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Fire and EMS leaders warn of high attrition as county approves state Senator Amos allocations for volunteer companies
Summary
Career and volunteer emergency responders told commissioners they face rising staff loss and pay concerns; the board approved distribution of FY2025 Senator William H. Amos Fire Rescue and Ambulance Fund totaling $337,358 to local volunteer companies.
Mark Kopps, a member of Local 1605 and a Washington County resident, told commissioners on Jan. 14 that career fire and EMS personnel face a nearly one‑third attrition rate and urged caution before reducing property taxes or other actions that could worsen public‑safety staffing.
"This is not sustainable," Kopps said, urging the board to wait for a full evaluation from the director of emergency services before moving forward on potential tax cuts. He said the county invests heavily in training staff who then leave for better pay elsewhere.
Casey McKnight, speaking as a…
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