Tacoma
09-01-08, 14:26
It seems like there is still a lot of question in how the "Victorville" guys are doing after the transition. I hope this blog will encourage others to write in and give their feedback on how their experience is going.
Being that my time with Victorville was not as vested as others, I had been there since 2002 and served over 3 years as pcf and a little over 2 1/2 years full time. I liked working for Victorville, for the most part there were alot of good guys. Of course we had some less liked people but I believe the majority were good guys. One of the main problems was working "under the thumb," We were forced to deal with management that wasn't personable and would only call or stop by to reprimand. It was frustrating to be "talked" to about things like; not wearing your full class B even if you were doing yardwork, or why are you at the store buying candy for kids on halloween. These are just a few cases of my experience.
When word came that Victorville fire may be going County I will admit there was a diversified consensus. Some were angry others confused. There were many questions and no answers readily available. Many were sad at the thought that Victorville would be disbanded at the hand of a City Council or Manager that was tired of being proved wrong. Others were worried about the unknown of their future, "would there be enough spots for everyone?"
Then began the informational meetings between 3710 and 935 (who was more than supportive at any decision that we as 3710 wanted to make). Members of 935 took time out of their schedules and would make it a point to meet with us and answer any and all questions that they could. Once the members became educated with what the county would do for them and the rumors were put to rest, I believe the general consensus had made a 180. 935 was helpful in assisting us with the opportunity to bring over AL and SL along with assisting with negotiations where needed with the city. These opportunities weren't given to any other department that has transitioned to County and I feel fortunate to have had that alloted to me.
Now that we have been County employees for approximately 2 months now my experience has been nothing but enjoyable. I have a great time with every shift whether it be overtime.. yes I said it overtime... (for those who don't know we didn't get much overtime as Victorville at the firefighter level) or at my assigned station. There is a lot still to be learned and it seems that I will never remember all the names and faces of the various people that I work with, but I know it will get easier with time. Also for the first time I have actually had personable talks with management who just wants to know who I am and how I am doing. This is huge to me because it helps me feel at ease and not like such a stranger or outcast. Also the opportunity here with the county has surpassed my expectations. There are training opportunities that I didn't know I would ever have like working on a tiller. The education opportunities are also wonderful there are always classes that are available it is so motivating to work for a place that is willing to give you the tools and believes in you to make the right decisions.
Just recently the "Old Victorville guys," were given the S-130 and 190 classes and while we were up there everyone was eager to share stories of their experience so far. I don't remember hearing any negative feedback what so ever. I am glad and relieved to see that everyone seems to be happy and I am hopeful that it will continue to be positive. I am glad for the opportunity that I had to have worked for Victorville and am now equally pleased to be apart of a department that holds true to their "Premiere" attitude in SBCo.
I hope all of you with any experience will either comment or post a blog in response to this. Thank you once again to all those that helped make this transition a smooth one.
Respectfully still a rookie,
Travis Aguirre
Sta 71
Being that my time with Victorville was not as vested as others, I had been there since 2002 and served over 3 years as pcf and a little over 2 1/2 years full time. I liked working for Victorville, for the most part there were alot of good guys. Of course we had some less liked people but I believe the majority were good guys. One of the main problems was working "under the thumb," We were forced to deal with management that wasn't personable and would only call or stop by to reprimand. It was frustrating to be "talked" to about things like; not wearing your full class B even if you were doing yardwork, or why are you at the store buying candy for kids on halloween. These are just a few cases of my experience.
When word came that Victorville fire may be going County I will admit there was a diversified consensus. Some were angry others confused. There were many questions and no answers readily available. Many were sad at the thought that Victorville would be disbanded at the hand of a City Council or Manager that was tired of being proved wrong. Others were worried about the unknown of their future, "would there be enough spots for everyone?"
Then began the informational meetings between 3710 and 935 (who was more than supportive at any decision that we as 3710 wanted to make). Members of 935 took time out of their schedules and would make it a point to meet with us and answer any and all questions that they could. Once the members became educated with what the county would do for them and the rumors were put to rest, I believe the general consensus had made a 180. 935 was helpful in assisting us with the opportunity to bring over AL and SL along with assisting with negotiations where needed with the city. These opportunities weren't given to any other department that has transitioned to County and I feel fortunate to have had that alloted to me.
Now that we have been County employees for approximately 2 months now my experience has been nothing but enjoyable. I have a great time with every shift whether it be overtime.. yes I said it overtime... (for those who don't know we didn't get much overtime as Victorville at the firefighter level) or at my assigned station. There is a lot still to be learned and it seems that I will never remember all the names and faces of the various people that I work with, but I know it will get easier with time. Also for the first time I have actually had personable talks with management who just wants to know who I am and how I am doing. This is huge to me because it helps me feel at ease and not like such a stranger or outcast. Also the opportunity here with the county has surpassed my expectations. There are training opportunities that I didn't know I would ever have like working on a tiller. The education opportunities are also wonderful there are always classes that are available it is so motivating to work for a place that is willing to give you the tools and believes in you to make the right decisions.
Just recently the "Old Victorville guys," were given the S-130 and 190 classes and while we were up there everyone was eager to share stories of their experience so far. I don't remember hearing any negative feedback what so ever. I am glad and relieved to see that everyone seems to be happy and I am hopeful that it will continue to be positive. I am glad for the opportunity that I had to have worked for Victorville and am now equally pleased to be apart of a department that holds true to their "Premiere" attitude in SBCo.
I hope all of you with any experience will either comment or post a blog in response to this. Thank you once again to all those that helped make this transition a smooth one.
Respectfully still a rookie,
Travis Aguirre
Sta 71