17 Blacksburg Volunteer Firemen were sent letters terminating them from the department.
There are a total of 45 volunteer firefighters at the Blacksburg Fire Department.
The mayor of Blacksburg defends the move saying the firefighters did not show up to training sessions or answer emergency calls.
He also tells News Channel 7 that the city pays insurance for all fire personnel and they have vacated those positions to make room for more committed volunteers.
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