Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico Highlights Staffing Needs and Volunteer Opportunities

Warren County Fire and Rescue Services continues to expand its emergency response capabilities while recruiting new volunteers to support the county’s growing needs.

During the South River District community forum at Skyline High School on March 15, Gerry Maiatico, the county’s Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of Fire and Rescue, spoke with residents about current staffing efforts, emergency response services, and the importance of volunteer firefighters.

Gerry Maiatico, Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of Warren County Fire and Rescue Services, speaks with residents during the South River District community forum at Skyline High School on March 15 about emergency services and volunteer opportunities in the county.

Maiatico said the department has recently strengthened its Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage by increasing the number of paramedics available to respond to emergency calls. ALS refers to the highest level of pre-hospital medical care, typically provided by paramedics.

Two department members recently completed paramedic training and received national certification, while three additional staff members are beginning the program.

The improvement represents a major increase compared with just a few years ago.

About seven years ago, Maiatico explained, the county had only one paramedic covering roughly 217 square miles and about 40,000 residents during a typical day. Today, the department aims to have five paramedics available daily, with a goal of never dropping below four.

Despite those improvements, demand for emergency services continues to grow.

Fire and Rescue responded to more than 7,600 calls in 2025, and officials expect that number to increase as the county continues to grow. Major incidents and busy call periods can still result in times when available units are limited.

To help address those challenges, the department continues to rely on a combination of career staff and volunteers.

Warren County Fire and Rescue operates as a combination system, with about 65 uniformed personnel supplemented by volunteers across the county’s nine fire stations. The department serves more than 41,000 residents across more than 200 square miles.

Maiatico said volunteers remain a critical part of the system, but like many civic organizations, volunteer numbers have declined in recent years.

Recruiting new volunteers was one of the main reasons the department participated in the community forum.

Officials are currently seeking volunteers to support departments serving the South River District, including the South Warren Volunteer Fire Department and the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department in neighboring Rappahannock County.

Even a relatively small time commitment can make a difference.

Maiatico said that about 300 minutes of volunteer service per week, roughly five hours, can significantly strengthen the county’s emergency response system.

Volunteers have historically played a major role in maintaining the fire service infrastructure as well. In the past, volunteer organizations often raised funds to purchase equipment, maintain stations, and even buy new fire apparatus.

Today, however, the costs associated with fire equipment have risen dramatically.

A fire engine that once cost $400,000 to $500,000 about 15 years ago now costs more than $1 million, placing additional pressure on local budgets and volunteer fundraising efforts.

Despite those challenges, Maiatico said the department remains focused on its mission to serve the community and respond when residents need help most.

Warren County Fire and Rescue Services operates under the mission of working as “One Department, One Mission,” delivering the highest level of service to residents and visitors across Front Royal and Warren County.

Officials say community involvement, whether through volunteering, training, or supporting local fire departments, remains an important part of maintaining that level of service.