I am going to ask everyone here to do something. I know times are tough. I know money is hard to come by. But, what I am asking really will not cost you much of anything at all. It may even just cost you a little time.
Most people have taken their local fire department for granted. Do you know if your department (the ones that would respond to your home in case of emergency) is paid or volunteer? Do you know over 70% of ALL fire departments in the United States are volunteer? Do you know what sacrifices these volunteers make to assure your safety?
Our government (in all their wisdom) is cutting funding across the board. Many of these volunteer departments MUST rely on grants to obtain the equipment they need to safely do the job they do for FREE. Now, these grant programs are being phased out. This means less money to keep YOUR family, friends and neighbors safe.
In most cases the small amount you pay in fire tax does not even cover the basic overhead such as fuel and truck upkeep. Most county commissioners refuse to increase that tax even by just a few cents. Why? Well, I was told they cannot raise that tax because they would not be re-elected. They are afraid that a nickle will keep them from their cushy little jobs. If you live in a rural area think about this; where exactly is your tax money going? Most county roads are covered with road base and gravel instead of asphalt. Where is the money going? They say most goes to road and bridge upkeep. Many in some areas but not in mine. My point? You are paying for services that are not being provided properly. A fire tax increase would actually be used for the intended purpose.
What am I asking you to do? Educate yourself about your local fire department. Find out if they are volunteer or paid. With the current drought condition we have suffered this summer most of these department's resources have long been exhausted. These wild fires are expensive and force massive wear and tear on the equipment-and the people. If you cannot afford to donate money, then pick up a cheap case of water the next time you are at the grocery store. You can get water for $3.00 at Dollar General. Purchase cheap snacks. Drop these off at the fire house. On large scenes water is consumed in large quantities and snacks are necessary for the rehab of firefighters to help keep them going.
Either one will cost you less than $5.00 and will show these people that they are supported by their neighbors. If you can't afford even $5 then just stop by acknowledge them and the job they do-FOR FREE!! Or, volunteer yourself. They will provide the training and you can see firsthand how politics are leaving some areas unprotected.
There are so many different ways you can help. Any would mean more to these people than you will ever know. I was in charge of fund raisers for 15 years for my department. Want more simple ideas to help? Please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to share ways you can help without having to don fire gear and run into a burning building yourself.
