Well for me I have loved this "business" since i was a youngster. I live a block away from the station so I can rember when the siren went off i'd rush over to the window and watch all the men rush over to the station jump on the trucks and head out!
I was always captivated how when the siren goes off people come from where ever and drop everything to help in most cases people we dont even know!
I have always had this saying "that the you don't pick the job the job picks you!" We are a different breed of people we care when others could careless! It's not always easy but that's why I love it.
Permalink Reply by Alan on September 14, 2008 at 3:39pm
I was asked to join by a couple of friends of mine and did. I enjoy helping people so that was it. I was at a accident years ago, and a few years later the driver thanked me for coming.
It's one of those " it picks you "type of things. I can't exactly put my finger on it as to what exactly it is that makes this EMT's heart skip a beat every time the tones drop or I see a car accident happen in my presence and I jump out of my truck and into action. All I can say is God put it there.
I often wonder how I will answer the oral panel's questions of why I chose to become a firefighter,
I like the sense of belonging I get from being a member of a small group of dedicated people who can make a difference, who can help.
When I was a kid, my parents house had a fire, and the local department saved it. I joined up for a number of reasons, not the least of which was hoping that I'd get to 'pay it forward' someday. I'd seen first hand what a strong department can do, and I wanted to help.
Plus, you can't really deny the rush you get from packing up and hopping off a truck when it matters.
I have been in a Volly dept. for about 7 months, and wouldn't trade it for the world. I lost both my parents 2 years ago, and only have my brother left. The feeling of family in the dept is incredible! When I had my interview when I first joined, I was getting busted on and they didn't even know my name. I know that doesn't sound very nice, but to me I knew it was awesome. I was in another dept, where I grew up and spent 25 years, but they wouldn't even talk to me! I am only 5'2", so sometimes things are hard for me, the guys bust on me, I bust back, but we get the job done.
The way I see it.....If you have to ask that question then you will never understand the answer.....where else can you go anyplace and any time and run into someone that you can call a "Brother" or "Sister" and really mean it....?? Stay safe and always remember to keep the faith..........Paul
The biggest reason is because I truly enjoy seeing the smiles of someone you just helped.Sometimes, the sorrow that comes with this helps as you can help the healing process begin.I am planning on dedicating th enext forty years of my life to the fire service in anyway I can.Hopefully I will live that long.God Bless all firefighters, ems, and police.Without any of you, America would not be what it is today.Be safe.
I love being a firefighter, it is the greatest thrill of my life! From when the pager goes off till I am back at station. The rush is awsome and the lights and sirens are a plus! Helping people has to be my favorite part of firefighting. Seeing the relief on someones face when you arrive is priceless. It is a great feeling.
My lil' sis was always asking me the same question about why our men and women serve in the Armed Forces. Here is a response I wrote while I was in the Navy, I feel it fits well here too. And keep in mind, this was about me...change the wording a bit to suit the women out there doing the same job, and sometimes doing it even better.
"There comes a time in every man's life where he must make a decision that will drastically alter his course of fate. He knowingly responds to that in which he is called upon to choose. He is now required by the Creator to make his choice and forever live with the consequential responses that will be brought forth in his uncertain future.
But only a good man will choose, not based on his own future, but on the futures of those who carry his love with them as they walk this Red Road, in hopes that his actions today will forever benefit the one's that he loves. This is the Daily Duty of a People's Warrior. To respond selflessly to all that is placed in his path, so that the People may live free and in the absence of fear.
We do this for the People. We do it for our family's. And we do it for the piece of mind in knowing that the one's we cherish deeply may be safe when they close there eyes at night.
Now your question as to why we do what we do in our journeys in life has been answered. We do it for the People."
I served in the Navy because I love to protect my country, I serve as a Volunteer Firefighter because I love to protect my community. It's something in the blood, one of those things that is required in my life to be fulfilled.
Plus, there's that Big Red Truck with all the pretty lights.
Permalink Reply by Sarah on September 30, 2008 at 2:42pm
Well when I was five, I saw the firefighters come to my school and at the time I thought they were like living superheros, ever since that day I knew I wanted to be a firefighter. When I joined the department, I loved all the training and how much everyone cared about you. Also no matter how bad a scene was or what was going on. We all stuck together and went through it together. The fire department is like a 2nd family and we are all pretty close. If one of us does something wrong, we get a talk about it and then everything is back to normal. Now I am an instructor and when I see the new firefighters learn skills they never thought they could accomplish it takes me back to how it was with me. I didn't know anything but they never gave up on me. Having the knowledge to help people is a wonderful feeling, even if sometimes there is nothing we can do. Since my divorce, the guys have kept me together and keep me strong. I think there's a quote from ladder 49 " a bond forced by fire, is never broken" and I truly believe that.