How To Help
Imagine someone had a fire but the trucks wouldn't run or worse, nobody came to help. It sounds extreme, but it could happen. Our fire department, like most departments in this country, is a volunteer fire department. No one - from the chief down to the newest recruit - is paid a dime. Why do we do it? Because we love Eclectic! Sometimes the job is fun, most of the time it's just hard work.
How can you help? First and foremost, become a volunteer yourself. It's an easy process. Simply come by the fire station and pick up an application. Fill it out and attend our next monthly meeting. These meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. New members receive hands on training from experienced personnel and are given the opportunity to attend state certification classes several times a year. No special training or physical abilities are required. All that's needed is a willingness to work and a desire to serve.
If you simply can not serve, you can still help. Our department is partially funded by the Town of Eclectic, but a significant part of our yearly budget comes from private donations and fund raising events. Maintaining a fire department is expensive. Simply equipping a firefighter with turnout gear (coat, trousers, gloves, hood, helmet, and boots) can cost over $1000.
If you're reading this and don't live in the Eclectic fire district, contact your local department. We're sure they have ways you can help.