Tuesday night, the town of Wytheville abolished its volunteer fire department. Officials say it's a necessary step to improve emergency response in the town, but volunteers are afraid it puts lives at risk.

It was a decision that came as a shock to many.

"I'm a little upset and emotional," said Kendra Eastwood.

Eastwood, a longtime volunteer firefighter, says this feels like a slap in the face

"I've been on Wytheville's fire department for 26 years, and I have sacrificed much for this community," she said.

Eastwood says the move leaves the career fire fighters in the town shorthanded "because getting rid of the volunteers, our community's safety is in jeopardy."

However, town officials say Eastwood has it all wrong.

"We just want to make sure we're doing things the right way," said Marc Brade.

Brade became Wytheville's first ever paid fire chief in November.

In that time, he's hired more paid firefighters and is working to modernize the department.

He says Tuesday's decision is about building a more effective, and responsive fire department.

"These things that we're doing, again, are gonna improve our abilities on a fire ground," said Brade.

Brade says the volunteers don't respond to enough calls, and don't respond fast enough.

It's a view supported by the town's manager, Wayne Sutherland.

"We know that if we have a paid staff, we will have a response," he said.

Sutherland also notes the volunteer department hasn't maintained the minimum number of staff required by the state, and believes the town needs to move towards a more professionalized force.

But volunteers argue the town's 13 career firefighters won't be enough to pick up the slack left by the volunteers.

"We don't have enough paid people to have a paid fire department," said Anita King, a Captain with the volunteer firefighters.

Other add that, with their decision tonight, the town council is throwing away a set of experienced, and dedicated, public servants.

"We risk our lives just as much as a career firefighter does," said Kendra Eastwood.