The Benefits of Volunteer Firefighting

As I get older, more meaning is driven by striving for self-improvement, and beyond that, living to help others. Becoming a volunteer (firefighter) has given me some incredible benefits. Here are a handful:

Developing empathy

Caring for folks at their most vulnerable has taught me that most people are struggling. I've seen so many issues that I hadn't previously considered. It's been said: you don't know what's going on in most peoples' lives, so treat everyone with kindness.

Duty & discipline

Because we're always responding, 24/7, I have to respond ASAP on short notice. This has lead me to develop routines that allow me to act quickly and decisively. I feel more in control, and I've developed a stronger sense of action in my life. I feel myself having less internal push-back when faced with difficult moments.

Education

Most of our training is provided for free. Beyond firefighting, I've taken courses in:

• Instructional design
• Command & leadership
• Incident management
• Hazmat operations

A lot of these free trainings have been super helpful in other areas of my life.

Expanding your peer groups

Prior to volunteering, most of my friend circles were around my age +/- five years. One of the hugest benefits of volunteering is getting to collaborate with and get to know folks of all ages. There is a wealth of interesting experiential knowledge accessible to you as a volunteer.

Helping feels great

Neuroscience has shown the when you help someone, you get a bump of oxytocin. Saving lives and property makes you feel like a superhero.

You too, reader, are great, and you can share that greatness.

Volunteer!

Questions?

Come talk to me on Bluesky.