With a shortage of firefighters in smaller communities, why dont more people become volunteer firefighters?

Question

Firefighter numbers have been on the decline for decades. The vast majority of the United States is covered by volunteer fire services. If you are from one such area, what keeps you away and what would it take to get you to want to join?

Answer 1

Probably due to the fact that people are inherently self-centered, lack the time, and don't wan to make a commitment to people they are not personally close to, thinking that "someone else will take care of it"
Alos many don't see the real problem until it strikes close to home. Unfortunately, by then it may be too late. Also, I think many people might volunteer for positions like this one, but in general, the public is ignorant about the situations.
Finally with computers and globalization, people tend to view life as "my place on a worldwide scale", instead of my community. The western way in general is very self centered, (even with little things like eating, where each person has their own plate and serves themselves)compared to many Asian countries where everyone at the table eats from the same dishes and serves/pours for each other. In order for more people to volunteer, they need to be educated about the need, and be taught to vies their comunity as a small group they are an important part of instead of simply the place where they live.

Answer 2

There's two major reasons, one is time to commit to training and service the other is you gotta have a willingness to want to help others. I live in city where the coverage is paid, so I choose to run with a company in a neighboring municipality. They had to change the bylaws so that I could but they needed the help big time so they did. The training is hard, long, and very time consuming. I do it though because I like to help people and I get a feeling of satisfaction when I see what good has come from my help. That's why I drive a wheelchair van for a living. The time factor is the biggest reason why most don't do it. My original reason for running was when I was 17 I came across a vehicle accident with massive entrapment and had no training to help the guy, not even first aid. It took me until age 20 until I was able to find the information I needed to know to join. I have to ask are you in an area with a need for service and if so do you run?

Answer 3

I think society as a whole has become more and more selfish, no one wants to do anything for free or just for the sake of others. You can see it everyday when people walk past those in need of help, I saw an old man fall down on the street and I was the only one to stop and help him (there were others who could have gotten to him sooner)...people are so involved in themselves that they just tune everyone else out. It is very sad!

Answer 4

I have never seen any public information on volunteer fire fighters. Although I do know they are there. Advertising and public announcements are needed to make people aware that there is a need.

Answer 5

because they have a life, and they don't want to give it up with out even getting paid or any benefits if they get hurt.

Answer 6

everybody wants to get paid.

Answer 7

no one knows