April 21st, 2008
“We have met the enemy and he is us”
The title comes from Walt Kelly’s comic strip Pogo and it references our tendency to be our own worst enemy.
Courtesy of this blog, I received the following communique from another deaf firefighter. Identifying details have been removed to protect the innocent & guilty alike:
“I’m from a volunteer station. Since they found out for sure that I have a hearing ‘disability’ its just pure insensitivity, almost like they are trying to test me to be able to say I can’t do the job. They will turn their backs when talking, make me have to have them repeat themselves, which they give me a look, or lately if i ask if they can repeat it they yell “never mind I’ll just do it”. Its like “Um I can do it.”
I went to the toughest firefighter classes around here to prove to myself that I can handle the job, and the guys I did the classes with all agree that they would bring me in over A LOT of guys in their depts, not to sound conceited, but I know I can pull my weight.
I just recently took and completed a RIT (ed note: RIT is Rapid Intervention Team: trained to rescue fellow firefighters) course in which the guys in the other depts were actually mad at how my dept treated me…the first day everyone kinda looked at me funny, which I’m used to, but than I showed them what I could do and they were a lot more willing to help me out, ie making sure I can see their lips if just talking in a group, using the sense of touch a ton more in a search. “
This sort of stuff just pisses me off. I know there are people out there who believe deaf and hard of hearing people have no place in the fire service. But hello, common decency anyone? It’s this sort of infantile behavior that reinforces the notion that emergency responders are a good ol’ boy network. I’m fortunate that I haven’t seen this in my current department.
This applies to both firefighters and deaf people alike. Even if you don’t agree with what a person represents, treating them in a way less than you would treat your own neighbor only serves to dehumanize you.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:04 am
This reminds me of an article I read about a doctor who is blind– she’s required to prove herself over and over each time, to prove that she’s capable of holding that degree that says “Doctor” on it.
The same thing for an ER nurse that I know– the docs who know her leave her alone and know she can do the job, but she has to keep proving herself to the new docs who come in each time…
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Chesire Cat,
How pathetic of too many volunteer firefighters undermine other hard-working deaf volunteers from being part of the community to fight off fires!
Why bother to volunteer if the bunch of people do not want you or other deaf volunteer firefighters.
How resilent and persisent you and other deaf volunteer firefighters have been. Keep fighting to prove how worthy you and other deaf firefighters!
If not possible for all of you, deaf firefighters to resolve this systematic prejudice and harassment. Let’s call the deaf militants to kick their rear sides for all good!
May 16th, 2008 at 1:41 am
I think this is totally wrong. I am a firefighter and I am deaf in my left ear but my dept doesn’t know or atleast I don’t think they know. I do the job just fine and I am moving my way up the ranks.
I tried going career for the county I volunteer in and they said no because of my condition which I totally ridiculous and I think they are discriminating because of embarassment or something. Just keep on fighting and don’t let it bother you. Use your curse as a gift.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:15 am
I can see why they are acting that way. I have noticed that alot of people who are hearing they tend to feel embarrassed when they meet a Deaf or Hard-Of-Hearing person. I felt that way when I went to the store and Deaf people were signing. Now I feel different because I was in a situation where I ws a foster sister and the 3 kids could hear but couldn’t talk I started to learn Sign Language and I love it.
I also see what is happening with the person who wrote the blog up at the top. I suggest that he tells the people who are acting like that tell them to STOP. People act on impulse and usually don’t think. Make them think about what they are doing,they are hurting him by shutting him out.
July 19th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
HI,
I was reading an old debate posted online firehouse forum and i notice you said that you passed your fireone course , I know as well as you do that interior fire fighting is off limits but tell me if you were to go on a hazmat call are you allowed to pack up ? I recently passed my EVOC course in Md but im am having a n issue of radio communications . Needless to say brought up some old wounds please email me at billyboy14623@hotmail.com
Thanks
August 8th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Hats off to you for putting aside other peoples biases and reaching for your goals!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
How great that you took an RIT class. If only you could hear calls for help, the sound of an impending collapse or the sound of a downed firefighter’s PASS sounding. I’m in favor of giving everyone a chance but not if the risk of your “reasonable accommodation” places others in harm’s way.
This is more PCBS.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Your blog is great- this is just the sort of thing that would be great on Firelink.com. If you’re interested please email us at info@firelink.com- hope to hear from you!