Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in most communities, often stepping up to protect their neighbors without expecting anything in return.
Hopefully you will never need them. But if you do, they are there 24 hours a day and 365 days per year.
They not only fight fires at homes, but also businesses.
About 70% of the firefighters in the United States are volunteers.
They also are called out to vehicle accidents and other emergencies. Some firemen may help during flooding and swift water rescues. They may also help battle forest fires that are threatening neighborhoods.
They battle fires and are called out to accidents in below-zero weather in the winter and in the blazing hot days of the summer. These conditions make it even tougher on these brave men and women.
The calls may come in the middle of the night, during the afternoon or anytime in between. But they are always there. They take precious time away from their own families to help others in times of need.
Remember these are volunteers. They do not get paid and they risk their lives, especially battling a burning blaze with thick, black smoke and other obstacles.
Simply put, this is a very stressful volunteer job. But they are greatly needed.
There are plenty of stories of volunteer firefighters who have saved lives or assisted with various accidents or emergencies.
In recent years, it has been difficult for many volunteer fire departments. They suffer from lagging recruitment, funding shortfalls, and state and federal regulations that increase department costs like insurance rates.
They may get some funding from local government offices for trucks and turnout gear, but the costs of equipment are high. So they hold fundraisers or take donations to try to keep things going so they can protect your communities.
Too many volunteer fire departments have difficulty attracting enough men and women to provide adequate fire protection in their communities. There is a manpower shortage in many departments. So if you are a younger, healthy individual who might be interested in serving in this capacity – contact your local department chief or other officer and see if you might want to serve.
Here is a list of qualifications most departments have.
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid state driver’s license
- Pass a background check
- Pass a physical agility test
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident of your state/town
Some departments may have specifics within their policies that may exclude certain applicants. For example, an arrest record, especially felonies or something like a DUI.
Kentucky law protects volunteer firefighters. For example, employers can’t fire an employee who is absent or late for work because of responding to an emergency.
Mingo, Martin and Pike counties in this region have some excellent volunteer fire departments which are manned by some brave individuals.
This is an honorable organization in every small town, rural community or wherever a department might be stationed.
There are very few paid departments in smaller towns these days. Thus those communities depend solely on volunteers to man their departments.
These heroes need your backing and assistance.
They have to keep up with training and service or refurbish equipment on their own. Give them the praise, support and thank-you that they deserve.
When you see a volunteer firefighter, thank them and all first responders for their service.
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)