A Bill To Allow Teenagers To Join Volunteer Fire And Rescue Squads May Save Many Operations Around Virginia That Have Seen An Increase In Service Calls But A Decrease In Volunteers. Volunteers Make Up More Than 65 Percent Of Virginia’s Firefighting Services – But According To The Virginia Department Of Fire Programs, “Retention And Recruitment Of New Members Has Never Been More Challenging.” Sixteen- And 17-Year-Olds Still Would Need Consent And Certification To Participate In A Fire Department’s Or Rescue Squad’s Potentially Hazardous Activities. The General Assembly Has Approved A Bill That Might Rescue Some Of These Operations.