FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Local fire departments in the area are seeking extra hands to help protect the community.
According to the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Association, there are over 800 volunteer departments across the state. An increase in calls has led to local stations constantly searching for prospective firefighters.
The Pierson Fire Department was founded in 1957 and used to only take fire calls. Now, they respond to much more. Fire chief J.C. Gummere says they have already gotten over 100 calls in 2024.
“We’re doing EMS calls, we’re doing fire calls, we’re doing hazmat, we’re doing animal rescues, brush fires,” Gummere said. “The fire department over the years, regardless if it’s volunteer or paid, has become some place where when they need help they call, there’s only one call. Unless it’s a law enforcement issue, they call the fire department.”
A recent $10 million investment from the state will allow volunteer stations to spend more of their money on recruiting, as the state money is going towards new gear. Gummere spoke more about the process of finding new firefighters.
“There is no cost to the individual,” Gummere said. “The fire department, especially for fire training, usually we take you or put you some place in a class with other volunteers or a state-level class that has been paid for by the state, through our local District 7 actually, and we can send you to classes. We give you the gear, we give you the uniforms, we give you all that stuff. You are an investment at that point to the fire department.”
Gummere says if you are interested, simply go out to your local fire department and talk to them.
