Current training regulations for rural fire and rescue departments in Iowa are affecting the number of people willing to volunteer. State District 28 Representative Jon Thorup tells KNIA/KRLS News that legislation for training may need consideration in the best interests of volunteers.

“Now training is great, but if training gets to such a high level that people aren’t going to even volunteer to go do the rescuing and do the firefighting, then I don’t see what the point of the training is for if nobody is actually going to show up.”

Thorup adds that he would like to see improvements made for those who currently volunteer and those looking to volunteer.