Charleston¬ Senate Majority Leader, H. Truman Chafin met Sunday, March 15, with fire chiefs from across Mingo County. Williamson Fire Chief, Jerry Mounts, conducted the meting and introduced Senator Chafin, along with Deputy State Fire Marshall Reid Cook. Senator Chafin explained the provisions of Senate Bill 319, which is currently pending before the Legislature.
The 2008 Legislative Interim Committee that focused on the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters across the state West Virginia was co-chaired by Senatror Chafin. The members of this committee recommended a LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Program) to the full legislature for the passage this session. A program such as this would aide in both the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters in upcoming years.
“There are approximately 400 vo9lunteer fire departments and over 9,000 volunteer firefighters in our state,” Senator Chafin said. “There have been serious problems with the recruitment and the retention of volunteer fire fighters; who are on-call twenty-four hours a day, have very dangerous assignments, and are called upon for everything from very serious fire to keys being locked in cars.”
The LOSAP would provide some $6 million dollars to the 400 fire departments and volunteer firefithers across West Virginia. The program would be administered through the State Tresurer’s office= with rules being implemented through the State Fire Marshal’s office.
“It is imperative we take measures to reward our volunteer firefighters, who are true heroes in the state,” Senator Chafin said. “I urge my fellow senators to seriously consider this legislation.”
“The Mingo County Fire Chief’s Association is very appreciative of the effort Senator Chafin has put forth on behalf of the LOSAP legislation,” Chief Mounts said. “He is out front on this matter and has demonstrated his support and concern for the recruitment and retention issues the fire service is facing today.”
Senator Chafin pledged $2,000 to Chief Mounts and the other Mingo County Fire Chiefs for their annual Mingo County Fire School. The school which runs from May 29, 2009 through May 31, 2009, allows volunteer firefighters to attend classes and gain hands-on experience in a variety of areas. Chafin congratulated them for setting an example for other volunteer fire departments to follow.¬
Post a Comment
