OPINION: Vigliotti: Support for Carroll's new Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services | COMMENTARY
Firefighting has formed an inseparable part of American history, from the homely (neighbors assembling themselves to battle blazes) to the heroic (firefighters rushing into the burning
A recent study conducted by the
Meanwhile, the costs for volunteers are unending: the price of living, constant dangers of the job, and the time it requires away from loved ones, home, and work -- not to mention the price of equipment, vehicles, maintenance and upkeep, supplies, training, and more. But what about communities who rely on volunteer fire companies, and do not have the means to fund them -- particularly in more rural areas?
Fire companies, like those in
To ensure the survival of the companies in
"The critical need of finding folks who want to run into burning buildings, while all others run out, for free as a volunteer, is steering this ship," Wantz, who himself has long personally been involved with fire and emergency response, explained. "Over the last several years our fire departments have been struggling to find not only firefighters, but emergency medical providers." Companies have also faced the added challenge of filling in positions such as human resources, payroll, and insurance, among others.
As such, according to a news release, the new department, under inaugural Director
"The key word here is 'combination,'" Wantz noted of the department's dual career and volunteer nature, with "the surgical infusion of career personnel" designed to help sustain
Wantz also acknowledged that there will be challenges in such a system, but is confident in the end result. He underscored the importance of communication to me, applauding those who have come forward with concerns, questions, and suggestions, including
Indeed, the sense of openness regarding input about the department that Wantz has expressed will be important. Wantz further explained that an "
The volunteer companies, along with Wantz, and other commissioners past and present, recognize the serious danger
As things unfold for the department, one of the most important subjects that should be considered and routinely revisited between all parties involved, is the issue of attracting new volunteers.
"We will guard against pushing volunteers away," Wantz affirmed. "Our fire departments are critically important to our county. In most instances they are the hubs of the communities in which they are located and are essential to our
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