“Every volunteer department that closes will be replaced by a paid, unionized department....”
Cincy 45-70 said the word but I’ll just reinforce his/her points. The primary reason “volunteer” departments exist is precisely because there is no tax base to provide for a regular, full time one. They exist on grants, gifts, and, donations.
The part I don’t understand is how a non-paid volunteer is now an “employee.” How in the Hell can that be an “employee?” I’ve read stories of volunteers receiving reimbursements for personal expenses incurred while working for the department and that being considered “pay.” That is truly effed up.
Volunteer FF are covered by insurance as well. For zerocare purposes, they're an employee.