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The Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department is currently facing a critical staffing issue that could have significant implications for their response times to emergencies. According to an article by Jackie Bensen from NBC4 Washington, a budget vote by the Montgomery County Council on Wednesday could lead to a reduction in staff, potentially doubling the time it takes to respond to emergencies in the area.
Fire Chief Jeff Gross, who has been a dedicated volunteer for over 32 years, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for community support. A petition is underway, with about 200 signatures gathered over the weekend, urging residents to email the county council and attend the budget meeting to advocate for sustained service.
The volunteer department, which works side-by-side with the career firefighters and paramedics who staff the station around the clock, is calling on the public for help. If budget changes result in the reassignment of career personnel, the station will rely solely on its volunteer staff, which Chief Gross fears may not be sufficient to maintain their current average response time of six minutes.
This potential change surfaces amid a long-standing trend of declining volunteer firefighter numbers since the late 1980s. The recently dedicated Clarksburg Fire Station, staffed by career personnel, may also influence the decisions made by the county council.
In a bid to inform and rally the community, the Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department is mounting an extensive campaign to underscore the potential impact of these changes and urge public involvement.
For full details, read the original article here: [NBC4 Washington](Source).
Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department Faces Staffing Crisis: Public's Help Needed
The Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department is currently facing a critical staffing issue that could have significant implications for their response times to emergencies. According to an article by Jackie Bensen from NBC4 Washington, a budget vote by the Montgomery County Council on Wednesday could lead to a reduction in staff, potentially doubling the time it takes to respond to emergencies in the area.
Fire Chief Jeff Gross, who has been a dedicated volunteer for over 32 years, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for community support. A petition is underway, with about 200 signatures gathered over the weekend, urging residents to email the county council and attend the budget meeting to advocate for sustained service.
The volunteer department, which works side-by-side with the career firefighters and paramedics who staff the station around the clock, is calling on the public for help. If budget changes result in the reassignment of career personnel, the station will rely solely on its volunteer staff, which Chief Gross fears may not be sufficient to maintain their current average response time of six minutes.
This potential change surfaces amid a long-standing trend of declining volunteer firefighter numbers since the late 1980s. The recently dedicated Clarksburg Fire Station, staffed by career personnel, may also influence the decisions made by the county council.
In a bid to inform and rally the community, the Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department is mounting an extensive campaign to underscore the potential impact of these changes and urge public involvement.
For full details, read the original article here: [NBC4 Washington](Source).