During a recent council meeting, Tom Noss, captain of the Conoco Fire Company, addressed the pressing issue of declining volunteer staffing levels in fire and emergency medical services (EMS). Over the past two decades, the company has transitioned from a predominantly volunteer workforce to a model that now includes 10 full-time and 30 part-time employees, a shift driven by a nationwide trend of decreasing volunteerism.

Noss highlighted the challenges posed by this staffing shortage, particularly during nighttime emergencies when only three firefighters are available to respond. With two of those firefighters often assigned to ambulance duties, only one remains to operate the fire truck, significantly hampering the department's ability to manage multiple emergencies simultaneously. He emphasized the need for additional personnel to ensure adequate coverage for both fire and EMS services.

The statistics presented were alarming: in the first eight months of the year, the department responded to 2,209 EMS incidents, often requiring firefighters to leave the fire truck unstaffed. Noss pointed out that traffic congestion, exacerbated by post-COVID conditions, further complicates the recruitment of volunteers, as potential responders face difficulties reaching the fire station in a timely manner.

Joe O'Leary, EMS captain, echoed these concerns, noting that the volume of EMS calls has surged, with 3,165 incidents reported so far this year. He stressed the importance of establishing a second ambulance service to meet the growing demand without compromising fire response capabilities. Currently, the department relies heavily on mutual aid from neighboring fire companies, which can lead to delays in emergency response times.

Tim O'Leary, a board member of the Conkerville Fire Company, presented the financial implications of these staffing challenges. The proposed budget for 2024 exceeds $3.7 million, leaving a cash deficit of nearly $800,000. He outlined the need for increased funding from local townships, particularly Concord Township, which currently contributes $360,000 but is expected to cover a larger share of the operational costs due to the volume of calls originating from the area.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of volunteerism in emergency services, with concerns raised about the sustainability of the current model as volunteer numbers dwindle. The council members expressed appreciation for the fire and EMS personnel's dedication and acknowledged the urgent need for community support to address these challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the fire company representatives reiterated their commitment to transparency and collaboration with the community to enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure public safety.