VIDEO: Reports show national numbers of volunteer firefighters have been declining for years. Local officials confirmed Wednesday, Eastern Carolina is no exception. Onslow County is working with its volunteer firefighters to adjust to the changing industry. Onslow County has 600 volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel. That's 200 less than they had in 2008. The county recently ended its contracts with volunteer rescue squads, and officials confirmed there have been concerns the same will eventually happen to the volunteer fire departments. Onslow County leaders say, there are no plans for ending volunteer fire department contracts and say they need all the volunteers they can get.