Driven by the need for more volunteers, the Botetourt County Fire and EMS held a Citizens Academy to better prepare people for emergency situations and maybe make a volunteer first responder out of them.

The Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department announced Monday that volunteers alongside members of the Botetourt County Fire and EMS Special Operations and Tactic Team are currently operating off Grove Hill Road in Fincastle.

On Saturday, June 7, the Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS held its fourth annual Girls’ Fire Camp at Lord Botetourt High School. This year, 50 participants ranging from rising first graders to rising high school seniors, had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a fire and EMS professional.

Botetourt County Fire and EMS is once again breaking barriers.

The front line is thinning out, and the Roanoke Valley needs more first responders.