I knew the IC, we had attended an officer development program together back in the day, so access wasn't a problem. A spot was located where I could shoot and not be in the way. Most of the photos came out OK, a few came out pretty well, one came out great.
There's just one problem. I can't really use the best one for anything.
One of the firefighters had removed his helmet for a few moments and set it on the rear deck of the car. Although it wasn't really a dangerous act, if the picture were to be published or distributed, it would cause him a little grief. If not from the agency Safety Officer, then from his peers. Sometimes the unofficial grief is worse than the official grief.
If firefighters start getting jammed up over photos, they will start to become aware of my presence and wary of my actions. My welcome will be short lived and I will end up on the wrong side of the yellow tape, a place that I am unaccustomed to.
Thus, I am extremely careful of what gets submitted to Admin, regardless of the agency. In this instance, I was able to crop a small section of it and share it with you. While I would have rather have printed it up to a 24" x 36" and presented it to the Local F.D, this will have to do. At least I was able to use it for something.
Oh yeah, keep your lid on. You never know when there is a camera lurking nearby.
Thanks for reading,
Schmoe
I commend you for your integrity. Most people would choose what makes them look best.
ReplyDeleteSimeon - Oh, I don't know about integrity. I have a folder on my hard drive titled "Chiefs looking silly on scene". Ya just never know when they might come in handy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting.
Agreed, I just don't get what motivates some people to aggressively peruse photos looking for transgressions, on a stated mission to make things better but doing little more than stirring the pot with inadequate understanding and stepped-on toes.
ReplyDeleteArtistically, there is a lot to like about this cropped section, too. ;)
A Brother's Brother ... Love ya Capt
ReplyDeleteGrump - Indeed, I don't get it either. It used to really annoy me when reading fire service magazines(before the web!) and the letters section would be full of snarky comments regarding items spotted in photos. While probably well intentioned, they usually didn't come across that way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment and the kind words.
Wines - And i you my tractor driving brother!
Fifteen or twenty years ago, we used to say that was the accountability system for MVA's: you knew how many guys (or girls) were working the car by counting the helmets on the roof. :)
ReplyDeleteLuckily, we've gotten better - that's not usually the case these days. ;)
NYEMT - I am guilty as well, being tall. The first thing I want to do when entering a car is remove my lid. I, as is your organization, am improving.
ReplyDeleteI like the MVA accountability system, though the "passports" are a little high priced. Thanks for the comment.