Fix The Brakes
A fire started on some grasslands near a farm.
The county fire department was called to put out the fire.
The fire was more than the county fire department could handle.
Someone suggested that a nearby volunteer bunch be called.
Despite some doubt that the volunteer outfit would be of any assistance, the call was made.
The volunteers arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck.
They rumbled straight towards the fire, drove right into the middle of the flames and stopped!
The firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions.
Soon they had snuffed out the center of the fire,breaking the blaze into two easily-controlled parts.
Watching all this, the farmer was so impressed with the volunteer fire department’s work and was so grateful that his farm had been spared, that right there on the spot he presented the volunteers with a check for $1,000.
A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the department planned to do with the funds.
“That ought to be obvious,” he responded, wiping ashes off his coat. “The first thing we’re gonna do is get the brakes fixed on our fire truck!”
Traditionally volunteer fire departments on farmland held a distinct charm and sense of community. In small rural areas, these departments were the heart and soul of firefighting efforts. Comprising dedicated locals, often farmers themselves, they selflessly volunteered their time and resources to protect their close-knit communities.
These departments were tight-knit, with everyone knowing each other like family. They relied on genuine camaraderie and trust, ensuring a rapid response to emergencies. Firefighters were often multi-talented, wearing various hats in their daily lives, from farmers to mechanics, which made them resourceful problem-solvers during crises.
While lacking the advanced equipment seen in urban fire departments, these volunteers compensated with grit and ingenuity. They used hand pumps, basic tools, and even farm equipment to combat fires. Training was on-the-job, passed down from experienced firefighters, fostering a tradition of expertise and resilience.
These brave souls were a testament to the power of community spirit. They exemplified the “help thy neighbor” ethos, demonstrating that ordinary individuals, united by a common purpose, could safeguard their cherished homes and livelihoods. Their legacy lives on, inspiring present-day firefighters and reminding us of the strength found in unity and volunteerism.