NBC29Firefighters Asking for Gas Money

Firefighters Asking for Gas Money

Volunteer firefighters in Albemarle County are asking for help. They need money to make ends meet.

Many of us are feeling the pain at the pump, but for some volunteer firefighters keeping us safe means paying more gas money. The volunteer firefighters at North Garden are paying for the gas out of their own pockets. They are also working regular jobs and they drive their own vehicles whenever a call comes in.

The volunteers say gas money isn't on their minds when they're rushing to help others, but back at the pump the miles start to add up. The chief says they could use some help to cover the cost.

"Volunteers are volunteers. They want to help their neighbors, their communities, but it does bite into their wallet...and that would be an incentive, to help them, to show some appreciation," said North Garden Fire Company's chief George Stephens. 

Albemarle's fire department says it already offers a long list of benefits to volunteers, but it could add another. The fire and rescue advisory board is recommending a flex account that could help cover costs like travel, vehicle wear and tear, even child care while volunteers are on the job. The flex account is a plan but the next budget year will be tough and the recommendation may not happen.

Reported by Joanna Shrewsbury
See Bio / Email