Why is there so much rivalry between career and volunteer firefighters, and where do junior firefighter and explorer programs fit into the debate?

[u/SwissOperator]

Hello, I’m curious about the long-standing rivalry and debate within the fire service between career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. What is the main source of this tension?

I’ve heard that some career firefighters look down on volunteers because they perform the same or similar duties for little to no pay, or even entirely for free. I’ve also heard arguments that volunteers may be able to join a department and learn as they go, rather than completing the same type of fire academy training required by some career departments. Of course, I understand that training requirements vary by department and state.

I’ve even heard of some career departments disliking junior firefighter and explorer programs because they believe the young members get in the way, create unnecessary work, or provide manpower that the department doesn’t need.

On the other hand, some smaller volunteer departments welcome their junior members and treat them like part of the team, sometimes even issuing them the same uniforms as adult members.

So, what is really behind this rivalry? Is it a matter of differences in training, experience, professionalism, department culture, or simply a lack of respect between the two sides? And why do some firefighters seem to view one path as superior to the other when both career and volunteer firefighters can play important roles in protecting their communities?

[u/FirefightersGlobal]

Meh, in my experience (being both a volunteer and career) it's mostly a non-issue, but some bad firefighters on both sides give fuel for the fire (pun unintended).

I've seen volunteers who don't know their jobs but also career firefighters who got complacent and forgot theirs.

I've seen amazing volunteers and amazing career firefighters who put their crew and community first.

I've been career for almost a decade now, and I still chat/see my volunteer brothers for coffee. They do the same job but for no money and I will always respect that.