05/13/2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs) of Onslow County are under attack—not from flames or disaster, but from the very officials who are supposed to support them.
The County Commissioners, along with the County Manager, are attempting to force through a new contract that would strip local volunteer fire departments of their independence, their voice, and their ability to effectively serve the communities they’ve protected for generations.
This isn’t just political maneuvering—it’s a direct threat to public safety and your wallet.
The Truth About Our Volunteer Firefighters
Volunteer firefighters are often the first to respond in emergencies—before EMS, before Sheriff’s deputies, and before the State Troopers.
They do this for zero pay, sacrificing sleep, safety, and time with their families to protect yours.
They raise funds through BBQs, raffles, pancake breakfasts—you name it. They work tirelessly to supplement the already limited funding provided by the County.
And they do it all with a smile, never once taking advantage of the taxpayer’s dollar.
These men and women would never waste public funds—but now they’re being treated like a liability instead of the lifeline they are.
The County’s Proposal: A Hidden Tax Hike
If the County Commissioners get their way:
VFDs will lose volunteers who refuse to serve under bureaucratic mismanagement.
Departments will be forced to transition to paid staffing, meaning significant increases in payroll costs.
That cost? It won’t be eaten by the County—it will be passed directly to you through higher property taxes and rising insurance premiums due to decreased fire coverage ratings.
In short, the County’s heavy-handed contract could result in:
✅ Fewer volunteers
✅ Higher taxes
✅ Higher insurance
✅ Slower response times
✅ Worse outcomes in emergencies
All because our leaders won’t sit down and collaborate with the very people who have been protecting this county for decades.
What We’re Asking
We demand that the County Commissioners:
Immediately withdraw the current contract proposal
Respect the experience and insight of VFD leadership
Negotiate in good faith with those who actually do the job
Stop treating volunteers like problems and start treating them like the heroes they are!
Attend the Board of Commissioners Meeting
📅 Monday, May 19, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Onslow County Government Center
234 NW Corridor Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Let’s show up in force and make our voices heard.
