Exactly 88 percent of firefighter service in Pearl River County is done by volunteer workers. In 2022, those volunteers answered 2,536 out of the 3,118 total calls (81 %). Across the United States, 65 percent of firefighters are volunteers and 1.1 million of those volunteers save nearly $37 billion for taxpayers annually. This past Saturday, Pearl River County Emergency Manager Shawn Wise and the American Red Cross hosted a Volunteer Firefighter Appreciation Luncheon. Wise and Pearl River County District Five Supervisor Sandy Kane gave short speeches, stating the facts and the impacts volunteers have on our community. There was a huge turnout for this event After that, door prizes were given out. Wise said in the coming years there may be an awards event for volunteer workers.