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Interim chief: volunteers provide valuable help but cannot replace full‑time staffing
Summary
Chief Steckel and others told commissioners volunteer firefighters contribute meaningfully but face training limits and unpredictable availability; the county discussed outreach and business‑support campaigns to bolster volunteer response.
Interim Fire Chief Braden Steckel acknowledged volunteers were an important part of the response but cautioned they receive far fewer training hours and cannot be forced to respond overnight. "Volunteers, like, even our volunteers can only get 3 to 4 hours of training. My full time guys can get 200 hours a year," Steckel said, noting that a handful of reliable volunteers are invaluable but staffing and truck availability are limiting factors.
Sheriff Jean Ward suggested a public campaign encouraging businesses to allow employees who are volunteer firefighters to leave for calls. Commissioners and staff discussed forming a working group to address recruitment, training pathways, and mutual‑aid expectations. No new hiring or funding decisions were made during the session; staff will return consolidated suggestions for recruitment and training options.
