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New Land Rovers.....

Posted by John Stead on August 2, 2009 at 5:22 AM

I bet that somebody up at Headquarters is going to get a slapping!

Fancy having the nerve and temerity to go out and BUY BRITISH!

I thought that perceived wisdom these days was to buy anything, as long as it's made abroad! What about our poor Japanese competitors (I nearly said owners then, silly me), don't they have any Nissan Navara's, Mitsubishi Animals or Toyota Lancruisers for sale ?

Never mind that they're crap off-road, they look Glossy and Smart, just the thing for the up and coming Fire Officer to be seen in, which is what's wanted these days!

Although I've seen a few Volvo's in France and Holland, it seems that every other country in Europe buys from their own manufacturers. Not us, though, we're the dumping ground of the world! It's not that long ago that this country supplied fire appliances to the world, but suddenly we're importing vehicles from sniggering foreign manufacturers.

I bet ex West Yorkshireman Chief Byron Teates, in East Manatee Fire Rescue in Florida, isn't queueing up to buy Mercedes!

No wonder Dennis and Merryweather went to the wall!

OK, rant over......I'll get me coat.....

PS.....Down in Beaucaire, on the Rhone in Southern France, they have a couple of very tidy Defenders for brush fires, so sometimes things go the other way. Still, if you want the best, then by all means BUY BRITISH.....

PPS....How long before firefighters are renamed Smoke and Heat Operatives, in the true spirit of destroying anything that may have 'traditional' overtones and values, such as the ranks of 'Leading Firefighter' or 'Sub Officer' or 'Station Officer'? These new rank names make 'em sound like bland and greyed-out refugees from the novel '1984'! I bet they were thought up by a committee! A non-uniformed committee too!

Anyone got any ideas?

OK.....I'm back in me box......

Categories: None

6 Comments

Reply Mark Elliott

10:05 PM on August 24, 2009

I couldn't agree anymore John.

The problem is = 'NOBODY THINKS ANYMORE' obviously it's all down to cost.

It doesn't seem to anyone to matter anymore where the vehicle/s are produced anymore!!

I am a Volvo fan, But I would hae LOVED for WY to have bought the Dennis Rapier/Sabre like Humberside & SY have done.

WY were always VERY happy to be a Dennis customer, And I think it was a shock when the Volvo's were ordered?

The Dennis pumps & TL served WY well, And I would have thought WY would have oredered the newer variants, Maybe the cost wasn't right - I'm no expert really on commercial vehicle costings.

The Dennis Rapiers & Sabres have been a SUCCESS and Humberside are said to be extremely satisfied with their pumps.

It was VERY sad about Merryweather, But they may not have been around even today?

I quite like the new Volvo's but I have got used to the older ones, So will miss those when they are ran out.

I think the new Volvo looks alot squarer that the Volvo's that we are used to.

I don't like the lights, And the doors look too big for the chassis.

The 2 HRP's are supposed to be coming soon?

Reply John Stead

03:07 AM on August 25, 2009

Maybe if Dennis made staff cars.........or am I being too cynical.......?

Reply Byron Teates

02:19 PM on September 05, 2009

Hey John,

NO! I am not about to buy a new Mercedes. I will always evaluate and try to get the "biggest bang for the buck". Over the last several years we have purchased 4 Pierce appliances and am budgeting for another next year. I would always prefer to by a "home-made" vehicle or appliance, But at the end of the day I will buy the best for the money. I personaly own two vehicles, both are Japanese. When the American auto industry offers a vehicle that is as good as the japs for the same price I will buy one.
When in Yorkshire last year I stopped by Castleford Fire Station for a look. The lads were very polite and took the time to show me around. It has not changed much in the last 30 years. I was amazed at the new titles the lads had. It sounded like a Wal-Mart store! Supervisor...and I think I even heard the word Manager...I do not know how some of these changes occured but the Fire Service is not Wal-Mart. I think one of the reasons the Fire Service in the states has, for the most part been held in esteem, is the fact we do have traditions. Technology changes every few years but the "Traditions" have remained. Advertisers in this country are always tring to include fireman in the commercials. Why? Because they are trying to say their products are used by fireman, and like fireman they are reliable, or because they are honest, or because the product has a sentimental or traditional value.
I have always been a traditionalist when it comes to the fire service and I feel these traditions are sacred and should be passed on to the next generation of fireman and not turned into a warm and fuzzy to please the "Y" generation. If you want a job, go to Wal-Mart! If you want a career, join the fire service.

Reply John Stead

12:39 PM on September 06, 2009

[Byron Teates]
Hi Byron,
I haven't a clue why the rank titles were changed. maybe someone on this blog can give me a prpoer answer. As I said before, the ranks are meaningless, the Grey leading the Grey perhaps. I always had pride in my profession, but one new guy I spoke to regarded it as 'just another job'......Hey Ho.....
I'll be in Wakefield Cathedral on Friday (11th), for a bit of quiet contemplation. I wonder if any other 'Shift leaders' or Watch Managers' will be there? I'll say one for Arthur as well while I'm there.
BTW, did you know that the station is moving to Redhill Road? Ponte and Knottingley are closing, and combining in a new station down Bondgate in Ponte. Normanton is going whole-time, regular days, until 2300 .
I was thinking of organising a reunion of everyone who served both there and at Smawthorne Lane (you know, when firemen really were firemen!) I shall have to get cracking! When are you over again?

Reply Byron Teates

02:19 PM on September 08, 2009

Hey John,

Nothing in the works for my next visit. My son is moving back to Colchester next week so I may not even make it up to Yorkshire. As soon as I know something I will let you know.

Take Care, Byron...

Reply John Stead

04:10 PM on September 08, 2009

Hi Byron,
I've just found out that Arthur's funeral is at Pontefract Crematorium next Tuesday at 1300. I shall not be able to attend, but I shall send some flowers. Would you like me to add your name to them, or have you already arranged something?
Best regards,
John