Recruitment and retention is one of the most challenging issues facing volunteer fire departments these days. To recruit, retain and increase volunteer firefighter response, many departments are offering resident programs, stipends and Length of Service Award Programs (LOSAP).

Lamar County has a successful stipend program. A volunteer that staffs a station 3-9 hour shifts a week is paid $420.00 every 28 days. We found these two documents helpful establishing our program.

FOR FLSA COMPLIANCE:
A GUIDE FOR FIRE CHIEFS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
https://www.iafc.org/docs/default-source/1VCOS/flsamanual_small.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Issues for Firefighters | Internal Revenue Service
https://www.irs.gov/government-entities/federal-state-local-governments/issues-for-firefighters

I will email a copy of Lamar County’s Stipend Policy upon request. I can also send information to you concerning LOSAP.

If I can be of any assistance to you in helping your department meet staffing needs please let me know.

George Stevens
President Mississippi Volunteer Firefighters Association
georgestevens@email.com
(601) 270-7525