One of the Joint Legislative Council study committees that convened last summer was charged with looking at how fire protection and emergency medical services are provided around the state. The committee also worked to identify the issues surrounding the shortage of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians, especially in rural areas. They were asked to come up with ideas to meet the needs of full time and volunteer fire departments, including proposals designed to increase the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters throughout the state. The committee heard from volunteer firefighters, professional firefighters and emergency services providers. The firefighters identified a few key issues that they believe is contributing to the shortage in their field.