For the past several months we have seen a trend born, and watched it grow into what is quickly becoming an epidemic. Training, or the lack thereof, has become a serious problem within our department. But before, we blast the current members, we have to look at the whole picture. Yes there are some individuals that call themselves Athens Volunteer firefighters just to hear it said, yet rarely ever show up for calls, trainings, or other meetings. But there are those that are dedicated and committed to honing their skills and being ready at moments notice to get the job done. But our problem extends beyond that and includes the lack of recruitment. Times have changed and it appears that the attituded of a town that once resembled a "mayberry of old" where people enjoyed helping their neighbors, has changed to an attitude of griping and complaining, and unwillingness to put forth the effort. We are in a real crisis and the town is at risk. On an average fire call in 1996, you would have anywhere from 12 to 20 firefighters respond within the first due time period. Today, we are lucky if we get 12 from a multi-alarm, multi-company response. Something has to be done to improve this. Fires still burn like they did 10 years ago, and the most basic requirement to combat that is a fire department that responds with people aboard the engines ready to do battle with the flames and smoke. Maybe you have been thinking of joining, but just don't see the point. Well, think about that and think about how you would feel if you were outside your home watching it go up in flames, because there wasn't enough manpower to make successful attack. Volunteers get no compensation for their time, no compensation for their efforts, and often no praise for their job well done. But to be able to save the home, hopes, and dreams, of a fellow neighbor or complete stranger is the ultimate reward anyone could desire. If you would like to learn more about our department, feel free to stop by on any Thursday evening after 7:00 p.m. and discuss membership with a line officer. |