Hi Sue,

I have been an active volunteer for over 20 years and yes, it can be a challenge. While I do not leave work for fire or EMS calls, I do leave work for technical rescue calls. I use Annual Leave so my employer is not responsible for me whenever I respond or engage in weekday training. For non-work time and I am in town, I am on call 24-7 for all technical rescue calls. I along with most volunteers, miss many family meals and activities, it just the way it is and for the most part our families understand.

Across the county, we have various situations; some employers do allow their volunteer members to leave work. In the more rural areas, many of the farmers are also members of the fire department and make every effort to respond to calls.

Pete