 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
RPDII
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 27 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |    |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 05:56 pm |
|
Well, I've read through the many replies to this topic and just feel the need to reply. First, RGS thank you for your insightful lead on the short comings of Polk public safety. These are things that people like us have seen occur for many years and sadly it always takes a tragedy to bring them to light.
Polk Mom, you should learn not to spar with people that are far more knowledgeable than you on a topic. This is NOT the Cedartown chat board, and someone will eat your breakfast for you when you come on here and start acting like it is. Now having said that, not everyone on the CCB acts like you but there are quite a few that do. Right, Cog. Anyway, go back over there where Police, Fire, and EMS bashing is totally accepted.
I've been in Public Safety for over 30 years, in a couple of capacities and learned early on that Polk County has always had problems. That's not a blanket statement thrown toward everyone there because there are a lot of good people working there, its more thrown at some idiots that always seem to gain positions of power there.
Indulge me for the telling of a couple of war stories, and you decide. Back in the 70's I had a friend that called me crying and screaming on the phone one day. It seems that he was driving from Cedartown to Rome and his car stalled on highway 27 just outside of Cedartown. His carburetor caught fire and he went across the road to a pay phone and called the fire department. They responded and as he looked back toward Cedartown, hearing the sirens, he saw the fire trucks stop their response. By this time the car fire was much worse and the flames were bigger. He was perplexed as to why the trucks had stopped and actually ran up the road to their location. The fireman on board the truck explained to him that his car was in the county, and that Cedartown F.D. could not respond out into the county. Now they all stood there and watched his car totally burn up. Now I realize this was the 70's but a lot hasn't changed. Apparently.
I could continue with war stories, but I won't bore you. I told that one to make a point. I have worked in Polk County a couple of times throughout the years and recall not much has changed. Two ambulances covering the entire county, in the 70', 80's and 90's. (3 now if your lucky). Three police officers covering the entire county at times when the overlapping shifts end. A non paid, all volunteer fire dept. in the county. You see the picture, NOT MUCH PUBLIC SAFETY, for the 21st century...huh.
You see, politicians are only about MONEY. As I told Freddy in another post, fire, Police and EMS are necessary evils to politicians. They will let a community get by with the bare minimum of public safety and they have the mentality of, it will blow over and be forgotten soon. And right back to business as usual. Polk County is now, and forever has, been a prime example of this.
Now addressing the very enthusiastic people in charge of various agencies, there. Think like a politician for a moment. If we place lazy, un-enthused or just unwilling, YES PEOPLE, in charge. (or our "do what we want" relatives). The boat is never rocked. Polk is a very small community and everyone either knows or is related to most everyone else. So, who gets the power jobs? You got it.
Early on in this topic I read something about funding. Let me pose a question. Read your phone bills. There is a charge on them of $1.50 per phone, per month, for county government 911. This money goes directly to the respective county where you have service. Let's do some math. These are, (estimated)....40,000 residents, many businesses and god knows how many cell phones, could be easily estimated at 60,000 phones X $1.50 X 12 months=$1,080,000.00/year. (only an estimate of the number of phones) Anyway, that is just one example of revenue taken in by the county. If there are budgetary issues then you have to ask why. The above illustration is only one small piece of the pie that does not include, grants, match funding by state and federal agencies and other revenue sources.
THE POINT IS, I DON'T SEE HOW IN 2008, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO FUND A PUBLIC SAFETY ACENCY!!!!!
But then thinking back, there are still dirt roads in Polk County. Amazing!!!
You guys from Polk need to ask Sandra Galloway and the rest of the crew, where all the money goes and why they can't come into the 21st century. And while you're at it, ask them why they can't draw industry and new residents to your county.
Sorry that I have rambled on. I just couldn't let it go unsaid.
|
luvacop
Member
| Joined: | Mon Jan 7th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 34 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 06:11 pm |
|
Ask Sandra Galloway but don't ask Ray Barber because he will fend for Kenny Dodd til the end of time! After all, Kenny is married to his niece. While I understand this topic isn't only about the Polk Co Police Chief, he (supposed to be the one in charge)sounded kinda goofy on the news by saying "They are saying it might of been a tornado!" "Might have been hell, look at the destruction dumb a**! 
And it is a fact, he (Kenny) sent several officers from other agencies away. They were told "We have it under control."
|
hazygray
Member
| Joined: | Sat Feb 9th, 2008 |
| Location: | Rome, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 300 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 06:15 pm |
|
RPDII wrote: Well, I've read through the many replies to this topic and just feel the need to reply. First, RGS thank you for your insightful lead on the short comings of Polk public safety. These are things that people like us have seen occur for many years and sadly it always takes a tragedy to bring them to light.
Polk Mom, you should learn not to spar with people that are far more knowledgeable than you on a topic. This is NOT the Cedartown chat board, and someone will eat your breakfast for you when you come on here and start acting like it is. Now having said that, not everyone on the CCB acts like you but there are quite a few that do. Right, Cog. Anyway, go back over there where Police, Fire, and EMS bashing is totally accepted.
I've been in Public Safety for over 30 years, in a couple of capacities and learned early on that Polk County has always had problems. That's not a blanket statement thrown toward everyone there because there are a lot of good people working there, its more thrown at some idiots that always seem to gain positions of power there.
Indulge me for the telling of a couple of war stories, and you decide. Back in the 70's I had a friend that called me crying and screaming on the phone one day. It seems that he was driving from Cedartown to Rome and his car stalled on highway 27 just outside of Cedartown. His carburetor caught fire and he went across the road to a pay phone and called the fire department. They responded and as he looked back toward Cedartown, hearing the sirens, he saw the fire trucks stop their response. By this time the car fire was much worse and the flames were bigger. He was perplexed as to why the trucks had stopped and actually ran up the road to their location. The fireman on board the truck explained to him that his car was in the county, and that Cedartown F.D. could not respond out into the county. Now they all stood there and watched his car totally burn up. Now I realize this was the 70's but a lot hasn't changed. Apparently.
I could continue with war stories, but I won't bore you. I told that one to make a point. I have worked in Polk County a couple of times throughout the years and recall not much has changed. Two ambulances covering the entire county, in the 70', 80's and 90's. (3 now if your lucky). Three police officers covering the entire county at times when the overlapping shifts end. A non paid, all volunteer fire dept. in the county. You see the picture, NOT MUCH PUBLIC SAFETY, for the 21st century...huh.
You see, politicians are only about MONEY. As I told Freddy in another post, fire, Police and EMS are necessary evils to politicians. They will let a community get by with the bare minimum of public safety and they have the mentality of, it will blow over and be forgotten soon. And right back to business as usual. Polk County is now, and forever has, been a prime example of this.
Now addressing the very enthusiastic people in charge of various agencies, there. Think like a politician for a moment. If we place lazy, un-enthused or just unwilling, YES PEOPLE, in charge. (or our "do what we want" relatives). The boat is never rocked. Polk is a very small community and everyone either knows or is related to most everyone else. So, who gets the power jobs? You got it.
Early on in this topic I read something about funding. Let me pose a question. Read your phone bills. There is a charge on them of $1.50 per phone, per month, for county government 911. This money goes directly to the respective county where you have service. Let's do some math. These are, (estimated)....40,000 residents, many businesses and god knows how many cell phones, could be easily estimated at 60,000 phones X $1.50 X 12 months=$1,080,000.00/year. (only an estimate of the number of phones) Anyway, that is just one example of revenue taken in by the county. If there are budgetary issues then you have to ask why. The above illustration is only one small piece of the pie that does not include, grants, match funding by state and federal agencies and other revenue sources.
THE POINT IS, I DON'T SEE HOW IN 2008, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO FUND A PUBLIC SAFETY ACENCY!!!!!
But then thinking back, there are still dirt roads in Polk County. Amazing!!!
You guys from Polk need to ask Sandra Galloway and the rest of the crew, where all the money goes and why they can't come into the 21st century. And while you're at it, ask them why they can't draw industry and new residents to your county.
Sorry that I have rambled on. I just couldn't let it go unsaid.
well said mana for you.  Last edited on Tue Mar 25th, 2008 06:26 pm by hazygray
|
RPDII
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 27 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 06:20 pm |
|
luvacop wrote: Ask Sandra Galloway but don't ask Ray Barber because he will fend for Kenny Dodd til the end of time! After all, Kenny is married to his niece. While I understand this topic isn't only about the Polk Co Police Chief, he (supposed to be the one in charge)sounded kinda goofy on the news by saying "They are saying it might of been a tornado!" "Might have been hell, look at the destruction dumb a**!
And it is a fact, he (Kenny) sent several officers from other agencies away. They were told "We have it under control."
Look, Kenny is only Chief until the Cedartown Chief's job is decided. Kiki wants that job and if she dosen't get it she will settle for the Polk Chief's job that Sandra will hand her. Then things will really go south. After all, I think Sandra is Kiki's friend from childhood. May be related, I don't know. Anyway, I agree with you.
|
Lunk Head
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 27th, 2007 |
| Location: | Parts Unknown |
| Posts: | 208 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 07:13 pm |
|
| Whats all the hoopla?
|
PolkMom
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 127 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 07:31 pm |
|
RPDII, you make very valid points. I haven't lived in Polk Co. all my life, and I know firsthand what happens when you question the status quo around here. After all, you guys aren't much better when someone opposes your view. I never said people were there or weren't there; I wasn't in that area after the tornadoes so I don' t know. But I read statements to the effect that the writer of the original post took accounts from two people who were probably distraught and disoriented and ran with it. In fact, I know a volunteer firefighter that was there; his description was that it resembled a war zone .. people wondering around confused, etc. I know when undergoing a personal trauma/crisis, I don't always recall the situation accurately in terms of who was there and did what. If someone didn't have what they were promised, then by all means they should be speaking up. But I just know that when people step up to help me I don't start bashing those who couldn't be there for whatever reason.
Unfortunately, no one discredited Mrs. Anderson's credentials, her appointment, etc. The initial comment mentioned "exorbitant salaries," which she hardly earns. A budget of $26,000 includes a part-time salary, insurance, utilities, etc.
Second, she has been ridiculed for not returning from a vacation. Let's say she was 8 hours away. It would have been 8 pm, at least, before she could have returned to Polk Co. By no means am I defending her, but she would have lost deposits, etc. that I'm sure no on in the county would have reimbursed. I'm sure she regrets not coming back because then people would have to find something else to criticize .. I'm sure she wouldn't have driven fast enough.
Third, the article that appeared in the Rome Newswire contained very little investigative points. Honestly, a high school student probably would have been more analytical.
Again, your comment has the most merit of any on here. I don't pay much attention to "he said, she said" and griping about who did what. What matters is what we learn. Believe me, there are commissioners who will face severe challenges during the next election for various reasons given people don't give up; you learn more about people in the face of adversity than any other time.
Another question - where were the insurance adjusters?
|
ROP
Member
| Joined: | Sun Feb 24th, 2008 |
| Location: | Lindale |
| Posts: | 1522 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 07:51 pm |
|
| PM....take your dictionary and go away. You really do need kids. See if you can find someone.
|
garrywb
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 25th, 2008 |
| Location: | Aragon, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 125 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 08:12 pm |
|
Hi, I am a new member here and would like to express my opinion on the subject of the tornado response in Polk County.
My background- I served 35 years as a Firefighter/EMA volunteer, before retiring for health reasons a couple of years ago. I also know the EMA Director but have little contact with her in the last couple of years.
Her job is a part-time job, she has a clerk working for her. Her manpower consists of the volunteers of the Polk Ciunty FD.
Her job is NOT to respond to emergencies, it is to coordinated activities with government agencies with respect to mitigating a disaster after it has occured.
The reason she was out of town on R & R was a personal one.
She was on the phone with local officials who told her that everythiing that could be done was being taken care of. If that had not been the case she could have handled her obligations by cellphone.
It seems that when someone inquired as to why "something or other" had not been done by Polk County to the County Manager he gave the excuse that his EMA Director was on vacation. That person should have not accepted that explanation.
The EMA Director as well as all other paid and volunteer employees work for the County Manager. All use of county resources can only happen with his approval. The Police work for him, the EMS, the 911 center, the Volunteer Fire Department and the road department.
From what I have been able to learn, every thing was done and done well by the Asst. County Fire Chief, the 911 Director, the EMS Director and the Chief of Police as well as all the other agencies within the county.
The "Keep Polk Beautiful" Organiazation has started to assist in the help with the individuals to clean up thier private properties. They had one clean up last Saturday and probably have more planned. If you would like to help contact;
Sharon Coffman
Executive Director
Keep Polk Beautiful
P.O. Box 780
20 North Main St.
Cedartown, GA 30125
678-246-1083
Garry B
|
CSI4LIFE
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 25th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:00 pm |
|
Before you comment on Rockmart Officers and leaders you should have all the facts. The Rockmart Chief was told that the situation was under control and no Rockmart Officers was needed.
|
HollyRayburn
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rome, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 203 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:02 pm |
|
Yes, Looks like our good Floyd citizens had it under control
|
romegasir
Member
| Joined: | Sun Oct 7th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rome, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 2345 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:02 pm |
|
If the EMA director can't make even a symbolic attempt at reaching out to the families involved, then why do you require your EMA director live in Polk? Why not hire someone much more qualified but who happens to live in Florida and own a telephone?
Call Floyd's EMA director, SCotty Hancock,........................ask him if he was contacted by any governmental polk agency and asked for assistance???????????????????
There can only be one of two explanations................................uncaring or unknowing......................which of those two labels would Mrs. Anderson like to wear?
She was paid last year for 1040 hours of work...............................she'll be paid this year for 1040 hours of work...........yet in that 2080 hours, she doesn't respond to the biggest disaster to occur in that two year period???? because of "personal" reasons (i.e. Spinnakers had a cool band) ?????
The only reason she will remain EMA director is because of people with the attitude of "what could she do?" "her job is to smile and talk to the news folks".............if you ever want to see what a REAL EMA Director acts like during a disaster, wait til the next one, then visit Floyd County (IF you're lucky, you'll be here when it occurs, because you certainly don't want to depend on Polk)
|
lue012
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 16th, 2008 |
| Location: | Cedartown |
| Posts: | 44 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:04 pm |
|
RPDII wrote: This is NOT the Cedartown chat board, and someone will eat your breakfast for you when you come on here and start acting like it is. Now having said that, not everyone on the CCB acts like you but there are quite a few that do. Right, Cog.
:-( Lue: From CCB and RomeNewsWire
Last edited on Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:05 pm by lue012
|
CSI4LIFE
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 25th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 28 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:11 pm |
|
They did a great job
|
ronron
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Rome, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 365 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:15 pm |
|
Hi romegasir
Did You see the Rome News Tribune this morning, somebody in Polk county must have seen Your post here, because it sounded like to Me they were replying to Your post, in the RN-T
|
Optimus Prime
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jan 27th, 2008 |
| Location: | Lindale, Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 569 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:52 pm |
|
CSI4LIFE wrote: Before you comment on Rockmart Officers and leaders you should have all the facts. The Rockmart Chief was told that the situation was under control and no Rockmart Officers was needed.
Just going on what some people here in Floyd that has Rockmart public safety connections told me......... that you shouldn't have to be told to respond to something like that it should be inherent.
|
Current time is 09:45 am | Page:   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ...   |
|
|
|
|
