Cotton Valley Fire Chief Adam Hurley has enough helmets and boots for 45 volunteer firefighters. The problem is, only 30 are being worn. Hurley says the economy is one of the main reasons. He says more and more people are spending their spare time working second, even third jobs.
Up the road in Springhill, Fire Chief David Camp's gotten so desperate for volunteers, he's posted a sign outside the station, practically begging for help.
That's why his department relies heavily on surrounding departments for mutual aid, but it's still not always enough.
The government has come up with a $90 million grant to help fire departments develop programs to recruit volunteers and help with retention, and depending on the circumstances, help pay for more staff.
Hurley says it's during the day when volunteers are needed the most, because what few volunteers they do have, aren't normally available until later.
It's not like volunteer firefigthers in Webster Parish don't make any money. They do get paid for the calls they answer. 
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