University Study Says Tennessee Volunteer Firefighters Are Undertrained

The study reports that more than half of Tennessee's volunteer fire departments have untrained personnel and that many have inadequate equipment. Seymour volunteer firefighters blame their problems on a lack of funding. The average age of their trucks is 17 years old, and they have one that's 42 years old.

The Seymour VFD, like many departments, has applied for federal grants, but all have been denied. Donations are minimal from the 14,000 households that the volunteers protect. "Only 26 percent of folks who live in the 14,000 homes are giving anything, and the average is $38," says Captain Roger McCarter.

If you can help, call the VFDs in your area.

Tennessee ranks among the worst in the nation in fire deaths.

Related :

• Firefighters Lack Training, Survey Finds