During the Rising Sun Town Meeting on May 9, 2023, a significant proposal emerged regarding the support of local volunteer firefighters. Town officials discussed a request from Chief Blakely to allow two town employees, Grant and Billy, who are also members of the fire company, to respond to serious fire calls during work hours. This request highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining adequate volunteer firefighter numbers in the area.

The discussion centered on the need for a policy that would permit these employees to leave their jobs for urgent calls, addressing a critical gap in volunteer availability during the day. The town's leadership acknowledged that while this request is not uncommon in other communities, it requires careful consideration to balance town operations with emergency response needs.

Commissioner Pearson emphasized the importance of defining what constitutes a "serious call," suggesting that not all fire alarms warrant immediate employee response. The officials agreed to collaborate on creating a policy that would outline the conditions under which employees could leave their duties to assist the fire company, ensuring that town services remain adequately staffed.

In addition to the fire department discussion, Commissioner Warnec provided an update on the Eagle Scout project in Veterans Park, noting that preparations for a new trail are underway and expected to progress over the weekend.

The meeting concluded with plans to enter an executive session for a legal update, indicating ongoing governance matters that require confidentiality. The discussions reflect Rising Sun's commitment to supporting its volunteer fire service while navigating the complexities of town management.