Botetourt County will pay volunteer firefighters $5 to $20 per call, with additional bonuses to support and grow its volunteer force

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. — As volunteer fire departments nationwide face staffing shortages, Botetourt County is launching a new pay-per-call program starting July 1 to help boost recruitment and retention.

The new program will offer volunteer firefighters $5 to $20 per call based on their certifications and experience, WSLS reported.

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The Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department is one of several in the county hoping the new program will increase firefighter staffing.

“Most of our volunteers just have the community heart to serve and do this, and none of this is really done for the money,” Fincastle Fire Chief Bobby Simmons said. “It’s done for our community, and this is just a little bonus on top of that to help out and incentivize and show appreciation and support for our volunteer system.”

Additional bonuses up to $1,000 are available for completing major certifications and maintaining active service.

The county will also launch a new volunteer fire academy in August to help attract and train new recruits.

“Nobody does this for the money, but certainly we hope that it helps in that aspect of folks that are in need of additional funds,” Ferguson said.

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