Volunteer Opportunity For Veterans (NAPSA)—The nation’s nearly 22 million veterans may not be aware of a volunteer opportunity that continues on the tradition of purpose, camaraderie and service to the country and community: becoming a volunteerfirefighter. WhyVolunteer in the Fire Service Many veterans find joining a local fire department involves values they can uniquely appreciate, such as loyal- ty, honor, courage, discipline, teamwork and respect. Plus, the need is great. Seven out of 10 firefighters and emergency respond- ers are volunteers, and volunteer fire- fighters save communities nationwide an estimated $140 billion a year. However, many local departments are struggling to meetstaffing needsas call volume has tripled in the last 30 years and departments’ roles in communities continue to expand. Many community membersare unawareof this need. A National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) survey found 41 percent of respondents did not know that their department used volunteers and 79 percent did not know their department was looking for more volunteers. The NVFCis the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS and rescueservices. How To Volunteer Fortunately, anyone can become a volunteer firefighter—they come from all types of backgrounds and professions and encompass all ages, genders, races and ethnicities. Veterans are especially well equipped to volunteer as emergen- cy responders, and it provides a sense of purpose, commitment, and lifesav- ing service to the community that few Manyveteransfind that a great way to continue to enjoy camaraderie and a senseof purposeis to become volunteerfirefighters. other volunteer opportunities can offer. Certain departments may have specific requirements, such as a high school de- gree, a physical or a background check, but when it comes downtoit, volunteer- ing asa first responderis all about having the heart and drive to make a difference whereit’s needed most. And who can understand thatbetter than a veteran? New recruits are trained by the department. Skills to learn vary based on the department’s response requirements, but training may cover a wide array of emergency situations such as fires, emergency medicalincidents, terrorist events, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies and other public service calls. Where To Learn More About Becoming A Volunteer For further information andto find a nearbyfire service volunteer opportunity, visit www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org. ween ee eee eee eee eee eee Ope oo ene Note to Editor: National Volunteer Week is April 23-29, 2017 butthis article can be of interest to your readers any time.
