Local volunteer fire department to take part in new 'SAFER' program

A grant aims to boost public safety for some volunteer fire departments.

It comes at a time when these departments are struggling to fill roles across the country.

At five o'clock, we explained the "posey volunteer fire department" is part of the "staffing for adequate fire and emergency response" or "safer" grant program.

This will help financially with recruitment and retention.

News 10's bri shakelford explains what these local departments are up against.

[take pkg outcue: wthi tv dot com duration:1:14] pk} we talked with posey fire chief cody barnard today.

His department is one of 11 in indiana in this program.

*vo* he says people just don't have the time ..

And in some cases, lack the passion.

Being a volunteer-based department ..

There's a small budget.

So, it can be hard to advertise for these roles.

That's where this program comes into play.

The posey department currently has 18 members.

A full roster is "24.."

Barnard says ..

There haven't been that many people serving in several years.

He hopes to help inspire and draw in young people.

In my mind ..

If we can reach those young kids and get them into some kind of activity like the volunteer fire department where we can keep them out of the criminal justice system, keep them from making those bad decisions..

Then it's a win-win for everybody involved.

Br} barnard says he'd welcome anyone who wants to help the community and is willing to learn.

If you're interested in learning more, contact the fire department.

You can call them, or find them on facebook.

We have that information for you at wthi tv dot com.

What started as a cloudy day around the cloudy day