12-11-2008, 03:31 PM
Quote:just to clearification on full time FF's vs. Volunteers. I have the same basic training and do the same extra trainings as guys in GR (trainings depend on our aread clearly) or any big city with full time departments. The difference is I take my classes at night, on my time. I also leave for fire calls when i'm playing with my kids, or eating Christmas dinner with my family and then go to work the next day at 8 after fighting fire from 12am to 6am.
Full time and volunteer are different worlds, I don't think you can compare by how many calls are gone on or what kind of calls. The knowledge is the same (usually) as with the dedication and passion. While I agree that SOME FFs and EMT can be cocky I also agree that there are just as many Service men and women that are the same way.
Agreed, Howie. I vollied for 2 years (before moving out of the district and into the jurisdiction of a paid department). I'd often hear people distinguish the two as "volunteer" vs. "professional" fire departments, something I took great issue with.
The training is identical, the fires are identical, and the equipment is identical. The only difference is the size of the paycheck.