I don't know who to believe anymore...

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Hey all...

In my introduction, I stated that I was an Operational Support firefighter for my local Volunteer Rural Fire Force; the thing is, when I went for my initial meeting I was open and honest about my learning disability and they said it was okay but it is just over two years down the track and I have not been to a single fire (I feel that they feel I would be a liability due to my autism). On the other hand though, our boss, who is the Principal Rural Fire Officer for our district, told me in an email that he approved of me responding to emergencies and being on the fireground in a support capacity.

I just don't know who to believe anymore; our Fire Force Controller is actually one year over the retirement age and he, to me, seems stuck in his ways, and he will not budge on anything. Our Principal Rural Fire Officer is an amazing guy (I have known him since I was in primary school - I went there with his daughters). I am going to be attending a conference later on this year, in October, due to my rural fire force being a member of a national fire brigades' association.

Deep down, I would love to speak about how I feel that I am being unappreciated and unchallenged in the current climate and hope the merger between the urban and rural fire services will allow me to take on new responsibilities, allow me to learn new skills and also a new role - all in the hope that I can get away from that toxic place and do my own thing.

Thanks for listening to this rant...

~ James

Don't complain about them being dishonest...but do mention that you want to get into the action.

Just ask how you could go about getting some action. Maybe additional training?

Funnily enough Kraftie, I have asked about that several times and have been met with a "No" or silence; it's just driving me crazy knowing that I am fully trained, but am not allowed to put my skills to use.

That sucks, buddy.

I hope you get a new boss soon who will realize your usefulness.

Aspies are actually really good in emergencies. We had a member who is an Emergeny Medical Technician. A few doctors, too.

Me too Kraftie.

I am going to be attending a two-day Rural Fire Challenge this September as part of the Incident Management Team; at my fire force's Annual General Meeting on 1st August, our PRFO mentioned that I had already signed up to go and take part. Everyone just stopped and stared at me; I guess that they thought I would not actually sign up. I told myself that I will use the Rural Fire Challenge to show them that I am a highly capable firefighter whose autism does not define.

Sometimes, you just have to show people. Talk is often not enough.

I think you'll succeed. I'm rooting for you.

Autistic people are viable people.

Maybe you could ask for a transfer? Or maybe take more epecialized training than previously?

I have seriously been considering it Kraftie, but I am scared that they will say I was not grateful for being accepted by them into this particular rural fire force as a volunteer support firefighter...

What's wrong with taking specialized training?

It sounds like these people want you to be grateful just for allowing you to be in the same room with them.

I wish you could find a way to prove them wrong. I hate people like this.

I am maybe thinking that they think it might be way over my head and that I will not be able to cope; I think that when our PRFO told them that I signed up to the Rural Fire Challenge was a tiny step in the right direction.

I get what you're saying.

I do hope you prove them wrong someday.