CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Volunteer fire department can give a helping hand to first responders whenever there's an emergency.
But that can be hard to do if there's a shortage.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there's a shortage of people taking part in volunteer fire departments.
Yet, many factors can contribute.
“A lot of people are working two jobs, now, and raising families and don't have the same amount of time that they did when they were younger," said Nueces County ESD No. 2 Chief Dale Scott. "And we're seeing that the guys are getting married and raising families that they just don't have the time to volunteer anymore.”
Scott said a big factor for a shortage is the extensive training.
For example, members with ESD No. 2 have to complete 400 hours, and once you receive proper certifications, there's still more training to do.
Another reason is that many of the young people who come volunteer eventually end up move on to other opportunities.
Years ago, ESD No. 2 had around 40 members in their program, but it is now down to 10 members and said that works for them.