Why volunteer?

Have you ever heard a siren or seen a fire engine - and wondered what was happening?

Have you ever witnessed or come upon a motor vehicle accident - and wished you could help?

Are you looking for new friendships, challenges, and rewards?

Do you want to become involved in your community?

The personal rewards and satisfaction that come from serving others are often beyond description.

The fire service is one of the most diverse and challenging vocations today. It is this diversity that attracts so many men and women to join our ranks.

People volunteer for many different reasons. Some thrive on the excitement and adrenaline that emergency services can bring. Others see volunteering as an opportunity to step away from the routine of everyday work and experience something entirely different. Many are motivated by the fulfillment that comes from helping others during their greatest times of need. Some feel a responsibility to serve their community, while others simply want to be part of a dedicated team.

Whatever your reason for volunteering, everyone gains the satisfaction of knowing they performed at their very best while helping others through some of life's most difficult moments.

As a volunteer firefighter, you prepare yourself to respond to a wide range of emergencies—from structure fires and motor vehicle accidents to hazardous materials incidents and countless other situations in between. These skills may be called upon at any hour of the day or night, seven days a week, in every type of weather, often under stressful and emotional circumstances. Yet these very challenges are what make the experience so meaningful and rewarding.

There is an incredible sense of accomplishment in controlling a building fire, performing a successful vehicle extrication, teaching fire safety to members of the community, and knowing that your actions made a difference.

Participation as a volunteer member of the Potsdam Fire Department brings personal rewards and satisfaction, builds confidence, and provides a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment. At the same time, it provides an invaluable service to the residents, businesses, and visitors of our community.

However, becoming a member of the Potsdam Fire Department requires a serious commitment. The decision to apply should not be made hastily. Once you understand the responsibilities and expectations involved, we hope you will choose to make the commitment our department needs.

The service provided by our volunteers is truly invaluable to our community's public safety.

In the fire service, success is measured not by recognition, but by the lives protected, the suffering eased, and the property saved.

Volunteering in the emergency services is one of the most important decisions you may ever make. We encourage you to give this decision the thoughtful consideration it deserves—and when you're ready, join our ranks and answer the call to serve.