State Fire Marshal Causey thanks volunteer firefighters for selfless service

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, as a part of National Volunteer Week, today sent out a big “thank you” to all North Carolina volunteer firefighters.

“I personally live in a volunteer fire district, so I know how vital volunteer firefighters are to North Carolina’s safety and well-being,” said Commissioner Causey, who is also the State Fire Marshal. “Since taking office, I have visited volunteer fire stations in all 100 North Carolina counties. I and millions of other North Carolinians are grateful for your service.”

National Volunteer Week is celebrated in the United States this year from April 19-25.

“Firefighters answer calls during the daytime and during the nighttime, during holidays and during birthday celebrations,” State Fire Marshal Causey said. “The volunteer firefighter sees no paycheck for his or her service at the end of a week. They sacrifice because they want to help their neighbors and make their communities a better and safer place to live.”

State Fire Marshal Causey, from Day 1, has supported volunteer firefighters by strongly supporting the volunteer fire department grant program and hiring more inspectors, which has led to many volunteer fire departments receiving improved ratings.

He has also sought more equipment for firefighters, including a push to get more personal protective equipment for firefighters during the coronavirus pandemic.

Volunteers make up almost 70% of the roughly 40,000 firefighters that make up the North Carolina fire service. Nationwide, 80% to 85% of the calls answered by fire departments are medical or service-related calls, with only 15% to 20% of the calls being fire-related.