Make A Difference, Become A Volunteer.
Protect Your Hometown
Most of us like to believe that we would always be ready to help a neighbor in distress. But only those who have trained and prepared are truly ready to respond when others are in danger. For them, nothing is unexpected; nothing is beyond their abilities. Across our country, men and women from every background have accepted responsibility for protecting their communities as volunteer firefighters. They train, maintain their equipment, educate their neighbors in fire safety and, when called upon, willingly go into harm’s way to save lives and property. They ask for nothing in return, simply the chance to serve their families and their neighbors. When it comes, they are the ones who can answer the call.
…And Our Homeland, Too.
The first to respond to emergencies, volunteer firefighters have a vital role in preserving homeland security. In fact, 80% of all U.S. firefighters are volunteers. 83% of the firefighters in Alabama are volunteers, representing approximately 1,100 fire departments. Take a look at your community. It is filled with your neighbors, your friends, your family, and those who you see every day. How would you feel if you could make their lives safer, and answer when they call for help? The immense personal satisfaction of knowing you are serving your community can be yours if you have the time to volunteer to be a firefighter for your local fire department. You will be trained to prepare for and protect the families in your community from fire and disaster. We need other skills too! Volunteer Fire Departments need accountants, bookkeepers, mechanics, and just folks who want to help the department operate. Simple activities like washing fire trucks is always appreciated. You will be providing a valuable service to your community.
What does it take to join them?
Requirements vary between locales and departments, but here are the basic three:
You must be an adult, 18 years of age or older.
You must be in good physical health.
You must be of good moral character.
Beyond these, a successful volunteer is generally someone who is community minded, a team player, enjoys a challenge, and is eager to learn new skills.
And service has its rewards.
No, you won’t be paid, but there are things more valuable than money. You’ll earn the respect of those around you, and gain the knowledge and skill to deal with any emergency your own family may face. There is satisfaction, of course, in doing an important job for community, and camaraderie, too. Not only will you build lasting friendships with your brother and sister volunteers, you’ll find yourself welcome at any fire station in America- Firefighters share a strong bond. They are a brotherhood. Your training will be provided free, and the federal and state governments provide benefits to volunteers. Your county or municipality may offer incentives as well.
Interested?
A simple phone call to 1-800-FIRE-LINE or to the Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments or Alabama Firefighters Association is all it takes to learn more about volunteer opportunities in your community.
WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?
