Ramble 5: Of firefighters, ladder trucks, and the contradictions

Thanks to differences of opinion while talking and walking (rumbles on the rambles?) Marge Saxon and Sergei Gromyko have come to an understanding.
Sergei demonstrated, by example, how useful a camera is. Marge took the lesson to heart…now she carries a camera around too!

And that, dear Reader, brings us to another chapter in an ongoing story Marge and Sergei have followed for some months.

Over the past year, particularly as campaigning heated up for the November election, Alameda Fire Department has been scrutinized more than usual.

Sergei and Marge heard stories from residents that led them to believe AFD is perceived by many as promoting AFD interests over those of the city and its dwindling budget (contracts, benefits, and campaign contributions to city council candidates).

What with the push for a new fire station (despite discussions on whether the city needs another or not, we’re getting one) and campaign information that highlighted the costs of new fire trucks ($1.5 million per truck – vehicles are replaced when mileage maxes out at 50,000 and at most 75,000 miles), there seemed to be something to these perceptions.

This led to many jokes when, during various rambles and grocery shopping expeditions, Marge and Sergei found – and photographed -- fire department vehicles parked outside stores on the main island and Harbor Bay (Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Big 5. A Big 5 employee mentioned that firefighters frequently parked the fire truck in the lot when they dropped in to shop during regular business hours).

What, we wonder, is the actual cost of lunch (or breakfast, dinner, or another t-shirt) when a $1.5 million fire truck with an apparent life span of 50,000 miles or so is used for a grocery store run?

These two pix (ambulance and fire engine #2) were taken over the summer (2012).

Marge snapped the two views (one above and one below) of AFD’s new ladder truck. (Policy 2.5.i of the General Plan calls for three storey and 35 to 40 foot height limits in Alameda and we need a ladder truck?)

Marge picks up the story:

On December 11 outside Trader Joe’s at Town Center mall - on the sidewalk near Applebee’s - I overheard a very public exchange between 3 Alameda firefighters (“FF”) and an appreciative Alameda resident (“AAR”).

AAR: Thank you for all you do for Alameda. Is that the new ladder truck?
FF: You’re welcome! Yes, a beauty, isn’t she?

AAR: Sure is. How many miles on the clock?

FF: About three thousand.

AAR: That many miles already? Didn’t it just arrive in Alameda?

FF: Well, the truck is driven from Wisconsin (hmmm, Marge can't recall whether FF said Wisconsin…or Michigan).

AAR: Well, you deserve it. Again, thanks for all you do.                  

At that the 3 firefighters walked into Trader Joe’s.

Marge does not know if the 3,000 “delivery” miles are included in the 50 – 75K. Are you, dear Reader, as curious as she is about what happens to the almost new vehicle then? Far as Marge can figure it, the vehicle is recycled to a smaller – less affluent? – city. Be interesting to know what is the fiscal rationale behind all this. Indeed, sounds as if this story is far from over.
Actually, a resident subsequently explained that on-duty firefighters are obliged to be close to emergency vehicles at all times; hence the grocery store and shopping runs.
But, wouldn't it make sense - under current fiscal conditions and "The Great Recession" for AFD to purchase a bicycle with trailer (these cost from $400 to $600 at Alameda Bicycle and require only human pedal power) and have one firefighter bike to pick up meals and Big 5 goodies? On the small chance there's a fire or emergency during lunch or tea break, the cycling firefighter could join his crew at the fire site. After all, Alameda is less than 5 miles long.
Even a food delivery service would be cheaper than driving a $1.5 million gas-guzzler. (Sergei's considered opinion? "That vehicle gets yardage not mileage!") Or, revolutionary idea: firefighters make out a grocery list and purchase groceries - what the hell, have 'em delivered! - and cook meals  at the station. Couldn't they even hire a local person to cook those meals? That adds funds into the community at 'the people' level. Any of these possibilities would be cheaper than driving around enormous and enormously expensive fire vehicles (a lot quieter too!).
If you know anything about fire trucks, their lifespan, and breeding habits, let us know.

Here's another view of AFD’s new ladder truck.
Below that is Sergei's photograph of Marge admiring the sunset after a rain storm at Crab Cove (Sergei's two cents? "Tell readers that's you, Marge, or they might think its an escaped garden gnome").