At their meeting earlier this month, the Riverside City Council voted to increase the per-call stipend for the volunteer firefighters.

This two dollar increase brings the stipend up to seven dollars per-call for fiscal year 2023, which ended on June 30. Riverside firefighters also receive an annual stipend, based on experience and training sessions attended. The total paid to the Fire Department in the most recent fiscal year was $33,265. This includes a $5,000 stipend for Chief Chad Smothers and $2,500 to both Toby Hancock and Curtis Sexton, deputies with the department.

The Riverside Volunteer Fire Department currently has 35 members. While the number of calls responded to ranges amongst these members, the overall number of calls received by the department has increased by 40% in the last 3 years.