I have personally be called things I wish not to repeat based on my job, how did these rumors start ? I am aware that the Fire Service is very family orientated. For fun what is the stereotype you hate the most ?
I have seen the enemy, and it is we. We allow pretty much anyone to be a member without insisting on real commitment. We turn a blind eye to those jollie vollies you discussed. We fight each other on standards for our industry.
Now there's some words of wisdom....
"Volunteers are not professionals. Only paid firefighters are professionals."
Here in Arizona it's even official. The Professional Fire Fighters Association does not accept volunteers as members. The Motor Vehicle Department went along with them and rescinded the privilege of paying extra for a firefighter license plate if a firefighter is only a volunteer.
Well then, it sounds like the non-professionals should just stay home the next time one of the town officials houses are on fire... or at least bring hot dogs and marshmallows to pass around while they watch the professionals work alone...
How 'bout the stereotype of sensitive vollies who whine about not being treated like paid firefighters? (Oh, my mistake - it's not necessarily a stereotype.)
Well then, it sounds like the paid professionals should just stay home the next time one of the volunteer's houses are on fire... or at least bring hot dogs and marshmallows to pass around while they watch the non-paid volunteer's work alone...