firefighter got no respect

[Shared Acres]

I did an oped once for college about how horrible it was that we said so much money over to Iraq for police and fire but we have so many volunteer fire departments here because cities can't afford it.

I think in 2003 like 75% of all fire departments were volunteer.

I feel for you. THANK YOU for volunteering to do something I wouldn't want to get PAID to do!

 

[gypsy2621]

Dont let them get to you.
Short story :
3 years ago at 3 in the am my house caught fire, had it not been for an all Volunteer Fire Dept we would have lost so much more than we did.

Fire Fighters either Paid or Volunteer have my full respect and admiration.
Thank You to all who Fight fires. you are to be commended every day.

 

[hennypenny9]

I have to admit that I didn't realize that many fireman were volunteer. I had a friend who fought forest fires... You know, the kind that get choppered into it and cut brush to take away the fuel. She got paid for it, paid WELL. And on that note... School teachers in my county just got told no cost of living raise this year. For fear of hijacking this thread I'll just note that the people we really need are getting kicked out in the mud.

 

[debilorrah]

Don't you, as a fire fighter (volunteer or not) have the right to contain a scene? Including telling people to beat it or else? I know ours here do have that right. Whatever the incident if fire and police are on scene, either one can make those calls.