The end of the year heightens emotions and brings worries to the forefront.
While some made resolutions to lose weight or stop smoking, the fire service continues to stress about budget cuts, manpower and crew safety.
There’s always going to be something to worry about, but a new year does offer everyone a new start and new optimism.
We asked our fans on Facebook to share their biggest worry going into 2015. Here are some of their responses.
Don’t see an issue that worries you? Add yours in the comment section.
1.“Recruitment of volunteers. It seems like nobody wants to anymore and it’s scary!” — Aaron Facincani
2.“Getting set up for a call, because of the threat against first responders.” — Kyle Roe
3.“Funding!” — Keith Buntin
4.“That’s easy. Recruitment and retention continue to be the biggest challenges we face. Young people are simply not making the commitment. If this trend continues, the nation as a whole will be faced with having to make dramatic changes to the fire service to continue to provide basic services.” — John Calef
5.“Getting our newer members up to speed on the fire side of our job. They focus so much on medicals that they have lost focus on the fire side.” — Mike Dandl
6.“Blatant disrespect for us while on busy scenes (highways, roadways, etc.).” — James Languirand
7.“Manpower to do the job we encounter each day — whether it be a minor call, structural fire or entrapment call.” — Daniel Nescot
8.“Budget cuts.” — John Walker
9.“Not having any body armor.” — Franklin Wyatt
10.“I don’t want to worry. I do have concerns about budget and staffing for my fire department, and I’m continuing my efforts to keep myself physically fit.” — Allen John Cameron
