Fire and EMS departments nationwide are struggling to find volunteers, including in York County.
“It’s more of a crisis than people realize it is," said Chad Deardorff, president of the York County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association.
That’s why the county is taking big steps in an effort to help. "They are risking their lives to keep our communities safe, so it's really important for us to do what we can to help incentivize and motivate folks to want to be volunteer firefighters,” said Julie Wheeler, York County President Commissioner.
On Wednesday, the county's Board of Commissioners approved an up to 100% county tax rebate for active volunteer firefighters and EMS workers, along with a 50% rebate for auxiliary members.
You must own a home to be eligible for the rebate.