Are professional firefighters seen as better than volunteer firefighters?

Question

Well, are they?

Answer 1

They are both true hero's in my eyes. Both contribute much, one is paid, while the other volunteers.  As part of American Red Cross Disaster Action Tam Coordinator, I work with both.  I would not know one that is paid or one that is a volunteer.  They are all excellent people.  I think the volunteers, because they give of them selves selflessly, devote themselves to helping others without compensation may color the picture, depending on whom you are speaking with.  Without volunteers, many departments would be understaffed.  However, I do like the reliability of paid firefighters, I know that they are well trained and rehearsed for any fire or rescue mission

Thank you all for your wonderful efforts

Answer 2

Insurance cos rate areas with paid firefighters better than areas with volunteer departments.  Whether they think the paid ones are better or are just thinking that staffing is more certain I am not sure.    In GA where I live both take about the same training and certification requirements, both are devoted to their jobs for the most part, and for the most part do an amazingly good job.

Answer 3

Are you asking the Yahoo community what they themselves think, or what they have heard from others?

My husband is a volunteer firefighter, and I guess that gives me a personal prejudice. I see how much time and energy he donates, and I really admire it.  

I think there are some prejudices among paid firefighters for volunteer firefighters, and that's a shame. Volunteer firefighters have training and expertise too, and they do it all on their own time.

Answer 4

i see volunteer fighters in a better light to be honest....they give up so much to be able to do what they do and its for the most part not their "real" job

Answer 5

I don't know about better but they are all heros in my eyes.

Answer 6

Definitely. Volunteers should simply help professionals.