Local volunteer fire stations looking for help

Fire truck at the Pierson Fire Department.

FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Local area fire departments are looking for extra hands to help protect the community.

According to the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Association, there are more than 800 volunteer departments across the state. An increase in calls has led local police stations to constantly search for potential firefighters.

The Pierson Fire Department was founded in 1957 and previously only responded to fire calls. Now they cater to so much more. Fire Chief JC Gummere says he has already received more than 100 calls in 2024.

“We do EMS calls, fire calls, hazardous materials, animal rescues, brush fires,” Gummere said. “Over the years, the fire service, whether volunteer or paid, has become a 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, with the state money going toward new equipment. Gummere spoke more about the process of finding new firefighters.

“There is no cost to the individual,” Gummere said. “Firefighters, especially for firefighter training, we usually take you or place you in a class with other volunteers or in a state level class that has been funded by the state, through from our local District 7 actually, and we can send you to class. We give you the equipment, we give you the uniforms, we give you all that. At this point, you represent an investment for the fire service.

Gummere says if you're interested, just go to your local fire department and talk to them.