I was Chief of a small town Volunteer Fire / Rescue for many years, station  finally had to go paid. Answered about 350 / 400 calls a year back then, some on Interstate. I enjoyed that time, feel like we did some good. Many of my men ( and girls ) went on to paid First Responders. I was proud of us.
To me, one of the best institutions in America is the volunteer system, from the Fire Service to our Armed Forces.