Outside a local fire company in Pennsylvania stands a sign advertising for volunteer firefolk. The sign reads as follows:

Members Wanted
Cool Hat
Sweet Ride
No Pay
Odd Hours

While the sign concedes the volunteer nature of the job and its unpredictability, it also tries humorously to play up the “cool” aspects of being a firefighter. Who wouldn’t love the idea of riding in a cool fire engine!Or sounding that bell! Or wearing that awesome gear! But it’s more than that. Actual members of local fire stations typically love their work. For many, being a firefighter not only gives them a sense of purpose, allows them to exhibit good will toward others, and makes them feel, they are making a difference in their communities, but firefighters also tend to be a tight communal group. They support e…