They are always on call, and always the first to respond. They're capable of handling just about anything in an emergency.

"It can be anywhere from someone having an emergency medical call to someone's house on fire or a major car wreck or just a fender bender," says Avawam Volunteer Fire Department Chief Loenard Toler.
But volunteer fire departments are facing a big problem.

"We could use a whole lot more people to volunteer, to help out," Toler says. Chief John Newell with the Thousandsticks Volunteer Department says, "They're begging for volunteers, pleading for volunteers."

Volunteer fire departments are seeing a steady decline in the number of firefighters. Perry County alone has 14 volunteer departments, and they say they all need more support. Toler says, "It's just, I guess, a desire to help people; your friends and neighbors and your community."

Officials say the risk involved in fighting fires may be driving people away from volunteering. Leslie County has six volunteer departments, and while none of them have had any major injuries or deaths, Chief Newell says it requires a brave person. "It does take someone with courage; one who's willing to come to the point of even risking their life."

And volunteer fire departments can actually help people save money by creating a safer community. Toler says, "The more equipment and the more people have, the lower we can lower your insurance rate for homeowners."

Volunteer firefighters must complete 20 hours of training before they can respond on call, and 150 hours before they are certified. The Perry County volunteer fire departments hold informational meetings the first Sunday of each month at 2 pm. They encourage anyone interested in volunteering to attend.