Nepotism not behind L.A. County Fire Dept. numbers

To the editor: I am a civilian dispatcher for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I am not related to anyone in my department; however, I proudly serve our citizens alongside many employees who are. (“Family members beat the odds in winning prized firefighting jobs,” Oct. 26)

The reason the fire service, in general, has an above-average generational bridge within the family is because children of first responders often learn and imitate their parents’ routines and are given a very early sense of public service. They learn as children what it means to help others and set a good example.

When it’s time to test and interview, these sons and daughters already have public service examples on their resumes.

Numbers alone don’t make nepotism a problem. You can’t simply count someone out because his or her dad has had a successful career in the department. And wouldn’t you appreciate having someone with generations of experience in his family helping you?

Jonathan Welman, Hacienda Heights

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To the editor: I was highly amused and at the same time disgusted at the Sgt. Schultz theme of the article on nepotism for firefighters, specifically the officials who could not explain how so many family members were able to get these jobs. I guess the facts and statistics are too confusing.

It’s troubling that these apparently intelligent individuals could really think everyone believes they had no idea this was going on and have done everything in their power to level the playing field.

Thanks again to The Times for doing the work our government agencies should be doing.

Steve Owen, San Diego

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