There are so many different ways to give back to your community. But by far, one of the most interesting is becoming a volunteer firefighter. Doing this is a great way to make an impact and keep your neighborhood safe. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, you should continue reading our list of reasons why you should be a volunteer firefighter.
Great for the Resume
It doesn’t matter which career path you plan on taking. Having voluntary firefighter work on your resume will look good to any employer. If you want to turn this activity into a career, fire departments will love that you already have some experience, which can all but guarantee you the job. Employers looking for someone to do a physically driven job will like this on your resume as well.
A Way To Stand Out
Standing out in the professional world isn’t the only way that volunteer firefighting will help you. While it might seem vain, there’s nothing wrong with trying to improve your personal image. People will look at you in a better light if they know you do this in your free time. Maybe it will help you secure a date or impress your judgmental family. Regardless of the reason, doing good for your community will help give you a substantial confidence boost.
Build Meaningful Relationships
Forming a connection with your community is an excellent reason why you should be a volunteer firefighter, especially if you’re new to the area. Paid firefighters are well known for helping out at community events. Becoming friends with them and joining them at neighborhood activities will help you get to know other people in the community better than you would on your own.
Best Way To Help Those in Need
Saving someone’s life is the best way to help them. Soup kitchens and homeless shelters are vital for those in need, but nothing beats literally saving lives. There aren’t many feelings better than putting your own life on the line to save others. Granted, as a volunteer, you won’t be in the heat of all situations. But your contributions will make a difference, especially if you come to the scene prepared with essential equipment.
Possible Benefits
Even though the work is unpaid, some states or cities offer benefits to their volunteer firefighters. Potential benefits include specialized training or reimbursements for things like gas or food. On rare occasions, you can even receive compensation for each call you go out on. As we mentioned, these benefits can vary, so be sure to look into your state’s and city’s standards to see what they could offer you.
