From the moment dispatch speaks, the firefighters can sense the urgency in the call. The alarm sounds, and Co. 9 puts on the nearly 40 pounds worth of gear and heads out. Being a firefighter is nothing short of being a hero. Dooms Volunteer Fire Co. hosts three daytime career, paid firefighters to watch over the company, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“During the 12-hour day shift, the county provides two to three daytime careers to come out and support the volunteers who usually have full time jobs,” Dooms Daytime Career Greg Pumphrey said. “Volunteers come in and out throughout the day, but usually they take over the operation at night. So we will usually be the ones to gear up and go out to answer calls during the day.”
On Wednesday, The News-Virginian sat down with Co. 9 at the Dooms Fire Station waiting to see if a call would come in. Despite receiving no calls, it was still clear just how much danger firefighters put themselves in and, the amount of hard work it takes to complete their jobs.