Have you ever passed by the fire department in your town and wondered what goes on there? Perhaps you've wondered what it would be like to be a first responder, but think all firefighters are paid and it's just a regular job, so there's nothing you can do. But, then again, if everyone was paid, wouldn't the firehouse always be open, lit up, active? Why does the building seem dark and empty most of the time? There are so many questions...

Volunteer firefighters? Aren't all firefighters paid for their work? What equipment do they use? Do all volunteer firefighters have to go into burning buildings, or are there other jobs to do during an emergency? What training is needed to be a firefighter? ... Who are these people?

Our series, Ride With Us, answers these questions and removes the mystery by taking viewers behind-the-scenes of volunteer fire departments in New York's Hudson Valley.

Join host, Rick Sheinmel, and his volunteer firefighter co-hosts, as they visit local firehouses and experience volunteer firefighter life. Meet the firefighters. See who they are, what they do, how they train, and why they choose to volunteer.

The first season of Ride With US visits volunteer fire departments in Ulster County, New York, where we meet the firefighters and learn about the high-tech equipment they use, such as a Thermal Imaging Camera, see how they recognize and survive Flashovers, save lives with Automated External Defibrillators (AED), extinguish a Car Fire, and more.

In Season Two, we visit the Walker Valley Fire Department to discover what happens when a town doesn't have fire hydrants, learn all about Ladder Trucks at the Highland Fire District, and watch as a probationary firefighter is welcomed into the fire department family during a ceremonial event at the South Blooming Grove Fire District.

Ready to learn more about the volunteer fire service in your community? Stop by your local firehouse today!