BY KYLE LOVERN
Volunteer firefighters are important to small towns and rural communities throughout the United States. These brave men and women need our praise and respect. They are the backbone of the firefighting industry.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) state that approximately 70% of firefighters in the United States serve in a volunteer role.
The duties of a volunteer firefighter span beyond putting out fires and rescuing cats from trees. In reality, volunteer firefighters perform a multitude of important tasks to keep others safe, maintain their equipment, and ensure the department can continue serving its community.
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is a big commitment. You never know when an emergency is going to occur. A house fire at 2 a.m., a bad traffic accident at 3 p.m., or a rescue operation for a missing child or elderly person with dementia.
They could be helping during flooding, directing traffic when roads are blocked and just about any emergency you can think of. Many departments even have water rescue crews that have undergone extensive training.
Some departments may have EMTs or even a paramedic on staff. They assist with medical emergencies like a heart attack victim, falls that have caused serious injury, injuries in automobile accidents and many other situations. Providing emergency medical and life-support services to people with injuries, such as basic first aid and CPR, can help save a life and is commonplace for volunteers.
They can be called out during weekends, holidays, and any time of the day or night. Sometimes, these professionals have to spend extended periods in very inclement weather. While working during emergencies, they perform physically exhausting activities too.
You may have heard the expression that firefighters run toward the fire when others are running away from it.
The lives of volunteer firefighters are gratifying as they get an opportunity to contribute to society.
These brave men and women are a family, not just within their own fire station but with other fire departments in their region, state and around the country.
It’s challenging work, both physically and mentally tough.
They must serve the minimum required hours and complete training hours that the local fire department decides based on their bylaws and local board of directors.
They also have to look for funding sources. They try for grants, donations, raffles, or solicit help from their local government to keep the equipment up to date. They make sure the fire department building is in good shape.
Many fire departments are stretched increasingly thin, sometimes with nearly dire consequences.
Volunteer firefighter numbers are down in many areas.
Statistics show that the number of firefighter volunteers has been down in the last few years.
America’s declining volunteerism, especially among the younger generation, has affected a broad range of community groups. The shortage has particularly serious consequences for first responders in small towns and communities.
Volunteering can be rewarding to an individual and provide a great service to your community.
To become a volunteer firefighter, contact your local department and start the procedure. Fill out an application, get the training when it is offered and serve this very gratifying service to your community.
If you want to pursue a firefighting career and are motivated by an imperative need to serve your community, becoming a volunteer firefighter might be for you.
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)