Gratitude was expressed toward Calhoun's emergency workers and
volunteers at the Upper West Fork Park last Saturday. A dinner of
appreciation was given to those who serve the community around the clock,
including volunteer firemen from the Upper West Fork, Arnoldsburg and
Grantsville Volunteer Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Service
employees and volunteers who operate from stations at Mount Zion and
Minnora.
The dinner was interrupted with an emergency call, a motorcycle accident
at Five Forks in which the cyclist was killed.
Let the dinner begin
Sonny Lowers was one of many volunteer firemen who
attended
During recent years volunteerism has declined with volunteer fire
department and rescue squads. Rural West Virginia relies heavily on
volunteers for fire departments and other emergency services.
There are 448 fire departments in West Virginia, and only 13 with paid
staff.
Getting younger people to volunteer has become a real problem, some say
because of increased requirement for training and certification.
The West Virginia Legislature is looking at how to improve what is described
as "a critical shortage." One suggestion is make the training more
convenient and less expensive, possibly giving some kind of income or
property tax break.
Other suggestions include a retirement program for volunteers and special
breaks at state parks.
Meanwhile, the volunteers are aging and departments often lack enough
younger blood to deliver service, particularly during daytime hours.
A few years ago, said one firemen "You couldn't keep the volunteers away
from the door."
Dinner was given by the Upper West Fork Park board and members
Check the cornbread and rolls
| 
