The work of volunteer firefighters is essential. According to John D'Alessandro, spokesperson for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, somewhere between 85 and 90 percent of all fire and EMS response is accomplished by volunteers. D'Alessandro says there a great need for volunteers.
In this podcast, D'Alessandro explains that volunteering in your local fire department doesn't require a commitment to run into a burning building. He says there is a job for everyone, from bookkeeping to traffic control to firefighter support services.