It can happen in a moment’s notice. An early morning call comes into the Emergency Enhanced 911 Operations Center. A field is on fire and it is threatening several structures in an area neighborhood. Local volunteer fire fighters respond to the scene and put the fire out. Homes and lives are saved thanks to those who donate their time.
The opposite could be true without volunteers and the entire Twin Lakes Area is in need. In a recent interview with Baxter County Office of Emergency Management Director and Grover Township Fire Chief Jim Sierzchula, KTLO, Classic Hits 101.7 and The Boot news learned the number of volunteer firefighters within Baxter County is in decline.
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Local fire departments are working to incentivize their volunteer programs. In Baxter County, several fire departments offer a retirement program known as LOPFI. With this program, volunteer firefighters can begin collecting retirement after their first five years of volunteer service. Other possible incentives include reimbursement for call-ins and training nights.
Sierzchula was joined by Gamaliel volunteer firefighter and 9-1-1 Coordinator Mike Shetrompf who says there is a wide array of ways one can volunteer, and many do not require fire training.
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Shetrompf stresses any amount of time one can volunteer is invaluable.
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Sierzchula says a lack of volunteers could potentially increase response times, especially to those living in more rural areas.
The tradition of volunteer firefighting began in 1736 and has continued to be a vital part of local communities. Sierzchula sees it is a valuable way to give back to one’s community, and the Baxter County Fire Chiefs Association encourages citizens to volunteer today.
For more information, call the Baxter County Fire Chiefs Association at 870-481-6252 or visit their office at 170 Dillard Drive in Midway.
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