As the days go on we hear more and more people refer to us as “volunteers.” While the intention is most likely to put us in a positive light by showing that we put in pride and effort into our jobs, this is very inaccurate. Referring to Groveland Firefighters as “volunteers” is not representative of our reality or our capabilities. A volunteer is someone who puts in time on the side without getting paid. A volunteer is someone who puts a task or job secondary to their primary responsibilities. Training may be lacking in a volunteer in any field or occupation due to this. We are none of these things. The Groveland Fire Department is a “Paid On Call” Fire Department. We are only called to the station when needed, saving the town millions each year in staffing costs.
Much of the country is protected by Volunteer Fire Departments. Admittedly, there are many volunteer departments who are actually some of the busiest in the country. Their members staff stations without pay, train without pay, and fight the most fire, without pay. They attract membership and staffing for free due to the high numbers of fires and amount of work that gets to be done.
In Groveland, we have about 5-6 major fires a year, so this is not possible. We have to attract people who want to do the whole job. Fire, EMS, public assists. In other words “all hazards.” We also have to train frequently and thoroughly to meet these goals. Our members are paid for their time and efforts. This is not volunteerism. This is a paid profession. We treat it seriously and perform as such.
When a new firefighter is hired, they go through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class and go through EMT school. After completion of these they are considered fully operational. Our officers are certified Fire Officers, Fire Instructors, and Fire Prevention Officers. Service is rendered to the Town of Groveland on a daily basis while also fulfilling requirements at full time jobs, at home, and with family. If we are honest though, much of the time our primary focus is on our town and our Fire Department. Training occurs at least once per week and sometimes on weekends. Again, we expect to be paid for our work. Our hearts are dedicated to the well being of our residents and our town, but no resident should expect that the work gets done for free. This is commonly forgotten in the political world and sometimes hinders decision making due to some not taking us or our department seriously, thinking that we are not professionals. We have incredibly good working and personal relationships with Firefighters from full time departments. Contrary to what some have said, they do not see us differently, and neither do we. The same job gets done no matter where you are, and fire does not care what type of firefighter you are.
Take a minute to come to the Firehouse and ask us questions. We train every Tuesday Night from 7-9 P.M. We would be happy to show you around and discuss how we operate. It is never a bother to have guests. If more people did this, it would be much easier for us to connect with our community, which is our goal.
www.grovelandfd.com