Caswell County amends personnel policy to allow volunteer firefighters to respond during work hours off-the-clock

Caswell County commissioners approved an amendment to the county personnel policy that explicitly allows county employees who serve as volunteer firefighters to leave their county jobs to respond to emergency calls, provided they clock out and notify their supervisor by the end of the day.

The amendment presented to the board states that "any county employee who is a member of a volunteer fire department in Caswell County shall be allowed to respond to calls for service during their work hours," subject to the requirements that the employee be off the county clock and notify their supervisor "as soon as possible and no later than by the end of the day." Chair and several commissioners described the change as a straightforward measure to support the county27s largely volunteer fire service.

Commissioners discussed the strain daytime calls can place on volunteer departments and noted the provision would not provide paid leave for volunteer responses. A longtime volunteer who spoke in support during the discussion described 34 years of service and urged support for the amendment.

Commissioner Smith moved approval; Commissioner Rose seconded. The board passed the amendment by voice vote.