Escambia Volunteer Firefighters May Receive $1,000 Bonus

September 1, 2021

Many Escambia County volunteer firefighters could receive a nice bonus check in the near future.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida’s Heroes Initiative provided $1,000 bonus checks to about 200,000 first responders, including 35,000 firefighters, through the Department of Economic Opportunity. But volunteer firefighters across the state did not receive the bonus.

Now, the Escambia County Commission will discuss a one-time $1,000 payment to volunteer firefighters in the county.

In order to receive the bonus, a volunteer must have completed required training and run 25% of their station’s calls.

The Board of County Commissioners will consider the bonus check idea at their meeting on Thursday.

Pictured: “Engine 18″ at the all-volunteer Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

6 Responses to “Escambia Volunteer Firefighters May Receive $1,000 Bonus”

  1. Ray Melton on September 7th, 2021 9:01 pm

    The fire prevention division which includes the fire safety inspectors and public education does not get the bonus even though they were still required to work during the pandemic and come in contact with many citizens. Prevention is required to stop at car accidents when in a county vehicle, have current CPR and continue doing their jobs even if some were scaled back. It’s not about the money, it’s about the principle of the matter.

  2. Bobbie Jone on September 3rd, 2021 6:13 pm

    Escambia County 911 dispatchers are not volunteers. They work 12 hour shifts, nights,weekends, and holidays. They are the first person one talks to in an emergent situation.These employees got no $1,000 bonus from the governor or the county. Wrong! They deserve it as well.

  3. Dave on September 2nd, 2021 7:27 pm

    CJ you are absolutely correct! Other than Station 5 being paid 7am-4pm Mon-Friday, the north end is strictly volunteer. (anything North of Station 4) The risk are the same regardless of volunteer or career.

  4. cj on September 2nd, 2021 12:08 pm

    I hope the county commissioners get it right. Our volunteer firefighters deserve the $1000 bonus check. Many of us would be in deep trouble if it wasn’t for our volunteer firefighters. Especially in the north end of the county

  5. retired on September 1st, 2021 9:33 am

    We got a better reponse when we were all volunteer!

  6. Bill Tyler on September 1st, 2021 7:43 am

    It’s about time I just wish they could get a good raise to go with it !!!! They truly deserve it. And put their lives in danger daily to help the community. God bless each and every one of these guys and gals.