URGENT UPDATE: The town of Pemberton is witnessing a remarkable turnaround as community members rally to save their volunteer fire department from potential closure. Just one week after alarming reports surfaced about the department’s critical staffing shortages, local residents have stepped up, nearly fulfilling the need for 10 to 12 additional volunteers.
City Clerk Kathy Grinnell spearheaded the outreach efforts, mailing notices to residents within a 15-mile radius, and utilizing social media platforms to raise awareness. Her initiative ignited community interest, leading to four solid applications and commitments from four members of the neighboring Waldorf volunteer fire department to join Pemberton’s team.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many people want to save this fire department,” Grinnell expressed. “We had a lot of rough moments, but in just one week, the response has been overwhelming.”
This urgent situation reflects a broader trend across south-central Minnesota, where small towns like St. Clair and Wells also struggle with volunteer shortages. Fire Chief Bill Fitzloff of St. Clair reports he is down two firefighters and has twelve who could retire at any time. Meanwhile, Wells could benefit from five additional volunteers, and Waldorf’s Fire Chief Marcus McDonough admits, “It’s a revolving door. We’re always looking.”
The demand for volunteer firefighters is escalating, but recruitment remains challenging. Fitzloff noted that the previous waitlist for volunteers has vanished, highlighting the growing difficulty of attracting new members.
“It takes a special person to join the Pemberton volunteer fire department,” Grinnell said, emphasizing the commitment required for the role, which includes medical and fire training. “People don’t have the time like they used to,” Fitzloff added, as the time-consuming nature of the job deters potential applicants.
In Wells, Chief Guy Kimpton echoed these sentiments, indicating that the younger generation is less inclined to volunteer. “Twenty-five years ago, we’d have seven or eight people apply for one position. Now we don’t have anybody apply,” he stated, attributing this decline to shifts in lifestyle and community dynamics.
Despite the recruitment challenges, the role of volunteer firefighters is profoundly rewarding. Grinnell noted that the fire department is a vital part of the community, while Kimpton recently honored five firefighters for their lifesaving efforts during a November 30 incident where they revived a man suffering a heart attack.
“People are looking for ways to give back to their community. This is one way they could do it,” Kimpton said, referencing a modest state-funded retirement package available for volunteers.
As the community of Pemberton continues to mobilize, McDonough warns that if local departments fail to attract volunteers, they may have to rely on countywide services. “What will happen if the department goes away? Seconds matter when it comes to emergency response,” he cautioned, underscoring the potential for increased response times that could have dire consequences.
Grinnell expressed her gratitude for the community’s support and the urgent need for volunteers. “We can’t wait until it’s gone and wish for it to be back. It’s worth saving. It’s the glue that holds the community together,” she said, highlighting the inspiring spirit of those willing to serve selflessly.
The Pemberton fire department’s future may be brighter, but the ongoing recruitment efforts will be critical for sustaining fire and emergency services in this tight-knit community and beyond. As the situation develops, community members are encouraged to continue stepping forward to protect their town and its residents.
