Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsScratch-Off Tickets to Benefit Fire Fighters

Scratch-Off Tickets to Benefit Fire Fighters

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CHARLESTON -

A bill before the West Virginia Legislature would benefit volunteer fire departments across the state.

House Bill 2047 would create a lottery scratch-off game, with proceeds to provide incentives for people to become volunteer firefighters and to help update equipment.

Many departments across the state and country are struggling financially and are having trouble getting volunteers.

"Right now, other than the sense of helping someone, there's not a lot to offer.  So, to give someone the incentive to come here and volunteer their time to help other people is a great thing," said Lt. Jarrod Summers with the Winfield VFD.

Lieutenant Summers says his department is down half the number of volunteers needed to be full staff.

The legislation is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.