Download PDF version

Firefighters serve their communities in a unique and impactful way, going into the emergency when everyone else is going out. But what many people don’t realize is that the majority of firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers.

These are neighbors helping neighbors when they need it most. It is this commitment to service and giving back that Mike Rowe highlights on the May 28 episode of The Way I Heard It podcast. 

Episode #387 features

Episode #387 features conversations with Dr. Candice McDonald, a volunteer firefighter/EMT

Episode #387 features conversations with Dr. Candice McDonald, a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Ohio and deputy CEO of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and Jonathan Dayton, a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Maryland.

The conversation delves into the motivations, experiences, challenges, and benefits of being a volunteer in the fire service. McDonald also encourages those interested in the volunteer fire service to visit www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org to learn more and find a local opportunity. 

volunteer fire service

We are thankful to Mike Rowe for shining the national spotlight on the volunteer fire service and showcasing to the public what it means to be a volunteer,” said Dr. Candice McDonald.

Dr. Candice McDonald adds, “This platform will open the door to the volunteer fire service for many members of the public and provides a great opportunity for local departments to recruit new members through the Make Me A Firefighter campaign.” 

awareness and interest in volunteer fire service

Volunteer fire and EMS departments can take advantage of the increased awareness and interest in the volunteer fire service in the following ways: 

  • Listen to the podcast at: https://bit.ly/MMAFFNVFC. 
  • Visit Rowe’s Facebook, Instagram, or X or the NVFC’s Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn and share the posts about the podcast with connections and in the community.  
  • Sign up with the NVFC’s free Make Me A Firefighter campaign at https://portal.nvfc.org and post volunteer opportunities so prospective volunteers can find them.  

The Way I Heard It podcast

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe is available at https://bit.ly/MMAFFNVFC or wherever users listen to podcasts. The Way I Heard It podcast started as a series of short mysteries for the curious mind with a short attention span and has evolved into enlightening conversations with a variety of guests, entrepreneurs, authors, reporters, veterans, sports professionals, TV personalities, bloody do-gooders, and more for the no-so-short attention span.

Delivered with Rowe’s signature blend of charm, wit, and ingenuity, The Way I Heard It is a veritable box of chocolates because users never know what they’re going to get.

Download PDF version Download PDF version

In case you missed it

Innovative Fire Protection By WAGNER At LogiMAT 2025
Innovative Fire Protection By WAGNER At LogiMAT 2025

At the LogiMAT in Stuttgart from 11th to 13th March, WAGNER will be presenting innovative fire protection technologies and individual solutions for deep-freeze warehouses, high-bay...

The Importance Of Fire Protection To Minimize Damage After Natural Disasters
The Importance Of Fire Protection To Minimize Damage After Natural Disasters

There is a lot of studies and authority actions to have better responses after a natural disaster, including risk management, awareness, and preparedness especially in areas where...

Kidde's Game-Changing Inert Gas Solutions For Security
Kidde's Game-Changing Inert Gas Solutions For Security

The Kidde Fire Protection Natura™ Inert Gas System by Kidde Australia has transformed the way installers think about deploying inert gas fire suppression systems, deliverin...

vfd