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Oconee County officials warn of staffing shortages and call for radio-system overhaul
Summary
Rescue Squad and fire-service leaders told Oconee County’s public-safety committee May 19, 2026, that volunteer shortages, high turnover and aging radio infrastructure threaten emergency response; leaders recommended an independent radio survey, funding for volunteer incentives and renewed training programs.
Rescue Squad and fire-service leaders told the Oconee County law enforcement and public safety committee on May 19 that the county faces significant staffing challenges and urgent communications problems that could affect emergency response.
Steve Zan, vice chair of the Rescue Squad Advisory Commission, recommended the county commission hire an independent firm to survey the county’s radio-communications system and consider issuing a request for proposals to study interoperability and system improvements. "Radio communication system is a big project that we're working on," Zan said, urging an outside study to provide professional guidance.
Mercy Services Director Chief Richie Codill described heavy personnel turnover and a young workforce, saying the county has "22 people that work for the county full-time that have less than two years experience" and reporting that "we're almost 200 names of people that have left this county in the last 15 years." He said five new tankers have arrived and the department is reviewing regional station concepts, but added that staffing, training and retention remain the central operational problems.
Why it matters: Leaders said the radio system’s reliability affects coordinated response across agencies. Codill and others said interoperability with the sheriff’s department is essential and that fixes likely require state or outside funding.
Commissioners and advisers also discussed steps to shore up volunteer ranks: the Rescue Squad Commission is continuing work on volunteer incentives and recommended exploring a volunteer coordinator position and clearer earmarked funding for incentive programs. Fire Service Advisory Commission vice chair Larry Wilkerson said the commission has sought to clarify a millage-funded incentive account and increase annual funding to independent volunteer agencies, noting years without inflation adjustments to a $60,000-per-year line.
Participants highlighted public-safety training and outreach: Codill said the county plans to refurbish the fire safety house at Camp Road, update its generator, and return the unit to schools and daycares as an education tool. He and others also discussed restoring firefighter training at the Hamilton Career Center and creating clearer recruitment pipelines from nearby school systems.
What’s next: Rescue Squad and fire-service advisers requested an independent radio-system survey and continued work on incentive funding and staffing charts; several speakers said revised recommendations will return to county staff and the commission for follow-up.
