So, how do you REALLY feel?

As a recent graduate of an intensive 11-week (citizen) fire academy, I am curious as to how firefighters really feel about on-scene citizen volunteers - those who have undergone firefighting training (some of which is like that shown on "The Academy") - those who are well-trained in fire scene protocol, and who have been instructed as to our limitations on-scene , i.e., stay out of the way! Our focus is to assist our firefighters at the scene with their gear, air paks, cooling fans, raising tarps to protect a victim, and offering comfort and a strong pat on the back where we can. (Off-scene, we organize and coordinate fund raisers for our fire & rescue departments, and our community.)

A service or hinderance? Member of the "family" or just tolerated? Good/bad experiences? What are your thoughts?

Thanks, and please, stay safe out there.

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Permalink Reply by JBond on December 10, 2009 at 4:27am

Hi Joey - thanks for responding! In Dallas, we dont tend to have major events like wildland fires, but I would presume something like cooking, etc would fall to the Red Cross. We were fully trained in PPE and paks, and performed many exercises, including the MAZE and a live burn, in full turn out gear and paks to understand and experience what firefighters endure when they are on scene. Wow, don't know how you guys do it! The extra 50lbs was hard enough to carry, let alone adding a live hose! Thanks for all you do - stay safe.

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Permalink Reply by JBond on December 10, 2009 at 4:34am

Hi and thanks for your comments! Our academies sound like they are both ran pretty much for the same reasons, and the graduation exercises sound a lot alike (except we got fire department polo shirts). We too learned mva extrication, jaws of life, spreaders, cutters, etc., as well as going thru the MAZE and doing a live burn in full gear and paks. We learned about all these things not so that we could actually climb a ladder with you guys, but so that we have the knowledge of what it takes for firefighters to do their jobs. I came away with an even deeper respect and admiration for you all. Thanks for everything! Be safe.

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Permalink Reply by Dustin J. Millis on December 10, 2009 at 6:13am

Sounds like a real good program as long as members adhere to the rules. We have an auxilary staff on my dept. but they generally just arrange fundraisers, help plan events, and make coffee.

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Permalink Reply by blair4630 on December 10, 2009 at 6:22am

That sounds pretty neat, we don't have anything like that up here. Have fun with that and good luck.

So, how do you REALLY feel?

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