Should volunteer fire departments be funded by taxes or by donations?

Having been a volunteer FF for 35 years and having held almost every position of office in the fire service, I offer this. Why are Vol FDs NOT funded 100% by taxpayer dollars? The same people that the majority of the public EXPECT to show up in their time of need on a 24/7 basis are likewise EXPECTED to spend their free time outside of their normal jobs planning and raising money to insure the viablilty of their fire department? That's if the FD members are able to fit fund raising in between home life, working, FD training and maintaining the FD and the taxpayers equipment. My God, they are true heros at the expense and leisure of the public they serve while asking very little in return. As I post this, the poll stands at 66% in favor of both taxes and fund raising. I certainly hope these answers were knee jerk reactions and not representative of the public's true feelings. It's no wonder that the volunteer fire service has difficulties attracting and retaining members. 100% funding by the taxpayers is the only true fair method of funding the FD that protects their lives, the lives of their loved ones and their property. Fund raising events should be for the FD to improve the quality of life around the fire hall for those who serve in it's name.