POTTS CAMP, Miss. — For 51 years, volunteer firefighters have answered the call in Potts Camp, Mississippi, day or night. But on July 9, several longtime volunteers learned their service had come to an abrupt end. The message didn’t come from city officials or a formal letter, but through social media.
The news, posted on Facebook, informed volunteers they must stop serving immediately and turn in all city equipment.
“I was blindsided, like how could something like this happen to people who serve the community no matter what,” one firefighter told WREG.
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In a post of their own, Potts Camp Fire Department addressed the situation directly: “We are stepping away not because we want to, but because we are being pushed out by political games, backroom decisions, and personal agendas.”
The department said the change came after the Marshall County Board of Supervisors chose not to renew its contract.
Meanwhile, the City of Potts Camp shared a post on social media that stated a new volunteer fire department would be serving residents — Potts Camp Fire-Rescue — reportedly with 30 members and all the necessary equipment.
But those who have served for years are worried about what comes next.
“Considering they only have one certified firefighter, I think it’s not going to last long,” said the former Potts Camp firefighter, expressing concern about the lack of certified personnel.
As the transition unfolds, some firefighters are looking for new ways to serve their communities. One told WREG that she plans to move to a different department, but not in the same town.
