To the Editor:
Question: What is a volunteer firefighter?
Answer: A volunteer firefighter is no different then those who get paid to do this job. In fact, when you think about those who work in the paid fire services, they too are technically a “volunteer” because nobody held a gun to their head and told them they have to do that job.
Every firefighter must remember that the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards do not differentiate between paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters in relation to who has to comply with what standards. Every firefighter is expected to do the job safely, quickly, and efficiently so that lives can be saved, property can be salvaged, and our communities are protected. It means that YOU are doing the very best job possible and doing so gives you the greatest feeling in the world. Pay or not.
Once you know the job and the responsibilities, you have to be dedicated to answer the calls whenever they come in…day, night, winter, summer, Christmas, Thanksgiving, always. Not because you have to, but because YOU WANT TO! Because you take pride in being a firefighter and you are dedicated to the service.
Captain Todd Morse
Claxton Volunteer Fire Department
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