Supervisors approve volunteer firefighter emergency‑response pay, debate adding EMS first responders

The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved revisions July 10 to handbook language enabling pay for volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies, with a documentation requirement and a 48‑hour submission window.

County staff said the personnel committee had asked for an added paragraph requiring verification from an officer in charge at the responding fire department (or the firefighter who was on duty) within 48 hours to support payment. The board voted to adopt the language as amended.

During discussion several supervisors asked whether the policy should explicitly include first responders who are not classified as firefighters (for example, EMS crews or volunteer emergency medical responders) when they respond to medical calls or ambulance services. Board members said some EMS crews operate mutual‑aid calls and that, in many communities, first responders dispatched from the firehouse may arrive to provide medical stabilization before an ambulance. One supervisor recommended returning the draft language to staff for further review if the board intends to include EMS responders.

Board members agreed to adopt the revised firefighter payment language but directed staff to research whether and how EMS or other first responders should be covered and to return with revised wording if the board wants to extend the policy.

Why it matters: The policy creates a documented path for compensating volunteers for emergency responses and clarifies verification requirements. Expanding pay to EMS responders would broaden coverage and have budget and eligibility implications.

What’s next: Staff will research statutory or policy limits and draft amended language if supervisors want EMS responders included.