Volunteer's Corner

Problems In the Dept?

fyreater — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:27:11 GMT

is it just my dept or is there a bunch of depts out there that have a problem with volleys being fire fighters for the title and a lot of petty BS happening I am a vol. firefighter because I 1. enjoy doing it and 2. I enjoy being a help to my community but I hate showing up to a bunch of drama every time I walk through the doors how do you all deal with it

Why did you become a volunteer?

capt545 — Thu, 10 May 2007 04:29:18 GMT

Was it a sense of duty, tradition, community, self preservation, etc.? In my case, 19 years ago the Chief of the department approached me at work and asked if I would be interested in joining the local department. Sure, was my answer!! Did I know what I was getting myself into? No. I would like to think it was something he seen in me, but it was probably because the department needed daytime help and I would be available since I happened to work in town. As the years have passed, I now realize he did see something in me and just nurtured my need and ability to help people, my community, and my department. You don't it for the money (there is none) or the glory (there is none), I do it because I love the fire service and what it stands for and it has made me a better person. It's not just a job, it's a lifestyle, a brotherhood, a passion, a craft that I continually hone everyday and hope to leave it better than when I first started. Is there more? Yep! But, let's see where this goes.

Volunteer recruitment and retention

bshiftcap — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:02:57 GMT

What are your volunteer or combo departments doing to recruit and retain good people?

What's up with some career firefighters?

idmtfirefighter — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:03:10 GMT

I mean really. Whats with the vollys are crap attitude with SOME career FF's? Why the attitude and obvious disrespect to volunteers? We want to help our community, we do it for free, and we got to listen to your attitude. Sure there are knuckleheads in vol. departments, but guess what, shhhhh, there are knuckleheads in career departments too.

Volunteers Reduce ISO Rating??

fireplug41 — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:09:45 GMT

I've been reading on several different sites about a NJ Fire Chief (interim) that says volunteer firefighters will reduce the ISO rating in his city. He's suggesting using a combo type department as a cost savings??? I can't figure out where the savings will be by the time you add in a benefit package. He also keeps referring to them as "professionals". I have an issue with this as "professional" and volunteers usually have the same training. And some volunteers have more!

I know the volunteer department I'm on has an ISO rating of "3"!!!!! I guess not too bad for a bunch of "un-professionals"!!! We've got a better ISO rating than the "professional" departments in the area. One being one of the largest in the state. I guess I just don't understand where this NJ Chief is coming from. I guess he must have been in a closet for quite some time. OK, thanks for letting me spout!

help for small depts

rockport701 — Sat, 12 May 2007 17:19:46 GMT

Do any of the large departments donate used equipment to small rural departments? I know of several that could use various items. Fema is a hit or miss mostly miss for the smaller departments. Fund raising is not like it used to be. Getting equipment is harder than ever before and it is only going to get worse. A department in Florida donated some turnouts to one place i know of and they were very thankful. The stuff they had was just so old and needing replaced. The ones they got were in better condition and most likely saved one mans life one week later during a flashover when he was in the doorway.