With more than five decades of experience in fire and EMS, Bailey is drawing on that experience in calling for residents to volunteer. The report cited 2023 Federal Emergency Management Agency data showing that 70.7% of Virginia fire departments were volunteer departments. “We need the help,” Bailey said. He joined the Charlotte County Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1978. Bailey served with the Lynchburg Fire Department from 1981 to 2012, retiring as deputy chief of operations.