Why not? A volunteer fire fighter is the lifeline for more people in rural areas than we like to think about. And that sets aside the volunteer with a city department (where fire fighters unions still permit them) who provides that extra manpower when the sky is red and the chips are down. The selfless service these empowered individuals provide saves lives and reduces property damage and loss. The volunteer will be trained, and training is a good thing. Departments train volunteers to do all the things that paid fire fighters do, and maybe some more. (Who ever heard of a big urban fire department training one man live line and ladder, hmm?) So you'll get training, and a lot of it. Very useful stuff, too, particularly the first aid and emergency medical course work you'll have to go through. You may be at, say, a fast food restaurant and use it to good effect before any firefighter or EMT can appear. You will have been a "first responder" in the finest traditions of public service. There is the "awareness factor" associated with this line of service that will make you a safer citizen, too. Your home and business will be less of a fire (or other) hazard, and your will help family, friends and neighbors make changes to improve the chances that something untoward will jump off there. We could go on, but you get the picture. Becoming a volunteer fire fighter is not for everyone, and not everyone can do it. But, if you have the will and the skill, you may be able to take up some of the slack in your community. And there is usually a bit more slack than anyone is willing to admit, particularly when something big and "unpredictable" transpires. Make an inquiry with any fire fighter you see, go to any (manned) fire station, or get on the phone and make some calls. If you're interested, that is. Good luck making the grade.
