JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Fire Department continues to rely on volunteers in order to provide their services to the community.

On a staff of 40, the department operated 9 short in 2018. Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther states the message has remained the same.

The downward trend of volunteers is being seen nationwide. According to the latest numbers from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), 682,600 firefighters volunteered in 2017. That’s down 46,400 from the year before.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 71% of all fire departments is volunteers. In North Dakota, 96.6% of fire departments are volunteer, meaning they are consistently in demand statewide.

Reuther says they’ll take male and female volunteers. The more, the better.

Chief Reuther says this is his 30th year with the department, which has become his second family in that time.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, stop by the Jamestown Fire Hall at 209 2nd Ave NW or call 701-252-1441.