Wow-As an HR Professional and a Mother I am always warning my employees and children all the time about what is appropriate to say and not to say on public forums.

i know chipotle has been this way for years. only police officers in uniform get a discount..

Although I feel that the comments were in poor taste I do not understand why a line is drawn. Why not give fire fighters a discount? That fire fighter may very well save your life one day. Just because that is the way it has always been it doesn't mean it is right.

What is most galling is the sense of entitlement. I have been a volunteer (in another County) for 20 years, and I would never DREAM of asking for a discount. If the restaurant offers a discount to a firefighter in uniform - great. If the restaurant offers a discount to police officers and not firefighters - either suck it up or go through the police academy and quit bitching. No one OWES a volunteer anything. Just this week, I saw a volunteer (in shorts and fire department t-shirt) who was having lunch with a friend at Panera. She was verbally berating the Panera employee because he would not give her a volunteer discount. I was embarrassed to be a volunteer. It's a public SERVICE job - we serve the public and not the other way around

Let's get all the facts... Not one of the dumpster comments or delayed responses was from a firefighter- just on their wall. These are volunteers who risk life and limb for our county with NO compensation. They run in to save you and I after their day jobs... They are Heros and deserve some respect. They stand out in the tornados while the rest of you run for cover. It's Facebook. It was a comment. And opinion really- the incindiary comments were not even made by these guys.... Yet some of them aren't responding to calls FOR us right now because of it... Harford County should be outraged. Outraged that noone is standing up for our local Heros and supporting them by saying- find a less harsh avenue to teach them a lesson. Remember- most of these are young men- not even out of college. To hold them to a standard that you and I hold in a paid job... Not realistic. I am PRO support our volunteers!!

it doesn't matter how old and they should be held to the standard that the organization they belong to set. in the statement from the organization it was stated that they have rules on social media, they must have been broken hence the action that was taken.

Disagree completely. Discipline by nature is to teach and correct... So fine if any of them said a comment in poor taste- employ a discipline that fits the transgression. This is cutting off a nose to spite the face. Costing this county even one volunteer hurts our community. You all do realize 5 of these are top responders- taking over 1000 calls in a year... So when u call for help... And there's not enough volunteers to help, you will be the first to complain then as well. And I don't see anyone of u jumping up to fill their shoes. I for one appreciate that personally and business wise i am not paying extra taxes for a paid dept- because of our volunteers. They are an asset, a commodity and that should never be wasted. Not one of them acted entitled. They just said "thanks alot"... And u know what- that's not a crime- that's not embarrassing- its a valid slap in the face... That they somehow aren't as good as our paid Heros... Meanwhile they don't get paid, they aren't insured... They do this for the love of a county that shows not one ounce of gratitude when they need support. It's shameful and embarrassing as a citizen to see that

Noone said don't discipline. What I said was make it fit the transgression. What the firefighters said was not bad- other posters posted some rather questionable things... But they aren't in the fire department. It was a fb post. Let's be a little realistic here... It is not worth us losing voluntary Heros over. Period. Exclamation point.

Main Entry: pro·fes·sion·al·ism
Pronunciation: \-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm, -ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-\
Function: noun
Date: 1856
1 : the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
2 : the following of a profession (as athletics) for gain or livelihood

I don't know that volunteers fit into this definition. So I am compelled to disagree with you. This is not their profession. This is not their job. They do that elsewhere. Here they volunteer. Different expectations. Completely.

Yeah I have my opinion and it is solid. But insinuating that I can't have a rational discussion just because you can't win a point in a debate is irrational in and of itself. In addition at least my opinions are under my real name and not Hidden behind a fake one. Enjoy your day

Unbelievable! Let me get this right.... VOLUNTEERS were suspended? I hope I'm not the only one who finds this not only ridiculous, but extremely UNGRATEFUL. These men and women give their valuable time unselfishly to the community and I don't think it is unreasonable for them to expect to be treated with some degree of appreciation. They weren't looking for a freebie, just a discount. And guess what, Morons? If the Sonic was on fire, those guys would still show up and put out the fire. Sounds like they were just blowing off steam.

Long story short they represent the fire company reguardless if they volunteer or not. They posted these comments on a open public forum...as we saw it only took one person to put this out even more in the public eye. I'm not saying keep your opinions to yourself but it's common sense if you post something on FB like that it's going to get out!

9 volunteers are receiving punishment. Of those 9, 1 made the post & 2 made delayed response comments. The person making the dumpster threat is not a member. The other 6 are also receiving punishment for having ANYTHING to do with the post. That includes: questioning sense of entitlement, also disagreeing with post, suggesting a letter be written & questioning why they wouldn't offer.
I have heard nothing but negativity from BAVFC since they started commenting on this issue. Has anyone heard them mention that these are top responders? No. Has anyone heard them mention that this surprises them because these are good volunteers? No. Just how embarrassed and sick they are. HEY, how's that brotherhood working out for you?
The ONLY reason the public knows about this is because one of their own members decided to forward this private conversation to the media, using a fake name. Guess he sought immunity in the whole deal....
While I agree there should have been some type of reprimand for the unnecessary comments, a month's suspension & recommendation of termination is completely out of control. Contrary to what you all want to believe, nobody offered to volunteer their services just to get that discount. These guys love what they do & this was just a bunch of bs banter..

Not sure how you can guarentee anyone's intentions. They suggested committing arson. Arson is a crime.
I'm not following you. Are you saying that since they are volunteers they can't be suspended? I think I agree with you. I would just say their services are no longer wanted at the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. And prohibit their presence on the property.

The BAVFC members did not threaten arson. It was other people on their pages that said inflammatory things. Again everyone calls for punishment etc without even having FACTS which is a joke. One person demoted wasn't denoted for comments. He was demoted for preventing members from posting on fb. Well in that case both Ricky Davis and Mr Hopkins should step down as well.
The fire Dept should be supporting their members. Innocent until proven guilty- or does that not stand for volunteers? 5 of our top responders are off the street today because noone in the FD has the guts to say "hold up"... "let us check into this then we will seem what should be done"... Instead a spineless (likely member of that dept) took screen shots from a private fb page and blew this way outta proportion. That alone says it all- if you have to start trouble or post comments under an alias... Then your comments should be taken as seriously as a fake name.

People are completely narrow minded and only have a one track mind. Personally, I think the fire house should be correcting all of their previous statements to the truth about the situation. The men that made some of the not so awesome comments were not members, that these men are top responders and are at the house pretty much every day serving the ignorant people like you for nothing. I can put money on it that if and when the chief decides to tell the truth and correct this previous statements all of you negative people will be eating your words. Now as far as the "concerned citizen" he needs to be terminated for making his brothers, fellow fireman and fire house look bad and taking this to the media instead of keeping it within the family. The truth will come to a head soon enough

Here not too long ago- there were Coreectional officers under fire for a YouTube video. Many called for action. But the County found that it was freedom of speech and therefore nothing could be done.... Again- double standard much?

Andrea -

Your use of the word "hero" is inappropriate. Just because someone volunteers their time does not mean they are a "hero." You seem to have a dictionary - look it up.

BTW - since you are using the term "hero," let me ask you this: do you think for a second that Batman, Superman, and Spiderman would have posted on Facebook that they would not have stopped crime because Sonic didn't give them a discount. I think not.

While you are talking about heroes, I have never heard of a miliary veteran who complained about not getting a discount somewhere. This seems to be isolated to a bunch of volunteers in Harford County who got that knickers in a twist because a local business dared to not treat them as "special."

Andrea- Sounds like one of the members that have been reprimanded is someone close to you. I get that and I respect your support for the volunteer firefighters of the county. However, your ranting and raving, especially about the "fake names" is making you look like a crazy person my dear.........Calm down girl, we HEAR you....

I use a "fake name" because there are a lot of crazies out there and Im just not comfortable with using my real name. Doesnt make my posts any less legitimate.....

I dont understand why there isnt a discount given to the firefighters. They are putting there lives in danger, just as much as a police officer or military personnel. I dont, however think that they should have asked for the discount and they certainly shouldnt have ranted about it on their facebook. And comments made about not responding or even setting the dumpster at Sonic on fire, was WAY out of line!

I dont know if I agree or disagree with the actions taken. Temporary demotions maybe....A LOT of cleaning detail, sure. Being suspended and taken out of service, yeah, a bit harsh.

I will say this though. I am not surprised in the least bit at the lack of support for our firefighters from the Bel Air Sonic. Ive seen some posts on their facebook page from their "manager" and that place is a JOKE!! Wont ever go there again......

Marc- those are fictional Heros. Not a very good analogy. I think that all our public servants from military to ems are Heros. Heroes go in while everyone else runs.

And you are wrong. I have no family in this or any other department nor am I close to anyone in this or any other department. I just feel very strongly that over reaction prior to facts is what is wrong with society today. Our county differs from most others - we do not have paid fire or ems. How many times have u heard of delayed responses in the city.. Or closed firehouses.. All the time. It's never been an issue in HC. And this is a big, busy county.

The fact is none of these guys made any threats. Not did they act entitled or complain. They said "thanks alot".. And they have every legal and constitutional right to Do that. If any of them said something that was a threat or inappropriate - then ok- discipline them... I've never said otherwise. But the facts do not support that and everyone jumping on a "punish" bandwagon would not feel that way if they waited for all the facts. This all took place prior to any investigation.... But you don't take good, dependable people off duty unless it is a must. Volunteers aren't required to volunteer. They aren't required to come to your home and pull ur family out of a fire. But they do.

Marc- that was rude and inappropriate to say that these men are not heros. I think you should ask the people that they have saved by putting out their burning homes, pulling them out of burning homes, giving CPR all the way to the hospital, pulling people from car wrecks, etc...would you like me to go on?! It's people like you that make a whole lot of negativity in this world and should keep their ignorant comments to themselves. Maybe you should volunteer your time and effort for nothing and then make a comment about a hero

There was no issue at Sonic that day. There was no complaint from Sonic because nothing was ever said there besides "ok no problem". They didn't even ASK for a discount- they had gear on because there was an accident in front of sonic they handled. The waitress of her own volition said we don't discount firefighter- they said no problem- ordered- paid and left. This "demanding", "entitlement" etc is media hype that just is not the case

The internet and places like Facebook have given some the idea they can say whatever they want with no repercussions. Just like it is illegal to yell fire in a movie theater it is NOT okay to make such comments online. It DOES reflect on the Bel Air Fire Dept. and how the citizens of Harford County view them.

Furthermore, a lot of places give police discounts not necessarily to thank them for putting their lives on the line or being a hero, but more so to get uniformed police officers to visit their businesses. My fiancee is a police officer and a lot of businesses in the city give them free drinks, food, etc because it brings police prescence to their business establishments and the business owners hope that will deter criminals. Unfortunately, having a fire fighter at your business doesn't quite have the same effect.

& lastly, do we really want our fire fighters eating Sonic burgers/fried food? ... Just saying.

Also you'll probably notice that most sit down restaurants do NOT provide police & fire discounts. This is because they do not experience a lot of crime. But fast food places and convience stores do because giving a police discount cuts down on loitering, possible robberies, etc which are issues that sit downs do not have.

& for the record, despite the fact that my fiancee is a police officer we never ask for police discounts when we go places and he very rarely takes advantage of the freebies and discounts at work except for the occasional bottled water when its 90+ degrees and he's stuck on a foot post at work or directing traffic with the sun beating down because he doesn't think it is right. Yes he is risking his life but that is what he chose to do and he did it for the people, not for discounts.

Andrea, just in case you care... I spent 12 years as a volunteer firefighter/paramedic in a mixed volunteer/career station in Montgomery County, Maryland. The union boys loved nothing better than catching volunteers misbehaving. That is why we strived to have the volunteers exemplify the highest standards. If this situation and behavior is OK with you, then that's fine. But I don't accept this sense of entitlement and would-be thugs. Yes, people who bitch about not getting special privileges are thuggy. Its what the mob does. The Chief has full authority to keep discipline in his department. I won't pass judgement on his call.

I do respect ur opinion. And I agree with you if those things happened. But what I'm getting at is those weren't the things said by the volunteers. They questioned why a firefighter wasn't considered a public servant. But the "threats" and inappropriate comments were not from these people. It was from other FB posters not in the FD. The post was actually removed when one of the LT's saw that some of the posts were just over the top (from other posters) and it was done prior to all this getting blown out of proportion. I for one would not want punished for something someone else put on fb that was inappropriate..
I can't be any more clear than the basic facts. If people want to hear facts then decide- that's great. It just doesn't seem like anyone is doing that.

As a paid firefighter, it is inappropriate to even joke about withholding services because of slight , real or imagined. If someone offers a discount then thank them but my service does not entitle anyone to show their appreciation. I am grateful and honored when they offer. As to FB , watch what you say people, WE are expected to adhere to a higher standard, paid AND volunteer....... , and I've met the Bel Air FF's they are a good and dedicated crew, educate don't subjugate.TX FF

@longtime Joppatown... I do my research and ask questions before I come to an opinion. It's not hard to get the facts if you ask...

Not every firefighter vol or paid is a hero they are people doing a job. I was a medic and nothing on my uniform said HERO. We didn't run down a machine gun nest to save our unit, throw ourselves on a granade, they didn't all run it burning buidings etc.. We throw the term HERO around way to much Sports stars, just cause you work in a job that Heroics MIGHT be possible. There are cops that DWI, Firefighters that set fires, soilders that go off their nut and shoot innocents, doctors that leave scenes of accidents etc... Discounts for none then if you have a medal award from the president that says Hero then you get a free small cheezy fry. You don't like a buisness policy don't go there pure and simple. I was Volunteer fireman the only thing I got was a sense of purpose and a way to serve my community. No Heroic no cape etc... just doing my job and moving on.

This incident provided a real good look at the mindset of Harford County's volunteer wannabe-firemen. I hope it inspires a serious discussion about what passes for public safety here.

I have a question for all debating here ... take the fact that they were firemen out of the equation and just make them another volunteer of some kind ... Would it still be okay for some to write derogatory comments online regarding a business establishment while they were representing your company/organization?

For example, if it was a HarCo Humane Society volunteer who wrote about how PetsMart wouldn't give them a free or discounted bottle of soda while they were there volunteering their time there for the Humane Society helping to find animals homes, would that be okay? Would it be unfair of the Humane Society to say they no longer would like them to volunteer because their behavior made the Humane Society look bad? Would you still be in an uproar then because they aren't a "hero" as some have argued on here? (Which to some animals those volunteers are life savers and the Humane Society does need them)

Even though you are volunteering and that is a noble thing, you do still have a code of ethics to follow with any organization you help because you are representing them and their organization and your behavior directly reflects upon them. Therefore, if you do something they feel makes their organization look bad or is inappropriate I feel they have every right to request you not volunteer any longer. And as noble as it is to volunteer as a fireman, if you are a member of the fire dept you must remember that at all times you are representing the fire department.

Also a comment does not make them any less of a hard worker or delete all the time and help they have put in day after day.

Just so everyone know that are reading these post that MVPHKR was trying to join a Vol Fire Company in Harford County a few year's back only to get declined for reason's that are unknown,Can you tell by his negative post's.

Im heading out now for 2 week's vacation in about 10 min and will not be on line for a few week's and when I get home this will be all forgotten about,To all the Vol.Fire Dept member's out there thank you and god bless.

Amazing Harfordman! Have a great vacation and thanks for the support for our volunteers!

My guess and I think I am 100% right is that the only immature antics going on anywhere is on here with you and your inappropriate comments! JACKPOT! Now if you will excuse me I have better things to do then reply to anymore of your ignorance. Have a great day!

What if the complaint was never sent? What if a dumpster was set on fire? Think about it.
looks like Chicago democrat politics, or union activity at the least.

I believe it is poor business practice for any business to discriminate! If you are going to offer discounts to public servers don't pick and choose...include them all. What is really sad about the situation is most firefighters in Harford County are volunteers and should be given discounts considering. Being volunteers does not slow them down or stop them from promptly responding to an emergency. They respond faster than the paid Harford County Sheriff's Department! Go figure. STOP DISCRIMINATING SONIC!!!!

I know so many immature tool-bags my age that are a part of the volunteer firefighting brigade in Harford. I feel as if they mainly do it for their ego- [the few I know of] think along the lines of "Chicks love firefighters, I'm a firefighter". Dude- get laid on your own time & let people that actually WANT to volunteer out of the kindness of their hearts do it... not volunteer because they think it boosts their "macho".
Posting immature things on FB is exactly the type of things they do. They don't get their way, so they pull the "I'm a firefighter" card. No- you're a volunteer. You should be doing this because you WANT to... not because you think there are benefits to it. The reward is having the good feeling of helping your community- & if that isn't enough of a reward for you for filling a volunteer position, then I don't know what is.
& Just so there is no confusion, I'm talking about the type of guys that volunteer- whom, two of them, both tried asking me out on a date on multiple occasions & I politely declined (because of boyfriend, busy with school, etc.)- & had pulled the "firefighter card" on me. Then proceed to cuss me out for "rejecting" them: "yada yada yada, I'm a firefighter- your lucky if I save your ass" yada yada yada."

I don't care if you're a "firefighter" or not- you're an inconsiderate, arrogant, degrading a$$hole.

However, I wish the best of luck & thanks to those volunteers working hard to protect our community.

That fire fighter may very well save your life one day. Just because that is the way it has always been it doesn't mean it is right. http://www.onlinedatastoragesite.com/softwares/why-you-ought-to-consider-online-data-storage-back-up.html