Gas Prices Hurt Firefighters

The convenience store across the street from the Fish-River Marlow Volunteer Fire Department in Baldwin County is selling gas at four dollars and six cents a gallon! The pain at the pump is putting a strain on just about everyone, including volunteer firefighters, who respond to countless emergencies each month.

"Our guys don't get reimbursed," says Fish River-Marlow Fire Chief Gib Hixon. "We are trying to look at ways to somehow offset their cost of getting to and from the station. They're not allowed to use their personal cars and respond directly to the scene. They have to drive from their house to the station and then load up in a truck and that costs gas and money."

"It gets tough," says volunteer firefighter Allen Kittrell. "Gas is expensive, I only get about 17 miles to the gallon with my truck. But I'm here to help people so its important and it's worth it."

Hixon says he's looking at more ways to raise money to help his volunteers, including holding more yard sales and fish frys.

"If we don't do something soon to help these men and women, it could impact the amount of firemen turning out for each call and it could impact our recruiting for new volunteers which is already a constant battle."