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!”
Yup. It can get fun working on those. Being able to stand there in the same room as a major fire and fighting it really gets the adrenaline pumping. Usually the building or car is already toast by the time you get there, so you don't have to worry about any damage you cause.
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