In our area it would be impossible to have a paid Fire Department. We rely on Volunteers. Well trained neighborly volunteers. I was a Volunteer Firefighter and EMT years ago, I am retired. Far Guy has retired twice, because day time is so poorly covered he is on call during weekdays.
I am not sure that the general public knows that these guys work day jobs and then at night when the pager goes off summoning them to a call, they roll out of bed to go on a rescue call or a fire. Rescue calls are usually short, in two hours you can be back in bed..can you sleep? That depends on the call and it’s outcome. Fires are the pits, I hated Fire Calls..sometimes it takes all night to put out a fire. Then you spend a couple more hours washing hoses and disinfecting SCBA’s.( Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) In the spring brush fires were the worst..you can have many a day until it greens up.
Sometimes you are just sitting down to supper and the pager goes off. Sometimes you are in the shower, sometimes you have company. This area is a fairly busy when it comes to calls..I don’t know the exact numbers but they respond to about 200 calls a year..that would be about four calls each week.
Saturday night we were invited to the annual Fire Department Dinner. Salad, Cheese and Crackers, Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Green Beans and some kind of desert that Far Guy thought was heaven.
My other baby brother got a Ten Year Pin..time flies..he was a Volunteer Firefighter in Wyoming too, before he moved back here.
My brother Jody on the left and Ken who was chosen the newest Firefighter of the year! If you ever have occasion to be in a bad situation..these are two guys that you want on your side. They are also wonderful leaders and mentors to the younger up and coming firefighters.
Volunteer Firefighters and members of Rescue Squads are some of the real unsung heroes in small communities:)
We relied on Volunteer Firefighters when we lived in Langley, during my teens. Amazing, and dedicated people, who are more then willing to give the time it takes.
ReplyDeleteStand up and cheer for Volunteer Firefighters all over, they certainly deserve it!
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Our closest firehall here is the 'on call' variety. I think they are still called volunteers, but I think they get paid, which they all should.
ReplyDeleteA big thanks to all firefighters everywhere.
We actually live right next to the fire department of the town of Minden and they are volunteer too! I belong to the womens auxilaury for the fire department. I am getting really enjoy it. We have our yearly dinner of prime rib for the election of officers for the fire department and us women get to go for free (the hubby has to pay)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to these fellows and a great big Thank You for all they do. We are all blessed to have people like you looking out for us.
ReplyDeleteYes, volunteer firefighters are unsung heroes. I'm not sure if many people living in Wyoming realize that most departments are manned by volunteers. I think only two or three communities in Wyoming have paid firefighters.
ReplyDeleteSpring is an active time here, too, as farmers burn their ditches. One strong wind, and a wildfire is born.
We have a guy named Blaz who is really Blaser. He finally retired from fire chief but he just keeps coming back for more. His giving is so great that he helps out in everyone's tough times of furnace going out or finding people to help you out. He is the town good guy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a thankless job and there are special caring people to give beyond the call.
Hats off to these guys and gals. They are our unsung heros!! And a special thanks to their families, who at times had to miss events, because someone was helping out a neighbor.
ReplyDeleteWe relie on volenteer fire fighters here as well. Some live in our village and some in the next small town ! Most of the small towns and villages here in south western Ontario are volenteers. Heros for sure ! Have a great day !
ReplyDeleteI have a great deal of respect for EMT's. I've worked along side them on ambulance runs. They are real heroes and a lifeline between the field and hospital. Congrats to your baby brother.
ReplyDeleteGod bless the volunteers. The town I grew up in has only volunteers too. Thank You to Far Guy and the brothers.
ReplyDeleteYes, firefighters are the best, especially the volunteers! I know you don't do awards, but I gave you one on my blog, because I enjoy reading your stories and seeing your photos! Brenda
ReplyDeleteCongrats and thanks to all the brave volunteers!! :)
ReplyDeletemy husband was a paid firefighter/paramedic for many years.
ReplyDeleteHe misses the friendships and camaraderie but not the middle of the night whistles.
Amen to that. Congratulations and thanks to them!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for volunteering!
ReplyDeleteyes, thank goodness for those brave women and men...our community relies on them not only for fires but for first responders in medical emergencies too!
ReplyDeleteAll you volunteers do a great job!
ReplyDeleteMy ex-brother-in-law is also a volunteer firefighter. And my sister is a First Responder... the world would be a sadder place without you all!
Where I grew up we had a volunteer fire dept. too and you are right....they take the risk with no pay and normally no thank you. Glad your community acknowledges them this way.
ReplyDeleteOur Tiny Town relies on an volunteer fire department too. Those brave fellas give it all! Thanks to your crew too!
ReplyDeleteGod bless and have a beautiful day sweetie!
Head on over for my giveaway! My first!!!
Our rural area also depends on volunteers...Pa was one for many years...Mom was always concerned cause Pa liked to go into the burning buildings...Not any more...
ReplyDeletePraise God for these community heroes! My dad was a volunteer fire fighter and my mom was in the auxiliary. I remember them marching in the parade in the summer. My mom even had a uniform with gloves.
ReplyDeleteYou are so Right!! My son in law was a volunteer for many many years until or town made ours a paid crew!
ReplyDeleteThey are Heros!!!
What a great tribute to Volunteer Fire Fighters throughout our country!!! I live in a rural community where there are many VFDs and I know for sure that the individuals deserve a lot of credit and admiration. In my community, many of the volunteers are even excused from their jobs during the day if they hear the pager go off. Good for those companies that recognize the importance of the fire fighters.
ReplyDelete