I think Vincent is just showing how different things are seen and handled in different areas. He brings up valid points.  Each state, even in the same state, does things a bit differently.  I remember reading about subscription departments letting houses burn because the owner by choice or by location did not belong to their service.  My guys and gals cannot imagine that.

Politics in emergency services?  The local die hard Democrats and Republicans would both drag out a rope and string us up if we let politics have any influence.

Living in a community with little local employment changes how volunteer operations works.  We know that at any given moment 3/4 of our roster may be out of town.  It changes how you handle situations.  We cross train everyone as much as possible because we cannot dedicate one person to just one job.  They may be better at something than others but have to be able to do anything. We don't have specialty teams.  To be honest by the time we get a call, respond, and get on scene going in side is rarely an option.  We rarely lose a basement.  We're also doing as good as any one can.

Large diameter hose?  Our bigger concern is getting water on scene.  CAFS? I LOVE the idea.  Yes, CAFS would help with the first problem and am looking onto the possibility for us.  We have dry hydrants. To be honest they don't do a thing for us except make it look better for ISO.  Residential sprinklers ...  lowering speed limits at intersections ... snow fence ... you're just in a different world than we work in.