A confession of sorts... to begin, I bought myself a scanner for Xmas

[Inchworm]

I live in a low population, rural area. Many of the names mentioned I either know, know of, or know someone that knows them :D

I always had a problem with authority, as in, I can't stand cops. Of the hundreds I've dealt with I can only think of 2 or 3 I'd, like, invite to a bbq. That seems to be changing.

To be so "low populated" it is a sight at the things I hear on the scanner. I am also surprised at how much good cops do out there. No clue how I made it to 42 and not realize this lol.

I also monitor the rescue and fire. I always knew they did good, but man! The county is huge and usually 40+ minutes between the hospital and subject's home. There are several volunteer fire depts so the distance may not be as far off. This brings me to.. "first responders." I haven't looked up exactly who/what/etc these folks are, but they can be at a house in NO Time. It is so cool. It sounds like many of them aren't really radio-use savvy, but they are there feeding info until the big dogs arrive.

It is just amazing to know what is happening off my li'l hill and how frequent something is going on. Earlier a kid (missed age) was dropped off at home and no grown-up around when he got in. Someone was there in less than 5 minutes of call and when sheriff arrived all was well. This happens all day, all night. From someone hitting a deer and not killing it to falls by elderly to dumbass holding girlfriend hostage... all day and all night.

Anyhow, I'm glad I now know.

Cops, EMS, Fire Rescue, and First Responders... I SALUTE YOU!

:patriot:
EDIT: to fix saluting dude

[RKP5637]

1. I have a scanner I often turn on here at night. I've been amazed at how

polite and concerned the same are here. I don't hear as much activity as I used to, they seem to have PC's in the cop cars, so maybe some of the calls, etc. go out by PC here, I just don't know. Anyway, scanners are fun to listen to.

[Inchworm]

4. They can be quite entertaining

I found out we actually have public transportation here! I've seen the busses around, but always thought it was medical transportation or something. I found their frequency and they are a hoot to listen to. They do not do the whole 10-4, signal 1 stuff. It is more like, "Hey Pat, I got John Doe dropped at the Wal-Mart, where ya need me?" or "Can you get Paul to grab my smokes out of break room." Fun stuff :D

[RKP5637]

7. Yeah, I've heard similar here, including bus drivers lost that were filling in for

the regular driver. I was cracking up listening to them, but it must be really embarrassing with a full bus during rush hour completely lost. They can be really funny. One of the really funny ones was a call because someone at a bar was standing completely naked in the parking lot and was running around when the cops arrived. Obviously had had one too many!

Yep, fun stuff!!!

[Inchworm]

8. Some of it is scary though

If you really get into an event it is better than a TV show. (except it is real, which sucks)

It is not uncommon to hear.. subject stated he did not want any cops in sight, or subject voiced that he would be violent if police arrive, go on property, etc.

:scared:

[RKP5637]

10. Imagine what you might hear in a large city like NYC. Bolt the door! n/t

[lizziegrace]

2. Rural EMTs saved my life 2 years ago

I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the caring, training and quick work of the crew.

I join you in your salute!

[Inchworm]

5. I'm glad they were there!

because you rock! ;)

:yourock:

[lizziegrace]

9. Thanks

:hug:

I have life-threatening asthma and got the flu. Started feeling bad Thursday evening and by Saturday night I was in the ER with doctors talking about intubating me. Scary, scary stuff.

[Dappleganger]

11. Oh no!

We have asthma in our family and have had our share of ER adventures--NOT fun. :(

[MineralMan]

3. Saint Paul went all digital, so my scanner's not much use

anymore, and I'm not going to pay for a digital one. But, as you said, they respond to help people far more than they respond to arrest people.

With a few exceptions, they're good men and women.

[Inchworm]

6. Yea, I was worried about that when shopping for this one

Then I thought... surely no digital here! Andy wouldn't allow such new-fangled things to be used by Barney :D

Yup, more good than bad.