LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) \u2013 As people feel the brunt of rising gas prices, volunteer fire departments in Leon County are also battling the cost to fill up their trucks. <\/p>\n
\u201cTwo of our trucks are diesel, and it\u2019s almost $6 a gallon now,\u201d Woodville Volunteer Fire Chief Richard Meuth said. \u201cThat\u2019s going to hit us hard.\u201d <\/p>\n
Meuth said Woodville is not alone in the challenge of rising gas prices. \u201cThe other departments that have tankers and engines – you\u2019re talking a $250 dollar fill-up at the old prices – so they\u2019re really going to be taking a hard hit,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
He\u2019s felt the sharp increase in filling up his responder SUV, but many volunteer firefighters use their personal cars to get to emergencies faster. \u201cNo one in our department gets paid or in any of the Leon County departments,\u201d Meuth said in reference to volunteer fire departments. <\/p>\n
Despite the cost, he said the volunteers are dedicated and will continue serving regardless. <\/p>\n
On the opposite end of the county, Bradfordville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief James Pollock shared a statement on the organization seeing an increase in diesel and gas prices. <\/p>\n
\u201cBeing a charity and grant-driven organization, this additional cost affects us financially,\u201d Pollock said. \u201cWhile we encourage donations, we understand families are impacted by fuel prices as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pollock pointed out that the rising prices will not reduce their response. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we do not charge for services, there should be no concern from the public about a lack of emergency response due to rise in price of goods and services,\u201d he said. \u201cAs a department, we remain as committed as ever to providing prompt emergency response to our neighbors, families, and travelers within our response area.\u201d<\/p>\n
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