No, not at all.

In my experience many volunteer companies generally have SOGs/SOPs on response. Several of the companies, in our county require members to respond to the fire station and not directly to the scene. This ensures the equipment gets out, controls the amount of on-scene traffic and prevents freelancing. Other companies allow members to respond directly to the scene, so if one is near or passing by the incident stopping at the scene is permitted.

Since our ATR Team’s vehicle only holds two and our area of coverage is the entire county plus surrounding jurisdictions, we are encouraged to respond directly to the scene/staging.

Many of the companies in our county are a combination career/volunteer, responding to all calls is not as critical as those areas, which have only volunteers. As our city (Frederick which is now the second largest incorporated city in Maryland) and county have grown, many of the newer individuals and families moving into the area, do not have the same connection as long time residents and tend not join the local Fire Departments, so many of the companies have had to request supplementation with career staff. This is normal and expected as the number of calls has increased and the number of volunteers has remained relatively the same. ALS which used to be 100% volunteer is now less then 5% volunteer, due in part to the volume of calls, the need to maintain proficiency/continuing education and the length of training required to become ALS licensed.

Pete