To the person who commented, "I fail to see how this quote illustrates a 'casual' or 'untrained' member. Someone who works, particularly away from the town where they volunteer, cannot reasonably be expected to respond like someone in town or on the clock at the firehouse." Volunteer fire companies have minimum attendance requirements, and they are very important in judging both the competence and availability of members. If someone is just not available, no matter how legitimate the reason, he is of minimal value as a member. Just signing up and having good intentions to help is not enough.