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rience as an active firefighter and fire and rescue advocate, Poling is uniquely qualified for the job.
For the past 20 years, he has been chairman or vice chairman of the Virginia Fire Service Council which represents the state’s volunteer, professional and combination fire departments. Poling is also the RCVFRA delegate to the Virginia Firefighters Association and numerous committees and subcommittees. All his time is volunteered.
A survey taken by the Fire Service Council showed that fire and rescue volunteers enjoy a lot of support in the General Assembly.
Republican Delegate Jay Katzen, who represents the county, said,' “I will be there for them. They’re dedicated and we’re relying upon them for our safety and health.”
Poling estimated that there are nearly 200,000 career and volunteer firefighters and emergency rescue workers in the state. With family and friends, that is a voting block of well over a million people.
The RCVFRA leadership believes that there are two important issues on the table today involving administrative fees for bingo operators and the “$2-for-Life” program.
For the past four years, there has been action in the General Assembly to change the bingo law so that the volunteer companies would be required to contribute 1.5 percent of their gross take.
Poling said that the county fire companies cannot afford the 1.5 percent, fee. The issue. will come before the assembly when it reconvenes in January.
Another issue concerning county firefighters is a proposed change to the “$2 for Life” program. Under current law, $2 is earmarked for emergency medical services for every vehicle license plate purchased in the state. Proponents want the money to be raised to $3, possibly $4 per license plate.
This fiscal year, Sperryville Rescue Squad submitted an 80/20 grant application for twoway radios. That application is now being reviewed.
Poling said that the proposal to increase the fees still lacks a patron and co-patrons which it must have before it can become a formal bill. Keeping up with the progress of such proposals is a big part of Poling’s job.
“We’re fortunate,” said Poling, “that we have people on the board who are (personally) familiar with what fire and rescue people do. And (County Administrator) John McCarthy keeps up with the legislation.”
But the real problem is getting volunteers. “Recruitment and retention is the hardest thing fire companies have to (deal) with,” said Poling. He, too, will have to retire soon. At present, there is no one in the county to replace him.
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