You can be a part of the solution when protecting your community and reversing a decades-long trend. According to a National Public Radio report earlier this year, the number of volunteer firefighters across the country has declined over the last three decades. That is especially troubling in Wisconsin, where more than 92 percent of the state's 812 fire departments are either volunteers or mostly volunteers. The Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department is down ten members from its roster, thanks mainly to retirements. Fire Chief Curt Vandertie says they are particularly thin during the daytime when many current and prospective firefighters hold down full-time jobs. He says recruitment is a point of concern up and down the peninsula.

The department's relationship with Southern Door School District has produced several firefighters who are currently on their force. Vandertie says registered nurses looking to give back to the community also have opportunities with the fire departments as they combine forces with local emergency responders.

Vanderties encourages community members to contact their local fire department to see how they can get involved with their operations. For BUG residents, training is provided at no additional cost, and classes are tentatively scheduled to start on October 14th.