One-sided load of twaddle

Never before have I read such a one-sided opinionated load of twaddle in my life.

In answer to Mr Leaver's points, firstly, the "Bolshie" firefighters (don't forget, Mr Leaver there are female firefighters now!) have not been on strike for 25 years, not exactly often, is it? It seems to me that you are very selective in who you blame, conveniently forgetting the government's part in this dispute.

So when you do see the antiquated green goddesses rolling down the streets, remember to write to Tony Blair and ask him why they are there.

You say we are subjecting families to risk, don't forget our families are there too.

I have a nine-month-old son at home, and I'm worried about him as are all the other firefighters about their families because we have seen the risks up close and very personal, not in a stuffy office on a black and white photograph.

As for the pay claim, get your facts right, the figure was not pulled from thin air.

In fact the figure was decided by an outside organisation, which said we should be paid that amount because of the job that we do. Incidentally, it was the same organisation that told MPs that they were worth a 42 per cent pay rise, which they took without so much as a murmur.

Talk about double standards and hypocrisy!

Our claim works out at £8.50 an hour. How much do you earn an hour, Mr Leaver, to sit in your office and pontificate about something you know nothing about?

How much would it cost to risk your life every shift? Do firefighters have to be injured or killed to earn a decent wage?

Because Mr Leaver this job is dangerous, contrary to your opinion, every time we exit the fire station.

We attend every incident, we have no idea what will confront us on arrival, and only through continuous training and a high degree of professionalism, do we make the job as safe as we do, not only for us but for the public too.

It seems that we are also to blame for other public sector workers receiving a poor wage. Please! I feel, as do my colleagues that other public sector workers, after being "modernised" under Labour do a fantastic a job under very difficult circumstances, for very little reward. Unfortunately, I cannot affect their pay claims, only my own.

I read through your article, Mr Leaver, prior to going on to a 15-hour night shift. My shift is 42 hours a week, do you think it should be longer, Mr Leaver?

Should I stay away from my son and my wife for five nights out of seven? Will you be away from your family on Christmas day, as my colleagues and I will?

And as for doing two jobs, would you like to go out of the door after completing your days work, and undertake another full day?

The reason that so many firefighters have a second job is because they feel they have to, to give their families a decent standard of living that their wage will not run to.

About 50 minutes into the shift we were called out to a house fire in Accrington.

En-route to the incident we were informed that the incident was persons reported, which means there are people trapped inside.

Stress? Well I can assure you, Mr Leaver that I wasn't considering whether or not my cue ball was snookered, I was thinking of my crew and the people in the fire.

Stress. You do not know the meaning of the word.

We remained at the incident for approximately 90 minutes, in which time we dealt with all sorts of issues aside from the fire, including fitting smoke detectors, and distributing fire safety advice.

Playing snooker? I would prefer if you kept your ill-thought-out insults to yourself. Mr Leaver, get off your high horse and stop attacking those who do something for society.

You may need us yourself one day, and I can promise you this, we will treat you with a lot more respect than you have shown for us!

STEPHEN HARRISON, Sub-officer, Green Watch, Accrington.