Four Reasons Why College Students Should Become Volunteer Firefighters

What if you called 911 and nobody came?

It’s three in the morning and the pager on your nightstand starts beeping. “Reported structure fire,” the dispatcher says, as you get dressed and grab your car keys.

The roads are empty at this time of night. You’re on your way to the firehouse, but you don’t know much more than that. What’s clear is that someone just called 911 because they are having the worst day of their life.

You button your turnout coat as the driver starts the sooty diesel fire engine.

“Get in, kid!” the lieutenant shouts from the front seat.

You climb aboard and put on your “Air-Pak.”

Within three minutes, you’ve arrived on scene, pulled a hose line and crawled down a dark and smoky hallway, searching for the infamous orange glow.

Thanks to your training and dedication, you helped save your eighth grade math teacher’s house from burning to the ground. Did I forget to mention that this is how you spend your downtime?

I’m proud to serve my community as a volunteer firefighter. If you have the heart, guts and a few hours to spare per week, we need you, too.

The National Fire Protection Agency reported that in 2014, 69 percent of United States firefighters were volunteers. Unfortunately, that number is slowly dwindling. Since 1987, the number of volunteer firefighters per 1000 citizens has fallen from 8.05 to 6.37 in 2011. Dual income families, longer commutes and relocation of local businesses have left families with less and less time to volunteer for their communities. Towns are desperate for new, eager and hardworking volunteers.

Here are some reasons why you should join your local volunteer fire department.

1. Solving problems

Whether it’s a car accident, fire or medical emergency, people know that if they dial 911, a group of well-trained individuals will respond in mere minutes to solve their problem. Putting yourself between your fellow citizens and their problems could mean that their children live or that their house isn’t reduced to a pile of smoldering ash. Wouldn’t you hope someone would do the same for you?

2. Gaining a second family

Cultivating the social aspect of the fire service is a deep-rooted tradition, and for a good reason. Bonding with our fellow firefighters makes us better equipped to deal with the emotional rigors of the situations we face.

My department hosts picnics, outings, guest speakers, Christmas parties, extra training and an awards banquet each year. We even have a softball team.

Besides firefighting, each member usually has his or her own specialty trade or craft. Whether it’s people who program computers, shingle roofs, plow snow or can defend you in court, volunteer fire departments bring together all walks of life. Don’t you think having all these people as friends might be useful someday?

We also support each other during rough patches in our lives. Relationship issues, deaths and career advice are all discussions that are common around a firehouse kitchen table. If you are going through it, I can guarantee there are others that have been through it too.

3. Free training

As a way to attract new members, volunteer departments often reimburse or share the cost of training as a thank-you for your time and dedication. I’m currently enrolled in an EMT class that my department will pay me back for if I pass. I’m getting to take a nearly $1000 class for free because I donate about 10 hours a week for training and emergencies. Free classes and certifications for doing what I love anyway? Sign me up!

Some states have even gone so far as to help pay for community college for their members. As you train and learn, there are opportunities for leadership development in your department as well. Finally, emergency service volunteering and training looks great on any resume, regardless of your career path.

4. An exhilarating “hobby” for summer vacations, breaks and weekends

The adrenaline rush of responding to emergencies is a high like none other. Make no mistake about it, firefighting is hard and dirty work, but there is an enormous sense of satisfaction that comes with it. Your schedule as a college student also makes you a valuable asset to your town. Day-time availability is by far the greatest staffing need for volunteer fire departments. Many members work a typical nine to five schedule and aren’t available to respond during the day, so the flexible schedule of a college student means the chance to pitch in when it is needed most.

Your local town and its citizens are expecting tough, dedicated and compassionate volunteer firefighters to respond to their next emergency. In return, you join a second family, get free training and take on a new “hobby” unlike any other. Are you in?