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M M r <br />basis. He said his staff have not intentionally taken any action <br />to discourage anyone from volunteering and because of the liability <br />and other things, along with the standards in terms of health and <br />emergency vehicle driver certification, we still continue to send <br />them to school free of charge. <br />Chairman Bird thought there was a feeling that the additional <br />requirements created additional problems for recruiting. He <br />realized that it goes with the changing times, and some of the <br />requirements are from state and federal regulations, but he wanted <br />to be sure we are doing all we can to expedite or simplify the <br />certification process. <br />Commissioner Wheeler noted that we cannot allow volunteers to <br />work in emergency situations without proper training because it is <br />not fair to the people we are servicing and it is a tremendous <br />liability. <br />Commissioner Scurlock mentioned, and everyone agreed, that <br />some volunteers can handle the activities that do not require the <br />training needed for front-line activities. <br />Chairman Bird asked if there is a difference between a <br />volunteer in the South County fire district and the North County <br />fire district. It seems that young people volunteer in large <br />numbers in South County because they see it as a major step toward <br />becoming full-time firefighters, and that process does not seem to <br />be working in the North County fire district. <br />Director Wright responded that the conditions and rules <br />described by Mr. Scurlock exist in the North County; volunteers are <br />involved in support roles. However, they cannot get into a vehicle <br />and drive it to an emergency scene without proper training and <br />certification. In addition, there must be personal background <br />checks to avoid liability. There is no difference in the rules and <br />regulations for admission to the south county or north county fire <br />departments. Director Wright described the work his staff is doing <br />to accommodate potential volunteers by scheduling classes in the <br />daytime, at night, on weekends, and still there are those who have <br />not attended the classes. <br />Chairman Bird hoped we find a way to perpetuate the volunteer <br />corp in some fashion and see it continue to exist and grow and to <br />supplement the professional fire fighting force that we have. <br />Commissioner Wheeler felt that has occurred and mentioned that <br />he has worked with Director Wright and his staff and found they are <br />doing an outstanding professional job. <br />Director Wright thanked the Board and assured them he and his <br />staff will continue to support the volunteers and keep them active. <br />41 <br />0Ci 9.51991 <br />(� <br />BaiJ'K <br />