POTTS CAMP, Miss. — Volunteer members of the Mississippi Volunteer Fire Department found out through social media on Wednesday that they had to stop serving in Potts Camp and turn in all city equipment.
WREG spoke with one of the volunteers, who says this hurt because the department has been in operation for more than 50 years.
“I was blindsided, like how could something like this happen to people who serve the community no matter what,” said one volunteer who did not want to be identified.
“We run calls all hours of the night, even if we have to work the next morning. We was not informed prior to the Facebook page,” said the volunteer.
“We are stepping away not because we want to, but because we are being pushed out by political games, backroom decisions, and personal agendas,” said Potts Camp Fire Dept. in a Facebook post.
The department went on to say they were shuttered, claiming the Marshall County Board of Supervisors did not renew its contract.
WREG attempted to call the board for a statement, but there was no answer.
However, the City of Potts Camps announced on social media that residents will now be served by a new volunteer fire department. Potts Camp Fire-Rescue said they will have 30 people and the equipment needed.
“Considering they only have one certified firefighter, I think, I think it’s not going to last long,” said the volunteer.
But there is concern about the lack of certified personnel.
The volunteer said she is planning on moving to a different department, but not to the same town.
WREG has reached out to multiple county and city leadership for a statement. We will let you know when we hear back.