Volunteer Fire Department AD-Hoc Committee (Cam2) 8/25/26

The Sumner County Volunteer Fire Department Ad-Hoc Committee met on August 25, 2026, to discuss the development and implementation of a countywide volunteer fire service plan. Key procurement-related topics included establishing funding mechanisms, negotiating service contracts with volunteer fire departments, and defining service zones. The committee emphasized completing four critical legal steps within the first 12 months: identifying funding sources, hiring a county fire marshal or chief, finalizing zone boundaries, and passing the fire department recognition act. They also discussed the importance of coordinated purchasing and resource sharing to achieve financial efficiencies across departments. The committee agreed on a phased approach with measurable outcomes, including contract implementation by 24 months and ongoing evaluation of recruitment, training, and equipment readiness. Additionally, they proposed forming a fire subcommittee under the HMS committee to provide advisory support and assist with hiring the fire marshal/coordinator. Motions were passed to revise service expectations language, include status reporting on key milestones, and add financial efficiency metrics to the coordination efforts.