LOVE COUNTY -- New incentives could soon help volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma. As legislators prepare to go back into session next week, one state representative is hoping to pass a new bill that would extend tax credits for volunteer firefighters. Shelby Levins reports.

According to state statistics, 85% of firefighters across the state of Oklahoma are volunteers. As it stands right now, volunteer firefighters can receive a $200 or $400 tax credit depending on their level of training. But now one state lawmaker is pushing to expand that tax credit system.

For Greenville-Overbrook fire Chief Marcella Kirk, being a volunteer firefighter is a passion and a family affair. Her son is one of about two dozen volunteer firefighters in the department.

"It gets in your blood and you can't get it out,” Kirk explained

Kirk says all of her volunteer firefighters have full time jobs. They do maintenance on their equipment, run on emergency calls and fight fires all on their own time and all without pay.

"Volunteer fire fills such a roll in the community. I just can't tell you how much our people depend on us,” Kirk said.

Now state Rep. Joe Dorman is hoping to aid volunteer fire departments. Rep. Dorman plans to introduce bill 3123, that proposes expanding tax incentives to help encourage additional training, by off-setting the money and time it costs.

"That's either time away from family or work. If we can do a little to offset that, I think it's definitely well worth the investment,” Rep. Dorman said.

If Rep. Dorman's bill passes, volunteer firefighters will have two new levels of tax incentives. Instead of just $200 or $400 breaks, firefighters could qualify for $300 or $500 back at the end of each year depending on their training.

Kirk says every little bit will help, but ultimately she doesn't do it for the money. She does it because she knows her service is worthwhile and even lifesaving.

"Honestly when it comes down to it, that's the part that's going to keep you,” Kirk said.

Rep. Dorman says the Bill 3123 has received support from both sides of the isles. He says he hopes it will be introduced into committee in the coming weeks.