Next question about the month off, you couldn't pay me to do that job. His normal shift is 48 hours. He looks like he's ready for the grave after he has done a 4 day. Essentially he is on 4 days (96 hours) with the expectation of no sleep and a couple of naps during the day. Hope that answers your question.
How much would they have to pay you to do this? 
Plenty of firemen, have jobs that are pretty good over all.
Just as plenty of policemen, trashmen, utilitymen, etc....
I knew some firemen back in the 80's in Orange Co., CA...that worked a station that they rarely were called. They worked two days a week..48 hrs. Slept half of those hours...most of the time. And rarely were called out.
Most had other jobs...too. I don't fault them, I'd have done the same thing too.
And when they worked their job..it was very dangerous work. No doubt about it.
Things are different now some what...and different all over some what.
I know some firemen here in the town I live in..that don't make squat. Small town, little pay, little bennies. But not going ton's of calls either....And not union.
I agree that firefighters are brave and need to be paid well...
But some of them are RETIRING with $185K pensions in California