Belpre squad members said the need for EMTs has gone up but the manpower has gone down.

Acting Fire Chief Bob Frank said there are 12 EMTs in the department but because of health reasons there are currently eight.

He said they are spread thin and really need six to ten more EMTs. Frank said services are still being provided with help from Parkersburg at times.

Most of the volunteers are older Frank said and younger people don't seem to have the time to volunteer while working one or two jobs and raising families.

Several volunteer fire departments in Washington County have had to hire an EMT to work a shift to make up for the lack of volunteers.