Ooh, I pushed somebody's union button, huh? I joined the VFD STRICTLY to serve the community. I had no clue as to "benefits" until after about 6 months in the service. I just mentioned the pension as a by-the-way comparison of what we get compared with what career guys get. Although my FD is not unionized, it was strongly "suggested" I pay into the retirement fund. Whatever, since eventually I get back what I put in, it's ok, basically just a savings account. Jealous of you career guys? Not even. Obviously, you're a union member/thug and drawing a fat pension. Outlandish pensions have bankrupted the US, whether from private or public sectors. The money's gotta come from somewhere other than a printing press, and it all seems like a pyramid scheme if you look closely.

Whining? Hardly, stating simple facts. I stand by my first posting: unions suck and I will never join any or pay any union dues for any position; I'd rather do without their "perks" than further enable their thievery. Apparently, you totally glossed over my original comment that I will not take a FT teaching job because I refuse to pay into the union scam. I have all I want or need without being a pig and expecting or demanding more, more, more. Furthermore, I would not desire to work for you, so there's no chance of my "being out the door looking in"; if unions took over anywhere I worked and required my membership, I'd quit immediately.

Nice job patting yourself on the back for your selflessness. Yes, the Volunteer Chief sent you on your way to your day job with blessings, because that's the difference between the volunteers and the career guys - you think you're God's gift to the world; we're just there to help others. Get over yourself, bud.