The Indianola Fire Department had a record number of calls in 2022, nearly 300 more than in 2021 with the majority of those calls being EMS calls. Chief Greg Chia tells KNIA News one of the biggest ways the city and the fire department have adapted to an increased number of callouts is going to a more full-time employee basis.

“We are going through a period of transition where we are going to a complete career department, versus having part timers. We will always keep our part timers because they are a key component to the department itself on the EMS side. But as far as the fire responses, that’s huge as far as the growth of the city and our response to emergencies.”

Chief Chia also said having more full-time employees allows for greater training and expertise for fire and emergency response.