Noel Fire Department Needs Volunteers

The Noel Fire Department is in need of some willing volunteers.

Noel Fire Chief Brandon Barrett said the department has only eight volunteers. Keeping volunteers on the active list can be a challenge when the work is hard and there's no pay.

But the work remains. The firefighters respond to structure, brush and motor fires, assist with medical calls and undergo hours of training.

The department also provides mutual aid for any agency in McDonald County. The department has responded to calls in areas that include Sulphur Springs to as far across the county as White Rock.

In March, firefighters worked 89 hours, offering help for their community, Barrett said. Volunteers also underwent 58 hours of training, he added.

Last fall, the department had 13 firefighters to help with fire protection efforts. Now, the number has dropped to 8. Barrett said at last week's Noel City Council meeting that he should have 25 volunteers on the roster, to keep ISO ratings the same.

Finding volunteers who enjoy serving their community is sometimes difficult. In his more than 17 years as serving as chief, Barrett has worked to recruit, train and maintain volunteers.

Candidates ages 18 and older may volunteer to serve. High school seniors may be eligible, Barrett said.

For information, call the Noel Fire Department at 417-475-3554.