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For now, neighboring departments will cover any emergencies. That worries some people. "Ten minutes seems like a little bit of time, but ten minutes could make an awful lot of difference to somebody," Linda Meyer, a nearby resident, said.
Wythe County expects the reorganization to take about a month.
Every volunteer was given an application for new membership. They can reapply to be a volunteer. Some aren't sure, others told us they're finished with the fire department.
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The Wythe County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Wednesday to re-organize the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department.
The Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department's coverage area will be covered by the Ivanhoe, Rural Retreat, and Wytheville Volunteer Fire Departments.
The news release states that state law gives the county authority to dissolve a fire company "for any reason it deems advisable."
According to a public relations person, the Board of Supervisors had concerns about the department's training and organization.
Here is the news release from Wythe County:
On August 15, 2012, Wythe County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to reorganize the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department in an effort to ensure the community is served in the safest, most well organized manner. New members are needed to form the future of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department and residents of the coverage area are encouraged to apply.
During the reorganization, the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department coverage area will be covered by surrounding departments to ensure the community is safely secured regarding fire response. Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department, Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department, and Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department will be working to cover the Speedwell response area during this time.
New applicants should be residents who wish to serve their community. New members who wish to be considered for membership in the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department will need to made application Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department, Wythe County Offices, or online at www.wytheco.org. Applications are due August 29, 2012.
Virginia Code 27-10 provides that the governing body of the County may dissolve a fire company for any reason it deems advisable. The resolution from the governing body regarding the dissolving and reorganization of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department became effective immediately following the passing of the resolution on the morning of August 15, 2012.
