The volunteer first responder ranks have been declining at a rapid rate over the years and are now at catastrophic levels in the state and across the country.

Almost every department is struggling with staffing, which means they are also having problems meeting NFPA 1720. NFPA 1720 is a standard that specifies requirements for effective and efficient organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by volunteer and combination fire departments to protect citizens and the occupational safety and health of fire department employees/volunteers.