Warren County Fire Department celebrates one year of daytime staffing

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Warren County Fire Department is celebrating one year of daytime staffing.

Officials say this change has made a significant difference for the community and its fire departments.

Since launching the program last year, the department has hired over 70 part-time firefighters to work alongside its 16 full-time employees and its volunteers.

Officials say the added staffing has improved response times, put more firefighters on the scene during emergencies, and strengthened the department’s connection with the community. 

“I think, at the end of the day, really what’s happening is we are growing with the community as the community grows while still fostering the relationship with the volunteer fire departments, which I deal with on a regular basis,” said Warren County Fire Chief Bill Rector.

Rector also talked about how he wants to see each station grow toward future.

“We’re going to take those lessons learned and those challenges that they have experienced, taking the specific information and historical context here in Warren County to make our system better,” Rector said. “I hope that we continue to have a strong volunteer presence with part-time and full-time responders that are capable of supporting those organizations.”

Leaders say the goal remains to continue building a capable team, while ensuring the highest level of service for all Warren County residents.