Knoxville Fire and Rescue had a busy year in 2021. Chief Cal Wyman says that the department saw an increase of 7.3% in the number of calls they responded to last year. Due to the number of staff, Chief Wyman tells KNIA/KRLS News that the working relationship between all local departments has helped ease the increase in calls, but also warns of potential delays in arrival on the scene.

“We have good mutual aid partners between Melcher, Pleasantville, Pella, and Knoxville Rural that when we get busy, we can call them to help us. The problem is it’s added time which delays patient care, but we make it work and do the best we can. But it’s hard on the crews because they’re striving to do the best they can, and they want to provide the best service they can but sometimes our service just gets overwhelmed.”

Wyman adds that he is hopeful to find a balance in staffing as Knoxville grows.