So you want to become a member of West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department?
Before that question is answered, let's discuss what can be expected as a member.
You will be committing yourself to responding to all types of emergencies in all types of weather dealing with all types of people. We are an aggressive fire department, and we work hard for what we have. We fight the same types of fires in the very same manner as big city fire departments, minus the high rise buildings. We have all the apparatus and equipment of the larger-city fire departments, but along with it comes a sacrifice...fire calls at 3 AM...missed dinners...hot summers......and a very hostile working environment, quite possibly the most hostile one known to man.
In terms of physical exertion, fifteen minutes of actual firefighting is equivalent to 8 hours on a construction site. You'll be wearing almost 75 extra pounds of clothing and other gear which limits your mobility. You will get wet, dirty, hot, cold, tired, risk possible exposure to dangerous chemicals, atmospheres, and body fluids. You may even experience people who will curse at you or threaten you and it is likely that, from time to time, you will see things that will turn your stomach. All this is not meant to scare you; it's meant to give you a small taste of reality.
On the other hand, if you decide that this sounds exciting to you, join the department, "make the grade," and you will be part of an international brotherhood...a brotherhood like no other. No matter where you go, once a firefighter, always a firefighter. People will look up to you. We treat each other like family. If you need something, let one of us know and we'll do everything we can to help you. Yes, you get to work in the worst environment known to man, but you also become part of the best family there is.
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| Becoming a Firefighter..... |
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