WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, ALUsing inmate labor for volunteer fire departments

A group of Georgia inmates may soon trade their prison jumpsuits for firefighting gear.

Camden County officials are looking into an inmate-to-firefighter program to help save money and combat the decreasing number of firefighters in the state.

Georgia officials say the inmates would have to meet a certain criteria to qualify for the program.

WAFF 48 News spoke with local firefighters to hear their thoughts on the program.

"I do have some concern if you're using inmate labor for volunteer fire departments. I have not heard that here in Alabama," said volunteer firefighter, Morris Lentz.

 "Our closest jail is about 25 to 30 minutes away, but I'm not sure I'd be in favor of that," said Anderson mayor, BJ Tulley.

Firefighters say there is a shortage in volunteers throughout the state.

It's a growing trend in Alabama and across the country.

Fire departments are in need of volunteers to help protect their communities.

It doesn't matter if you're a small town or a small city, departments throughout the state need help, especially those in Lauderdale County.

"This is something that has been a problem not only in our area, but throughout the nation for the last couple of years," said Lentz.

Firehouses are losing man power needed to respond to emergencies.

"There's just a lot of things that take people's time than it used to be," Lentz said.

With more people focusing on family in today's economy, assistant fire chief Morris Lentz in Rogersville says it's forcing fire departments to send a plea for help.

"We're just looking for some dedicated people who are willing to come in and put the time in that's necessary to help their community," said Tulley.

Tulley said their department is running on nearly half of what is an ideal crew.

"We have about 10 to 15 active guys on our roster; we would like to see around 25 to 30," he said.

Fire departments have also started cadet programs for high school students in hopes of increasing their numbers.

"We sign up young men and young women in high school between ages 16 and 18, and they can join the fire department," said Lentz.

But the need in these departments go beyond fighting fires.

"A lot of folks think that to be a member of a volunteer fire department you have to be in top physical condition, that you have to go out and fight fire. That is not the case. There are so many jobs that are available in the VFD that fighting fires is just 1 percent of the job," Lentz said.

Lentz said nearly 80 percent of the fire fighters in the country are volunteers.

If you would like to learn more on how you can volunteer with your local department, [click here].

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