My brother and his wife's family were toned out Wednesday early evening in their little town to sound the tornado alarm. They man the fire department as volunteers.
They got in one blast before they themselves were hit.
The other side of the station was much worse than this side.
The building is a total loss.
Thankfully, there were no injuries.
Clean up and recovery will be a long haul.
Oh, and an interesting tidbit. Just after the six nearly lost their lives, they actually drove through town helping others in need because that is what they do. They are there when nobody else is. They do not get paid.
Now, granted - some are grand standers and glory seekers. My brother admits that he gets a "rush" when there is trouble or a disaster (or wince - a car wreck). Most of the volunteers do. That is what drives them. And for that little bit of "rush" or glory seeking - bless them. Dealing or living with their "rush" is a small price to pay.
My brother does state one thing. Most marriages will not survive unless both are involved in the volunteer entity. That fire station is (was) their second home. It consumes them. If one spouse is not involved, they feel left out. Perhaps that "rush" is an addiction of sorts.
I remember back in the early 80's my employer made the remark that he didn't understand volunteer fire fighters.
I made no comment at the time. Two of my brothers were volunteers at that time in my little town fire department.
It was later that I came to realize that some people just don't get it. He was a businessman. He was out for himself. Greed ruled his life. He never had any empathy for others.