While everyone else is running out, they're still running in

By Jess Eagle

As a news intern, I'm not technically supposed to write about my stories. And I'm especially not allowed to reveal my bias.

But in the case of a story I spent the majority of last week reporting on, I'm going to break the rules because, quite frankly, I'm pretty sure no one could possible disagree with my opinion.

The volunteer firefighters of Allegheny County are one dedicated group of people.

Of the county's 215 fire departments, 205 are 100% volunteer. And even more are a combination of both volunteer and career.

These guys and ladies don't just respond to fire calls. In fact, that may soon be -- if it's not already -- one of the least time-consuming parts of their jobs. The majority spend countless hours each year fundraising so that their department can survive.

And the majority of calls they receive and respond to are not fires. They pry open car accident victims' cars, clean oil off the roads, rescue animals and even sometimes make the trip to your house to assure you that the gas you're smelling isn't going to blow you up.

That and much, much more. For no pay.

In a time when less and less people are volunteering -- not just at fire stations, but seemingly every other volunteer places as well -- the people who do take the time are volunteering longer hours and for more years.

The volunteer fire service is rapidly aging -- in the county and in across the country. Whether it's because more young people are working farther from home or are just less connected to their communities, much my generation just doesn't seem interested in helping anyone out for free.

Of course, there are many young people still volunteering -- in and outside the fire service. And the young firefighters I talked to this week seem just as dedicated to helping people out as the older volunteers did. And, with dwindling numbers and aging departments, they have to be more dedicated than ever.

So let's show them more appreciation than ever.