Thank you, Muskogee taxpayers.
For 35 years, I was in your employment as a Muskogee firefighter. You provided me with a good salary, great benefits and a good retirement for working every third day or about 110 days a year.
Over the years spent as your employee, I've watched a small percentage of malcontents, not firefighters; turn the department into their own personal way of seeking recognition. It's a shame that these people can cause such ill will and chaos between the city and the department.
Granted, the other members need to call upon this small bunch of malcontents to either shut up or leave. Remembering who the employer is, the Muskogee taxpayers, and knowing they can vote on the wages to be paid, number of personnel needed, and even the type of fire department the city has, I believe it would be a good idea for some of you guys to mend fences.
In 1969 I was told in no uncertain terms, “Boy if you don’t like it here, quit.”
I believe this still applies. Guys don’t be biting the hand that feeds, or someday you might get your plate busted.
Is firefighting dangerous? Sure it is, but no more than most jobs others perform.
I stood inside the old, nice and warm No. 1 Fire Station and watched as Burt and other Water Department employees climbed down into excavated ditches to fix frozen water lines.
Dangerous? You bet.
I’ve watched as police, sanitation workers, postal employee, emergency medical technicians, OG&E; employees and others worked out in the elements as I held my coffee cup.
The things they did and do scare the heck out of me, and most I wouldn’t do because I consider them too dangerous.
Taxpayers, there are some very loyal and dedicated firefighters on the department today. It’s still a great department with some great men, but as with the apple barrel, a few bad ones can spoil it for the rest.
Are firefighters special?
Sure they are, but isn’t every working woman and man?
H.C. Hibbard
Muskogee
