Warren County fire departments seek more volunteers

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Warren County’s fire departments need more volunteers to help respond to emergencies, particularly at night and on weekends when paid crews are off duty.

The push comes just over a year after the county’s nine volunteer fire departments were brought together under one centralized system that combines paid and volunteer firefighters.

Finding enough volunteers remains a challenge

Warren County Fire Chief Bill Rector says the transition has gone well. Paid firefighters now staff five stations during the week, but the county still depends heavily on volunteers to cover nights and weekends.

Finding those volunteers has been difficult.

Between work, family and other responsibilities, Rector says fewer people have time to commit. It’s a problem facing fire departments nationwide, and Warren County is no exception.

There’s no specific number of firefighters the county hopes to recruit. Some departments need more help than others, including Richardsville, which Rector says is the busiest in the county.

Recruiting new firefighters is only part of the challenge. Keeping them involved matters just as much.

“We are actively engaged in recruiting new volunteers and doing everything we can to provide quality training and relevant training opportunities, which is really the main focus for retention of volunteers,” Rector said.

What does it take to volunteer?

Rector isn’t necessarily looking for people with firefighting experience. He’s more interested in people who want to help their neighbors.

“The qualities I like to sort of reference is the Boy Scout motto. It’s being community focused. Low or no ego. And just being willing to help their neighbor.”

Becoming a volunteer does require training. Kentucky requires 20 hours of initial firefighter training, with additional hours needed for certifications.

How to get involved

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact their local fire department or email recruitment@warrencountyfire.org.

Each department handles its own applications, background checks and screening. People are encouraged to join the department closest to where they live, but they can volunteer elsewhere if it’s a better fit.

Although the county now has more paid firefighters, Rector says that doesn’t change the importance of those who give their time for free.

“Professionalism is not defined by a paycheck,” he said.