By Kevin Carter, Guest Columnist
Our country was started partly because of the minutemen, who stood ready to be called to duty with a minute’s notice. These were volunteer, trained militia who were shopkeepers, blacksmiths, bakers, farmers, etc. But when duty called, they dropped everything to answer.
Volunteer firefighters are today’s minutemen. Most have everyday jobs – bankers, shop owners, factory workers, teachers and almost every profession in between. They have families. In their spare time, they have second jobs, volunteer to coach sports and serve in church, along with various other activities. They are very busy, everyday citizens.
Unfortunately, we have more people leaving the volunteer fire service than joining. In the future, if things do not change, what kind of response will there be when 911 is called?
I am asking for any able-bodied resident of Cherokee County to consider helping out your local department. While there is a job for everyone, there is a dire need for front-line volunteers.
Volunteers who are willing to be trained to be our interior firefighters, to drag hoses in the middle of the night, to get in the ditches with mangled cars. You will lose sleep, miss events, even question humanity sometimes, but knowing that you are making the potential worst day of someone’s life a little more bearable makes it all worth it.
In North Carolina, we are blessed through the community college system to have ample opportunities for quality training, much of which is offered by Tri-County Community College in Peachtree. The best part is the classes will not cost you a dime.
- Individuals. If nothing else, please go by your local department and meet the people serving your community. See what they do. You never know, you may unlock a passion that you never realized was there.
- Employers. Please be patient with your employees who are volunteer firefighters. If possible, allow them to answer calls during the day. Forgive the occasional tardiness because of late-night calls. I understand that this is impossible for some businesses and services, but if you can help carry the load I implore you to do so.
- Businesses. I’m not asking for handouts, but if you offer a good or service that you may could afford to discount for a first responder, will you consider doing that? It is often a thankless service, but sometimes the smallest gratitude goes a long way.
If you are not sure which fire department serves your community or have any other questions, please call me at 828-837-0090.
The writer is Cherokee County fire marshal.