GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Faced with critical staffing shortages, the Greene County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments is urgently seeking volunteer firefighters. The shortage raises concerns about potential department closures and response capabilities.
This nonprofit collective consists of 14 volunteer fire departments serving the area. Chief Ryan Holt shared with News Channel 11 that there has been a notable decline in volunteer numbers over the years, leaving the organization struggling to effectively respond to emergency calls.
The Cedar Creek Volunteer Fire Department previously faced closure due to similar staffing issues. Holt attributes this trend, in part, to a lack of interest from younger generations in dedicating time to volunteer roles.
These volunteer departments are strategically located across Greene County, with some being the primary first responders for rural communities. The area has endured its share of emergencies, including floods, fires, and other natural disasters. For these departments, adequate staffing is crucial for prompt and effective emergency response.
“Our volunteer count used to be around 300,” Holt explained. “Now, I estimate we’ve dropped to the low 200s, which might be optimistic. Each structure call typically requires at least 14 to 15 individuals on scene,” underscoring the pressing need for more volunteers.
With flooding, tornadoes and fires that Greene County has experienced, Holt added that having the departments fully staffed is critical and welcomes anyone to sign up.
Requirements to be a volunteer firefighter include completing a 16-hour initial orientation course and taking a 64-hour basic firefighting course. In addition, Holt said live-fire training evolution is required to put in at least 20 hours a week.
“During the daytime, it’s very hard for a volunteer fire department to put five people on a scene quickly,” Holt said. “We here in Greene County, we’re running three departments automatically on structure fire. And we are talking about increasing that to four.”
The organization will be holding basic firefighter skills classes in August that will be open to anyone interested. Holt said they hope to recruit more than 20 new volunteer firefighters to staff their departments.