“The Legislature called for a report on this issue, which found that statewide emergency call volume has increased while, at the same time, “Eight out of ten services are currently reporting difficulty with recruitment and retention.” That’s quite literally a recipe for disaster. As a result of this and other challenges (including funding strains, the toll of the substance abuse epidemic, and credentialing challenges), 10 out of Vermont’s 13 EMS districts saw their response times increase from FY17 to FY18.”
You can read the full article here.
According to the 2000 Census, Stamford had a population of 813 people; 62% of which were between the age of 18 and 64 – that’s 504 residents. The Stamford Vol Fire Co has approximately 22 active and engaged members – 8 of which do not even live in the town!
Out of 504 age eligible members of our community, we can only manage to put forth 16 people who are willing to say “I will help when someone needs it.”
I know, I know, we all work, we all have busy lives, we all have family to take care of – so do the 16 members of our community that have stepped forward, raised their hand, and give something back to their community.
488 residents can’t find even 1 hour a month to give? To say, “I can’t be there every call, but I’ll be there when I can and I’ll do what I can to help because I want someone to be there when I need help!”
You don’t have to climb a ladder, enter a burning building, wear an air pack, or give CPR to make a difference in our town’s first-responder capabilities. Just having people on the roster who can direct traffic, read a map, use a two-way radio, provide transportation or food and water, roll hose – all those things and more that make a huge difference for those who do want to go into that burning building or use the Jaws-of-Life or help someone’s grandmother down the stairs at 2 a.m. because they can’t find their hearing aid or glasses.
And maybe, that 1 hr a month will turn into 2 next year. Any maybe, your neighbor will say “Thanks so much for being there when we needed you!”
**The statements, opinions and views expressed in this post are solely of the author and are not meant to be implied as consistent with those of the Stamford Vol Fire Co it’s members, officers, or directors.
