It is not a matter of money— it is a matter of finding people to do the job. That’s the reason given this week as to why Carroll County’s two un-manned fire stations remain un-manned at the start of fiscal year 2023.

In December of 2021, county officials had worked out plans for funding 12 fire fighters to staff the newest fire stations – on Tyus Carrollton Road and Jones Mill Road – and they discussed plans for recruiting, training, and having quality employees at both locations around the clock by July of 2022.  However, close to seven months later the roles have not been filled.

A Carroll County official this week told WLBB Radio that “Carroll County Fire Rescue is operating through staffing shortages and recruitment difficulties along with many business and government entities throughout the state, however we are actively recruiting to the best of our ability and hosting recruit school in our plan to move forward in manning the two stations.”

The county also appealed to anyone who is interested in public safety to contact Carroll County to apply for recruit school. Certified firefighters should apply also.

The 12 positions planned for staffing the Tyus and Jones Mill stations are estimated to cost the county approximately $850,000.