Earlier this year, the Elkin Fire Department was in danger of being put on probation. A rise in volunteer firefighters aging out and fewer volunteers coming in had them riding the cut line.
“This is a widespread problem among the volunteer fire service in the United States,” said Elkin Fire Department Captain Theresa Knops.
The threat of probation came at a time where the department’s duties continued to rise, with the number of calls they respond to hovering around 600 a year. Many times, there may only be one or two firefighters responding to a call at any given time.
“It does take a mental and physical toll upon us,” Knops said.
Luckily, they’re now the ones getting help, thanks to a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or “SAFER” grant, totaling $485,726.