Firefighters accept pay cut

WOW! Firemen did you plan this special for this day? On a day where the police department is taking a major stand against the pay cuts? Is this so you can be the heroes again?

This is getting ridiculous. Police and Firemen both risks their lives to save others, however, that is where the similarities end. Police do not have the luxury of relaxing in recliners at night if they are not busy. They don't have the luxury of all going to the grocery store to eat a nice meal. The don't have the luxury of going to the gym and getting to play basketball on the back court. More than one police officer goes to get a quick bite to eat and they get comments such as "so this is where my tax paying dollars go" while firemen eat out together and they get their meals paid.

Police officers risk their lives every minute of their shift. The minute they put that uniform on they are a target. They risk being out in public with their families and getting recognized by someone they have arrested. Now, I will give this police officers chose to be police and not firemen (contrary to firemens beliefs) for very specific reasons. It takes a different individual to be a police officer and one who chooses law enforcement could not be a firemen. (and all you police and fire know what I mean).

Firemen are taking cuts - well believe it or not they will still get overtime when one of them calls in sick and their buddy gets to cover the shift. He will then return the favor. You mention how they give back to the community - well why would police officers want to volunteer their time to community service in a city where they are not respected and hated? Firemen are a different story altogether they are loved.

Please don't think I am firemen bashing - I am not. I know they risk their lives at times. However, bottom line is they are doing their jobs (just like everyone else who does a job). Firemen are not heroes they are real people doing real jobs. They have been elevated to another status. Why haven't police been elevated to the same level?

If police are suppose to take cuts then why isn't admin having to? Why are lts. being demoted back to sgts? Why is the bulk of the cuts being placed on the rank and file and not the admin who created this problem?

Stand steady and united PD. What your mayor, chief, and admin has done to you is unfair. You are a great bunch of individuals who together make a great team. Thanks for your efforts and for lowering crime in this city. Thanks for doing the job most people would never dream of doing.

Police supporter:

I could not have said it better! When they aren't fighting fires (during fire season) they are sitting around watching Housewives of Orange County and eating spaghetti. Once again, they come out smelling like roses. Hmmmm, coincidence they come out today when they know SBPD is having to rally at City Hall to let everyone know they are taking their paycut? I think not. What the public doesn't know is they will get recoup their 10%....how? They just pick up another overtime shift. What a joke.

While were on the subject of fireman...the stickers all over your cars look stupid.

Police Supporter and Janine,

You both have valid points, but PLEASE I urge you, don't allow the Mayor's mis-management, incompetence, and lack of leadership to become an issue between fire and police personnel and their respective supporters. When we have a gas leak in our home, a child is choking, or the mountains are burining, no one hesitates to call our fire guys. When shots are being fired, houses are burglarized, and businesses are getting robbed, we don't hesitate to call on our police. Both are valuable to our public safety. Focus on the real problems -----> The Mayor and the "Interim" City Manager.

Because there is constant manning written into their contracts, the firefighters only need to come up with a plan amongst themselves, they need to agree to use more sick time during the year so that they will have more overtime opportunities. Their overtime shifts are 24 hours long. Most likely many of them have already discussed this. So they won't be saving the city as much money as it looks like on paper. I hope the timing of the announcement of their 10% concession on the Sun Newspaper website today was not a decision by the Firefighter's association to hurt the efforts of the Police Officer's association. So some of you fire fighters , speak up and let us know who had control of the timing.

So did people forget or not notice that the general unit (non sworn PD employees., library, parks and rec., city crews, city hall, and many more..) have already voted to take the 10% cut. We have stepped to the plate in an effort to try and save jobs. The economic times calls for it, look around. Every month that goes by is putting the city 3 million dollars more into the hole...where are they (city) going to make that up? On the backs of the general unit yet AGAIN?! I do agree this city has been irresponsible with it's spending and hiring and we shouldn't have to be in this predicament, there are cities out there who are not. Look at the county..thier deputies just voted on a 11.75 pay RAISE over 3 years, plus increased benefits, it goes to show that good management means everything. Don't wait for some 'silver bullet' from the state. Stop crying, save jobs. Take your 10% and walk away. Be happy you HAVE a job with good retirement and benefits there are tens of thousands of people out there who have it a whole lot worse...the POA is looking bad bad bad. How come the general unit hasn't been called heroes?

I am so sick of all this. There is a real problem in this city. The City is in a finacial crisis, The nation as well as the state are in the same boat. And all the so called heros of the police department want to do is cast dispertions on those that do not think the same way as them. Back in the day they used to call that being a bully. Does this still apply today or do we now call them heros? My definition of a hereo is just an ordinary person who has the courage to extraordinary things under difficut circumstances. The POA is the only group that has not come forward when all others have. They have come up with all kinds of excuses and want to blaim others. Are we to believe that the others who stood up to help there fellow employees keep jobs by taking pay cuts are less that you? You should have been the first to stand and defend but all I hear is how you will destroy this city and all who oppose you. but then I have heard your rally cry. We go to war ! Blessed are those who are the peace makers. Oh and remeber to treat your neighbor as you would wish to be treated.

I don't think that most people realize what the life of a Cop is like. Cops are people just like everyone else. My brother is one, he has a family, wife and kids. Going to work as a Cop is a lot like a soldier going off to war, especially in a city like San Bernardino. The Cops are on the front lines constantly, day in and day out. When the Cop leaves his home and family to go to work, he doesn't know for sure that he will make it home. Veterans who have seen war and some people that have loved ones in the military will understand what I am saying. I have been on several ride alongs with my brother and I can tell you , there truly is a war being fought out there, I would not want to do that job, I am glad that there are people willing to do it. Firefighters have a very dangerous job too but it's different. the fire is not capable of shooting guns and thinking about how to hurt the Firefighter. The Police Officers have the most dangerous job in the city. I don't feel that they should give up anything, that would be like telling soldiers that their pay is being cut when they are about to go off to war. For those of you who do not realize or cannot believe what I am saying about a Police Officer's jobs, you should go on ride alongs with the Police. Per Capita, San Bernardino has a higher crime rate than Los Angeles.

Dear police supporter or shall we say police OFFICER because clearly your interest is far more vested than just a supporter's would be.

Lets clear a few things up as we wait to see what OTHER concessions our poor firefighters will have to give up to make up for the LACK of cooperation by the "risk our lives every minute of our shift" police officers. First of all, I bet its real nice to sleep in your very own bed, in the comfort of your home every single time you do go to bed for that UNINTERRUPTED sleep. Even better, be able to have the opportunity to see your family EVERY day. So, it is with my profound apologies that firefighters "sleep on the job" nevermind that it is common knowledge that your 10 or 12 hour shift hold no comparison to the 48 hour shifts of this city's firefighters. Remember that just because the sun goes down, does not mean the calls stop coming in. ALL NIGHT LONG. Perhaps firefighters are trained to not need sleep? Please educate me on your reasoning, cop.

On that note, I assure you once again that firefighters too, are human just as you are. They need food to stay alive just like you. That food they eat... comes directly out of their pockets. It saddens me to think someone is so gullible to think, especially in these unfortunate economic times, that random monies would just be given to these "over-rested" firemen. Please do us all a favor and learn the facts before posting false statements in a poor attempt to create public safety unrest.

Oh and your correct in your observations while you sit on the street corner stalking the fire engines. They are a team. Where the fire engine goes, they go as a crew. Whether that be to eat, work out (yes, playing basketball is considered a cardiovascular workout in case you didn't clue into that either), or fire prevention inspections, public education... every person assigned to that unit that day goes along. Yes, thats right... that includes fighting fires, responding to a medical aid, a vehicle accident, a person needing to be rescued from a trench, a flood control channel, a confined space, hazardous materials spills and leaks, wildfires, oh and lets not forget responding to the trapped police officer in his car wrapped around a telephone pole.. it's all done as a team... a 4 man team as OSHA states should be on every engine company.

Ill tell you what Mr./Mrs. police "supporter". Since the city fire department remains to still be understaffed even before the budget cuts.....and fortunately for you, some of the engine companies still are below NFPA standard and only carry 3 firefighters. Yes, thats right... there's a seat just for you to ride along on the big red fire engine for a shift. Im sure they would jump at the chance allow you see just for yourself what the life of a firefighter is truly all about. Who knows, maybe they'll even give you a fancy yellow jacket to take home. After all, I'm sure they wouldn't want you or your highly tailored uniform shirt to become too hot the next time your directing traffic around the burning building they're inside of, saving a life or protecting the property that brings in the money both YOURS and THIER compensation is ultimately generated from.....

This isn't about the firefighters and cops being against one another. They should have sided together and fought this together. However, unfortunately that didn't happen. I do though question their timing on reporting their decision.

I am sick of hearing aobut how the police are whining and complaining and coming across as bullies in the Sun newspaper. (Why doesn't the Sun support the police officers like the Press Enterprise does?) They are real people doing a job most people wouldn't even dream of doing. When my husband leaves every day I don't know whether or not he will come home (and I know that is the same of all people) but unfortunately in his line of work this is a reality.

The police are not whining. They are doing what they are trained to do - fight for what they believe in. It might be a little easier to stomach all of this if the admin were taking concessions also. However, they are not. When demotions were being talked about why werent the two new Lts. going to be demoted back to Sgt? Surely that would have saved some money. How is it admin can sit they and say they are taking cuts but they can't back it up - or won't back it up and tell the rank and file how. Makes me wonder are their cuts to their operating budgets and not hitting their wallets as the rank and file are being demanded to do? Why is it admin isn't supporting their officers? I have many friends who are admin and to tell you the truth I can't look any of them in the face right now. Way to go admin! If only you could stand up and speak for yourselves instead of being afraid of the chief.

Pray for the Men in Blue"

It takes a very special person to wear the blue.
Most people do not understand what we do
We made a commitment to protect and serve.
We work hard to provide the safety you deserve.

No normal shifts, not nine to five.
We work 24/7 to keep you alive.
Holidays and weekends don’t mean a thing.
We work night and day, just give us a ring.

Our loved ones and children pray every night.
That we will return at the break of daylight.
We carry guns and wear vests to help us get through.
You couldn’t imagine some of the things we must do.

We see accidents and blood and small children crying.
We also see death and it’s not just old people dying.
Abusive spouses and parents that don’t seem to care.
These are just a few of the things, to make you aware.

Drug dealers and drunks are a regular sight.
We go to the bars for fight after fight.
Responding to calls day after day.
Not allowing our personal lives to get in the way.

You complain all the time when you see us on a break.
We just drive around in cars and oh, the money we make.
Stop for a second and try to assess
Who’s always there to clean up the mess.

We do all we can to help and provide.
To make you feel safe and secure inside.
Please remember all of the things that we must do.
And next time you pray, include the men in blue

Fire "supporter" mentioned that "playing basketball is considered cardiovascular workout in case Police Supporter didn't clue into that."

So let me ask - are my tax paying dollars going to firefighters so they can play basketball? When one falls down and hurts his ankle is that then considered "on duty" and they get paid leave? I would think that would cost the city a whole lot more (especially in overtime staffing his position). Since when do we pay for firefighters to play basketball?

I can't believe he didn't discourage that comment but played it up. Nice to know that firefighters are "exercising" (if that is what you want to call it) when they should be on duty.

Police do you have that opportunity to get together as a team and get cardiovascular exercise? Oh yeah wait it is called chasing criminals. Now I understand.

Thanks SBPD. Keep fighting for what you believe in. It will make you stronger in the end!

This is NOT THE TIME for this fight the POA is putting up, not when tens of thousands of californians and U.S. citiz. are getting layed off/out of work/wondering how to put food on thier table/heat thier houses. Here stands the mighty POA upset because what?...oh ya they STILL have JOBS but dont want to give up 10% for the greater good...good job POA! The "little people" (general unit) pulled together to take the 10% TO SAVE JOBS, and who is STILL going to get jobs cut? THE GENERAL UNIT!. and what is the POA doing? whinning and crying. Police officers DO have a job that put them in danger everyday we all get it!!...but right now it's time for them to look past thier noses and at the bigger picture. The POA looks like a bunch of A$$'s to the rest of us. Good job guys....hope the PR firm you hired for Lawhead can work wonders! Loyalty up/loyalty down right?....only when it applies to the badge I guess...

Can I start by saying their is not spelled thier! You must work for Bildt or maybe its Jim and his good old Cajon education.

Okay let me get this straight. I am assuming you are a pencil pusher who works in city hall, however your hate of the POA and Lawhead means you are a puppet of Bildt and one of his admin groupies.

Why should police (and fire) take the same pay cut as you? What happens when you get injured at work - a papercut? To a police officer of firefighter an injury most likely means death.

Yes they should take some kind of concession I agree. However, do I think it should be the same of other types of employees NO! You don't do the same kind of job (even if you are a member of admin you don't do the same kind of job as the rank and file - they work for the citizens you work to please Bildt - Big Difference).

From what I understand the police have presented many scenarios in ways to make up their portion of the citys mismanagement of the funds. And they have been able to total what the city asks for. However, for some reason this isn't good enough for the city manager. (However, he has absolutely no problem taking his $23,000 a month salary.) That right there would be a $276,000 savings to the city. Is he really worth that much when he gives an amount and then wants more? Why does he get paid so much?

Police and fire should take some concessions but not the same as other employees. I am sorry you had to take a cut! I too have had to take a cut - but I honestly believe police (and fire) don't deserve the same. Your cut means working less hours for less pay. Their cut will mean working same (or more) hours for less pay - how does that seem fair to you?

And think about it citizens of good ole San Bernardino (being the wonderful safe place to live that your are) do you really want police officers and firefighters who are working more and getting paid less protecting you? I can say if I were one of them my work would be way down and I wouldn't bust my ass to do the job.

Mayor Morris is doing what he has always done going for the underdog. So by doing this he is giving the city of San Bernardino and its citizens to the criminals. Its a free for all - you have a police and fire department getting paid less with terrible morale so they won't be giving 100%. So criminals the city will soon be yours and San Bernardino will continue to down spiral. Way to go Morris and Jim and city manager and Bildt - you have all done this. This is how you will go down in history! Hope you can find an officer of firefighter when you or your family need one!

To really?... I couldn't have said it better! I just wish the fire department didn't give in so soon, but I'm sure they had their reasons. Has anyone ever heard of the "blue flu"? If I were a cop right now in the City of SB, I would be feeling a little sick right now. The mayor and his council don't care about the community, why should the cops and fire?

To the fire supporter who talked about the 48 hr shifts and not seeing his family GIVE US A BREAK. What a joke! 48 hrs of eating, watching TV, lifting weights, playing basketball, shopping at Staters, standing around while AMR does all the work. You guys should be disbanded and 2 man rescue crews put on duty.
Heck I dont even think you should be considered public safety. Lets talk about how a crew of 4 fire heroes will sit on their truck blocks away from a domestic dispute while a single cop goes in and makes it safe for them. And try to remember that in 2003, 700 homes were burned down while the fire heroes sat at Wildwood Park eating burgers and talking about how tough their job is.
Hundreds want are on waiting lists to be firemen and none of them want to be cops because its too dangerous.

Sorry for the misspelling of thier. I was typing so fast I didnt catch it...wow not that big a deal tho' Anyway I do not work at city hall. I am at the PD. I go out into the street too, wear a uniform and drive a car that looks like a unit. I dont get 4850 time like the cops, I dont have a gun or a vest, and I still have to interact with the fine people of SB. I do not hate the POA, part of me wishes our union was just as strong so we could play bullies too. I think the POA forgets that part of their so called PD family works right next to them every day. How dare you think your self more deserving. The Mayor and our so called chief...(general unit not a big fan either)have put us in this place, we get it. But the POA has so much power it can get away with stuff our lil' unit can't. It's not a PD vs fire vs the City. It's ALL city employees ALL units vs the City. The POA never talked to the general unit about what they were going to do...ask what we wanted if we wanted to stand with them...but why would they?

To all you firemen...excuse me if some of us seem angry. Angry not at the the police union, not at Rich Lawhead, but our police chief and his administration. For those of you that don't know, the only officers that will be taking any type of cuts are Sergeants and below. Not the Lieutenants, not the Captains, not the Assistant Chief and certainly not the Chief. They say they are taking a hit, but they won't tell anyone what it is....which leads me to believe they are full of you know what. This is how this department operates. It is broken and has been broken for sometime. I have heard from several that some wives are upset that their husbands cars may be getting taken away so now they will no longer have a take home vehicle to drive. Now, they will have to use their own money and own gas? I mean isn't that sad? Boohoo...what the rest of us have been doing all the while..driving our own cars and paying for our own gas! IT MAKES ME SICK! Meanwhile, my husband is looking at possibly taking a cut (a huge cut...well over $700.00 per month and that's just an estimate). So again excuse us if we seem a little bitter...bitter that maybe your department and your administration care a little more about you.

Its unbelievable when you read some of the rhetoric, statements, and sheer ignorance of people with there rants above. If you can get past most of this you may find some truth to bits and pieces but with the emotion, blind human allegiance, misinformation, and lack of true understanding this is what you get. Hope I don't misspell a word by the way. Hate to get demonized on that.

One fool above makes a statement about firefighters sitting on their behinds eating during the Old Fire of 2003 while 700 homes burned. Give me a break. The Old Fire quickly started, was flamed by intense winds, and dry conditions. Of course homes initially burned until fire crews could respond, mobilize, and set up a command post at Wildwood Park with revolving crews. No one expected the ferocity and overwhelming nature of this but once help was called in and a plan established the situation was addressed. Does "The Lump", above think that firecrews and responders should stay on the line 24/7 without sleep or food or that while those few initial crews were rolling into many problem areas the 700 homes could of been saved? Ludicrous statement. I think 700 is also excessive.

Then talk about fire crews sitting in trucks around the corner from a domestic dispute waiting for police until they go in. OK, whats the issue. This has been a long understanding and procedure between the two. Are the firefighters to go in and hose down the participants in the dispute and then address the real issue they were called for?

As far as the budget/financial crisis goes no one I think expected this or saw it coming to this degree. Its global and has effected many people and businesses. Of course you can argue where money could of been saved or social issues addressed differently. California spends billions a year on illegal aliens between health care, incarceration, education, etc. The drugs brought in by them is astronomical and the problems associated. But is this addressed correctly by politicians? No, they will just raise taxes or make them citizens or both. What happens when the population of our state gets to 50 or 60 million? Liberal policies are destructive and always will be.

The POA has for years fought for good pay and benefits and for a long time it was hard to come by compared to other cities. SB has always been rough and until business is changed and more quality people move in it won't change. Look at Riverside, bigger, less crime, right next door, and always more attractive. I think there is an answer in there! However, in the recent past the POA has been able to receive good pay and better benefits. Charter 186 over the last four years (finalized each August or thereabouts), has increased pay an average of 4 to 6 % each year. Can the POA and membership afford to take a pay cut temporarily like others to avoid layoffs? Its not what one desires but I think in these times its reasonable.

As far as some jumping on the bandwagon and blaming Morris and Billdt for these problems is shortsighted. People who do this have an agenda, and axe to grind, and are unaware of the true nature of events. You see things like puppet of Billdt and the blasting of Morris and his drug court. There are drug courts all over the country. Billdt has been shafted ever since the POA ran former Chief Zimmons out, got rid of then POA president Filson, held some mid level supervisors accountable for wrongdoings, who inturn went to the POA board demanding action claiming this can't happen to them and making the administration as miserable as possible. Constant blame because of some personality conflicts or past incidents are trumped up over current promotions or admin personnel all while these same POA leaders were also promoted under Billdts watch.

Throw in some side issues along the way like use of force policy and the way internal affairs does business and the frenzy intensifies. Then you have a vote of no confidence which in large part was manipulated by the POA. The underlying nature and process of issues has maniefested itself to this point because of a few reasons, but the blame if being sadly misdirected.

I'm hoping things get better here like everyone but cooler heads have to prevail.

It sure sounds like the cops wish they were firemen and the firemen with they were cops. No one is making you stay in your current job, if the other job is so much easier, go and do thier job. Each department has a critical job to do and just let them do thier jobs. Neither job is easy!

And to the cop who doesn't think he should take the same cut as everyone else, last time I checked you made more than the CSOs or CSIs or anyone at city hall. So basic math would tell you that if everyone takes 10% you would still be making more money.

Lets get one thing straight. Cops DO NOT want to be fireman. And to be fair vice versa.

Cops and firemen are different breeds altogether! Completely different. I could not imagine my brother being a fireman. No way and for many reasons - which I won't get into. But police know why they wouldn't want to be fire (and vice versa).

Yes an officer does make more than a CSO or CSI. Rightfully so. When there is a hostage situation or a bank robber - do you want a CSO responding? And lets all face it CSI's are not what you see on TV. The media has glorified that position. Face it since when does a CSI solve the crime? Isn't that what detectives are for.

Why should officers have to take a pay cut when their admin isn't willing to do the same? And I am truly sorry that your unions/associations didn't fight for you like the POA is fighting for its members. Thats what they pay dues for isn't it?

And to "Calm Down" you come across as sounding patronizing to all. The POA did not railroad the last administration out nor are they railroading the current admin out. I am sure they have their own agenda too but at least they are supporting the officers they represent. Why would Bildt and his admin want to stay when they are hated by officers (and oh yes their families)? They should get out now before they make it worse! Bildt is not shafted you can't tell me he didn't forsee this problem when he hired a lateral officer in December? This poor officer is now bottom of the totem pole , been wondering if he is going to lose his job - all because he left a place where he had seniority because of the promises of Bildt and Morris. You can't tell me this isn't Bildts way and retaliating for the first vote of no-confidence. He should have left after that!

to " calm down "

When " the lump " mentioned that you guys don't go in until we get there and make sure it is safe, he failed to mention that this occurs even when the agressive half is said to no longer be at the scene. Now I am not saying that you should go in, but I do want to say that being a Police Officer is usually a more dangerous job than being a firefighter.

When the city told admin to hire the last 40 Officers, the rank and file had no say. The city knew there were financial problems last year and continued to hire another 30 plus Officers. and yes maybe we should take some sort of cut, but not 10%. Look at the difference in our jobs compared to everyone else in the city, the chances of us getting injured or killed are much greater than anyone else. Most of you look at our jobs from the outside in and don't realize the dangers, you see us at the city yards, in the Police station, taking lunches at restaurants and we don't explain the dangers of our job or what we have been through during our shift or what type of call we just came from. you are not with us when we show up at the domestic violence call, the man with a gun call, robbery in progress calls, arresting a crazed subject on PCP who feels no pain and wants to fight with the Police, burglary in progress calls, checking citizen's homes because someone might be breaking into their home in the middle of the night, etc., etc. etc. I could go on and on.

I think one of the main differences between us and everyone else is that since we began our training in the academy, we learned, and have been almost brain washed to " never give up " no matter what type of fight you are facing and also to stand up for our beliefs.

To Just Relax,

I don't know where you get your information but you are way off base. The POA did behind the scenes run Zimmon out. They met with Mayor Valles and word was getting around of how discontent the POA and membership was becoming over his policies, thats where the use of force issues and internal affairs dealings really started. They were becoming increasingly concerned over his LAPD mentality and where that may lead. That led to friction with then President Filson who was a Zimmon supporter. Filson was then ousted by the current leadership and some others. Now there friends again. But as you may suspect there is more to that.

As far as taking pay cuts etc, to avoid layoffs I would agree with "Honestly Said", that maybe 10% is a little high but then again look at charter 186 over the last four years and prior to that. Do most get those kind of raises. And police work is inherantly more dangerous than firefighting, I will agree. BUT SOME OF THE MISINFORMATION THAT IS ABOVE IS THIS; THE PMA OR POLICE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION DID AGREE TO TAKE A PAYCUT OF 10% ALSO. THAT IS OLD NEWS. Its not just Sgts,Dets, and Officers. Whoever is spoon feeding "ANNA IS ANGRY" above is giving her a bunch of baloney. Or is it intentional to create more controversy and undermine the administration?

Lets get this straight...Everyone in the city, the general unit, midmanagement, confidential/management, fire and the POLICE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION have already taken their 10% pay reduction. It is now only the POA who are hold outs. The POA says they are willing to help but have they?

To the commenter above, cops do rightfully deserve to make more than civilian employees in the department. I think the original comment was ment to show that you would still make more than the civilians, that way your ego didn't have to deflate.

I made some remarks earlier that seemed to really set off the fireman supporters and reveal what the differences are between US and You.
Firemen are a very emotional bunch who will gladly sit on the sidelines and watch an officer fight with a suspect. You will claim that it is not your job but we all know the real truth why you dont get involved. Officers on the other will run through a wall to get to someone who needs help.Remember anyone who really wants to help people will gladly take a position on either the police force or the fire dept when the opportunity arises but thats not the case. Fireman dont want to be cops because thats where the real danger is.Sorry to make you guys cry but the truth must be known.

To the Lump,

I am not a fireman but do support their profession like most people and what they are trained/required to do. Your position and statements are either a big joke to stir it up, create or escalate tensions further, or you are just plain unaware of the true nature of things.

Believe me, I am not into name calling and do not get jollies out of deriding people. But I will challenge when facts, statements, logic is misconstrued, twisted, and spun for personal gain or favor, etc. Obviously, there are differences between police and fire. I am glad they are both there. I know many police who did not want to be firemen because they don't like fire and being around HOT things or going into burning buildings. I know firemen who don't want to be police because it does not interest them and they may not like the chances of gunplay. There are various reasons.

There is some of the real truth! Try to keep something in mind. As you read these blogs understand that some get caught up in the emotional side of things and lose focus of reality, are unaware of the facts, and then go off. They use belligerant rhetoric based on what someone has told them, or because of there skewed version of the situation/events.

Let me give you two examples. You have undoubtedly read how some believe the potential paycuts only effect rank and file or Sgts and below in the PD. Not true. The PMA also agreed to this. What should have been settled is, temporarily should the Admin take a 10% cut (LTs and above), Sgts possibly a 6%, and Dets/Officers a 4%. That would seem more reasonable under current pay scales.

Second, you read about some Officers living out of town for family protection and not wanting to run into someone they arrested at a restaurant. The main reason many police do not reside in SB is because they deal with the gangs, parolees, low-lifes constantly and are sick and tired of the overall landscape of SB during there work week. They don't want to see the trash, potholes, dopers, gangbangers, thugs walking around with pants around their knees on there time off. They choose to live in towns like Redlands or Yucaipa where this element and environment isn't as prevalent. However, there are still many who choose to reside in nicer parts of SB.

The truth is police rarely run into someone they arrested when out to dinner with their family. Most cops dine somewhere on Hospitality Lane or the Mexico on Highland Ave. The crooks they deal with don't frequent these places.

Have a good day.

Police and Fire:

Stop arguing about this, I've been thinking about it long and hard all weekend. Stop working, go on welfare, collect food stamps, do drug and commit crimes. If you do all of these things, Mayor (what a joke) Morris will have more respect for you and should be willing to work with you.

I can't wait until summer, when it starts getting hotter and the days become longer. That's when criminals like to come out and play. It will be then, when the mayor and his joke of a council (except McCammack) will wonder what the h*** they were thinking.

But, at least Chas will have his park.

I know Mayor Morris and Jim can plan activities for the criminals to do at Chas' new park every night. This way they will stay off the street and we won't need the police. And Chas can try to open more parks to help alleviate all the crime and problems. Between the two of them they will turn those lives around and we won't even need police in this city anymore.

The Mayor and his son are doing what they have always done - look out for the underdog and not the citizens of San Bernardino.

By cutting back on police and fire the mayor is basically turning the city (and its residents)over to the criminals and giving them more chances to commit more crimes. But oh yeah Pat and Jim, they will turn their lives around and better themselves and society!

Give me a break! This city has already made a turn for the worse! AGAIN!