The Clinton Township Fire Department finds itself facing the same issue as many township volunteer stations around the state -- a lack of volunteers. 

"We just really need more members. All volunteer departments need more members," CTVD Chief Tony Camp told The Putnam County Post. 

With the hope of drawing new members, Camp is prepared to implement a new pay scale in hopes of generating new applicants. 

Camp said the system pays out every six months because that is when his department gets its contract money. 

"You will be required to have 48 hours on station, which you sign up for the days you want to be on station and the hours need to be spread out over the six months. The person must attend four trainings and two meetings within the six months and they will receive $300. Any event like a fundraiser the person participates in each month is an extra $15," Camp said. 

He admits he knows it doesn't sound like much to begin with, but says it gives the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department a starting point. 

"Plus, every year, you will get a $200 clothing allowance," Camp said. 

Prior to this plan, volunteer firefighters received $5 per run and training, according to Camp.

The fire department currently has seven firefighters, and Camp would like to see about 10-15 more join. 

"Of the seven, one is in training right now, three are EMR and Fire 1 and 2 and two are EMR and Fire 1. Fire 1 teaches you the basic skills to fire fighting and Fire 2 shows you how to use those skills in a controlled setting. All firefighters have to have that in order to do an offensive attack on a fire or they must have the 30 hour mandatory training to just do defensive attacks. There's more to the training but the focus is to give you an idea of what it is," Camp said. 

As a result of being low on staff, Camp said the demand for mutual aid with other departments increases response time, but has a message for residents. 

"Help is always on the way," Camp said.