6 pm news show – April 5
Audit Of Volunteer Firefighters In Escambia County
Escambia County Volunteer Fire Departments are under scrutiny tonight….. Over their qualifications and financial activities.
With more on this story….. We go to Channel Three’s Greg Neumann…..Who’s live in front of the West Pensacola Fire Department.
Career firefighters in Escambia County are making allegations against volunteer firefighters….saying they aren’t properly trained….and that departments such as this one are paying some of them illegally.
Jeremiah Brown lives in a neighborhood served by the Bellview Volunteer Fire Department.
He says that doesn’t bother him….. But it would if he thought the volunteers weren’t properly trained.
“I mean…. I wouldn’t understand how they could do their job properly.”
This report suggests they can’t.
Developed by Escambia County’s Professional Firefighters Union….. It alleges that several volunteer departments use a large amount of firefighters that aren’t state certified.
It also alleges some of those firefighters were paid illegally.
Only volunteers that have completed at least 160 hours of state training can receive a payment….. Or stipend for their services.
But this report…. alleges that some volunteer fire chiefs are paying uncertified volunteers as well.
“There are Escambia County taxpayer dollars going to pay those that work in the firehouses.”
At the request of County Administrator George Touart….. The Escambia Clerk’s Office is now auditing the volunteer firefighter stipend program.
“In a nutshell….. basically…. we’re looking at the requests of those in charge and the money that was expended on behalf of Escambia County to the firehouses.”
“We’re looking into each of the allegations that have been filed….”
Robbie Whitfield of the Escambia Volunteer Firefighters Association says he’s proud of the work the volunteers do.
“These men and women are the ones out there providing to Escambia County while most of the career people are at home with their families on holidays and at night.”
And he’s ready for whatever the clerk’s audit should find…..
“It may reflect badly…. if it does…. I can assure you we are doing everything can do to correct any deficiencies that we do find”
The Volunteer Firefighters Association says about 40 percent of its firefighters are state certified….. And that they’re doing everything they can do to ensure the rest of their people get the training that is required.
As for the clerk’s audit…… it is expected to be completed by July.
Last Updated: Thursday, April 5 2007, 08:18 PM