Fire departments like Logan-Trivoli need more volunteers

Lina Portman6 days ago

0 1 minute read

PEORIA COUNTY (25News Now) — Like so many small town fire departments, the Logan-Trivoli Fire Protection District needs more volunteer firefighters.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 65 percent of Illinois firefighters are volunteers.

Staffing shortages are slowing response times, said Fire Chief David Tuttle, whose district covers Hanna City, Trivoli and Lake Camelot.

Tuttle said his department has been dealing with these shortages for years.

Logan-Trivoli receives about 500 calls per year and serves about 6,500 people. All firefighters on site are volunteers and can only respond when available. Firefighter Zach Oedewaldt said that can create tension in an emergency.

“It takes a toll on the people who handle the calls. With a full staff, you can lean on those other people a lot more,” he said.

Logan-Trivoli has 40 volunteers, but they need at least 10 more. They try to find more people by spreading the word through social media, word of mouth or local newspapers. They're looking for anyone who lives within 3 miles of the fire district's outer boundary and meets their requirements.

“You need a high school diploma and a clean driving record. We accept applications for our cadet program from anyone aged 16 or older, who will then become a firefighter at age 18. We then offer medical technician courses. Paramedic courses are available for the services we provide,” Tuttle said.

Oedewaldt has been a firefighter in Logan-Trivoli since he graduated from high school. He said having that protection is vital.

“So as a community member, if I had a medical emergency or God forbid a fire, I would want those personnel to be available and show up and help me in whatever area I need,” Oedewaldt said.

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