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One of the unique aspects of the fire service is that a community has the ability to determine the level of service desired in the local community. If you hire a lot of firefighters and buy them good equipment along with an adequate water supply, (high taxes) you get a lower ISO fire protection rating (Low fire insurance rates).

Staff with volunteers and minimal equipment (low taxes) you get a higher ISO rating along with high fire insurance rate.

There are no federal mandates in this respect. It is one of the few areas left where a local community still has control.

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When you are having that heart attack, or you are trapped in your car, a collapsed building, or a burning warehouse, who do you want to come rescue you? The lowest paid, least trained person? Or will you want the educated, experienced, motivated professional with 15 to 20 years of experience?

You will get what you pay for. If you think our job pays so well, and is so easy, why aren’t you doing it? Look at other jobs with similar experience, education, and working hours, and you will see that firefighting is right in line with them.