That's like my department. We are on shift with crews and get to operate as part of the crew. We train, run calls, eat, sleep, workout, etc. everything with the crew. It really is awesome for upcoming recruits like myself. It really gives 99% taste of what it is about. Can do everything except go into a total IDLH or a similar situation (ie. Vertical Ventilation, etc.)
That's awesome. I guess here though, there's no need for it. My department is a career department, and they already have more than enough guys on shift. Adding the explorers would be more of a hassle then it's worth do to all the insurance, liability, etc.