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Supervisors discuss volunteer firefighter/EMS retention, training and incentive ideas
Summary
Following concerns raised by county fire/rescue volunteers, supervisors agreed to pursue regular liaison meetings, a memorandum of understanding to clarify roles, training support and explore retention incentives (examples discussed included retirement/401(k)‑style options and subscription services). Staff will return with cost estimates and program details.
Supervisors relayed four main concerns raised by volunteer fire/rescue departments: establishing a regular liaison structure, drafting an MOU to clarify roles (and avoid misperceptions about labeling vehicles/services), supporting training initiatives, and exploring retention incentives to improve recruitment and continued participation.
The board agreed to ask staff and legal to draft clarifying documents and to pursue potential programs that other jurisdictions use (examples cited included retirement‑style incentives and a voluntary subscription app that charges a per‑quarter fee). Supervisors suggested forming a champion or point person to pursue grant opportunities and to return with cost estimates and program details at an upcoming meeting.
Staff and a small group of supervisors indicated they would convene a meeting in mid‑November to begin developing options; additional discussion is expected in January with a goal of identifying concrete programs to pilot.
