SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE!!!!
SUPPORT, JOIN, SUPPORT!!!

Everyone has heard it at one time or another. Gone in one ear and out another. Everyone has their own reasons not to. I’m to busy, work, kids, no work, no time etc. etc. etc...

Please believe me that all-volunteer services in our area need hardworking and dedicated members to learn, dedicate their time and efforts and join us. As a member of Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department, I personally see it every day and hear about it from other township departments.

The volunteer numbers have declined in recent years due to many reasons.

1. A more nomadic lifestyle / More and more people move away from where they are originally from for work, marriage etc.

2. Pay / Typically, there is no monetary benefit and if there is, not much.

3. Time constraints / Work, kids, outside factors and the list goes on and on.

4. Training / The training is hard. The bunker gear is miserably hot in the summer and the cold winter fires we are dispatched to are just as miserable with the water freezing on you.

5. Calls / You never receive a tone or call from dispatch on a nice, beautiful day to anything easy and minor. You get toned when it’s hot, freezing, dinner time, 2 A.M. in the morning, holidays with the family etc...

Now by reading the above, I’m sure all of you reading this are saying, Yep, I’m going to jump all over this opportunity!! Now for the plus side.

1. Belonging / Sounds silly, but it’s true. The people that show up by your side at 2 A.M. or in February truly become a family of sorts. Sometimes better and sometimes not better than your current family, everyone has issues of sorts, but it is a family you will follow and back up when needed.

2. Accomplishment / I started this journey in my very early 40s. I have a job, family, and other commitments but I signed up. I went through the courses, trained, studied, and became a certified Firefighter and EMT. Nights after work, weekend days but I do feel good about it.

3. Feeling / The way you feel knowing that you helped a person or family in need, at their worst time possibly. At the end of the day, no matter how tired, cold, hot, sore or whatever you feel, the knowledge that you helped a stranger or even someone you know is priceless.

To sum it up, please investigate us. Look into your township VFD. Imagine you or someone you love needing help and no one being there because they have other stuff to do. Then imagine if you could help, that is what will make the difference.

Jeremy Snow

Dick Johnson VFD

Volunteer Firefighter / Volunteer EMT