OUR VIEW: Volunteer to become a hero today

When it comes to volunteering, here’s what a few “experts” came up with.

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” — Aristotle.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” — Muhammad Ali

“Only a life lived for others is worth living.” — Albert Einstein

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare

In most places in this country, when a fire breaks out, it’s a volunteer firefighter who shows up to put it out. But statistically, their ranks are dwindling. Perhaps the job is losing its allure, or the time involved or the work involved are too much.

Three local volunteer fire companies — Wilson, Cambria and South Lockport — took part in the Recruit-NY campaign on Saturday, joining in the statewide push to enlist new volunteer firefighters, drivers, emergency medical technicians and support staff. It’s a major initiative of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

There may be no better way to give back than by joining a local volunteer fire company. Many of the 420 companies across the state are demonstrably in need of the help. Nationally, the number of volunteer firefighters has dropped by about 10 percent since the mid 1980s, while the number of paid firefighters has increased.

Among the many reasons to join a volunteer fire company are: the satisfaction that comes from knowing you help keep your community safe; learning new skills that can help in all facets of life and prepare you for a possible new career; working as part of a team and building lasting relationships with your peers; feeling a sense of belonging, getting your hands dirty and planting yourself in the middle of all the excitement; and even receipt of college credits or state credits for training.

Recruit-NY open houses take place once a year, over a two-day period at the end of April, but most if not all local fire companies are open to new members year-round. One need not wait for an invitation to learn more about true community service. Just knock on the fire house door and ask: what does my local company need? How can I help?