An aggressive recruitment effort is getting underway at fire departments in Leon County following a decision by the City of Tallahassee to end its fire service agreement.
“We're disappointed in the decision,” Bradfordville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief James Pollock told WTXL, following the city's 3-2 vote to end the fire service agreement by 2028.
The vote came after a fire service fee debate.
City officials say it will continue to serve unincorporated areas until the agreement ends.
The choice is not sitting well with county officials.
Commissioner Brian Welch wrote in a statement: "My priority is finding a fair and responsible solution that ensures strong fire protection for every resident of Leon County, including those in the unincorporated areas."
Pollock said there are gaps in service when the 10 active volunteers are working their regular jobs.
“I need medical responders. I need people interested in being firefighters, and I have a need for administrative stuff...We are actively working with our county administrators and county commissioners to come up with a solution for three years."
