May 4, 2023 at 1:52 p.m.
Local fire departments in need of more volunteers
Area fire chiefs say it's a big commitment with big rewards
By Trevor Greene-
Minocqua Fire Department chief Luke Taylor said it's a national issue, too, from what he understands.
"We are in the same boat as everyone," he said. "So we are starting a big recruitment campaign with a new website, a QR (quick response) code and flyers, and trying to get some things out there."
During the week, Taylor said it's understandably tough finding enough volunteers to respond to calls because they are most likely working a full-time job. Now, he said, it seems like it's becoming more difficult to get enough volunteers to respond on weekends.
The people shortage encountered by Wisconsin's fire departments isn't much different from businesses having a hard time finding staff right now, he said, though people aren't getting paid to volunteer, which adds another level of difficulty.
And the volunteer work isn't necessarily the easiest thing to do, keeping in mind that at any given moment you could find yourself running into a burning building, he added.
Besides the dangerous nature of firefighter work, Taylor also believes the intense training load turns people away from wanting to join.
"That's a lot to ask of a volunteer," he said. "And the town of Minocqua has offered to help how ever they can, which is a nice benefit ... but it's difficult right now."
The fire department "used to be happy" with about 40 volunteers, according to Taylor, whereas right now the department operates with just about half of that.
Referencing the Minocqua Fire Department's new website, Taylor said some benefits of volunteering include training and equipment provided at no cost, life experience that will prepare a person for any situation and, for adrenaline junkies, excitement that comes with attending emergency calls.
There's also satisfaction gained from serving the community a person lives, he added.
One of the more overlooked benefits, Taylor said, is the camaraderie built among firefighters and the friendships they make lasting a lifetime.
Once a month, he said, members get together to have dinner and bond.
"I think on multiple occasions, after we clear a scene, to stand back and look at how we come together as a group of people, as a fire department, and are able to use the handful of tools and resources and training we have, and do some of the things that we pull off as a team ... it's really a neat experience," Taylor said. "Obviously, saving people, putting fires out and saving the house, all of that comes with it, but what we're capable of as a group when we come together, it's just really awe-inspiring in seeing how much we can do in helping the community."
Woodruff Fire Department chief Victor Gee said they just started holding a family night. Pictures from the event were posted to the department's Facebook page April 10.
"Everyone was encouraged to bring their kids and we cooked some brats and hot dogs," he said. "And really, we didn't do anything fire department related. It was just the fire department's members and their families coming down to the station. It was a fairly nice day and the kids were running around and playing ... and I hope to do more of that in the future."
As far as numbers go in Woodruff, Gee said the department has "actually gained five new members in the last year" to make the roster stand at a total of just over 20.
The ideal number for Woodruff's fire department is close to 30, he said.
"Time is the biggest thing," Gee said. "People are just very busy and a lot of people with school-aged kids, they're in a lot of different sports and other activities, and it gets really hard to make the commitment to do the training and make two nights a month where you're expected to be at the fire station plus running 100 fire calls a year. On top of that, then you have to balance your family, your job and the things that you would like to do on your own. It gets really hard."
The biggest reason Gee believes people should join their local volunteer fire department is because it really is a place people can "go out and make a difference in the world."
He said it gives people a chance to do something in their local community that has a massive impact on the place they live.
"I think that's a really good reason," Gee said. "You get to know a lot of different people, there's some satisfaction involved and in helping out your community and the other towns around you, to me, I think that's the biggest reason ... there's not a big paycheck and benefits that go with it. It really has to be on your own to want to do that type of thing."
Hazelhurst Fire Department chief Pat Winger said the department's numbers, unlike Woodruff, have declined "a little."
This, he said, was due to three firefighters making a move to full-time departments.
"We'll take as many as we can get," Winger said. "Our numbers right now are running at around 19. I would say 23 to 28 (is ideal)."
Winger echoed similar sentiments of Taylor and Gee, and said he believes high training demands and time constraints prevent many from volunteering.
He also expressed similar reasons with regard to why it's so rewarding to serve: To help the community.
Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].
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