Lindenhurst Long Island Volunteer Fireman And All The Good Things They Do!
We always hear the negative about all public and private jobs whether paid or volunteer.
A few years ago, a "reporter" wrote about how volunteer fire departments across Long Island, New York spend tax payers money in areas they shouldn't be spending. Those departments were a select few. Most are careful and conscious as to where the money gets spent. She didn't even go as far as pointing out what the other departments do. Just the negative. A few bad apples does not have to spoil the bunch is what I say!
My Brother, Eric Donnelly, is part of the Bay Rats located in Lindenhurst, Long Island has been a volunteer fireman for 18 years which is half of his life. I get to hear the good side about these men and women and the good they do for our community.
My Brother's department adopts a family for the holidays. They buy a Christmas tree, food and presents for the family. They rely on donations for this and do have a budget within their department for the adopted family.
They have their department holiday party and a party for the children where Santa comes and gives the children gifts.
They go around the local neighborhoods with Santa on a firetruck for the local children. This is just the tip of the iceberg about the wonderful things they do.
This past weekend we had a lot of snowfall. Saturday afternoon we had a family party to attend. My Brother couldn't go with his wife and 2 young sons because he and a few of the other volunteer fireman had to be on call for the weekend. This means they ate and slept at the firehouse for the weekend instead of being with their families.
Volunteer firemen go into burning buildings, not only to put out the fires, but to rescue people. They put their lives on the line everyday just like paid firemen do.
Most of them have full-time jobs so they can support their families.
Then there are the budgets. Sometimes, there is not enough money to get updated safety gear that they need and the firemen end up buying it with their own money.
They go out door-to-door asking for donations. They will also be at supermarkets and shopping centers all day long in any weather to earn donations. Believe me, going to the public for donations is not easy. As a real estate agent, I go door-to-door to solicit business and it's not easy by any means and I feel for anyone that has to do it. Whether it's for new business or for donations.
Yes, they choose to volunteer. Thank God for volunteerism! If they don't do it, who will?
So, during this holiday season, stop by your local fire department and just say thanks for all the hard work and long hours they put in to keep us, our families and neighbors safe!
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