Christian Peterson
Reporter@riverbendnews.org
There are 461 registered fire departments in the State of Florida. Out of those fire departments, 34.8 percent are completely volunteer run and 11 percent are mostly volunteer run. In fact, over 315 of the departments around the state utilize volunteers. While volunteers are integral to the infrastructure of the state, every department wishes they would be able to pay their firefighters and give them a reward for their sacrifices and hard work. Not only do these individuals risk their lives on a daily basis, facing danger at every turn, they make sacrifices before even becoming a firefighter. To be a firefighter, one must have graduated high school; pass a background check; have good moral character; be in good physical condition and be a non-user of tobacco products. On top of that, they must have a firefighter certificate or compliance, and a paramedic or EMT basic certificate. This makes it so firefighters are not only able to defeat fires, but also help the injured.
Hamilton County has been growing more and more over the years. “We're fortunate the commissioners had the insight to prepare for this,” said Henry Land, Emergency Management Director. The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners had been working with Land to get a paid fire department started. As it was harder and harder to get volunteers, the county had been preparing for a while. The county had most recently partnered with its municipalities to deal with fires throughout the county. However, this was taxing to both the county and the municipalities. Yet, on Tuesday, March 7, Land told the board that this would no longer be a problem, as he had hired five full-time firefighters; Scott Cassady, John Waldron, John Roberts, Chris Stach and Steven Pepin and they would begin working a modified 24-hour schedule, negating the need to rely on the municipalities. Then, on Thursday, March 9, Land confirmed he had hired a sixth person, making it unnecessary for the modified schedule.
Land is now excited for the future of the department and all they will be able to do. “Hopefully, we will grow more and more and improve. We will be able to serve citizens quicker and still maintain our volunteers,” Land said. “Now, we can support EMS and be a relief to the county.”
Land also expressed none of it would have been possible without the support of the county and the tax payers. However, this necessity for emergency response being solidified was relieving to him and to the county.