Editorial: Serving in Two Departments

 

In several states, there is legislation pending about firefighters and EMS workers being permitted to serve in two departments on a volunteer basis.

Many firefighters and EMS providers have a second home in upstate New York, on Long Island, or on the Jersey shore, and if the need arises, they should be able to join the fire department in those locations. After all, it’s a win-win situation for everybody involved.

Given the state of the economy, many departments in small towns have a problem with recruitment and retention as their members work in two or three jobs to make ends meet. If someone who owns a vacation home in the area is able to join the local department, that organization gets a trained firefighter or medic ready to serve. Moreover, the volunteer who joins a second department gains a new set of brothers and enjoys the camaraderie and fellowship of a department away from home.

We know of a volunteer firefighter from our hometown who was serving in the Coast Guard, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. When he was off duty, he went to the local fire department (paid/part volunteer) and offered his services. He was welcomed with open arms, and it became a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties. He found a “home away from home,” winning a whole new set of friends, and the department gained an experienced, dedicated firefighter.

Many departments have ex-chiefs and life members who relocate or move to other areas of the state or country for various reasons. In some cases, they would have to give up their life membership in their former department if they wanted to volunteer in a new community. We believe that life membership is a well-earned designation, and it should go with a firefighter wherever he travels.

Some departments are experimenting with recruitment from the ranks of college students, offering room and board to qualified applicants. If those college students have already been trained by another department, it can only benefit their new affiliation.

As we have suggested before, we believe there should be a national registration of qualified firefighters and EMS providers, with an identification certificate and badge. If a firefighter is vacationing in Florida and his area is hit with a hurricane or wildfire, he should be able to report to the local firehouse, show his credentials, and offer his services as needed.

Let’s face it, we’re all in this together.