FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the purpose of this web site?
This web site designed as a means to allow current and retired members of the Miami-Dade Fire Department, to post and discuss issues of the writers’ desires. A very important policy is required to be read and acknowledged. No personal attacks and issues that are not socially acceptable will be permitted. You must request permission to be a member of this web site and the site monitor or other members who believe that the writer has violated those standards can revoke that right.
2. Who organized this web site and forum?
A group of individuals came to the conclusion that this type of site will be helpful for members of the fire department discuss issues, problems and in general “have a conversation about things.” One of its members, David Arthur actually created the site. It has been a site that at times, has help to address issues within the department. The first post ever was written on 12/13/2003 5:08:18 PM. Lt. Arthur continued with the maintenance and upkeep of the site. On August 14, 2014 Lt. Arthur passed away. The site stayed up, but would need to be maintained in the future. Since no documentation could be found on how the site was constructed, a new site was developed by another group of firefighters. That site now continues to be of service to our members.
3. Does it cost money to join?
No. But we request that if you use the site that you consider making a yearly contribution in order to pay for the upkeep. There are cost for using internet servers and maintenance on the site and also up grading the applications used here.
A $50 donation yearly would be appropriate.
4. Will everyone know I’m a member or visit this site?
NO. The only time someone will know that you have been on this site will be when you create a “post.” There are NO anonymous post permitted. If you are a member and write something, the program will use your identification. There is a feature that allows members to communicate with other members. That feature is totally between those individuals but the system does record those transactions.
5. Who has access to my information and I fill out and submit for membership?
That information is place in a database in the system. When you apply, it will be used to verify that you are either an active or retired member of the Miami-Dade Fire Department. Access to that information is only allowed for the administrator of this website.
6. Who is that administrator?
Currently it is a retired CFO of the department Chief Carlos (Charlie) Perez. Shortly, after the site is complete and up and running two other members will be added. The purpose of those two other members is so that no one person is saddled with the burden of keeping up with the site 24/7.
7. Can I withdraw my membership and what happens to the data about me?
Yes, you can withdraw at any time by notifying the administrator. At that point your information will be deleted and if you wish to reapply, the process goes back to step one.
8. If I don’t like how this site is organized or functions, can I address those concerns to anyone?
Yes, the administrator. There is a Beta team that has been organized and they will review your concerns and address them.
9. Does the Union, the County or the Department have any say or control of this site?
NO. But any member from the rookie to the Fire Chief can, if approved, be a member so therefore, they have the ability to read all the post and will know who wrote them.
10. Can anyone say anything on his or her post?
As long as it meets the policy statement that you agreed to in the beginning. If you see offensive statements or inappropriate statements, you can flag them to the administration.