"I heard a professional firefighter say the other day that because of expense of it (running a paid force) in major cities, they are looking at cutting back what services they provide," Etheridge said.

He said fire equipment and manpower is expensive, and four-man shifts are required.

"I think it would be worthwhile to just see if (we) can generate enough volunteers (in Moyock) to maintain the service," Etheridge said.

Also, if the county went to a paid staff in Moyock, questions would have to be answered about an equitable way to fund it.

Etheridge said someone could argue about the fairness of the county general fund budget, paid by everyone, only funding a paid department in Moyock. And he said if a special fire-taxing district in Moyock were established, it would only generate at the most $500,000 a year, which is $1 million or more short of what it would cost.

Paul O'Neal, a former county commission chairman who is again running for office, said he also favors Moyock remaining a volunteer firefighting force.

"The county needs to roll up its sleeves up, and get in there, and help those fire departments recruit volunteers, and see that they get proper training and incentives," O'Neal said. "The county needs to take an active role in supporting the department with recurring training, and offering incentives for volunteers to stay."