Bogus Placard
Observed by BicyclesOnly on Thu, Mar 08 2007
The holographic seal is a nice touch, but this is obviously a bogus placard. It reads "Fire Department--City of New York" across the top, but is not issued by the Fire Department or any other City agency. Rather, it is issued by a union of EMT's and paramedics with offices in Long Island City and states that the placard holder is on "Official U.E.P. Business," not city business. In any event, it is long expired. The guy was parked during alt side and the street could not be cleaned. I have no general problem with unions, but this is ridiculous--a union is no different than a private business or individual when it comes to illegal parking--even if it is a union of civil servants.
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Posted on Thu, Mar 15 2007 at 05:11 PM
We just spoke at great length with Patrick Bahnken, President of the Uniformed EMT and Paramedics Union ,who saw this post.
Mr. Bahnken wanted to assure the public that his union has very strict policies on the issuance of their permits, that every member of the union has to sign a declaration that they understand the exact rules pertaining to the permits and to where they can park. The permits are for identification purposes that allow for parking at certain hospitals, at certain FDNY off-street facilities, and very few on-street facilities at the curbside with proper signage. But, the declaration is clear that a permit does not afford the holder any parking exemptions or privileges beyond what the average New Yorker has.
This is very encouraging and commendable of Mr. Bahnken, and we will be sure to follow up with the union if more of these instances should show up on the site.
Posted on Thu, Mar 15 2007 at 06:11 PM
Yes, thanks Mr. Bahnken.
Posted on Fri, Mar 16 2007 at 11:46 AM
howe about this...instead of wasting paper and ink printing these placards, the union should start printing out memos to be sent out citywide, informing citizens that response times for emts or paramedics responding to your frantic 911 calls will now be delayed 20-30 minutes while they find a parking spot.
Posted on Fri, Mar 16 2007 at 11:55 AM
EMTs and FDNY drive their personal cars to fires and accidents? Funny, I thought they drove big red fire trucks and ambulances?
Posted on Fri, Apr 20 2007 at 09:05 PM
If there is an emergency such as 9/11 or a mass casualty situation and they need extra personnel, when they are responding from home, I think they should be able to park near their working facility with such placard, without having to look for parking throughout the city. They should be given the same priviliges the NYPD police officers and FDNY firefighters have, because the contribute the same if not more.
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