National volunteer firefighter shortage

WARREN COUNTY, KY.-A shortage of volunteers is causing fire departments to struggle to meet the needs of their community. 65 % of firefighters in the United States are made up of volunteers. Volunteer firefighters all over need more people willing to help save and serve their community. The number of volunteers dropped by two hundred twenty thousand and the number of runs tripled.

Bob Skipper Woodburn Fire Department Chief shares how this national issue is happening here locally. He says, “We are currently down to a roster of about 15 active volunteer crews and covering nearly 700 runs a year. So as our numbers drop in personnel, our run numbers are going up, which puts a lot more pressure on the people who remain. ”

There are other ways that you to help, if you don’t have time to volunteer. One way is by attending their Annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, March 2nd  from 6 am To 11 am. It’s five dollars for all-you-can-eat pancakes, and a chance to get to know the people who keep your community safe.