A Really Important Story

THIS is a story that cannot be ignored.

When you get the chance, stroll over to First In! and see what tale of woe our brothers on the firefighter side are currently dealing with. In yet another example of municipal incompetence, Philadelphia has been issuing cheap, outdated, and ineffective ear plugs to the city's firefighters. As a result, far too many of our everyday heroes are suffering from hearing loss.

Brian McBride, president of the Philadelphia Fire Fighters Union Local 22, has a solution: new, state-of-the-art earmuffs like the ones pictured. They provide much better protection, and can also be linked into radio communications. At $1,000 a pair, they're not cheap, but considering the alternatives, this is a plan the city should be jumping on, post haste.

But, this is Philadelphia.

Hearings are currently underway in front of City Council - whose members, coincidentally, are all up for re-election - to address the issue. Our pal, Captain America, was testifying before the Council about the gravity of the situation. Apparently he made an impact, because City Council voted unanimously to purchase the equipment.

But, this is Philadelphia.

Mayor Street and his administration are gearing up to fight the vote, claiming that the City Charter prohibits Council from forcing the fire department to provide equipment for its members. Simply stated, the mayor doesn't believe that the new equipment is "cost feasible," which makes one wonder if he cares about the city's firefighters at all.

The local Fox station had a terrific report on the problem, and even featured footage of the good Captain. Stop by First In! and show your support for Philadelphia's firefighters. Hang on to your hats, folks; this battle is far from over.