Volunteer departments are cheaper to operate, get people who are interested, in not outright enthusiastic, about the job, and who probably have a vested self-interest in maintaining the community.
We trained a *lot* more than we actually responded.
95% of all of our calls were traffic accidents--and we usually got on scene before any ambulances showed up. That means the EMTs in our department were providing medical services while waiting for paramedics.
I am a *former* volunteer because I got old enough that I couldn't handle some of the tasks that were required of me to maintain the safety of my fellow firefighters. I believed it better I quit and let some younger bodies take my place.
While I wouldn't force it on anyone, I do believe that everyone should put in some time volunteering for the fire department, ambulance service, etc. It will open your eyes as to what is actually going on in your neighborhoods.
A buddy of mine started off as a volunteer fire-fighter and moved up the ranks. Town of Eden Prairie, MN - population of 65,000 and rapidly growing.
I see that now they 9 full-time firefighters, the rest are volunteers. Back in the day it was all volunteer - he used to get something like $8 if he showed up fast enough to get on a truck. I think it was the $8 per call - not per hour.
If he was too slow and the truck had enough guys he didn’t get anything. Although he and the other late arrivals would sit around for a bit, maybe put some burgers on the grill, play a round of cars, smoke a cigar. Then head back to their full-time jobs after a bit.
“Hey - you never know if they’re going to want some help - best to hang around the station for a bit!”
At the time they were the largest volunteer fire fighter force in the country iirc. I’m guessing they still are.
I recall him complaining when it was “just” a medical call - but he would be in there doing chest-compressions, etc.
He really did love fighting the fires though - and from what I can tell they all did. (I don’t get it!)
“The best ones are the entries! Any schmuck can stand in the street putting water on the fire - but getting inside, figuring out which flames to hit first, and where they are hiding - that’s the fun stuff!”
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