Why volunteer? Why spend hours studying and training and dropping everything to respond to a shout? Easy. I can say that I owe my life to volunteering for the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company, both literally and metaphorically! First, a bit of background. I moved to Glenville from England and have snce moved back, although I still respond as I make frequent trips to Glenville. When I moved to Glenville it took a long time to get my immigration status resolved and I had no SS number. Try living without one, it cannot be done. I could not have a driving licence, phone of any description, credit card, health insurance, utilities, or much else. The GVFC welcomed me and taking nationally recognised exams gave me the only feeling I had that I belonged anywhere.

But literally? I was only alerted to a certainly fatal condition if left untreated by the Fire Service annual medical. The condition was only diagnosed when the doctor at the physical said it should be investigated without delay and recommended a doctor. Without exaggeration I would not have known anything needed to be done till it was too late.

There are many other reasons for joining, too. When I returned to England the Town Chief was kindenough to thank me for my service and "giving so much". "Giving", I thought, I have had so much given to me. How else could I have enjoyed belting through the streets of Greenwich in a fire engine with everyone getting out of the way? How else would I have been able to use and be resposible for millions of dollars worth of equipment? How else would I have received so much useful training? How else would I have made good and sincere friendships? How else would I have been thanked by so many people? No matter how much or little you wish to contribute there is a place, a warm welcome and all the support and help you might need just waiting for you. Want to know more? E-mail me.