"I don't see that there's anything to it, except for the people who want to point fingers at Pete Sullivan to say he had a connection to this," LoBuglio said.

The issue of fire and rescue personnel in King George County continues to be a hot topic. A state report released in December said the county's lack of career people and volunteers has created a "dangerous and dysfunctional" atmosphere.

The King George Fire and Rescue Department recently released its strategic plan to discuss those shortcomings, and the Board of Supervisors may discuss that plan as soon next month.

Also, the county is due to have its 10-year evaluation this summer by Insurance Services Office Inc. of Marlton, N.J.

Insurance companies use the ISO rating to determine the cost of homeowner policies, based on how far houses are from hydrants and fire stations, and how local fire departments are staffed.

Classifications run from 1 to 10, with 1 being exemplary and 10 indicating the program does not meet minimum criteria.

In the ISO's last report on King George, issued in August 2002, the county got a split classification of 6/9. Its coverage ranged from slightly below average to being one class away from not meeting minimum criteria.

Because the county's manpower situation has worsened, LoBuglio said he wanted to see if former volunteers might be willing to return if changes were made.

"I'd hate to see anyone severely injured or hurt from not receiving fire or EMS in time because we're short of personnel," LoBuglio said.

He added that any former volunteers who didn't receive a questionnaire can contact him at 540/644-9999 or
Email: jlobuglio@co.king george.state.va.us.

Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com