Wendy Dickens, MSW, is Executive Director of First 5 Shasta and a volunteer firefighter. She believes in the importance of starting fire prevention awareness early, and teaching young children the basics. Photo by Ashley Moore.
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is an excellent way to pay forward into the community. It takes hard work, training and commitment. The first step is to contact your area fire department to see if they have a volunteer program. For instance, Shasta County Fire works with Cal Fire to train and certify volunteer firefighters.
I have found the opportunity to be difficult at times, as well as a source of many wonderful opportunities to serve and learn in the community.
On medical emergency calls, volunteer firefighters help assess patients until the ambulance arrives and assist the professional EMTs when needed. On the scene of traffic accidents, they can be called on to help with patient assessment, extraction from vehicles, cleanup, fire suppression and any other tasks that are immediately needed.
Working on wildland fire operations may require volunteers to help create a fire line with tools, put out hose lines, or continue to assess the area for hot spots that could turn into an active fire again. Hiking into the wilderness is one of the fun parts of being on this type of assignment but can also be physically demanding.
Posted in: Community
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
The Juggle is Real – Tips, Stories and Resources to Encourage Moms How to Start and Grow a Business
To be both a mother and a successful business owner is a dream of many women and a reality for a few. Is it possible to have a functional, loving […]
Five North State Dads Who Balance Family and Community
Jake Nolen and his wife of ten years, Emily, own and run No-Side Music, a music lesson and recording studio, from their home in Chico. The couple also are the […]
Presence over Presents
The holiday season is here again, and many parents find themselves scrambling to shop for all of the important people in their lives. Shopping for the perfect gift for your […]
What I Thought I Knew vs. What I Know About Raising Adopted Kids
With consistent limitlessness, I love all my children the same, born to me and adopted by me. Then again, if I’m honest, that’s not totally true. I love my adopted […]
