The plot thickens for Botetourt County Volunteer vs. Paid battle …. screw you guys..I'm going home!

 “Recently, there have been some letters to the editor printed in the Fincastle Herald which question both the need for a Director of Emergency Services and the work that BCES administrative staff currently does.  Enclosed is an open letter with accompanying documents, which I sent to Chiefs and Captains last September, during a time when the proposed enabling code was being considered by the Fire and Rescue Steering Team.  The message in the letter remains constant and I want to share it with as many volunteers as possible.  I urge you to read it carefully and understand the reasoning behind the decision to hire a director, as well as the fact that administrative staff does much more in support of overall emergency services than some folks realize.Last year, the budget for volunteer Fire and Rescue exceeded $1,550,000.  This is a far cry from the funding levels only 5 – 10 years ago.  Part of that funding was used to, for the first time, provide a small cash incentive for your hard work and dedication.  I recognize the fact that many of you do not want any monetary “reward” for your service – you simply want to help your community. I understand and truly respect that. However, please understand the spirit in which the process took place – we worked for years to bring this to reality because we appreciate what you do every day.The simple fact of the matter is, our ultimate goal is to provide the best services possible for the residents of Botetourt County, while ensuring responder safety.  Currently, there is no consistent countywide policy with regard to much of anything.  What policy exists has no enforcement mechanism.  There has never been any intent to “take over”.  As long as I am involved with this process, I can assure you that protection of internal operations of volunteer agencies will remain a top priority – and I intend to remain involved.  The only polices which could be enforced are those which will be developed with volunteer input.  This is not a one way street – those same policies can be / should be enforced by volunteer leadership in the same manner.  If a volunteer officer sees anyone, including career staff, breaking a safety policy or otherwise putting themselves or others in danger, it will be their right and duty to immediately correct it and, depending on severity, report it through the chain of command.

We have received a large number of applications for the director of ES position.  It is my full intent to ensure that we hire the person best suited for the job.  We will be looking for a consensus builder, with an ability to work with a wide range of personalities and viewpoints, and strength in leadership.

In closing, please know that I have and will continue to support your efforts, and deeply appreciate your sacrifice and commitment to your communities.  By the same token, I also appreciate the good work that the career staff does every day in support of our combined mission and I can’t stand by and let charges otherwise go unanswered.

I wish each you a safe and happy weekend,”

Spencer
Click Here for Open Letter Document

Click Here for FARST History

Spencer Suter