Rural fire departments in Warren County are always in need of volunteers. Warren County Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Bass tells KNIA News departments use a mutual aid system to help out communities across the county, and a lack of volunteers can stretch thin some of the larger communities with full time employees, who will answer calls if no one is available or more assistance is needed.

“A lot of times in our community you’ll see an Indianola fire truck or ambulance go around to the community, and same thing for here in Indianola, they depend on the volunteers from the smaller communities to answer calls here if they are busy or on another call. We help each other out, and the more volunteers we have around the area helps a lot.”

Bass also said that if you are interested in volunteering, the first step is to visit with your local fire chief.