whatever you want"

 

[theroofable]

I may be wrong.... But this is what i'm getting at when the youth get it in their heads the deserve or expect more just because they vol. It may be a far reach from a parking issue. But if you think you deserve the right to park closer because you are a vollie,then you might later also feel you have the right to speak your mind to the media because you are a vollie.
http://elightbars.org/forums/f23/all-you-emergency-medical-services-providers-example-what-not-do-when-speaking-media-29412/?highlight=ithaca+college


And I expect to get reamed on this too.


Still didn't see where you are going to school.

Stop putting all the "youth" in the same category. The category should be idiots. Idiots come in all ages. Im sure you cant blame every problem in a department on the younger members and but it seems like you want to. You still havent explained how students put your department in "jepoarty" and had close calls...

 

[boboloo]

It's good to hear everyone's opinions, but I don't feel this is a slippery slope as much as it is a one time permission with limited consequences.

Next you will be demanding food stamps and public housing!!


On a serious note: Nightwolf, you are responding very respectfully to some of the critiques you are getting. You asked a simple question and received a few responses that were out in left field. IMHO: Some members here are a bit envious of you because your young and trying to improve yourself. I know the feeling; I am old, fat and lazy & a little Green-eyed too.

 

[Cam]

If you ask once and they said no, I'd leave it at that. Keep asking or trying to go over the head of your boss isn't going to help you any I don't think.

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

If you ask once and they said no, I'd leave it at that. Keep asking or trying to go over the head of your boss isn't going to help you any I don't think.

:iagree: :goodpost:

 

[partss11]

First off, the parking office is always going to be stubborn on this issue. I spent 4.5 years in the SUNY system (Criminal Justice BA and Paramedic Degrees) before moving to AZ, and the only way I found to improve my response time to fire calls was to move off campus. You should look into that, because besides the improved response time, you will have a lower cost of living and less loans to deal with when you get out of school.


Also if you haven't already, look into your college's student-run EMS system. Most upstate NY colleges have them, and they are a great way to meet people and improve your EMS skills. Homepage

 

[chief1562]

Stop putting all the "youth" in the same category. The category should be idiots. Idiots come in all ages. Im sure you cant blame every problem in a department on the younger members and but it seems like you want to. You still havent explained how students put your department in "jepoarty" and had close calls...

Simple they thought they should try their damndest to get to the station as fast as they could and were reported that they almost ran people off the road and demanding the right of way with blowing their horn and also passing on the right. Not obeying traffic laws.


Suspended.


My biggest beef is that alot of todays youth think or expect everything to be handed to them.


They have no idea of how to earn respect. But expect people to respect them.


I have nothing against young people joining the fire/ems service. because they will eventually be in there to take up the slack of the retired or life members who no longer serve on the pipe.


Resently in a department a chief told a few younger members that what he said and did was gospel. That if he cleared them to drive it was alright.


He was caught going to a parade with the engine and a member under the age of 21 was driving.


Was brought up at the next commissioners meeting he was not authorized to clear drivers and that the bylaws and SOPs clearly state that no one under the age of 21 was allowed to drive the rigs.


He resigned along with the one under 21 and 2 others.


Some of the younger people who want to join are only in it for the hope of driving the rigs and when they can't they quit.They seem to feel if they can drive a car they can drive a fire truck at 18.


I just want you understand that when you are told "NO" there is a good reason.


Just a side note I was forced to retire because i lost my leg above the knee and was told there was nothing for me to do there anymore.


Now they are hurting for any kind of members to join.

 

[CPDG23]

Simple they thought they should try their damndest to get to the station as fast as they could and were reported that they almost ran people off the road and demanding the right of way with blowing their horn and also passing on the right. Not obeying traffic laws.
Suspended.


My biggest beef is that alot of todays youth think or expect everything to be handed to them.


They have no idea of how to earn respect. But expect people to respect them.


I have nothing against young people joining the fire/ems service. because they will eventually be in there to take up the slack of the retired or life members who no longer serve on the pipe.


Resently in a department a chief told a few younger members that what he said and did was gospel. That if he cleared them to drive it was alright.


He was caught going to a parade with the engine and a member under the age of 21 was driving.


Was brought up at the next commissioners meeting he was not authorized to clear drivers and that the bylaws and SOPs clearly state that no one under the age of 21 was allowed to drive the rigs.


He resigned along with the one under 21 and 2 others.


Some of the younger people who want to join are only in it for the hope of driving the rigs and when they can't they quit.They seem to feel if they can drive a car they can drive a fire truck at 18.


I just want you understand that when you are told "NO" there is a good reason.


Just a side note I was forced to retire because i lost my leg above the knee and was told there was nothing for me to do there anymore.


Now they are hurting for any kind of members to join.

I think all old people are retarded because their spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure is horrible.


How's it feel to be lumped into that bunch?


Asking permission for a better parking spot is 100% valid in my opinion. There is absolutely no harm in explaining the benefits/rewards to the needed admins and hoping for the best.

 

[WS224]

I fully understand where Cheif1565 is coming from, BC I get pissed off at a lot of these kids who think the world owes them something, especially when they use some sense of grand firefighting to do it. Having said that, I am not saying that what was going on here. As others have said, ask but expect nothing.


I will also add that I am 40 years old and if I am dispatched as a paid guy or volunteering to go get the rig, if I am going I want to get there first.

 

[RescueWV]

My thoughts:


Whether you realize it or not, you are representing your department when you make this sort of request to your school or any other organization (whether it be school, work, neighbors, etc.) With that being said, the first conversation you have should be with your chief. Talk through it all with him/her, make sure they see all the angles. Get them on your side. You want your chief to be able to write a glowing recommendation to the extent of "John Smith is a valuable member of OurTown FD and the safety of our town benefits from his ability to respond quickly. Any parking accomodations made would help him respond quicker and further our goal of protecting OurTown." If they're not on board with you at this point, just stop. If they value your service though, they'll try and pitch in.


After that, when it comes time to actually make the request. Make sure it's in writing, and as others have suggested, make sure you've done your homework: have a formal request letter from you, a recommendation from your chief, information about how this will help the local community, suggestions about how to implement it, etc. Nice, professional looking package for someone higher-up in the parking office.


Finally, if they say no, go with it. It's not worth putting up a huge fight. Realize that you're already doing a great thing for the community in the fact that you're able to respond at all. Realize that as a college student, your schedule is more flexible than most and you'll probably responding to MORE calls than most (even if it is a minute slower).

 

[NERT11]

Volunteers often get criticized by full time firefighters, and sometimes people that just need something to complain about. I know where you are coming from, having started myself at 20 years old last year. I've seen some stuff that I'd never wish anyone to have to see in their lifetime, and felt things inside that I'd hope nobody has to feel. We don't do what we do to get special privileges, recognition, nor do we expect them. I personally can't stand the media being around scenes.


I do feel that if there are available spaces as close as possible to where you are, you should be given access to park there. They might say no to you now, but I'm sure if they found out that their husband/wife/kids were trapped in a mangled car (that's perhaps on fire), laying on the living room floor having a heart attack, or that their own house was on fire and seen you running the distance to your vehicle while looking at a close empty space, they'd regret telling you no right quick. Seems foolish to protect an empty 8x20 piece of asphalt just because it says "staff" on it when seconds count. I once had an employer tell me no to going to calls until I reminded him that his restaurant is in my district, and his house is in my district.


The way I see it, asking to park there isn't asking for special privileges yourself, it's asking to offer every citizen in your district better service, including those denying you. That's what it's all about, helping the community. And for those who speak of volunteers having "make the first truck syndrome"? Getting to the station as efficiently as possible isn't about the status or excitement of making the first truck. It's about getting the first truck off the ramp and on scene as fast as possible, because the fire isn't going to slow down because it knows that it's a volly department that's coming and not a full time station, nor is a persons heart going to have less issues or cars going to collide with less force... Full support

 

[C420sailor]

Realize that as a college student, your schedule is more flexible than most and you'll probably responding to MORE calls than most (even if it is a minute slower).

Yup. When I was a senior, most of my classes were afternoon/evening types. It was perfect for weekday partying and sleeping in late. I was also one of very few members available to make calls during the day, while everyone else was at work.

 

[theroofable]

Simple they thought they should try their damndest to get to the station as fast as they could and were reported that they almost ran people off the road and demanding the right of way with blowing their horn and also passing on the right. Not obeying traffic laws.
Suspended.


My biggest beef is that alot of todays youth think or expect everything to be handed to them.


They have no idea of how to earn respect. But expect people to respect them.


I have nothing against young people joining the fire/ems service. because they will eventually be in there to take up the slack of the retired or life members who no longer serve on the pipe.


Resently in a department a chief told a few younger members that what he said and did was gospel. That if he cleared them to drive it was alright.


He was caught going to a parade with the engine and a member under the age of 21 was driving.


Was brought up at the next commissioners meeting he was not authorized to clear drivers and that the bylaws and SOPs clearly state that no one under the age of 21 was allowed to drive the rigs.


He resigned along with the one under 21 and 2 others.


Some of the younger people who want to join are only in it for the hope of driving the rigs and when they can't they quit.They seem to feel if they can drive a car they can drive a fire truck at 18.

Again, you are putting youth into a whole category. Just because YOUR department had bad luck with younger members doesn't mean that is the case everywhere or anywhere else. And what would you do if the minimum driving age was 18 and there were some young people who could drive better than older members? You must realize that your town is not the whole world, and do not expect it to be like it is at your department. You are acting like the young people at every department are arrogant, reckless, and disrespectful. The sad part is that you still don't understand what you are doing by generalizing a category of people. It must be because all people your age are stubborn and dislike young people. Oh wait...

I just want you understand that when you are told "NO" there is a good reason.

Who is telling me no? And why do you think I am not capable of making good judgement on my own?

 

[crash_over-ride]

Just come out and say where you go to school, it's too late at night for me to figure it out. I went to two separate universities in Upstate NY, while volunteering with the local FD. All I'll say is that one of them was in chief1565's neck of the woods (and scarily enough I was even a line officer in one of his mutual aid departments for 18 months). My generic advice, coming from someone who was once a 19 year old taking a bus to the local firehouse (those were dark days) is that the sky won't fall if you don't make the first due piece.

 

[bwoodruff]

I'd talk to the FD Chief about this first. Knowing Small Town Upstate NY Politics, if it got back to the Chief that you asked for this and he doesn't know about it, could cause you to get a good a$$ reaming by the chief. Especially if this is the department I think you have described that is near where I live..... a SUNY School......

Billy makes an excellent point. Unless the Chief is okay with you doing so I wouldn't request any special consideration "because I'm a firefighter." That kind of stuff can get you in a LOT of trouble, and it is often very difficult (if not imposible) to rebuild a rapport with your Chief after you've tarnished it.

 

[GTRider245]

If a 500' run is either taking you so much time that your response times are suffering and/or that takes all the wind out of you, you might want to reconsider whether or not you should be responding.