Where did I put my waders?

So as with any volunteer organization, there has been much discord amongst the ranks of my little fire department in the sticks. We have recently moved from depending 100% on surrounding departments to transport to us to hiring out a private to standby 24/7 at our station. To make matters worse, this change was mandated and put into effect in less than 3 months. Hectic? You bet you hiney it was. In fact, it still is. Granted everything is moving along as smooth as possible, but it makes you wonder.

Our 100% infant town board has thrown our department through the ringer. I cannot completely articulate how frustrating it is to have someone tell you how to do your job that has no clue what it is like. I am not even kidding when I say that we were asked why we can't re-use supplies such as NRBs and c-collars. While we're at it, we might as well re-use airway adjuncts as well right? Because obviously selling used widgits is the same as running a town. A fact we are made aware of daily. I am actually awaiting my turn for to see if I can get the old man to stroke out in front of me just by challenging his "authority." After all, I am just a woman and a young dumbass anyway, right?

So, town politics aside, you then have fire politics. A recruit that is arrogant enough to cover for half the department and has the brains of a dull rock, a chief that needs to reach his hands down his pants to reassure his stones are in fact, still intact and actually use them, and officers that continually put people in dangerous situations but are never reprimanded or punished (see the bit about the chief) all lend to some really pissed off members. So you chase away the ones that hang in the shadows and get shit done just to retain someone with "more experience." Honestly, is that experience really worth losing the people that keep the wheels turning?

Bad PR abounds.

Personalities are clashing leaving teamwork bleeding and gasping it's last breath. It is hard to bring up troublesome issues when everyone is related to someone or another. I know this first hand since I have several family members of my own on the department. Those who care and have the skills to actually lead are being pushed aside and verbally beaten so that those that have the power now, can retain that power.

It breaks my heart that an organization that was once looked upon as the closest and most talented in the area is laughed at and falling apart at the seams because power hungry dolts have gotten a hold and wont let go.

For me, the burnout is taking over. Do I continue to forge on and challenge others to do the same, or do I roll over and give up? I have never been one for quitting, but the towel is in my hand right now. Waiting to be tossed into the ring.