Where Are Our Firemen?

I've been a firemen for nine years now for a volunteer fire department. for 4 years now been a lieutenant. Next year probably will be an assistant chief. I love what I do for free. there is no better satisfaction than helping another out in need; saving a child from a burning house, helping a family in a car accident, even the "silly calls" that some call. I wouldn change it for anything in the world. so tell us, who else is a firemen, volunteer or paid? how long, your posistion, let us all know. and thanks for your service!

Not a fireman, but I have to say hats off to you! Not many folks like you anymore, & certainly very few in MA.

I have to admit, there's not much I would do for free, unless it's for a close friend or relative. If everyone in this world was like me, all our houses would burn to the ground with us inside!

I've been a volunteer fireman for almost 14 years now. I've been a lieutenant for about 5 years. I love it. I wish I could attend more than I do. It's very hard to go to all trainings and meetings since my job requires me to work shifts. I go as often as I can. The guys understand.

I have been with the Lexington Fire Dept for 20 years, full time paid, we have about 500 members. Started in march of 89 as a Firefighter/ EMT, Lt in 97, Capt in 2000, District Major 2009. Looking forward to retirement.



Bk

All of you policemen, firemen,EMT's volunteer and paid (and when I refer to "men" I mean the women also, deserve all of our thanks and respect. You put yourselves in danger every day and I for one greatly appreciate all you do. Thank you.

thank you everyone. it really makes us all feel good

I have been a member of the Southport Vol. Fire Dept for 22 yrs now. I joined when I was 16 after doing community service @ the firestation for one of my badges. I am currently an Assistant Chief also. I made more friends in my first year there than I could have made in a lifetime outside the fire service. Most of the members take a lot of pride in what they do and wouldn't trade it for the world. Thanks to all out there that give their time to help others, whether it be Policeman, Firefighters, (paid or vol.) and even Paramedics. A paramedics job is no less dangerous than that of a police officer or firefighter. A friend of mine works for the local ambulance service and just recently had a guy pull a knife on him. Everything turned out ok but anything can happen at any time. Stay safe.

Jeff

I ran with Lawrenceville Fire company 23 for three and a half years back in the 80's. I would like to join my local F.D. buy I work 12-18 hrs. a day with a steering wheel in my hand and unfortunately I have no time for extra curricular activities.

I've been an active member of a volunteer fire department for 34 years. I'm fire police (you know, the guy that stands in the middle of the interstate directing traffic away from the accident scene all the while hoping that I won't hit some by moron). And for the last five or so years the Technology Officer.

beemerboy wrote:I've been an active member of a volunteer fire department for 34 years. I'm fire police (you know, the guy that stands in the middle of the interstate directing traffic away from the accident scene all the while hoping that I won't hit some by moron). And for the last five or so years the Technology Officer.

I run into burning buildings and I think your job is a lot more dangerous

gitrdonecoal wrote:

beemerboy wrote:I've been an active member of a volunteer fire department for 34 years. I'm fire police (you know, the guy that stands in the middle of the interstate directing traffic away from the accident scene all the while hoping that I won't hit some by moron). And for the last five or so years the Technology Officer.

I run into burning buildings and I think your job is a lot more dangerous

No arguement there. These guys (and gals) can take a beating out there. They stand out in the hottest and coldest weather doing their job. People driving by and ignoring them, yelling at them, flipping them the bird just because it's an inconvenience to slow down or take a one block detour. I have a lot of respect for them and would like to thank them for a job well done. I know we pick on our fire police at times but we really do appreciate and need them.

Jeff

i tell ya, we had a car blow by our fire police captain once in a blizzard, he screamed at him and threw his flashlight right through his back windshield. son of a gun didnt the officer give the operator a ticket and pretty much patted my fire police captain on the back!

ceccil wrote:

gitrdonecoal wrote: I run into burning buildings and I think your job is a lot more dangerous

No argument there. These guys (and gals) can take a beating out there. They stand out in the hottest and coldest weather doing their job. People driving by and ignoring them, yelling at them, flipping them the bird just because it's an inconvenience to slow down or take a one block detour. I have a lot of respect for them and would like to thank them for a job well done. I know we pick on our fire police at times but we really do appreciate and need them.

Jeff

Thanks for your kind remarks.
In the "early days" when I first became fire police the guys in the department (30 years ago there were no gals) would tease me, in a good way, and it took me a few years to train them to follow my directions. Many times the fire police are a fair distance from the fire or accident scene and, as typical, out of sight out of mind.

Before we had radios, when the calls were over I was left behind on the "far side" of the scene wondering what was going on until a passerby coming from that direction told me the road was clear. After I made a rather large stink they made sure I was told the scene was clear.

beemerboy wrote:Many times the fire police are a fair distance from the fire or accident scene and, as typical, out of sight out of mind.

It's the same everywhere. I try to remember they are there and make sure they have hot coffee in the winter or something cold to drink in the summer. Just sometimes we are so involved at the scene and just don't think of it.

Jeff

My wife was on a volunteer department when we met. In addition to her "real" job as an EMT. She'd like to get back to fire fighting but there aren't many volunteer departments around here anymore.