Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by stepehn crouthamel on April 4, 2008 at 8:07pm

i agree with you on this and being a volunteer is also good with helping out you commuinty.

Permalink Reply by J.R. Fitzgerald on April 10, 2008 at 1:18pm

I agree with your definition. As a volunteer I know that my reason for doining what I do is simple. I would want someone else to help me in my time of need. Firefighters are a diferent breed so to speak. They are just average people that feel the need to help anyone in need, it just so happens that the way they choose to help is hazardous. I've had people ask me if I think of myself as a hero. The answer is no I dont. Most people think we are crazy for doin what we do, after all we do run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out. I tell those people that bein crazy is what keeps me from goin insane.

Permalink Reply by stepehn crouthamel on April 10, 2008 at 7:23pm

dude i get asked the same question all the time.so when people ask me i give them a question can you do it for nothing?and most of my friends say hell no.so then i tell them not to judge.

Permalink Reply by Ian Fitzpatrick on July 6, 2008 at 7:48pm

I have to tell you, you hit the nail right on the head. I couldn't agree with you more. Career or volly, we're still putting our lives on the line. Fire doesn't know the difference, so why should there be a line between us.

Permalink Reply by Keggster on March 20, 2009 at 4:12am

You're right about that, fire doesn't care. So shouldn't the question therefore be "Define a FIREFIGHTER"

Permalink Reply by Deanna on March 23, 2009 at 12:02am

First a volunteer is an unpaid professional. WE ARE ON CALL 24/7 365 AND REGARDLESS OF HOW EXHAUSTED we make the alarm. Its all about being dedicated to your family, friends,and community.

Permalink Reply by Chris Dilley on March 27, 2009 at 5:20am

Can't agree with you more. The bottom line is that people need to be willing to help others, and the willingness to help should not be beacuse of a paycheck.

Permalink Reply by Amy Adams on March 27, 2009 at 8:56pm

ABSOLUTELY!!! It's definitely a job that you have to love... not just do. There are very few that will put their life on the line just to save yours and get nothing in return.

Permalink Reply by Rhonda on April 6, 2009 at 2:59am

You defined it correctly and paid or not we all put the needs of others above ourselves and sometimes our family. I know I have had to leave my kids ball games because the tone went off but I am very lucky in the fact that my children are very proud of their mom and just smile when I say I have to go. Now my oldest son is a junior firefighter on the department and my youngest can't wait because they know what it means to give of yourself to help others even when sometimes there is not even a thank you after it is all over but I wouldn't change a thing. I LOVE what I do.

Permalink Reply by Rick on May 5, 2009 at 8:33am

To sum it up, being a fire fighter is a way of life.....