Why is Fire and EMS often treated as second-class?

[ForevrLonely29]

I have made an observation over the past decade. Here in Tennessee, we take very good care of our law enforcement, but we shit on our firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics. While I do back the blue, we have other public safety workers that have been essentially ignored.

I have been advocating for our first responders here in Tennessee, but I feel I have been strung along as I have sought legislation and recognition of our other first responders. Why is this?

[NaultD]

Probably how invested the unions are. Police unions with murdurus bad apples on the daily keeps everyone on their toes. So one hand washes the other. Now there is a higher average who participants in the union. Union becomes better at protecting the cops then more participants more protections. Yadda yadda

It's rare for any union to go that deep in protection and active participants.

[ForevrLonely29]

It is a lack of recognition from leaders and residents, period. These counties manage their fire and EMS poorly. Underfunded, underappreciated, and some of the practices are borderline illegal. Many rural areas lack medical first responders, and an ambulance can often be 20-30+ minutes away. Some of these small rural non-profit org fire departments are corrupt to the core. I am addressing one region right now with state lawmakers to form solutions.

[Ez-Bri-Z_v2]

Finally a non racist post i actually agree with. All first responders should be treated equally, with respect and honor. They put their lives on the line everyday and should be treated as heroes. re-state//background_color_rgba (0, 0, 0, 0), font_color_rgb (77, 77, 77), justifyLeft

[exitseven]

yes, the cops get all the attention. I sold equipment to first responders for years and knew hundreds of them. The cops always think they are better than the fire fighters.