PUTNEY, Vt. (AP) - Emergency service agencies in Vermont are looking to legislators to help recruit and retain staff.
Putney Fire Department Chief Tom Goddard tells Vermont Public Radio he has about three or four full-time firefighters. The town’s staffing struggles reflect problems throughout the state.
Karen Horn, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at Vermont League of Cities and Towns, says police departments, ambulance services and fire departments are all “having a tough time recruiting people.”
Goddard says funding issues and the state’s aging population have contributed to staffing gaps.
Horn believes lawmakers should help support the state’s public safety network. Grant funding and regionalization plans have been considered.
The Legislature’s Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee is currently working on a system report.
___
Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net
Please read our comment policy before commenting.