The Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department has noticed a significant drop in community donations that are used to help run the department. While not seeing any increase in funds from the county or city from the new fire services fee, the Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department has noticed a negative impact on donations resulting from citizens who believe the new fees increase the funding to local volunteer fire departments. The Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind the community that your donations are still greatly needed to help provide the quality service the community deserves.

The Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the community for their generous support throughout the years, and would like to take a few moments to address the concerns of some citizens regarding the fire services fee that has been implemented by Leon County. We understand your concerns about being asked for donations after receiving a bill for fire services from the county, especially during these tough economic times.

The fire services fee was implemented by Leon County in part to fund an additional paid firefighter at each county station. For the residents that we serve this will mean a third firefighter will be joining the existing two paid Tallahassee Fire Department firefighters that are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the Chaires Cross Road facility. The paid staffing assures a minimum response level to any call that occurs.

The Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department does not receive any additional funding from Leon County due to the implementation of the Fire Services Fee. We have in the past and do still receive a minimal stipend of approximately $36,000 per year from the county/city for the maintenance of our vehicles and for the operation of the department, but it falls far short of what is needed to maintain the quality of service we provide for the community, while expanding our ability to respond to a growing community.

The fire services fee has already had a negative impact in our total annual operational budget of $60,000-$70,000. During our fall 2009 mail-out we noticed a significant drop in donations. So far, our Spring 2010 mail-out has experienced an even more significant drop. We are calling upon the community to continue to help your volunteer fire department.

We still need the support, commitment, and contributions of the citizens in our response area. Approximately half of our annual funding comes from your help. Your contributions have allowed us to be the best prepared and equipped volunteer fire department in Leon County. We currently have five vehicles including three brush trucks, one tanker, and one engine. We are also the only volunteer fire department in Leon County to have an air, power, and light trailer that is able to be deployed to the emergency scene to support safe operations for the firefighters on scene. It is the contributions of the community that make this possible.

Some of our equipment is deployed throughout the community including, but not limited to, brush trucks for fire response, quick extrication equipment for automobile accidents, and AEDs to aid patients in case of sudden cardiac arrest. Since these resources are deployed in the community and not centrally located at the main fire station, they can often arrive minutes before units from the station, in a time when seconds may count.

No member of the Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department receives any payment for their time donated to the department. All services rendered are donated for the good of the community. This is a large commitment by our volunteers. Most of our volunteers have undergone firefighter and medical training, totaling a minimum of 250 hours, and donate their time weekly for either training or maintaining our vehicles in addition to responding to calls for service. All of this is provided at no charge to the community.

Therefore, we ask members of the community to please continue your financialsupport, in addition to the fire service fee, to assist the Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department. Without your continued support, and commitment to the safety of the community, it will be difficult or impossible to continue to provide the high quality of service that the community deserves.

The Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for new volunteers. If you have an interest in serving your community, a clean driving record, no felony convictions and are in good health, please contact Chief Robertson at 850-942-4033 to arrange a time to visit our station and meet the department. Members of the community are welcome to contact us if you would like to arrange a visit to our facilities. Please contact the Chief at the number above to arrange a time and date.

On April 24, 2010 we will be having our annual open house. This is an excellent opportunity to stop by and see the equipment and members of the Chaires-Capitola Volunteer Fire Department. Please keep an eye on our website at http://www.chairescapitolavfd.com for further information.

POINT OF CONTACT: Chief Robert Robertson 850-942-4033