Volunteer, defined by Webster’s as: noun; a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. A verb; freely offer to do something. That about sums it up. When you think about it awhile it becomes clear that when you volunteer at the Human Society or a Meals on Wheels program or countless others there is no inherent danger. Just volunteering your time to make you community better, right.
A unpaid firefighter freely offers to train countless hours, spend countless dollars and then on top of all of that risk there life and freely give away their time that could be spent with their families. That seems to shed and entirely different light on the term volunteer. 69% or just over 788,000 firefighters in the United States are volunteer. That’s a staggering number, no pay, simply dedication to their community and neighbors.
I started in the fire service as unpaid so I can relate. It was never about money or praise. It was about getting a job done that needed doing. “If not me then who”. Sadly those numbers are falling, people don’t feel the need or call to serve anymore. The ranks are diminishing quickly. If we don’t get more people in or communities to feel the need to be firefighters, who will protect us. When we call 911 will it begin to fall on def ears? Volunteer firefighters are essential for America to survive safely. I challenge all that read this to get out there and get people back involved. If you already are a volunteer, hold your head high, you are a special breed.
So for all my brothers and sisters out there, career or volunteer, be safe and watch out for each other.
We all go home!
Until next time,
Captain K
