Volunteer fire departments in the region are seeking assistance following reports of significant staffing shortages. These shortages primarily impact squads in rural areas such as Bledsoe, Marion, and Sequatchie counties.
On Tuesday, volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in Hamilton, Monroe, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, Bledsoe, Sequatchie, and Marion counties were awarded over $1 million in grants. Each department’s amount varies.
Although these rural areas continue to express an urgent need for additional personnel, the grants provide vital support in various other areas. Without their current volunteers, some rural communities would lack any form of fire protection.
These grants are intended to help departments purchase life-saving equipment, such as turnout gear and oxygen packs, for use in emergency situations.
