Board Member Jim Burton of the Blue Ridge District, says it couldn't have come at a worse time. He says the department is already stretched so thin. Burton wants to ensure residents that they will answer their emergencies.
Paul Draisey is the director of the Middleburg Fire Department. He says allegations of misconduct were brought to the Loudoun County Fire Commission two weeks ago.
An investigation was launched with the help of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department. Immediately, three people were placed on administration leave.
Then this past weekend on August 27th and 28th, five volunteer firefighters resigned before the completion of the investigation.
Burton says they will get to the bottom of what happened if there was anything illegal or unethical that took place at the fire house. Before the scandal, there were 15 volunteer firefighters. Now a third are gone and they are down to 10.
Company 3 is now forced to call on other stations for help. Burton says they could be forced to cut service, which would be the very last resort.
He says they are okay for the next few weeks, but he sees a problem in the longterm if they don't come up with a solution.
It takes 18 months to recruit, hire and train a paid firefighter.
Because of the vacancies the station has requested eight paid firefighters.
Republished with permission of WUSA-TV.
