Rural volunteer fire depts. struggle to recruit
Creating a public
safety hazard in the process.
The Associated Press
WFLS News
Date published: 8/4/2008
BIG SPRINGS, Neb. (AP) - The simple mathematics of money could
be working against volunteer fire departments and creating a public
safety hazard in the process.
An interstate accident near Big Springs, Nebraska, highlights
the issue. Six people were hurt but the town had only enough people
to run one of its two ambulances. Help from another department
added 20 to 30 minutes to the response time. Fortunately the
injuries weren't life-threatening.
Volunteer fire and rescue departments nationwide are struggling
with declining membership, increased costs and changing attitudes.
Some say the shortage presents a looming crisis.
State and federal lawmakers are taking action to help reverse
the trend because volunteer fire and rescue personnel represent 72
percent of the nation's 1.1 million firefighters.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Date published: 8/4/2008
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