The fire within

Do you have what it takes to be a firefighter?

Text: Marymil M. Cabrera
Images (SunStar File): Amper Campaña

NOT all superheroes wear capes — others wear bunker gear while riding on a fire truck, risking their lives to serve the community. And in this part of the world, there’s a distinguished group of safety advocates whose efforts are the stuff of legend, the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade Inc. (CFCVFB).

Funded by donations from members and other philanthropists, the organization is composed of volunteers who undergo rigid training in firefighting and fire prevention. These men render their service on a purely voluntary basis without thought of reward, compensation or recognition. Instead, they are guided by a sense of civic duty and responsibility for the good of the community.

Representatives of the Cebu Filipino-Chinese United Community who are passionate about saving and protecting people’s lives founded the non-profit socio-civic organization in 1980. Now, with its 34 active volunteers who are businessmen, professionals and students, CFCVFB has proven to be indispensable in fighting conflagrations in Metro Cebu.

As young as 16 years old, males who are mentally and physically fit can join the organization. The recruits can develop a better personality, better leadership skills, improve one’s self-confidence, and enjoy camaraderie during the training. CFCVFB’s Assitant Fire Marshall Leonardo Sylianco shares the qualifications one should have to be a firefighter:

High spirit of volunteerism

Though it involves delivering critical services with no monetary compensation, volunteering is one of the most beneficial and uplifting tasks one can pursue. The experience, training and sense of accomplishment volunteers gain are simply priceless.

Physically and mentally fit

Firefighting is the one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs on the planet, which is why physical examinations as well as written and practical periodic examinations are required to determine if one is a good candidate.

Patient

Patience is a virtue and this is most crucial to a firefighter. One should be patient enough to attend trainings and seminars for eight to 12 months, then wait for another six months for the probationary period before being considered as a regular firefighter in the organization.

Active

One should be ready to engage in required activities and these include attending a reasonable required number of emergency calls and regular Sunday drills, participating in required overnight station duties, and performing all assignments.

Determined

Determination is the key to becoming a firefighter. Apart from the physical, mental, character and time requirements, one should be determined enough to be a safety advocate to help others and serve the community.