"VOLUNTEER"

The term volunteer bothers me. We are actually "paid on call". Mostly it bothers me cause ppl seem to think we are not "real" firefighters. Like somehow we dont attend "real" fires, MVC's, medical aids, etc. Like somehow our fires are not as hot or we dont have any training. In my opinion being a "volunteer" is actually more difficult! we have other jobs too! Emergency's can happen anytime. We are on call 24-7. Our "waiting for calls" never comes to an end. We are expected to save life, property, and environment with speed and efficiency. We never know how many members will show up (which means we often work twice as hard) or who those members will be. we must be jacks of all trades. one day im entry team, the next pump op, the next tanker shuttle, the next rescue team, the next medical team, and on and on... my hall training is very specific and tough. we are working through 1001's....i do my best to enlighten ppl... anyone else have this frustration?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Damo on October 15, 2010 at 3:14pm

Some of my local taxes goes to fire protection. So, I am paying to allow myself to volunteer and protection own house. That sounds a little twisted.

Permalink Reply by William Bills on October 15, 2010 at 3:16pm

Same here! Our meager budget is funded by village and town tax monies. I am in a 100% volunteer department so I am doing the same as you. Makes me scratch my head everytime this topic comes up!

Permalink Reply by Ashley Rivers on October 15, 2010 at 3:16pm

haha, no any money we get from the town goes for equipment and stuff for the company but no one in my dept or surrounding dept gets paid for what we do. We never have and probably never will, but we love it.

Permalink Reply by Michael Gawley on October 15, 2010 at 5:44pm

I don't want to sound insensitive, but my advice is to "get over it". You, me, and most other volunteers, didn't join the fire service to win accolades and acclaim but, rather, to help people and provide a service to the community. If the lack of recognition causes you to not receive proper training, etc., then there is cause for concern. But if you just think people are not treating you as a "real" firefighter, so what? When I show up on-scene, I just do the best I can for as long as I can. When the job is over, I usually slip away quietly and get back to my usual life. No time to stick around for high-5's, fist-bumps, or any of that stuff. I know I did some good, and that's what's important to me.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Luechtefeld on October 15, 2010 at 5:55pm

Exactly right. Th volunteer community needs to create less drama, require fewer ego strokes.

Permalink Reply by courtney lenz on October 15, 2010 at 6:48pm

i like unpaid professional cuz we did go through the same training as they did and they say tht were not real news flash we are just as good as you

Permalink Reply by Derek R. on October 15, 2010 at 7:02pm

you are what you make yourself to be. Just because people go through the same training, doesn't make them equal to others. It's what you do with your training that determines your skill level.

As for people not getting it, how about some public education. Explain to them through handouts, meetings or open houses that what you do is serious s**t.

Permalink Reply by Derek R. on October 15, 2010 at 7:05pm

just wanted to say, that even though the fire is out, doesn't mean your work is done bro. There's still overhaul, then back to the dept. for cleanup and restock.
Don't be one of those guys who just wantes to play with the hose then go home. And people who high 5 at a scene are idiots. Celebrating the loss of someone's personal belongings is very unprofessional. Not saying that YOU do it, just talking about those that do.

Permalink Reply by Jerremy (Gump) Hughes on October 15, 2010 at 8:00pm

Ifsta brakes it down in to 3 . Volunteer, paid, and paid on call . I don't think there is any rules out there for identifying your self . Knock on the door and say fire dept. Being president of a motor cycle club . The first thing o do is get the members to look past the labels . It's hard for some firefighters. Maybe its the Dr. Syndrome . I went to school therefore I am over you . That why of thinking is wrong! Like I said earlier its reprogramming . My dept is on an island .65 miles till the next paid dept . We use our volunteer dept for a lot and they use us . It's the same with bigger paid vs smaller paid too .

Permalink Reply by Daniel Luechtefeld on October 15, 2010 at 8:10pm

Exactly right. We are called to assist with personal tragedies - there is nothing to celebrate on the scene. Our actions must reflect that.

Permalink Reply by Cindy Gironda on October 15, 2010 at 8:21pm

Using the definitions of the original Websters "American Dictionary of the English Language" (1828) A "Volunteer Fireman" is defined as "To enter into any service of one's free will, without solicitation or compulsion. A man whose business is to extingish fires in towns."

Unfortunately people now-a-days don't know what "giving with out taking" means and they expect payment for everything they do.

Permalink Reply by Lyle Holland on October 15, 2010 at 11:14pm