Dan,
Not trying to pick a fight because I agree with you that too many people think this is easy and low ball into the market, but I do take a bit of offense at the "you have a good income" statement. I have to work someplace else to make ends meet. We are not paid what we are worth, but I am sure most of us do this fire job because we love what we do and we know we aren't going to get rich. I actually have 4 part-time jobs, which means my kids cry when I come home cause some stranger is at the house, lol, it isn't that bad, but close. I work as a paramedic, construction, mow and teach CPR. I want to be successful enough at mowing to drop the other jobs. I don't low ball, but I try and be fair.
I think too many people think the firefighters just sit around and suck money off society, which is not true, we training, clean gear, station duties and workout. Do we have down time, of course. Are we masters of doing great things with very little manpower or support, absolutely. Just remember that because you see a big fire truck that doesn't mean there are 5 or 6 ff on board, around here you are VERY lucky to get 3 off a truck and more times than not 2.... We have 4 at my stations and they run an engine, tanker, ambulance and boats. Sorry I got off there a bit, but my point is we are these rich guys out there trying to make MORE $$$$, we are trying to provide enough so our family can have and not go without. Again, not fight picking, just telling my side of a story that doesn't get heard to much.
I agree keep the prices fair so we all win!!!! Thanks for letting me vent LOL!!!
