News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Volunteer firefighters at the Gainesboro Fire Department receiving a big thank you as the department awarding them with appreciation checks.
Gainesboro Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Isaac Davis said the department has been giving appreciation checks to the volunteer firefighters since the 1970s. Davis said the department awards them with appreciation checks to thank them for dedicating their time because without them the department would not be able to operate as it does now.
“They are very important you know, we got a lot that helps with some of the day-to-day stuff,” Davis said. “They save the taxpayers not only of the town but the country too, billions of dollars nationwide.”
Davis said this year the department has set aside $3,000 of its own budget to disperse among the volunteers. Davis said the department has 13 volunteer firefighters and they will be paid based on the work they have done in the past year.
“It is divided up to their performance,” Davis said. “You know, how many calls they made, meetings they attend, and the public relations events that we have and have them go and count how long they are there for.”
Davis said the volunteer firefighters enjoy receiving something back for the work they were willing to do for no money at all.
“They are very appreciative of it,” Davis said. “Of course, a lot of them are putting in their time and effort, and when most of the time you join a volunteer fire department you know, most of the time there is not any kind of reimbursement.”
Davis said the appreciation checks have also been a good way for the department to boost morale. Davis also said he believes being able to give back to the volunteer firefighters has helped the department with retention.
