I once again find myself treading, lightly, into a borderline area, which is sort of TEOTWAWKI-ish.
I've been working for a while on an article - and it's turning into a book - on the demise of the volunteer fire service in America.
I don't think many folks realize just how much of America's fire protection depends on the courage, commitment and personal sacrifice of our dedicated volunteer firefighters. I salute you for your service.
Good points on fire safety, too.
Good luck on your article/book. I follow this and related subjects, too, as an emergency services and healthcare attorney, firefighter/paramedic, and federal disaster responder, and I shre your concerns.
Jeff