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Updated: 10:13 PM Jul 7, 2010
Volunteer Fire Departments Still Struggling in Sluggish Economy
Many say the economy hasn't bounced back quite enough to keep volunteer fire departments fully staffed.
Posted: 10:09 PM Jul 7, 2010Reporter: Randy Yohe Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com |
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18 Comments 
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Many say the economy hasn't bounced back quite enough to keep volunteer fire departments fully staffed.
Some are working very short, and one very busy volunteer fire department closed its doors this week. That sort of surprise fire department shutdown is creating all kinds of problems and challenges.
If you live in or around the remote Lawrence County crossroads community of Blaine, Ky., you spend time at Ferguson's Market. That’s where much of the talk this week is "What happens to us?" now that the Blaine Fire Department's doors are permanently locked.
Local homeowner James Riley worries that they may not get there in time, and he’ll burn up -- or be burned out.
County Emergency Management Director Harold Slone says the disgusted chief of the 30-year-old volunteer fire department -- covering the largest fire district in Lawrence County -- closed the doors due to a severe lack of both manpower and community support.
Slone told us they have the funding and equipment. He says it was a surprise to him, saying that in the last 90 days, Blaine had 68 calls and responded to 10 car wrecks.
But many in the community knew that the squad was working with a skeleton crew. Store owner Barry Ferguson says he knew they were down to only two firefighters, and they need at least 10.
Blaine Mayor Crystal Meade, also a now idled volunteer firefighter, refused an on-camera interview, but she says the department actually is down to five or six.
Resigned Chief Jim Wilson says no, that it was only two, maybe three. And both say after a 13-year-old girl died in a recent ATV accident, a community backlash toward the department sparked dissension and resignation.
Now, neighboring fire departments many miles away will respond to Blaine -- 911 calls that were answered in minutes locally.
Homeowner James Boggs says if they would pay firefighters, maybe they could get a crew. But that's not how volunteer fire department's work. And the emergency management director says neighboring volunteer fire departments are hurting, too.
Slone says families, husbands and wives are working 40 to 60 hours a week, and they don't have time to volunteer for civic activities, even if they wanted to do so. Slone says he hopes to convince some locals to help reopen the desperately needed fire house.
The county emergency management director hopes an emergency response meeting at the Blaine Fire House will get the fire department re-staffed, then up and running as soon as possible.
Latest Comments
The problem with a lack of community support and shortage of volunteers is not just in Blaine, it is a problem all over Eastern KY. Our Volunteer Fire Departments are struggling everywhere because of a shortage of manpower and community support. Funding too is an issue. This is not an isolated issue. If your community has a volunteer departments your community needs to support it. You lose a fire department you will pay more for homeowners insurance, having emergency services is also tied to economic developement. Do you want to establish a business in an area that has no fire protection. There is more here than meets the eye. Communities needs look at the whole picture. Volunteer fire departments are valuable assests we need to keep and support.
its not the economy at this fire dept.!!!!!!! its the few that is there that know one will work with, thats why they couldnt get help!
I think its great that this has happened. People have no problems talking about these rural departments and what they do not do. These members are volunteers (key word). Now the nonsupporting community may realize that no one will come when they call. People continually talk about these fd's, but have no problem dialing 911 to call for help when they need them. Now the help is gone. Now you can wait an hour to get anything. Community support keeps these dept's going, and without it why should they try?
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