Operations & Training

Volunteer Fire Department Dissolved by Giles County, VA, Town

Oct. 18, 2024

Glen Lyn Fire Chief Doug Farewell said residents have had to wait for service since the department was suspended in April.

Susan Nicol

The Glen Lyn Volunteer Fire Department was dissolved this week by the town council.

Residents in the Giles County town have had to wait for fire and EMS service since April when the department was suspended amid allegations.

As no criminal charges were filed, residents and firefighters wondered why they were allowed to respond to calls, according to WSLS.

Instead of reopening, though, town officials decided to dissolve it.

Fire Chief Doug Farewell expressed disappointment.

“It takes about 15-20 minutes to get from Pearisburg all the way down to here,” Farewell said, noting the critical need for timely responses, especially in cases of house fires or medical emergencies.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.