Q. I’m a frum teenager and have always wanted to join Shomrim or the volunteer firefighters in our community, since they urgently require more participants. Yet my parents are very much against it and argue that al pi (following) Halacha one should not place himself in a makom sakana (dangerous situation). Do I have to listen to them?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle one should indeed contribute and help others in their need, especially if it may involve saving lives.
As mentioned in the question 2503 above, it is common that there are methods for prevention of danger and they should be followed carefully to avoid unnecessary risks.
Since there may be other issues involved that could have been omitted, the Rov suggests that a local Rabbi, who is familiar with the overall picture should be consulted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a .