Covid and First Responders

by Jeff · May 22, 2020

Dear readers and fellow adventurers,

We interrupt our normal posting (yea, kind of slow right now, still trying to edit stuff from Florida and work full time) to pose a couple of questions to you.

The following is my own opinion and is not in any way to be construed as an official statement on behalf of my department or workplace.

We get the whole quarantine “stay home, stay healthy” thing during this time so we have not been going out like usual (besides, the poker rooms are closed) and doing more projects here at the old homestead when not at work. E and I are fortunate enough to be essential employees so we have worked right through this time.

First responders (yes, we are both first responders): You will notice the disclaimer above and see that I am not in uniform nor making claims based upon my “official status”.

To the “Officers” taking to popular video posting sites in full uniform in their department vehicles with the Police radio going in the background: You are stupid, Period, Simple, plain STUPID! You are using your official status to forward your personal agenda, get a clue. Are surprised that you are being disciplined? How about that personnel policy you signed when taking the job about using your status for personal gain. Yep, you got your 15 minutes and now your union or association can’t save you from that discipline because you blatantly broke that rule. Maybe in the future you could do your campaigning in a way that doesn’t jeopardize your job, income, career, family life…huh? maybe? Dumbasses… You are so caught up in your self importance but you don’t think your opinion carries any weight without being in your squad with all the trimmings and trappings? The police radio in the background blaring out calls and information…I guess at least you didn’t have the screen of your MCT visible so your actions aren’t criminal .

Notice how I don’t claim any title other than what everyone knows here? Notice the lack of a photo of my uniform with my department name on it? Notice the lack of any claim to be representing my employer? That is in keeping with my department and Human Resources guidelines and rules for social media content.

I have seen and heard of dumb actions being taken by officers on the road. Folks, read your fourth amendment and your state constitution and see where you stand and act accordingly. If you think an order is illegal; question it, request it in writing, refuse to follow it. We are taught from the very beginning of our careers to be independent and use officers discretion. We make decisions (sometimes life and death) in split seconds based upon our training and experience. Nothing has changed, Do your job to the best of your training, experience and ability!

I do personally have heartache with the stay home orders and how they were implemented (really, I couldn’t go out in my boat with my family and go fishing). Remember that everyone is making stuff up on the fly with this pandemic because there are no guidelines or rules surrounding it. Persevere, follow along with legal orders and get over it.

Many businesses are offering discounts, front of the line positions to enter and even free meals! While we appreciate these efforts by businesses to show faith and support for our community, we don’t need this in our daily lives. We are employed and are getting our benefits from our employers. Many employers are giving some kind of “hazard pay” for working through this pandemic. I don’t need that free meal, please give it to the family that has no money and has no food in the cupboards. Do you think you are so important that you should take a position ahead of others in our daily errands? If so, I think you are wrong! Really…your family needs to jump the line at the big retailer and get your shopping done ahead of anyone else in line because you are on your days off and your off time is more precious than anyone else’? If so, you are pompous, and an ass and I hope your co-workers call your bullshit out! I strongly believe that anyone in our line of work should have the ethics and morals to pass that gift on to someone who really needs it instead of accepting a meal from that chain restaurant that would cost you the same as that Latte you buy every day. That is called a gratuity and you should have learned in the academy that you don’t accept them. Does your department have a policy, I know mine does! You should also pass this along to your dependant family if they feel they are more deserving than others who are truly in need.

A particular message to Washington state residents: I get it, whether you are for or against Governor Inslee’s orders. Instead of getting up in arms and going off half cocked why don’t you read the Washington state Constitution and the Revised Code of Washington regarding the authority and scope of the position of Governor. It could help to explain what he is doing and how to both sides of the argument. It is easy to google and will probably open your eyes.

So, gentle readers and fellow adventurers, my rant has come to an end…We here at BFD will be returning to our regularly scheduled snails pace uploads of photos and stories from our adventures. The next installment will involve alligators, birds and airboats…..stay tuned.

Oh yeah, today is my birthday and we will have a quick installment in the near future of photos from Ocean Shores Washington in honor of it.

Our next adventure may be to Naches in June. If you see us say HI!

See you out there,

BFD