By Jon Cawley
Daily Press
Copyright 2007 Daily Press
MATHEWS COUNTY, Va. — Volunteer fire and rescue workers in communities like Mathews County could receive financial rewards for their service if a state senator’s planned legislation proves successful.
Sen. Nick Rerras, R-Norfolk, singled out the Chesapeake Bay front community in announcing he would propose legislation in the General Assembly’s next term to provide financial assistance to firefighters and rescue personnel statewide in an effort to help recruit and retain the volunteers many rural communities depend upon.
Counties like Mathews and Gloucester, on the Middle Peninsula, seldom employ full-time fire and rescue crews and rely entirely on volunteers who frequently also hold full-time jobs in other professions.
T|he suggested legislation would include a $3,000 state tax deduction for volunteer fire and emergency rescue service personnel and reimbursement for state required training and certifications.
Rerras is vice-chairman of a joint subcommittee that is studying ways to provide incentives to fire and rescue squad volunteers. Alicia Collins, a Rerras spokeswoman, said the subcommittee met for the first time in July and as further needs are uncovered additional aid could be placed in the public safety package Rerras plans to introduce in January.