Volunteer Firefighter Appreciation Day is April 9

Everyone has a story. The lady across from you at the gas pump; the plumber on the way to fix the pipes that have been giving you a headache; your waitress at your favorite local restaurant – everyone is busy living their lives, but not everyone is willing to risk their life for yours. Even fewer are willing to do so without any tangible benefits.

Not everyone is a volunteer firefighter. Few have the qualities necessary to step up to fill the gaps in communities not large enough to support a fully staffed fire department.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) exists to “provide a unified voice for volunteer fire/EMS organizations” and the South Carolina chapter of NVFC joins the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association in recognizing April 9, 2021 as Volunteer Firefighter Appreciation Day. The organizations applaud the nation’s volunteer firefighters and the volunteers here at home in South Carolina.

The two organizations share a partnership with the common goal of recruiting volunteers and ensuring easy access to the resources needed to have a successful volunteer experience.

“As the NVFC director in South Carolina, I have the opportunity to support volunteer firefighters in the state on a national level by advocating for the needs of our volunteers,” said Brian Moon, Assistant Chief of Anderson County and one of the NVFC representatives for the state. “The SC State Firefighters’ Association also supports volunteers legislatively by working with our legislature to provide benefits such as a $3,000 tax credit, a cancer policy that will provide funding to firefighters who contract cancer in the line of duty, and grant opportunities for resources across the state.”

In addition to advocacy efforts, both NVFC and SCSFA offer training, retirement programs, and health and life insurance policy opportunities.

“Volunteers were the original fire service,” said Charlie King, Executive Director of the SCSFA. “Over the last 150 years, there’s been a transition to paid firefighters in some communities, but not all have done so. Sixty percent of the state’s firefighters are volunteers and deliver great service to communities.”

“While continuing to serve as a volunteer myself, I see the benefits daily of the hard work and dedication of more than 10,000 individuals in our state in ensuring the safety of their communities at home,” continued King. “SCSFA recognizes, respects and supports their work and will continue to look for ways to ensure they are available, equipped and trained for the future.”

Those interested in participating with your local volunteer fire department should visit www.scvolunteerfire.org. Volunteers can join the National Volunteer Fire Council online at https://www.nvfc.org/join-nvfc/.