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14 <br /> Slide #2 <br /> The Need <br /> • ❑urcommunitiesare served by people for an entire lifetime but <br /> when those folks reti re,only those closest to them are aware. <br /> — Chien McCauley,Orange Grove Fire Oepar4wl.41 years <br /> Lt.Wilson,Orange Rural Fl re Deparlment,48 years <br /> Many omens <br /> The willingness to place oneself in harms way as a volunteer is <br /> becoming a thing of the past.It's even becoming more d'rfficu It to find <br /> people you can pay to befirefighters,EMT's and rescue tech nicians. <br /> Length of Service Awards Programs are one way to help recruit and <br /> keep personnel in their communities. <br /> • There is currently no county wide recognition program for the <br /> dedication,efforts and longevity of our emergency services <br /> personnel. <br /> Slide #3 <br /> Future Opportunities <br /> • That the 800C would develop a system that recognizes members <br /> of the fire and rescue departments that give most of their lives to the <br /> betterment of their communities. <br /> Similar to service awards given to county employees in recognition <br /> for their time with county government, <br /> • Fire and Rescue Departments can provide the names and service <br /> dates based on whatever criteria the BOCC chooses. <br /> sr <br /> Chair Price said she would be more than happy to participate in a recognition program <br /> that includes county staff and volunteers. <br /> Chair Price said Chapel Hill has a program that honors first responders. She asked if <br /> the fire districts can participate in that. <br /> Chief Cabe said this program traditionally included only Chapel Hill, Carrboro, SORS, <br /> and Emergency Services; and outside of those areas, there is no recognition. He said the <br /> Exchange Club in Hillsborough wants to nominate a firefighter of the year, but that does not <br /> reflect years of service. He said it is becoming hard to find people to hire as responders, in <br /> addition to volunteers. He said it is important to show recognition and appreciation. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said the county has a recognition program and she could work with <br /> the fire districts to include them. She said the county is looking at a quarterly recognition of <br /> retirees. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton thanked the Chiefs and the Fire Districts for their service. She <br /> asked if the financial compensation for fire and rescue service could be identified, and <br /> wondered if this impacts the ability to recruit new staff. She said she would like to know about <br /> calls per population or calls per geographic area, as she would like to put the numbers in <br /> context. <br />