Volunteer firefighters don't have collective bargaining, a multi-million dollar political action committee and many other perks and advantages paid firefighters have through the International Association of Fire Fighters.
But, what we do have is our state, exempt, regional and local volunteer fire associations. These associations' lifeblood is your participation, and trust me they need it.
I recently attended my regional association's monthly meeting, and of the 30 plus people there I was probably the only one under 50 years of age.
Now you may be thinking "Why should I put my time into these associations when I'm already volunteering my time to my fire department?" It's because these associations exist for your benefit, and if they quite literally die out, so too will the services and benefits you are entitled to.
Monetary Benefits
For example a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey is eligible for certain momentary funds alive or dead. Through a fire department's local relief and benevolent association a firefighter in need for a multitude of reasons can receive a certain amount of money. In addition, should a volunteer firefighter die in the line of duty their family will receive a pay out from the N.J. State Fireman's Association, and if they are members, from the N.J. State Exempt Firemen's Association and the National Volunteer Fire Council.
Legislative Influence
These associations lobby lawmakers on volunteer firefighters' behalf since you know volunteers have a day job they need to be at. Also, the associations will inform members when about political and legislative actions that can negatively affect them; such as when N.J. Governor Phil Murphy tried to decrease funding to the state's volunteer firefighter relief fund by $33 million in 2019.
Networking
Getting to know your fellow firefighters, and organizations from outside your town is a great part of participating in these associations. By doing this you can be get invited to multi-department training drills and seminars, learn about grants and resources you didn't know about, and more.
These associations need you as much as you need them, so why not drop in for a meeting once in a while?
See you at the big one.
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