Fewer Volunteer Firefighters

Community fire departments struggle with dropping ranks

by: Racquel Asa (Reporter/Photographer)

(NCC News)-- Volunteer fire departments across the country are feeling the pinch as fewer and fewer people are finding time to volunteer. That creates a big problem for communities since three in every four firefighters are volunteers.

Central New York is no exception and neither is the DeWitt Fire Department. DeWitt used to solely rely on volunteers until the 70’s when volunteer levels dropped so low they had to hire several career firefighters to fill the gap.

Over the years, the levels have continued to drop and taxpayers may have to foot the bill for more firefighters if volunteer levels don’t pick up.

“Ultimately it's going to make many of these areas decide that they are going to have to pay for this service because there will be no one there,” said DeWitt Fire Chief Jeffrey Cardinali.

Living Double Lives

The department is relying on people who don’t mind living double lives, who work their normal jobs during the day and volunteer firefighter by night. But the price of volunteering comes with a price and sacrifice.

It's a job that requires more than a 100 hours of training, puts you on call and away from your family all for no pay.

For those who take on the commitment, it’s worth it.

“I guess not to sound corny,” said volunteer Scott Peterson, “but on a spiritual level, it's that satisfaction knowing that I've done something.”

“For me it's just rewarding. I enjoy giving back,” said volunteer Jeoff Ristau. “I enjoy service. It's just what I do."

"In my opinion, I would rather live very dangerously than be afraid or timid about what could exists,” said volunteer Adam Thimmig.

Retention is the problem

But it’s volunteers for more than five years that is proving to be another challenge for fire departments. The average career life for a volunteer firefighter is only five years and the younger generations are not as drawn to the profession.

Now, older generations continue to keep the ranks staffed at minimal levels.

"I'm not the youngest guy in the department, but I'm not too old yet, you know,” said five-year volunteer Bill Morris. “So I can hang on.”

“At some point I'm going to have to decide enough is enough,” said Fire Chief Cardinali. “The problem is when we look behind us to see who is coming there is no one there."