
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993                   TAG: 9310070484
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FIREFIGHTERS FEEL VINDICATED

The volunteer fire service, like any other profession, must provide its members with enough rewards to keep them satisfied."

- The National Fire Protection Association

Barry Fuqua stood in dress uniform on a recent Sunday, directing a staff of volunteers. Newly polished fire engines lined the parking lot, and a display of firefighting equipment covered a table. A handful of volunteers waited.

But, no one came.

"We're taking this to mean no one has a problem with the way we do things around here," said Fuqua, chief of Vinton's volunteer fire department.

Volunteers, who had come out to answer public questions about the workings of the department, shook their heads in agreement.

State Police recently cleared the group of any wrongdoing after an anonymous letter stated that the volunteers misused funds collected from the community.

The letter writer objected to the way money was spent on social functions, including an installation banquet and annual Christmas party for volunteers and their families. Last year, the department spent about a third of its $18,000 budget on social functions.

"Everyone must be satisfied," volunteer firefighter Roger Cupp said. Throughout the controversy, Cupp's Jeep sported the sign: "Vinton Volunteer Firefighter, and Proud of It!"

While Fuqua said the functions are necessary to retain highly trained members who devote numerous hours to the department without pay, the letter writer felt the funds should be used for equipment and other items.

Because of the controversy, firefighters felt the allegations might damage fund-raising efforts. Fuqua said the volunteers wanted to hold the two recent information sessions to answer questions from the community.

"The volunteers provide a valuable community service which saves taxpayers thousands of dollars each year," said Fuqua. He estimates volunteers contributed over 28,000 hours last year.

Although Vinton's fire department has four paid firefighters, volunteers respond to evening, weekend and holiday calls in addition to serving as back-up for paid personnel.

Fuqua said since the investigation began, volunteers have received numerous letters from the community supporting their efforts and offering donations.

He feels the absence of any citizens at either four-hour session, which was publicized with flyers and newspaper announcements, proves that the public supports the right of volunteers to spend donations on social functions designed to reward them for their time.

by CNB