Warren County Hosts Town Hall to Hear Community Input on Fire and Rescue Services

Many residents were at the Warren County Public Safety Building on Wednesday night for a public town hall hosted by the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. The event invited community members to help shape the future of emergency services as part of the department’s ongoing 2025 Fire and Rescue Study.

The study, now in progress, is a comprehensive review of the department’s operations, including staffing, station locations, equipment, and response times. It aims to identify strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and provide recommendations that reflect the county’s growth and emergency needs.

Assistant Fire Chief Gerry Maiatico opened the evening by welcoming attendees and thanking them for being part of the public conversation. Fire Chief James Bonzano followed with remarks about the importance of the study and the community’s role in the process.

“Our goal is to foster transparent communication and gather essential input from those we serve,” Chief Bonzano said. “We value the community’s perspectives and believe that collaborative efforts are key to building a safer and more resilient Warren County.”

Robert Finn, Vice President of Matrix Consulting Group leads the discussion.

Chief James Bonzano answers questions from the audience.

The featured presentation came from Robert Finn, Vice President of Matrix Consulting Group, the firm hired to conduct the independent assessment. Finn shared an overview of the study’s scope and explained how Warren County’s current services compare to national best practices.

“We’re here to help the department and the community look at what’s working well and where there may be gaps,” Finn said. “Our approach is data-driven, but it’s also shaped by local voices. That’s why this kind of meeting is so valuable.”

Finn walked the audience through early findings, including current call volumes, staffing patterns, and emergency response times. He discussed how the department’s service coverage—both in the Town of Front Royal and the wider county—aligns with national standards and what challenges lie ahead, especially with continued growth and development.

As the presentation moved into a discussion phase, residents began sharing their thoughts—many of which pointed to areas of concern that go beyond data points. Several community members spoke about slow response times in more remote parts of the county, especially in areas without nearby staffed stations. Others brought up difficulties with ambulance availability and asked if the county had enough trained personnel to handle the growing call volume.

There were also comments about the challenges facing volunteer fire departments. Some attendees noted that the number of active volunteers has decreased in recent years and asked whether the county was doing enough to recruit and retain them. Others wanted to know how the department balances paid and volunteer staffing and whether current funding levels are sustainable.

A few participants questioned whether new residential developments are being approved too quickly without proper emergency planning. They expressed concern that growth may be outpacing the department’s ability to provide timely fire and EMS coverage. Others brought up concerns about aging fire stations and the condition of equipment in certain parts of the county.

Throughout the discussion, the tone was respectful but candid. Attendees largely agreed that the department’s personnel—both career and volunteer—are doing excellent work. However, there was a shared sense that the system is stretched thin, and several residents asked what steps could be taken now to prevent service delays in the future.

There were also questions about how community input will be used. Some asked if the feedback from the town hall would be directly reflected in the study’s final report and how the findings would be shared with the public once complete. Finn responded by explaining that all community comments are being logged and will be considered as part of the recommendations Matrix will deliver later this year.

The meeting ended with a reminder that public involvement remains critical as the study continues. County officials encouraged residents to stay engaged and reach out with additional feedback.

Community members also expressed appreciation for the department’s efforts under current conditions. “We know they’re doing the best they can with what they have,” one attendee said. “But this is a good moment to look at how we move forward—and make sure every part of the county is protected.”

The 2025 Fire and Rescue Study is expected to continue over the coming months, with a final report to be delivered later this year. The findings will help guide planning, budgeting, and potential changes to ensure that fire protection and EMS services remain reliable, responsive, and well-resourced.

The department is actively encouraging more residents, business owners, and civic leaders to provide input—whether through events like the town hall or by reaching out directly. For Assistant Chief Maiatico, the message is clear: “We want this to be a true community conversation. Everyone has a stake in public safety.”

For those who couldn’t attend, comments and questions are still welcome. Contact Assistant Chief Maiatico at 540-636-3830 or email gmaiatico@warrencountyfire.com. Additional updates on the study and the department’s services can be found at www.warrencountyfire.com.

Watch the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.