2 days ago
Length of Service Award program may increase volunteer firefighter, EMT participation
A row of firefighters' helmets, coats, and boots in suspendered pants hang at the ready at a fire station. (Stock photo by Doug Wilson via Getty Images)
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed into law a bill allowing municipalities to establish a Length of Service Award program for members of volunteer first-responder organizations.
Under the provisions of House File 1002, municipalities that establish such a program can apply for matching state funding. The state funding will be awarded on a dollar-to-dollar basis for awards of up to $500 per person. Volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and emergency peace reserve officers are eligible for a Length of Service Award.
'It's more like we're unpaid firefighters and first-responders,' said Kent Brix, first vice president of Iowa Firefighters Association. 'We all go through the same training as professionals, we deal with the same situations as professionals. It's just that small communities can't afford to hire people full-time.'
According to Brix, volunteer participation is a major problem, with most volunteer departments down five to six people. Across the state, he estimates, 100 to 150 people are dropping out of volunteer first-responder programs each year. Many of the volunteers are age 50 to 70 — and sometimes older. Low volunteer rates mean that some communities are very short on people to respond to emergency calls. Brix believes that by providing an incentive for volunteers, it will increase participation in the programs.
'It takes so much of your time with all the training required by the state and new rules,' said Keith McDavid, a former Pleasantville volunteer firefighter of 33 years. 'It's a lot of time and effort. And the amount of time a volunteer puts in is crazy sometimes, especially if you become a volunteer EMT.'
When McDavid became a volunteer, the fire and rescue teams in Pleasantville were separate with around 20 members each. Now both teams have been combined with only a total of only to 15 to 20 members. He also noted that participation on an individual basis is diminished, with many members unable to put in as much time. The result is a reduction in capability to address emergency situations in a timely manner.
McDavid said he was never personally interested in a monetary reward, but notes that one of the biggest issues for volunteers is the cost of equipment. During his time in the service, his team would buy used firetrucks through eBay and refurbish them with the assistance of members who had experience as mechanics.
Brix said that affording firetrucks, buildings and equipment is a major issue for organizations. Volunteer fire organizations get a certain amount of tax money from their community, he said, and they hold around two to three fundraisers each year, but even then it's a 'constant money chase.'
'It's something to protect a person's life, so it's not cheap,' Brix said. 'We always have different equipment we have to have to protect ourselves and protect our communities.'
Reynolds also signed House File 969 on Friday, a bill dealing with cancer coverage for firefighters. The bill expands the definition of cancer for the Peace Officers' and 411 Retirement Systems so that it covers all forms of cancer.
