Annually, Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department celebrates National Volunteer Week by recognizing the more than 400 volunteers who serve the fire and rescue service throughout the county.

During the third week of April each year, Roanoke County Fire & Rescue reminds their volunteers that they are appreciated by issuing several benefits. Each fire and rescue volunteer listed on the roster as of April 1 of each year is given a Roanoke County voucher worth $20 to go toward their County Vehicle License Fee Voucher as part of their County Personal Property Taxes. Additionally, in 2006 the county, with full support from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, implemented the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) as a way to thank volunteers for their service during National Volunteer Week. Volunteers must meet minimum requirements to earn up to $500 per calendar year. This week the county issued 265 checks for $500 totaling $132,500.

“Our fire and rescue volunteers play an important role in our department and their communities,” said Chief Richard E. Burch Jr. “Our annual issuance of incentive checks and vouchers honors the many fire and rescue volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference in Roanoke County. This is our way of saying a heart-felt thank you to our volunteers who generously share their time, skills, and compassion with our citizens during their time of need.”

Prior to the VIP program, the department offered a retirement benefit for volunteers who qualified.

– Submitted by Jennifer Conley Sexton, Volunteer/Marketing Coordinator