Indian River Acknowledges Its Volunteers by saying – “Thank you!”

On behalf of Indian River’s Board of Directors and Officers for the fire company and ladies auxiliary operations, we hereby offer this commentary to say “thank you for your volunteerism.”

Volunteering is understood to be “a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.”

It is generally understood that volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in fire departments across the country. It is estimated that 54 percent of the 1 million firefighters in the United States are volunteers, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.  This is no difference within the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company where 100% of our men and women are volunteers.   The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company does not have any compensated employees!

It also needs mentioning that extinguishing fires is just one of many varied duties assigned these  volunteer personnel.  Other volunteer duties can have a public relations component such as: 

1. Community outreach. Volunteer firefighters may visit schools, participate in parades and attend community gatherings to promote fire prevention and fire safety, perform fund drives, coordinate breakfast and dinner events, etc.  

2. Fire station chores. Some volunteer firefighters are assigned duty tasks of cleaning, apparatus regular inspection and maintenance of tools, equipment, and fire apparatus.

3. Administrative work assisting with office and administrative duties. They write reports and compile information. They plan regular training exercises and drills that volunteer firefighters must attend to keep their skills sharp. 

Over the past few months, Indian River and its surrounding mutual aid companies have been extremely busy and we need to recognize and acknowledge our cadre of volunteers that have been the nucleus of this volunteer organization.

The volunteers, along with our mutual aid entities, have provided countless hours of community support with service activities and event coverages within our immediate and neighboring fire districts.  The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company realizes that these extra activities could not have been accomplished without you – our volunteers and mutual aid partners!

Illustrated herewith are a few of these endeavors as well as photographs to highlight a few of these tasks over the past few months:

(1)  Pre-arranged Standby Crews:

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/46002?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45871

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45541?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45537?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45391

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45212

(2)  Duty Crews:

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45928

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45490

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45273

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45190

(3)  Professional Development & Training Activities:

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45711?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45263

(4)  Work Detail Crews – Community Service Events, Breakfast Events, Dinner Events, etc.

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45819?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45873

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45631?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45872?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45583

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45487?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45445?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45443

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45189?ss=1

• http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/45138?ss=1

Therefore, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company tenders this heartfelt “Thank you” for the continued volunteerism of its members while offering assistance during our times of need!

Thank you!