A report by the U.S. Fire Administration described volunteer emergency services as a “tradition in danger of weakening and possibly even dying out.” The report noted a drop of more than 97,000 volunteers since 1984.  A survey of the National Fire Protection Association showed that at least two-thirds of the nation’s fire departments are understaffed. The situation was worse in rural communities.  Sen. Bernie Sanders announced federal funding to recruit, train and retain firefighters and emergency medical services personnel throughout Vermont.  “Vermont is deeply indebted to our volunteer first-responder community, and we’ve got to do everything we can to maintain their ranks,” Sanders said in announcing the funding for the Vermont Fire Academy to support vocational training and to increase recruitment and retention efforts.  Sanders said the economic downturn and other factors have strained the ranks of volunteer firefighters and other emergency personnel.

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