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aging and volunteerism in high stress, high physical demand work like fire/rescue tends to decline, as we grow older. Whatever the reason, the need remains.
Some counties deal with the shortage of volunteers by hiring paid personnel to cover the shifts volunteers cannot, notably during normal business hours.
Hiring paid personnel would be an additional cost and have a significant impact on county budgetary considerations, but consider the alternative.
The county currently provides some financial assistance to the departments, including insurance and a portion of operating expenses. The balance of operating expenses and all capital expenditures must be raised by the volunteers through donations, carnivals, and other fund raising activities.
The proceeding does not begin to touch on all relevant aspects of providing quality fire and rescue service within the county. Furthermore, I know all too well that the issue of increased funding to provide these services often leads to heated debate.
I don’t pretend to suggest that there is an easy fix or an inexpensive one. What I am suggesting is that we as a community must take the first step, and admit that we have a problem, one that affects every resident. I challenge you to educate yourself about what it takes, in man
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