If you are looking for a way to support your community, contacting your local volunteer fire department may be an excellent place to start. More than 90 percent of Wisconsin’s over 800 fire departments are volunteer or mostly volunteer, according to the United States Fire Administration. Like many professions, volunteer fire departments are losing people due to retirement without prospective firefighters waiting in the wings. For Casco Firefighter Dan Andres, it is part of a family tradition that dates back to his grandfather, who helped start the fire department in the Town of Buchanan. The seven-year veteran of the department says it is an excellent way for him to give back to the Town of Casco.

The Casco Fire Department is beginning the next phase of replacing its turnout gear, focusing on the helmets, boots, and other equipment for its 28 firefighters. You can support their efforts by attending this Saturday’s Milk Bottle Tournament, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can learn more about the event by clicking this link.